KarenK

I'm going to have to do something like this. I have a serious love - hate relationship with my scale, especially now that my weight loss has slowed down. I got off to a really quick start, and have come to a virtual halt. I know, logically, I should have expected it, but it's frustrating and stepping on that scale every single day isn't helping my attitude.

Shame on that woman for even putting you in that position. It's unethical.

julie.ann - My appt is a week from Wednesday. Since it involves an hour drive each way, I'll just wait until then. It's been quite a while since my last fill - my last 2 appointments they didn't give me one since I was losing weight so well. I think I'm going to request one this time, though. I do worry about being too tight, but right now I really think I'm too unrestricted.

julie.ann - my before picture was quite a revelation for me as well. Maybe I should go find it again (it's on my work computer) - maybe looking at it will do me some good. I'm feeling a little frustrated right now. I was losing at a very good rate, and have slowed down the last month considerably. The fact that I can eat bread and am feeling less control over my cravings isn't helping. I think I may be due for a fill when I go back in a couple of weeks.

I've definitely lost a cup size - from a D to a C. I decided not to worry about it, because I think they still look damned fine! - or maybe they just stand out more now that my giant stomach isn't there to compete.

I only update mine after I've been to the dr's office and use their scale. Lots of stuff happens in between, but I figure they can be my "official" scale.

I guess I don't think of it as a diet. I just think of it as my new way of eating. I don't stick to it all the time - especially not the weekends. I still have the occasional kid's burger for lunch or cookie with my subway salad. I still eat more than 1 cup at a sitting at dinner at least. As long as I'm losing, they say it's fine and haven't given me a fill the last two times I've been there. I go back in a couple of weeks - we'll see what happens then.

As far as I'm aware, the only way they know is to "open you up" and take a look - and if it's not good enough close you up and try again another day. All the more reason to stick to that pre-op diet!

1 - flirt 2 - go horseback riding with my daughter 3 - buy a dress - it's been years since I've worn one

How fun is that! I had saved some clothes from the last time I lost weight. It was kind of fun going through those and having them fit again. Unfortunately, the majority of them are summer clothes so I can't wear too many of them, and now they're starting to get loose. I'm going to have to go shopping pretty soon. Gee, what a shame!:thumbdown:

I'll have to look into the Wave - I like step aerobics. Thanks for the info.

Good luck on Tuesday Invernous. I think most of us go through a period of mourning the loss of our relationship with food - I think it's why some of us have two week long last meals - but it is so worth it.

Hi Rae - Wow, that must have been so frustrating for you. I'm very impressed by your resiliency. I love my Wii Fit - especially doing the step aerobics with the regular tv on. What is the Wave? I'm always looking for new things.

Mollyjo - For breakfast I do either low-sugar oatmeal or two eggs scrambled and fruit. For lunch I tend to do one of those low-fat tuna salad kits that come with crackers or lunch meat (no bread), and carrots or some other vegetable. Or I'll do a cup of light Progresso soup if I want something warm. Dinner tends to be larger and has a lean protein and vegetables. Occasionally I will do some carb, but only once a week or so. I checked out the thread over in "nutrition" where people are listing their foods. I was surprised at the amount of snacking going on - some people are having snacks 2-3 times per day. I try very hard to stick to my 3 meals - period. Once or twice a week the vending machine will call my name and I'll just have to have those peanut M&Ms (I justify it by reminding myself that peanuts are protein). :biggrin: Keep hanging in there. We're ALL doing wonderfully!

Morning - I really do need a new scale. I have no idea how much I've lost this week. I can tell you I lost 8 lbs in the last month and am finding a waist now! Have a good weekend.

Morning izzyd - I don't honestly know. That does include the 12 lbs I lost on the pre-op diet. I work out 4-5 days/wk (45 min cardio, 20 min strength), and count every calorie on SparkPeople and rarely go over 1200 in a day. I've found foods that work for me and they are my routine now (the same low-sugar oatmeal & banana for breakfast every weekday) - maybe that has something to do with it. It's hard work, isn't it though? Keep on going, and thanks to everyone here for the support.

Before the surgery, I posted in a thread about "What I won't miss..." I was thinking it might be nice to start focusing on how we're progressing towards those goals and any others. Anyone want to share how things have changed for them already? I'll start... I bought clothes from the regular section of JJill online and at Target. No more Lane Bryant! I found my neck again, and am starting to see a collar bone! I rode a bike - and without feeling sorry for the poor bike - and without singing "Fat Bottom Girls" as I rode I can now look at myself in the mirror instead of putting on make-up without ever really focusing on how I looked because I hated it so much I go the gym, and I don't feel intimidated - I feel strong! I am off 1 of my 2 diabetes meds, and my heart meds have both been cut in half. Hope someone else will want to share.

IndioGirl - love, love, love the letter. I first looked into getting the band back in 2006. I was really taken aback when I heard no steak and no asparagus ever again, and really thought hard about whether I was ready for that kind of change. I ended up needing a hysterectomy and it took me close to two years after that to get my Iron levels up where they belonged - and to decide it was really time. I was ready to make the full change. Of course, afterwards I discovered the thing about no steak or asparagus wasn't really true. I can have both with no problem. And, I do go out to eat - I order from the appetizer menu or I order things that will save well and take them home. It's a huge change, and you & your husband are right to do all your thinking now. Make sure you're ready - get your answers - and you'll do fine.

Hi all - Went in for an appt today. I lost another 8 lbs - better than I ever expected. It never showed on my scale. I may need to replace it and get one that works better - or at all. They are going to make me wait another 3 weeks before considering a fill - I'm doing well and they're afraid another fill might cause me problems. Keep hanging in there all - we're making good progress!

Yes, how dare you not be perfect! How dare you not be human! How dare you not make such a simple 100% change to your past habits without problems. It is hard work. And you do have to be ready to work it, but cut yourself a little slack now and then even if others cannot. There is no point in running yourself (or others) into the ground over an error. Admit you made one, work on making better choices (it had to be a cheeseburger?!) commit yourself to getting back on the horse and do it. Good luck.

Darn you McDonalds and your 2 Big Macs for $3.00 deal! Darn you to heck! Oops. Sorry about that. Big Macs were a major weakness for me. I think it's the special sauce. Now, if I feel the need for fast food, I do Wendy's chili or a kid's meal hamburger and I toss half the bun. I'm getting pretty good at going through the Sonic Drive-thru and only getting an unsweetened iced tea (extra ice - their ice rocks), but it is hard at times.

NFaith - Great Photos! My daughter has now decided she needs a beach cruiser bike. She actually has a very good mountain bike. She was ready for us to go take a ride today - it's 30 degrees here. I probably would have done it if I actually had the bike. The person I bought it from has it all put together, but wants to take it in to make certain the wheels are true. Since it's easier to ride a bike with actual round wheels, I wasn't going to tell him no!:tongue2:

Tamisha - I was on a plateau for most of the month of January as well. It has shown signs of breaking just in the last 3-4 days. Hang in there. Take care with your eating, and keep on exercising and it will happen for you. Frustrating, isn't it? I did something nice for myself yesterday. I bought a bike! Now I'm praying for an early Spring. It has been 9 years since I've been on a bike - I was glad it came back quickly. The bike is the blue one here: Phat Cycles - Nadine Cruiser Bicycle: Beach Cruiser No, I'm not going to be doing any road racing with it, or climbing mountains, but I can ride the green belt with my daughter and ride to work. Just have to wait for warmer weather. I'm really excited.

No exercise today for me - will try the Wii Yoga and step aerobics later tonight. Did do something good for me today, though. . . . Today I bought a bike! I am really excited about it. A lady from work has a relative who sells beach cruisers and he gave me an incredible deal on a 3-speed Phat bike. I was figuring it out today - I haven't been on a bike since my daughter was 2. She's 11 now. Praying for an early spring!

Haven't updated in a few days, so here I go. Tuesday - Wii Fit step aerobics - 30 min. (not a great workout, but hey, I moved) Wednesday - 30 min treadmill, 15 min upper body strength, 15 min elliptical Thursday - 15 min treadmill, 15 min lower body strength, 30 min elliptical Today - I am taking off this afternoon and going to the gym and staying for a while. I need to push myself, and make up for the fact that I won't be going tomorrow since my daughter has both a dress rehearsal and dance performance. Woo hoo - made it through January! Appt next week for a potential fill and to see how I officially did. Hoping for a small break from the plateau.