tammyj

I weighed in at the gym this morning and it ready 239lbs!!!! The 270's, 260's, 250's, and 240's are gone for good. Now I can officially say that "I'VE LOST 40 POUNDS!!!" Instead of "almost" 40lbs! :woot:

Denise, I hope you enjoyed your birthday!!! :happybday:

Outdoorfriends, I hope have a fast recovery! Try some sit down exercises with weights and some side bends at your waist. It may not burn as many calories, but you'll have some kick ass arms and shoulders by the time you're done! :boxing:

Kyethra, you seem to be having one problem after another. I don't know how you function. You're a strong girl! I hope things get better for you soon! :hug:

Hazelbunny, You are doing AWESOME!!! :grouphug:

lala3000, I don't know what's wrong with me girl! This is the second week that I haven't made it to the hospital. I have been running around in circles lately. I really need to get myself together. Biking from 63rd to Navy Pier is a GREAT NSV! WAY TO GO!!!

CuddlyNymph, The restriction felt after fill #1 has alot to do with your band size and how aggressive your surgeon is with fills. Those with the larger band may need several fills, but if you have the smaller band like me it usually only takes one or two fills. I felt some restriction with my first fill of 1.5cc and 2 weeks later I went for my second fill of 2.25cc. I have good restriction now. I have another appt. on June 4th so we'll see...if I keep this same restriction I will tell my surgeon that I don't want another fill. So, If you have good restriction and you are loosing weight, you may want to postpone having another fill.

Happy HumpDay!!!!!

BIG HUGS ThickChick!!! :hug: I've been going through something lately as well. No really crying, but just not wanting to do much of anything. With the weight loss I would think I'd want to run out and show the world, but I have been feeling real BLAH lately. Our bodies are going through alot of dramatic changes and maybe it's to be expected, but I know it will get better. Hang in there hun!

Juli, the jogging is a challenge for me. It's much easier if I have someone telling me to get moving! I'm hoping it doesn't totally get rid of my butt...I like a little cushion...LOL!

Wallygirl, you're welcome to hang around here, but if you're looking for other February bandsters use this link http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/february-2007-bandsters-27241/

After not being able to eat anything on Sunday, I could not stop munching yesterday. It seems my body was trying to play catch up 'cause I felt out of control. I hope today will be better!

Welcome Back AfrykanV and thanks for the compliment! We've missed ya!

How you doing ThickChick...haven't heard from you in awhile!

Lala3000, how you doing girl! I am ready to jog tonight. I've tried to do it on my own, but it's just not the same without you!

Denise, Water aerobics sounds great! I will be starting a class in a couple weeks. My son is taking swimming lessons and the park district offers a Water aerobics class for parents during the same time. I can't wait to start!

Hello to everyone else!!! :wave: I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

I am just checking in to see how everyone is doing. I still have a lot of post to catch up on.

This last week was really hard. I had my sons graduation to plan for and worked myself sick trying to get everything done around the house. I also lost someone very dear to me. His name is Matt and I've known him for about 12 years. He just turned 21 in April, and got married on Feb 14 this year. He died in an IED explosion on May 6. Matt was the most kind hearted, giving person. He always had a moment to spear with anyone who needed just a moment. He loved his family and his God. I am still crying as I type this knowing that I will never be able to see him again. There were about 250 Patriot Guard Riders at his service this past Friday. It was held at our local high school because of how many people wanted to pay their respects. The elementary school students lined the road from the funeral home to the high school. It was the most amazing thing to see. All the children mixed in with all the Patriot Guard bikers, all holding flags. I don't think that there are many people in our town who were not touch in some way by this sweet gentle person. The only thing that makes this bearable is the fact that I know where Matt is now. He is in Heaven serving God the way he served his country, with everything he has.

God doesn't make mistakes and He needed this kind soul to come home! God Bless you honey!

How was everyone's weekend? Juli, I'm usually online quite a bit on the weekends, but I'm thinking since the weather is finally getting nice it's keeping us away from this board.

I felt really tight yesterday for some reason. I had a very hard time gettin fluids down so I just gave up. I only drank one bottle of Water yesterday and one Protein shake...that's all I could manage. It's much looser today...thank goodness! I don't know what could have caused that. I did quite a bit of drinking Saturday night so maybe that had something to do with it. Other than that, I have nothing to report. I haven't weighed myself in 2 weeks so I'm excited to see what the scale says when I weigh-in tomorrow night at the hospital.

More pics anyone??? Come on, let's see...we are all losing so well!!!

Hey everyone, Thanks for sharring pics! Great progress girls! I plan to take progress pics after 30 lbs gone, and will share. I've been hungry at night again.....and am definately eating too much. Have a fill appt 5/29. Exercise is going ok, though. How are you all doing with the exercise challenge?

Hi Sophie! My exercise challenge is going pretty good. Some days, I have to force myself to go, but I always feel better afterwards. I normally do 30 min circuit training plus 100 crunches, but I am getting a little bored with it so I decided to only do it on Mon, Wed, and Fri, and on Tues and Thurs I do a 45min walk/jog. What's your routine?

Thanks Juli and Tia! I am amazed myself! Where the heck did my butt go...lol!!! I didn't think 40 lbs would make that big of a difference!

Tia, you don't want to be so tight that you can't get quality food down like lean meats and veggies. You need your protein! For now, you can just buy the cans of Protein Shakes instead of trying to make them. Good Luck today at your weigh-in! :gluck:

How is everyone doing??? I have a lot of reading to catch up on. From the few posts I have read many of us are going through "the fill" blues. Hang in there everyone! This too shall pass. Tia, you look awesome girl! I can really see a difference! I agree with you...our body shape is alot alike! I said I would post pics when I reached a 40lb loss. I don't know if I made it there yet, but I'll take some pics and post them anyway. I'm anxious to see if there's any change myself.

Have a Great Day Everyone!!!

I hope everyone is doing well!

Lori, If someone is close to me they can hear the gurgling as my food is trying to get through my band...a little embarrasing so I know how you feel!

Hey Pam, we've missed ya girl!!!

Good Luck with your first fill AfrykanV!!!

Mrs. Husker, It feels so good when someone else notices our weight loss!

ThickChick...HOORAY FOR RESTRICTION!!!!

How's the workouts going everyone??? Juli, I know you're working it. Keep it going girl! I can't wait to see some progression pics. Don't be shy ya'll...let's see them. I think I will take some and post them when I am 40lbs down...only 2lbs to go so I'm hoping that will be next week sometime!

I'm heading out to MS tonight so I'll check back with you guys on Monday!

Weigh-in last night and this past week I've lost 6 POUNDS!!!

NSV-I went jogging last night and as I was putting on my fanny pack, it wouldn't fit so I adjusted the straps as much as I could til I finally had to take the extender off. I have never worn that fanny pack without the extender and I don't need it anymore!!! It makes me feel like I'm practically a normal size person. I know it sounds silly, but I am proud!!!

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hey MARCHIES !!!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Nikki: Thanks. I was very surprised at my little brother. I love him so..LOL

Oh Juli & Thickchick: Ya'll crack me up!!! :biggrin1:

:update: I am really enjoying my workouts. I'm doing yoga and absolutely loving it. I also take a Salsa Rhythms class. AYE CARUMBA!!!!!

QUESTION? I go for my first fill tomorrow. Will I be too sore to workout in the evening?

Hey AfrykanV!!! You work it girl!!! I'm so proud of you!!! I've never been sore after a fill. I actually went jogging right after my last fill so if you're up to it GO FOR IT!!!

:wave: HEY BANDSTAR, It's good to hear from you and it's good to hear you are doing better. My scale at home is screwy too so I refuse to get on it. I only weigh-in at the hospital and at the gym. I think your restriction is pretty good for now. If you go any tighter you may have trouble getting food down morning, noon and night. So, like Sopie said I think you should wait awhile.

Mrs. Husker, I'm sorry to hear about your port, but at least it's still accessible. I think that's what really matters.

Denise, the foaming at the mouth doesn't sound good. I was too tight after my second fill, but I never got to the point of foaming at the mouth. I decided to have some taken out because I was having trouble getting my Water in and didn't want to get dehydrated. Are you feeling any better today?

Karen, or should I say Superwoman!!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You have so much going on and it seems overwhelming, but it sounds like you are handling it well and still able to follow the rules and stick to your goals. I commend you for that! :clap2:

SHE'S A Brick Hoooouuuse!!!!

SHE'S Mighty, Mighty, Letting It All Hang Out!!!!!

i'm So Exciting This Morning! Going To Get My 2nd Fill!!

my Car Is Running Hot??? But I Made It To Work!!!! Praise God!!

i Wonder If I've Lost Any Weight Since I Last Weighed Last Friday!

wish Me Luck!!!!

Good Luck with your fill today and let us know how everything goes!

Keep your eye on the ball, Sophie! You can SO do it--15 lbs. in 11 or so weeks is probably attainable for you but not much room for bad days/weeks. Hang in there and track EVERYTHING--food, Water, exercise. You can do it! We're pulling for you.

How have you been doing Karen? We've missed you around here. We need an update please!!!

You said you will probably always have to track your food. I was told by my nutritionist I would have to as well. That didn't sit well with me. But when I looked at it from the point of view, "If I want to be successful and tracking is what I need to do then tracking it is."

I've seen it over and over again in different studies. That is the one thing they say that makes a difference.

good luck

OH Juli

That doesn't sit well with me either. Since having good restriction I really don't feel the the need to do it now because I'm barely eating anything. I do watch what I put in my mouth. Lean Protein first, then fruits and veggies...I never even get to the carbs. I know if I hit a plateau or as I get closer to my goal weight, the weight will get harder to come off so I may have to start tracking again. Bummer, but we do what we have to do right?

I really need a kick in the butt. I've had a week of not following bandster rules. What is it with exercise that makes me eat junk? I do get hungrier when exercising regularly, and I've been eating too much.....and Cookies, ice cream, and chips have made their way back to my diet...ugh! I ate a whole hamburger last night. Then was hungry a couple hours later. My tummy has never really revolted with this eating, but it is a little sore in the mornings. I hope I'm not stretching my pouch all out. Is it head hunger? or am I really hungry???? Anyway, to turn this around, I've just had Protein drinks today. Of course I'm really hungry now, and hope I can control myself this evening. This seems all too familiar....(as in pre-band diet attempts). I took a break from doing my food diary in Sparkpeople for the past week, and look what happened. I haven't lost recently, and now I'm scared I'm going to gain it all back!!

Here's another KICK IN THE BUTT!!! Keep reminding yourself what your goals are. I felt the same way a couple weeks ago. I was on the verge of CRACKING UP!!! :frusty: I had to talk myself out of over indulging on several occasions and I am so glad I didn't, but I sure came close. We will all have those moments of weakness, but we have to stay focused because even with restriction it is still our job to make better food choices. The band is not going to do that for us. Now get your butt back on track!!! :biggrin1:

Today I am in size 18 jeans (was 22) so very happy about that. Also as of this morning, I'm 196. So I lost 3 lbs and don't know how I did it. I do believe that I am feeling some restriction and am not eating as much as before. Before I was like 1 1/2 cups a food, now about 1 cup per meal. My exercise hasn't increased and I did have 2 days last week where I didn't eat right. I have an appt for a fill for tomorrow and don't know if I should do it. After I eat I stay full for up to 3 hours if not longer and since I lost the 3 lbs this week, I don't know what to do. Thank goodness I have my support group tonight and I hope the the nurse will be there to ask. Could the "restriction" I feel be that my TOM is coming? Before banding, the two weeks before I didn't feel hungery and wouldn't eat as much. What would you do?

First thing, Congratulations on the NSV and the weight loss!!! I didn't feel tighter around TOM, but I have heard of others who do. Maybe wait a week until after TOM to see if the restriction goes away. It probably will if you didn't have it before.

Well, today was the doctor visit, then I went to dancercise class.

I was nervous about the first band adjustment today....at one point, I even went to the bathroom almost in tears, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be once the port was found and the saline went in. I was expecting this GIANT needle, but actually it wasn't that big...LOL. 1 cc of saline went in, which I didn't feel at all. I laughed later for being such a scaredy cat fool.

And I lost three more pounds.:clap2:

I go back June 4 for the second adjustment...I am on soft stuff today and tomorrow and then back to regular food.< /p>

It's beautiful out today...I may go for a walk later after my (soft) dinner.< /p>

You are moving right along Lori!!! Congrats on losing another 3lbs!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: The fills seem alot scarier than they actually are. I go back for my third fill on June 4th as well, but I'm hoping to keep this restriction so I won't need it.

I went and saw my surgeon at 9am this morning and because I am a, "Rock Star" (his words, not mine) and losing weight and exercising so well I don't need a fill.

@&*%$#!

Or so I thought when I was crying like a baby in his office. He really took the time to explain to me that I am a rare bandster, like 1 in 10 who gets the eating and exercise thing with out the negative reinforcement of tight restriction.

I said, it feels like I am being punished for being good. I do believe I pouted and kicked his chair too. He said he would give me 1cc if I really wanted it, but it might make be nausiated which then might keep me from eating, which then would make me too weak to want to exercise and we don't want that now do we?

I'm keeping it clean because this is a public forum, but I can and do swear often. And I want to now.

Good thing I had scheduled with my therapist for a noon. Between leaving his office and go to her office I went for a bike ride to not be left alone with a house full of food. So yeah! :straight

Anyway, I blurt out the info to her and she says, "you're a scheduled kind of person and things need to happen when you expect them or you get out of sorts. But Wow, 'Rock Star', isn't it cool that tool is there to use when you really need it?"

@&*%$#!

I'm still grumbling. But true enough, I'm scheduled again in 4 weeks. If I don't lose 10 pounds between here and there I'll get a fill.

Why is it that I should feel proud and in stead I feel cheated?

Thanks for listening the the extended whine.

OH :loco: Juli

That is total BS!!!!!!! I'd be furious if my Dr. told me that. I actually lost 5lbs the week before my second fill. My Dr. congratulated me, but was still more than happy to give me my fill because he KNOWS it's HARD WORK!!! I worked my butt off to lose those 5lbs and felt starved and deprived like I normally do when dieting. I worked out, counted calories (which I hate)...basically strict dieting which I've had years and years of experience in and I don't need anymore. I got my band so I wouldn't have to obsessively diet, count calories, etc, etc. Having good restriction stops the MADNESS!!! I don't need to count calories now and as long as you get your Protein in you will have plenty of energy to keep exercising! If you are consistently losing weight without feeling like it's a struggle then you probably don't need a fill, but if you are working your butt off like I was you should have gotten a fill and put your band to use which is why we were banded in the first place. You're not paying a fee everytime you use it so what are you saving it for...why not use it now?!?! I'm sorry for the ranting and it's defintely not towards you Juli. You are just going by what your Dr. ordered, but I wonder if he/she has ever had a weight problem because then maybe he/she can sympathize. Now I'm mad and it's not even my fill!!! :angry

Tammj- so sorry for your loss!! i am also worried that I will be too tight. Did that show up right away?? I am sorry you will miss your trip to Las vegas. I saw where you have 2 boys. I have 3, they are real mommy boys. I was blessed enough to have a girl and she is a joy and such a character. I have to say that she thinks my husband hung the moon though.She looks exactly like me though.Do you want any more??

Yes, I have 2 handsome boys ages 4 and 10 and they are definitely momma's boys as well. No, I don't want any more kids. I'm through...tubes tied a couple years ago. Your daughter may be daddy's little girl right now...most girls are, but you'll probably find you have a best friend when she becomes an adult. Most boys usually grow up, get married, and forget about momma (not totally, but pretty much)!

I didn't feel tight while he was filling my band. I was able to drink the Water just fine in the office. I had my fill in the evening so I didn't drink anything that night when I got home. The next day is when I felt the tightness. I was only able to handle small sips of water and really small sips of Protein Shake. I just didn't like that feeling. Some people suffer through the tightness and from what I've read on this board it sounds miserable. I don't think not being able to eat most foods and PBing all the time is the way the band is supposed to work and it can lead to slippage. I did have some taken out and I think the restriction I have now is perfect! Good Luck with your fills. I think you will be able to tell very soon afterwards if it is way too tight.