Just thought I would post a brief update. I'm actually very thrilled and pleased with myself and I guess I wanted to share my good feelings.

I was banded 8/26 and am thrilled that as of today, at just 5 months, I have lost 80 pounds! I really can't believe it. Though I have definitely worked hard at this process, it has not been "difficult". Meaning - I don't feel deprived; I'm really eating well; I'm eating much, much more than I expected to be able to eat; and I'm losing much faster than I anticipated. In fact, a week ago, I got back from a 10 day cruise - and I managed to lose 5 pounds while on the cruise! True - I'm eating the right foods (though I didn't deprive myself and did have daily ice cream for a treat), and I am exercising. In fact, I CAN exercise now.

Some of the other plusses and changes I have noticed:

- I could put the airline tray table down (though I still needed a seat belt extender)

- I could walk around the Caribbean shopping without immediately breaking into a sweat

- I wasn't tired walking from one end of the ship to the other

- I actually wanted to walk around the deck after a meal, to let the food settle

- I can cross my legs (though still have some way to go before it's truly comfortable

- I went snorkeling - and walked across a bamboo bridge - and climbed down some boulders to go in a waterfall - and, and, and...

- One "bad" thing - i lost a very good ring, which got too big and flew off my hand into a snow bank. (Maybe in the spring, if we ever get there, I'll find it!)

I still have a long way to go. I haven't really set an end goal yet. Being realistic, I am hoping that this is my half-way mark (though it would be nice to lose even more than another 80). I just have to not get frustrated looking at how much further I have to go - since I know this will slow down and can never keep up the rate I have been losing.

So... thank you for all your inspirations. Even though I don't post much, I do read the boards daily. And get inspiration from each one of you.

Mary

Whooo hooo Mary!!! Congrats, congrats, congrats!!

I am so happy for you, and so glad you are not feeling deprived.

You are doing great, and have a great attitude!

What a nice get away , I love the water What a nice story and vacation:D

Energy, Life, Sprit!

Thanks for sharing :confused:

Congrats on your weight loss!!! Can you give me an example of how much and what you eat during a typical day? I had my surgery Sept. 2nd and have lost 36 pounds but seem to be stuck (actually I am supposed to get another fill today but with the snow storm I'm not sure it will happen) and I eat ALOT at night. I still have no problems with any food (only soda) and can eat bread and pasta. Thanks for any info you can give me.

Mary, I'm so happy for you - what a brilliant post - you read so much about people going on cruises who put on a stone (14lbs) during it, what with all the relaxing and constant food temptations - I am so in awe of you for actually losing 5lbs! The band is so great on it's own, but when you work with it, you can really see amazing results! You have so inspired me to kick myself in the ass :confused: and get exercising!

Well done - keep in touch, and post some more photos when you can!

Great job Mary!

Conrads on you fantastic loss!

I am just wondering since you were so lucky to lose that fast is there any additional surgeries you might need?? I heard that some kind of rescuplting surgery might be needed...

Thanks!

And again CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!

Baileymb

Mary,

You are doing fantastic!!! WOO HOOO! Happy dance for Mary. You sound like a fun person and I would love to meet you one day at a Bandster Bash. We can model our skinny clothes!!!

Babs in TX

334/244/180

-90

6/23/03

AWESOME!!!!!!!!! Way to go Mary! I am just contemplating the surgery and I am in CT. Any suggestions?

Wow!! Great job. I am impressed that you lost 5 pounds on your cruise!! Having been on a cruise last year and keeping in mind all the food offered around the clock---you did awsome!!

Greta