My whole reason for getting banded was to see a huge chunk of my excess weight come off ... and stay off. This is my third holiday season since being banded, and the first since I've not been actively attempting to actually lose weight.

And a miracle happened. I didn't gain weight!! The holidays were every bit as enjoyable as ever; I indulged and partook and engaged in whatever came my way, but in the moderate way the band has taught me. The very idea that the holidays are no longer a time of constant self-denial is just incredible.

My idea of long-term success is to get through the end of each year without adding poundage, and now it looks as though that may really be possible.

I LOVE MY BAND.

P.S.: I just might set an actual goal for myself for 2006, just for fun. I think it'd be neat to see the south side of 200 sometime before my 45th birthday in November. Think I can do it? YES!!

Great job Alex!

You go Girl!!!! I am going to join you and I want to lose these last 20-30 pounds this year!! I went and bought me a treadmill so there is no excuse for me not to walk at least a mile every night...........I am on this journey with you!

:Bunny :Bunny :Bunny I'm with you, Alexandra! Me too! 3 Christmases and I've only lost and never denied myself at all. Awesome!! I only lost 14 lbs last year. but isn't that better than putting it back on? Absolutely!! I have set a goal for myself this year. Only 20lbs, if I can hit, I'm still headed in the right direction. If I pass it, HOORAY![/quote

Just curious, when were you banded? Yes, losing is always better than putting it on. I just thought the loss would be more than 14 lbs in one year. I guess it is harder when you get down closer to your goal weight, I am not banded but I am working towards it.

Sugarbear

Way to go Alex! That's an awesome accopmplishment!

Alexandra....

Once again a truly inspiration for all of us!!! You rock, girl!!!

I think you can do it!!!!!

Just curious, when were you banded? Yes, losing is always better than putting it on. I just thought the loss would be more than 14 lbs in one year. I guess it is harder when you get down closer to your goal weight, I am not banded but I am working towards it.

Sugarbear

Leatha's had three banded Christmases, so she was banded some time in 2003 like I was. I haven't stopped to calculate, but in 2005 I lost, um, about 20-25 lbs. It does slow down as you get lighter--makes sense, since you need fewer and fewer calories to sustain you as you lose weight.

Hey, I'll take a 20-lb loss in ANY year over a 20-lb gain. And THAT'S where I would have been without my little silicone buddy.

Congrats Alex, !!!! I am so happy for you!

Congrats :banana

Wish I could say the same x-mass was very hard on me the scale show 3 extra pounds this morning :angry.

CONGRATS ALEX!!!!! that is a MAJOR GOAL!!!

i am proud to say i share it!!!! i weighed 11-12-05 the EXACT same as i weigh today! and let me tell you i ENDULGED!!! i didnt have a cookie free day for 1 whole month! i really endulged at times and i evened it out by eating really healthy at others!

i would have probably gained a solid 10 lbs through the holidays without my band and some will power!

i too hope this year brings me below 200 as well!

Alex, I was just wondering...how much is ish? And yes, I KNOW you can do it. And congratulations on achieving a goal that I believe everyone on this forum is looking for.

Congratulations Alexandra

I know you don't often set goals exept to be healthy and happy.

You Go Girl

Yes I can add....the C's...cookies, chocolate, cheesecake and crab(not in that order) almost everyday for 3 weeks and not a pound of weight.

With this great tool you can only eat so much, a nibble, thin slice, a bite and be satisfied!

Last year with my leaky band I was gaining but not this year. I can only eat so much.

I'd be happy to just stay here.

Good luck!! I know you can do this

Congratulations Alex, you're an inspiration to all of us, you go girl!

You go girl-- I hope to be joining ya!

Congrats to you Alex, it's great to be able to go through the holidays and not gain weight. I actually lost 6 lbs in the last 4 weeks so I am with you. I believe you will reach your goal of seeing the south side of 200 by november. You go girl!!!