singand_dance

I know! That thing looks so cool! I think we should get a big group together and just jump all over the place.

Riley, I love Operation Beautiful! How cool. I've got some post-its here. I like the idea about sticking one in a library book. I have 3 WLS/diet books from the library right now. Each book gets a post-it! I'd love to walk the Golden Gate! And Angel Island! I'm up for our active get-togethers! I saw a segment on the news a few weeks back. Sky Zone : Open Jump It is the coolest thing... It's a warehouse that's wall-to-wall trampolines! It's $9 per hour and you have to wear their special shoes (rented for $2). Anyone else interested in this?

I've lost my first 50 lbs. :thumbup: I can't believe how much better it feels to have lost 50 lbs than it did at 49. I feel more committed to the choices I've made and I feel less like cheating. 50 is something. The greatest part, in my opinion, is that I still haven't had surgery. I just lost 50 lbs without surgery, I'll lose some more, then once I have the surgery I hope to lose at least 50 more. When my doctor first told me to lose 80 lbs pre-op, I thought he was basically blowing me off. Now I think he has done me a huge favor. I feel like I could lose all this weight. A few months back, I would think "If I could just lose a little weight, I'd be happy". But now that I've actually found a plan that is working for me, I'm gonna work that plan right back! I've never lost more than 17 lbs in my life. Until Now!

Morning Ladies! I think I've finally broken the plateau! I have lost 50 lbs.

Just remember, you can't un-tell people. And whoever you do tell may tell others. Usually not out of pettiness or to be gossipy, just because people are interested in your well being. I do think it's important to tell those you're closest to, ie-husband/boyfriend, mother (if you're close) etc. I think that sometimes when we keep it such a guarded secret we're giving ourselves the option to fail. I know I didn't want people projecting their expectations on me. I don't need that pressure! I do need support. As far as co-workers, extended friends/family, in-laws or whoever you're just not comfortable with... It's none of their dang business!

Tamra, I measure stuff. I do not measure lettuce. It's not like it's going to make a difference if it's 1 cup or 1 1/2. It's LETTUCE! I do weigh my protein. I find its easy to get a 1 oz cheese stick and know that its already measured. I also know that 1 medium zuchinni is about 1 cup. I measured once and haven't since. I don't really measure my veggies, because they're so low-cal. I count my grapes (17) and cherries (12) and in the early days, I did the half banana. I'm just done with that. My grandma used to cut bananas in half, and eat the bottom half, she'd leave the rest sitting there attached to the bunch. Who's gonna eat that? What is it with old people and half-fruit? She did it once with a nectarine too. Sliced a few bits off and then left the rest there. lol. Back to the topic... I measure the things that will come back to bite me. I have to measure cheese since I love me some cheese. I measure meats and fruits, and dairy. And when I have crackers, I have exactly 5. (And yes, I bought the big crackers just because of this) Anyone's feelings start to change about other large people? I'm starting to see people and think "Oh honey... get a handle on that!" Which is wierd, since I'm no skinny-mini myself! What is that?! I have a friend who also wanted the band but got discouraged after orientation. Now, it's like the healthy eating and exercise aren't priorities anymore. I have to remind myself that each person has to do this at their own pace and be 100% ready for it. It's just funny how my head is already changing. Oh, and I fit into my old 20P jeans from Avenue today! They're still a little tight to wear in public, but it's good times! For anyone not aware of Avenue's denim-lite, they run large and have a good amount of lycra in them. I'm not in a real 20 yet. Oooh, I did however try on my (mini)goal dress (size 18/20)! I have this super-cute green dress that I got back when I was 17 and had first met my bf. I bought it for his graduation (I went with the band) because I wanted to impress him. Well, I love that dang dress and I want to be able to wear it when we go to Hawaii this Dec. I can get it on my body (which is a start!). My 'girls' are totally smashed in, and it's quite clingy around the tummy. But I can almost picture myself wearing it again. Love that!

Tamra, change that ticker!

The coolest thing happened today... You know how the Kaiser scale is always wrong? Like my last weight check appt, their scale was 8 lbs higher than mine at home. Today was different. I was higher this morning and kinda bumming (but excited that clothes were starting to fit again). I didn't wear my dress to my appt, I felt silly. But I wore shorts, t-shirt and filp-flops. I was lower at Kaiser than I was at home! Good times. I also got confirmation that there is a Bariatric Support Group at Elk Grove Kaiser, Monday nights from 7-9. In the second floor conference room. Maria? Pam? Interested?

Mornin' Ladies! I was going through my closet just now, trying to find some "weight check clothes" you know... super light clothes! Well, I started digging in the back of my closet where all the super-cute, smaller stuff lives. I pulled out a dress my mom bought me years ago. It's a vintage 40's style shirt-dress. It's brown with tiny pink polka dots and has a collar and it never fit me. When I got it for a friend's wedding I couldn't zip it up. It had been on sale so I kept it. Well ladie, I'm wearing it now! I'm thinking of wearing it to my weight check since it's so light! I love shopping for new clothes in my own closet! It's already paid for and I already like it!

Next weekend sounds good! Since I had to miss the last Kaiser meeting, I've missed you all! I think I've broken the plateau. I upped my Water significantly. Something about reading Carnie Wilson's book where she talks about "peeing out fat" had me cracking up but reminded me I need to drink that water!

Wow, i was going to start the C25k today! I had knee problems when I was in high school, so I'm not trying to hurt these suckers! I guess it's walking those 5ks for me! I could get together tomorrow if it's still on the table. I'd love to do the Petaluma walk too!

Hello Ladies! I'm tired. But somehow I can't focus on my homework until after dark. (Sucks bad in the summer!) Anyway, tomorrow is my final, then I have next week off and then I start the next term. Woo hoo. Tina, don't you wish there were some non-essential services the county could cut? I hate that the Sheriff's Dept got 10 million and it basically gets taken away from CPS. Really? We have to chose between safety for all and safety for kids? WTF? It makes me so flippin mad that this all boils down to greedy mortgage brokers lying on apps to get people into sub-prime loans they could never afford! All of this and we have to stress like crazy until we hear the final word on keeping jobs we love. Ugh. The most frusterating thing, The Sheriff's Dept applied for federal money and was turned down, Sac PD applied and got a bunch of money. SD has to lay off over 130 deputies, and additional non-sworn. PD gets to begin hiring again. How does this make sense? I've been cutting my carbs. I never do full carb days. I cut them from at least one meal each day. I'm thinking the plateau is greatly caused by my stressing over school and my lack of excercise caused by my stressing over school. I have my final tomorrow so I didn't go to the gym tonight. I won't go to the gym tomorrow, and I just hope I'll have the will to get there on Wednesday! I'm totally into reading all those weight loss memoirs. I check the reviews on Amazon first. One that I found was called "It was food vs Me and I won" or something like that. Well, the real-people reviews informed me that this woman's entire book about struggling with her weight was all over a measly 15 lbs. I hate that! Quit yer bitchin, go the gym and shut up! Really, a book about 15 lbs! The other one I hate was about a woman who was overweight her whole life. It was so embarassing for her, weighing 170 lbs. Seriously! Like, that's my goal weight people! Ugh. I think I need to find a WL book club or something. Any suggestions? (Oh, and I just got Gut Feelings from the library tonight)

Christine, Step away from the goldfish!

I would totally pay to learn how to use that thing! I would make tons of cards too. Good idea Nicole! And btw, congrats on 80 lbs lost. I just noticed. That is major girl!

I love this! I bought new workout clothes at 10 lbs etc. And I said I would get Tivo at 50 lbs, but I don't see that happening. Maybe at 50 lbs I'll get a mani/pedi.

Nicole I watch that cricut commercial all the time! I wanted one just to do the cool etching thing with the bakeware. I don't even scrap! I did in high school, but not for 7 years or so! If I go on a cool trip or something I do a digital album and get it printed (Costco or Kodak.com etc). I have one from my study abroad trip that I will treasure forever. I'm just not creative enough for scrapbooking. I have been reading some of the lap-band blogs out there and here's one I love. Chronicles from Band Land She does this cool thing where she posts a picture for her lbs lost. Like, at 50 lbs she posted a picture of the 50 yard line. She also stacked up 10 5lb bags of sugar to represent how much she had lost. I thought this would be a cool way to represent 100 lbs lost at a party... hmm. Who is having the 100 lb party, Riley? You could have each guest bring a visual or 100 lbs. Like 1/10 of an elephant, or 10 10lb babies, or a big 100 lb dog or 25 4lb dogs... It could be a lot of fun! One thing I've been doing since orientation is keeping a little journal. It's part food diary and part diary diary. I also take notes from dr appts in it and all that stuff. Well, I'm almost out of pages! I'm going to have to buy another journal. One thing I love about it is the 100 reasons to lose 100 lbs, I've started to keep track of my reasons. I only have 58 reasons right now, but they're 58 reasons for me! Not a bunch of reasons that don't apply. Like, I don't have any comorbidities. I'm not on any medications, so those can't be included in my list. I shared some with my mom (she's uuber supportive) and some made her sad (fit on a rollercoaster) while others made her laugh (wear white pants without looking stupid and weigh less than Rush Limbaugh) and others made her super excited (Go Skiing). So Tamra (and others), Have you started writing down you 100 reasons? My food journal has certain things I list for every day, weight, goal, Breakfast, lunch, dinner and exercise. The last time I did a journal like this I included one extra. I would write down one positive thing I did each day. It would be something tiny or something major, but it was helpful to keep positive. Maybe I'll start adding that to my weekly page. The weekly page starts out with "Week 13: Weight___ Change from last week ______ Total Loss______ Goals________. Sorry for rambling tonight, but I feel like rambling! I finished Carnie Wilson's 2nd book "I'm still hungry". I haven't read the first one (they only had the 2nd at the library). And I've started reading the Beck Diet Solution. I was thinking about what I'm doing different from the last time I lost any weight. I'm doing everything different! I have the right diet for me, I'm serious about exercise, I'm maintaining willpower at work, I've got the support group. I really think the thing that makes the most difference is the support group. It's great to see people in all different stages. Christine is out living life to the fullest, Riley is almost at 100 lbs! Candra and Jess are counting down to surgery, and we get lots of new people! I love it. Thanks ladies!

Why do carbs have to be so tasty?

Oh I hear ya! The only other time I lost weight (17lbs when I was 19) was on Atkins. I got so tired of eggs I had leftover chicken and guacamole for breakfast while driving to work one day! Without doing eggs, I can only suggest lunch meat or 3oz of lean ham steak or leftover chicken etc. I overdid it on cottage cheese in the beginning, and I can't go back just yet. I also would have salad for lunch, just lettuce and chicken with Ken's Steakhouse lite Asian dressing. Soo good. But I had it too much and now I'm so done with it! I think this would be easier if I liked fish. I wish I could eat tuna! I should just be a big girl and eat it. I'm totally craving pizza. My coworkers had pizza delivered these last 2 Fridays! And on Tuesday, my teacher is bringing pizza to class! It's really hard not to have some, but I'm trying. One thing I've been thinking about is this whole guilt over diet mishaps. I did a few counseling sessions while I was in high school for weight issues or something. The therapist talked about the words we use, like "bad". example- "I was bad today, I had pizza". Her point was that we internalize these feelings and we shouldn't. I'm not a bad person, I just had pizza. My boyfriend and I disagree on this. He thinks I should feel bad when I mess up on the diet while I don't think I should feel terrible. I'm still going to feel guilty but should we really beat ourselves up that much? We have to live our lives, we're changing ourselves for the better. Can't we forgive ourselves when we slip up or have we been forgiving ourselves for too long which is why we're in this situation? Any thoughts?

Tamra, I think the first week on the pre-op diet is the worst! I had no idea how much I was eating between meals. I remember sitting in front of the tv, tapping my fingers and toes because I wanted to eat. But I didn't let myself. Right now I'm stuck in the same place for the past few weeks and I hate it! It's much harder to stick to the diet when you don't see the same results. It's much easier to say "eh... what's 1 cookie/frozen yoghurt/2 cookies/handful of chips" Ugh! I'm thinking I haven't been drinking enough water lately. And I haven't been back to the gym in 5 days. Wonder why I haven't lost anything lately... lol. I re-discovered the library this week. I had requested The Beck Diet Solution so it was waiting for me when I got there. I browsed the books upstairs since I'm trying to write my stupid paper for school (Tuesday is the last class) and I also got Carnie Wilson's book "I'm still hungry". So far I like it. She's funny and I can totally relate to her. The coolest part about the new library is their super cool self check-out. You just scan your card then set you books on the counter. It reads some chip in the binding or something and they all come up on the screen, and you get a receipt with the due date. I was impressed. I'm trying to decide if I should do my homework or go to the gym. I think gym wins since it's not 11pm the night before homework is due and somehow I can't focus on homework until then. Where's the magic wand that fixes that and fixes my brain when it comes to food? If some fairy godmother is holding out on me...

Well, that's a good reason not to keep junk food in the house!

Tamra, you can have potatoes! Some people didn't lose well with the carbs, but I did fine with the diet... exactly like it says in the book. I would wait to see how you deal with it, then tweak it to your needs. Don't fret over one potato! Oh, and I know you said you don't do milk or eggs, do you do yoghurt?

Tamra, that was just dinner tonight. It was wierd, I was just not that hungry. But then I made cookies for work and had a some cookie dough. Bad bad bad! I'll usually have eggs for b-fast, either with ham or cheese or both, or neither. lol. For lunch I'll have a salad with chicken and cheese or leftovers, ie- 3 oz chicken, 1 cup zucchini or broccoli etc, 1 serving fruit. (Very wierd to count out 12 cherries or 17 grapes, but I'm determined... exluding that little cookie dough incident) Dinner is 3 oz of boneless, skinless chicken or sometimes a 3 oz hamburger. I eat the carbs, just not every day. I get really tired of the diet sometimes. Thus, tomorrow's lunch is 1/2 cup black beans with 2 oz cheese, and fruit. Today's lunch was 3 oz cheese with 5 breton crackers. One thing I've noticed, is it is a lot of food. I'll get full on all the food, but then I get hungry! It's less often now, but when I started it felt like I was overeating to get enough food to last me 4-6 hrs. I usually only get hungry now when I don't have enough protein. Today I had 2 eggs and 1 cup soy milk. Then I was starvin' like marvin before lunch. Interesting note though... Tuesday was our big potluck to say bon voyage to our laid off friends. :laugh: But we had a ton of food. It was a breakfast potluck so there were some healthy options. I ate more than usual, but not too much. And, I snacked. I had a small piece of coffee cake at 3. The crazy thing was I didn't get hungry at school! I was fine until like, 9 pm! I'm hoping my extra calories will jump start my loss again! I just don't like being stalled.

Hey Ladies! I almost forgot, the guy sitting next to me at orientation fell asleep during. He also showed up really late. Like, Liz almost didn't let him in. I'm so not motivated to get to the gym today. This is what happens when I take too many days off. I don't wanna, but I gotta. Ugh. I had 1/2 cup refried black beans and 2 oz cheese for early dinner. I was starving when I got home, I figure if I get hungry after the gym I can have soy milk and it should keep me full for the rest of the night.

Whew.... Just finished reading about 7 pages or posts. Busy much ladies? Tamra, Dr. Fisher wants me at 250 for surgery too! But to me that's 84 lbs. I'm sitting around 46 lbs lost. I've kinda plateaued. I think my body has to adjust to this and I think the stress is causing it too. And my skin doesn't like the stress either. Ugh. As far as the 1200 calorie diet, I don't alter it all that much. During the first week I had to remind myself that it's ok to be hungry, I wasn't going to starve. I do the Protein first, (and I got out my food scale) then I have my fruit/veggies and do my carbs last, if there's room in there. This is a most of the time thing. I'll have a lot of salads with chicken and cheese, or I'll do a Breakfast burito with 1 scrambled egg, 1 oz diced ham, 1 oz cheese on a low carb tortilla. It was really hard starting the 1200 cal plan, but I'm good now. I've been more successful than I've ever been. When I was 19, I lost 17lbs, it was the only other success I've ever had. I think Dr Fisher's weight goals do have a lot to do with where you carry your weight. I carry it all in my boobs and belly, thus 84 lbs to lose. Although I sometimes wonder if Dr. Fisher realized how much he wanted me to lose. I went in feeling good about how much I had already lost, and he never said a thing about it! The funny thing is now I don't feel like I'm going to be ready for surgery! With the exception of these last 2 weeks now, I've been losing fast. (approx 48 lbs in about 10 weeks). Stick with the diet! Don't snack. And exercise. I try to get 1 hr cardio in 5 days per week. School is keeping me a little busy right now, so I haven't been to the gym since Sunday, but I'll get back to it tomorrow. Candra- Congrats on your surgery date!!