HiMow

I loved it, thank you!

I can feel my spine now, which is weird! and my butt hurts when I sit on hard stuff!

I calorie count in my head always! When I slow on my weight loss, I go back to myplate.com and start tracking again. You can be surprised what you're accidentally consuming. Sometimes I wish I had a more carefree spirit about this and would let the band just do its thing, but I am determined to be successful. Plus, even when my band is loose, I still lose, just not as fast.

Hi guys! I just wanted to say hi and good luck. I got banded on December 24, Christmas Eve last year. It's been a crazy year! There was a lot of pain, frustration, excitement, progress, fear, and support. I am down 130 lbs.! My goal is 50 more Good luck to you all!

I spent a lot of my summer working at an overnight girl scout summer camp. It was hard eating every meal in front of people I didn't know well enough to share my medical history with. I didn't lose any weight while I was there, which is crazy because I have consistently lost 10 lbs a month since surgery. I got back home a few weeks ago and it was such a relief. I was able to eat as slowly and as little as I wanted without feeling like people would think I was anorexic. The weight is coming off again. I was a little sad because I am trying to fit into my wedding dress by October. It is about a size 12 I would say. Well I took some pics just to update where I am and see if I could tell a difference since I left for camp. The difference is HUGE! My body is a totally different shape. I think I gained a tone of muscle or something and that is why it didn't look like I lost lbs. I tried on my dress just to see before I left for camp I was like 4 inches away from it zipping. It fits! Well, I can get it on, it doesn't look quite right but I know it will totally fit or maybe need to be taken in by October. :cursing::thumbup:

If i treat myself to pizza I only eat the toppings off of 1.. maybe 2 pieces with a knife and fork and dip it into lots of Ranch Dressing. I want indulge myself, but I don't want it to hurt. This totally satisfies the craving!

I totally know what you mean! I spent this summer working at a summer camp for girl scouts. I was so worried that I would set a bad example or that people would think I was anorexic. I found that about half way through summer when I got the courage up to tell everyone on staff, every said they never even noticed. But then I felt they had my back if a kid did mention my intake. It is such a relief when everyone around you knows what is up.

I have lost 100 as of today! I am so excited! I know I still have 86 to go, but 100 is a major feat in a little over 7 months. I am really enjoying how much easier life is, in general. I looked at my before shot and I cried. I wanted to hug that girl. All the hills she was afraid to walk up, the panic that she might not get enough food to feel full. :) :scared2: My body is so much easier to get around. I am able to enjoy just about any outdoor activity now. We are going on a hiking/camping/rafting trip tomorrow! Walking up hills is such a change. I panic before I start a hill because I forget that it isn't going to be like it used to. Then I am at the top thinking, wow, I didn't even notice while I was ascending. before: 100 down:

I have often encountered comments about friends and family "needing to keep up" with me. I struggle with people talking about my weight constantly, but you just have to realize that this time is for and about you. Don't let people make you feel bad for being a little selfish. But also, remember that the people around you will have to deal with the choices that you have made. They just need to work through the feelings of you not being the same old girl that they used to know. Also, sometimes the success of others causes us to reevaluate our own life situations. It happens to the best of people. My best friend, my mom, and my fiance have all tried to lose weight recently. It makes me sad when they go on and on about how great they are doing or how poorly they are doing. I can't seem to win over my emotions. I think everyone could stand to remember that all of the people in your life can be happy and successful and it doesn't take away from you. I know it is hard, and I don't think you are being a bad person or overly selfish. Few people could understand what you are going through unless they have been in the exact situation. Also, don't be surprised if you encounter a lot of people (usually obese) telling you how awful your choice to have surgery is. Every single person in the world is on their own journey. I'm proud of you for making a choice to improve your health.:smile2:

just so you know, it took me a over a year to get approved. I gained weight the entire time and it was so depressing. In a couple years you will laugh at how upset you got. I cried too, but it DID finally happen for me and it will for you too. Also, I had a hiatal hernia repair that the insurance company is still trying to bill me for!! Yes, you will have to call the dr. and the ins company about a million times. You will probably memorize your policy number :biggrin: But, it will all work out!!! stay positive!

It is a wonderful experience! Ironically no one in my personal life knows about my blog so I tell ALL. we can be blog buddies if u want :laugh:

I JUST HIT THIS MARK TOO! I am so excited for both of us! Before, it seemed crazy to have to lose almost 200!!

I'm eating 60 or more grams of protein a day, but my doctor said 90. My hair is falling out, it is so hard to eat three of those shakes!:biggrin:

your advice was great and very helpful. But, I have to say, a lot of people would agree that carbs are not toxic, and people should eat the right kind of carbs in moderation.

I eat a shake for Breakfast made with soy milk 2 oz of whatever I want 2 more times and then another shake in the evening:smile: