kareyquilts

I think that would be an interesting experiment. I would somehow like to measure muscle and fat and see if you can really boost your metabolism by building muscle. We'll see about that. For now, I'll try and figure out if morning or evening exercise makes a difference!

Thanks everyone who posted, but I need everyone who agreed to be in the challenge to post! I'm leaving for Vegas in the morning. I'll try and get the totals while I'm there, if not it will be on Friday. Keep up the good work everyone. LIndaN, 10K? I'm impressed!

BJean: Thanks for the recommendation. I'm off to Vegas for a few days with my DH. Everyone be good while I'm gone!

Humbirdnut: Be pleased to add you to the challenge. Please give me your stats!

Julie: I know we can do it! I'm going to Vegas for 3 days and taking the BB with me. Temptation get behind me! Would you rather have something from Vegas?

Diane: I'd wait for the help! What an exciting time. Keep us posted. Also need your stats to add to the challenge.

Diane: Welcome to our thread. I will add you to the group's weekly challenge. What kind of plastic surgery are you having? We will all be excited to learn about it and watch your progress. Many of us are contemplating PS when we meet our goal. I know that I am. I want to have a lower body lift, maybe a breast lift. I'm not sure about the breast lift. I need one, but I'm nervous about that one. Anyway, welcome aboard!

Indiogirl: I had an awful experience in the hopsital too. My little nurse kept comparing me to a gastric bypass patient and telling me that I wasnt in as much pain as I thought I was. She also told me that I wasn't going to lose as much weight, etc. She was a real joy. I was crying by the time I left too. Especially since I was hungry and she shows up with a sheet a paper for me to sign saying that I understand that I can only eat 1/2 c. per meal for the rest of my life. I was like what? I didn't understand that. It was a real joy! I had to have a colon cleanse the day before my surgery too. I also had the barium swallow the day of my surgery to see if the band was where it was suppose to be and food would pass through it, etc. I had terribly gas pains and lots of emotional issues, since my mom came to help was cooking all this delicious food that I couldn't eat. BUT, you've got to believe that it all gets better. You can deal with the hunger and pain. Just remember the reasons you had the surgery and you'll be alright. Allow yourself to feel sad. This is a big change. You have the right to mourn the loss of your old lifestyle. Just don't stay in that place to long. Get some sunshine and also allow yourself to think of all the good things that are going to be coming your way. And by the way, all the good things aren't just weight loss, but increased self-esteem, health, self-respect, new clothes, better personal relationships, etc. You're going to be happy about your decision and wonder why you didn't do it sooner. It's a big adjustment, so be patient and good to yourself (in non-food ways). Keep us posted. You can do it!

Losingjusme: Funks are hard. Sucess breeds sucess. I think that momenteum is everything. I know that platueaus just kill me. I get so discouraged. Hopefully with the BB plateaus can be eliminated or shortened. Everyone has a few bad days. Just starting doing what you need to, even though you don't want to and you'll feel better about yourself. It's guaranteed! Tell me a NSV! You'll feel better!

Crabcake: It will get better, but make sure you let your doctor know how much you're struggling. It takes time to find the sweet spot. Also, try and figure out what you can eat that will satisfy your stomach and your head hunger. Do you like sugar free pudding or jello? Will something warm like sugar free hot chocolate make you feel better? Can you eat just ONE miniature chocolate? Do you like pudding made from protien powder? Could you dip fruit in it? What about a low calorie fudge ice cream bar? You can have little treats that can help you over the hump. Just try and make choices that aren't self-defeating. Good luck!

losingjusme: Thanks for the tip. The last few days I have managed to keep my calorie deficit, while attending wedding showers and other social events, but I've had to get on the treadmill at night to do it. You'd think I could pass up the brownie rather than walk some extra time, but oh well. I guess it's good to know and maybe I'll deal with the sugar issues sooner than later!

Sandranoelle: Don't know why you wouldn't get notices. I think by posting that you should. Maybe you should contact the webmaster and let them know there is a problem. Their new format has a few problems I believe. Anyway, 8 pounds is still great!

I like the weighted vest. I will probably add more weight this week. It does make the work out a little harder. I started with the recommended 4.5 lbs. If you're making one for yourself, I wouldn't put too much weight in it. Also, make sure you distribute the weight evenly so there isn't too much stress on one part of your body. JulieNY: I'm at 179 now, getting closer to that 175 goal and a gift from NY. How are you coming with your short term goal and a gift from Utah?

Watchband: The first few months are the hardest. You may not feel full after your first fill either. I'm sorry to tell you this. Everyone is different. I'm sure that you are hungry, but psychologically it's very hard adjustment too. Some of what you feel is giving up the old ways and habits. I agree with BJean that protein drinks are very important. Have small amounts of protien 5 times a day. Also, warm foods help, soups, sugar free hot chocolate, tea, etc. You are going to be so glad that you have LB, just give it time. I didn't feel full for the first 4 months, but you can deal with it. The weight you lose will be permanent and the hunger comes and goes. You are allowed to eat when your hungry and you are allowed to feel sad for the old habits and appetites. If you stay true to your program, you are going to be happy and eventually full! Good luck!

IndigoGirl: Hope your surgery went well. Sending you positive thoughts!

I am wearing the BB everyday and I'm having sucess. I am really learning about what it takes to lose the weight and why I wasn't losing in the past few months. My resting metabolic rate isn't that fast. I have a trainer now who is helping me build muscle so I will have a faster RMR. The only difficulty I have is figuring out how to log things when I go out to eat. I google calories for a particular dish and put the values in but of course it's only a guesstimate. I figure it is better than nothing and I try to control portions. This week was my birthday and I've had several desserts. I have worked out more, but one day I didn't meet my goal. I know that if I don't lose as much weight this week I have only myself to blame. I love this tool. It gives you immediate feedback and has taught me alot. Like to just move more!

Nile: I'll get that recorded for you. Hope you enjoy the exercise!

Turner: Yes, you keep track of what you eat in the same program and the program keeps track of your calorie deficit. I am aiming for a calorie deficit of 1000 calories a day which equals a 2 pound loss a week. I met my goal last week. I like having something that is so concrete. If I follow the program, then it will work. I'm finally off my plateau. I'm learning that even a little extra activity can make a big difference. Hope everyone is having a good summer!

Sounds like everyone is hanging in and sticking to their goals as best they can with summer schedules! Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday, I had a baby shower at my house. I meet with a personal trainer today for the first time. Wish me luck! Here are the challenge results for this week. Please send me corrections, additions, etc. You all are doing great! lisalee: 173, -2, MimIn: 159, 0 BJean: 18-, -2 April: 221, -4 Cassandra: 222, -1 Katt: 278, -3.2 lifelongband: 246, ? Nile: ? Sandranoelle, 248, ? Kareyquilts: 179, -2 Tanya67: ? Gonnabethin? Total weight loss for the week: 10.2 :clap2: Our band anniversaries are coming up quickly. Let's all try and get our losses up for the big event! Have a great week!

losingjusme: I don't blame you about not wanting to spend more money. There are lots of ways to make your workout harder!

Tann congratulations on your 200 lb mark! Way to go! I have finally lost 3 pounds. I'm using a Body Bugg and it is really motivating. I can see how many calories I'm burning in exercise and activity minus how many calories I'm putting in. It's extremely helpful to me. Check it out at Welcome to myApex!. Hope everyone has a great week.

Lisa: What a nice problem to have, huh?! Katt: Do you want to join the challenge? If everyone will sign in tomorrow with you're beginning weight and what you did or did not lose last week. I'll get everything set up? Mimin: Am I forgetting anything that I need to do?

I think that the vest comes in larger sizes. You can check out the website at Walkvest. I'm amazed at how a small amount of weight makes the walker so much harder. Imagine how much harder we were working before we lost a little weight!

Charlotte: That's a wonderful scale that your doctor has. I would like to know if I've lost fat or muscle. I bought a Tanika scale that is suppose to do something similar. I need to start charting what it says. I'm still trying to get over the fact that it says I'm 40% fat! I've lost 75 pounds, I wonder what % I was before. Maybe it's better that I don't know. Anyway, I weighed today and I was up 1.5 pounds and down a % in fat. So you think that's a good thing? Also, had an interesting experience with the BB today. The last few days I've been using a weighted vest when I do my 3 mile walk. The first day I used it I burned an extra 300 calories with it on. Today, it didn't show very much difference, may 75 calories. Do you think that my body has already adjusted to it (it was much easier) and I need to add more weight or walk a little faster? I know I am obsessing (like Renee says she does), but I can't help myself. This is addicting. It's a game and it really brings out my competitive nature. Even if I'm only competiting against myself! May the BB adventures continue!

Hopeworks: Maybe you need the thicker fill material, instead of saline. I believe it's called opalesense? I will keep score this time around. Let's report in on Mondays and we can track weight and exercise. Should be go to Labor Day? What goal should we set? Feed back please.