Alicia521

I was thinking that since V-Day and St Patty's are about 1 month apart we could do the V-Day and then a St Patty's day after that. After that I have my own personal Anniversary Challenge (4/14) and then my B-day Challenge (5/21). Hopefully I'll be remotely close to my goal weight by then!

Victoria, I think you have your answer, but I can definitely say it was worth it to me. I can honestly say that I am not fanatical about exercise nor do I follow a diet, although I have considered more careful watch over the carbs I eat. For the first month I didn't exercise at all and then I exercised about 3 times a week for 4 months. Then I stopped exercising and I am getting back in gear with that. My weightloss slowed down without the exercise but still continued. I try to monitor my food intake with sparkpeople just so I can make sure I am making healthy choices. I honestly eat whatever I want but just don't eat much of it. I average about 10 lbs per month (that is changing now that I am closer to goal). That is slightly above average according to my doctor. But it has been totally worth it for me. I still want to lose more weight but if I stopped where I am right now, it would still be worth it because I am getting my life back.

Well it looks like you are almost 7 weeks post op. I had the green light to start solids as tolerated at 30 days out by my doctor. If you are eating other solid food, I think you should be okay. I can eat salads with no problems. I just chew very well and make sure I have some dressing on the leaves.

I may have to start watching Miami Ink!

I'm a little concerned about meeting my goal for Monday. I have 4.6 lbs to go...Hmm..depending on my results, I may have to adjust my V-Day goal to 170 instead of 167ish.

I have been able to eat it just fine. I eat it slowly and use a lot of sodium free soy sauce.

I don't really have a list but this thread is hysterical. Kim - I love Paul Walker - he is such a hottie! Did you know he was in She's all that?

Kim - I am sorry to hear about the UTI. Those are horrible. I get them a lot. Duckie - Great NSV! Keep up the good work! Drews - I am so proud of you not smoking! I can't wait to see how roller derby tryouts go! Missy - congrats on being ciggy free for so long! Marz - I am in a exercise slump too. We can do it!

Here are my big jeans pics. These were tight 20s pre-banding. Ignore tummy stretch marks please...I was pregnant with a 10 lb child!

I got them twice after surgrey but I had them once before. I stayed drugged with pain pills and phenegran until they passed each time. I don't wish it on anyone!

Marci - I think your mom is right. I notice I lose less when I stress about it. You will be in Onderland soon I am sure! Neal - I had to call my surgeon to get my pre-band stats. If they measured you before surgery I bet they will have them in your chart.

It is totally unique to each individual but most bandsters do have problems with bread and dry meats. I personally cannot eat most breads anymore. I am still able to eat rice though. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable.

I agree with whatever everyone is telling you. I also struggled with eating too fast and not chewing well. Occasionally I will slip and get stuck but I promise you after it happens once you are more careful and learn from your mistakes. I have had excellent progress with my band and zero complications. Good luck with your research!

The weather is F'd up this year. I didn't even need to wear a coat today. TN usually has fairly cold weather. My sis in Aurora is over it too! Hang in there!

In one sentence: The best thing I've experienced since being banded is.... Feeling like Me again (I was hiding underneath the fat girl)

Congrats! You'll have to keep everyone posted on your progress!

Wow Kim - you are really shrinking!!! I also wished I had measured my thighs! I may start now and keep it up on a monthly basis.

Can't wait to see the change Kim. With 88 lbs lost, I am sure you have shed some major inchage!

good idea - I would be interested in this!

Thank you! I thought that was odd too!

This thread is hilarious! I am going to go with the majority. Wear whatever you feel good in and you will look good. For me personally, for work I have more of a classic style, outside of work I have a hippy/earthy style with a little funk. I love tie-dye as well! I see a lot of 80s fashion coming back in my area. It is horrible and I will not be a part of the 80s revival. I just hope the 80s hair doesn't come back in style!

I called my surgeon's office to get my pre-surgery stats and measured last night. Here they are! 3/6/06 (pre-surgery) Neck: 15 1/8 R. Arm 15 1/4 L. Arm 14 1/2 Bust: 46 3/4 Waist: 41 1/2 Hips: 53 1/4 1/3/07 (almost 8 months out) Neck: 13 1/2 R. Arm: 12 L. Arm 12 Bust: 39 Waist: 33 1/2 Hips: 42 1/2

This is what I have always heard as well.

I'm in the Charleston area. About 1 hour south of Knoxville. I work out at work but would love to meet other local bandsters.

Do it! Do it!