Hi everyone! I'm having surgery on January 10th and created a group in the groups section "January 2012 bandsters". Would love to get some discussions, support going.

I am glad to see everyone doing so well.

Nicole- I know what you mean about bathing suits! Ever since I had my kids almost three years ago, I can't get any that fit right and make me look like I am not preggo

I live in Louisville, KY. I have hit a plateu and I am frustrated big time. I am stuck at 46lbs lost. I am so close to 50lbs lost, I can taste it! I have been stuck for almost two weeks. I am glad I can come on here and get some inspiration from you ladies! My third fill went well and I go for my fourth fill in two weeks, I can't wait!

Hi All! I"m in NC, I think a couple of us are?

Nicole- I'm proud of you too. Good for you for having a breakdown without stress eating! They're going to happen, so way to go handling it well! That was a funny story about your bathing suit

N2animals- you mean you went from 5 cc’s to 7 cc’s so your fill was 2 cc’s, right? I think 5 lbs in 6 weeks is still great- almost 1 lb a week!!

Mags- I think joining a gym with your family is a great idea! If they’re going you’ll feel “peer pressure” to go to, LOL. I know when I have DH’s support it way easier to be successful.

ValAnn- it is so different for all of us, isn’t it? I think that’s one of the really great things about the lapband, is you can adjust it to each person.

Amica- I think my biggest thing is just not knowing how I’m going to be after a fill, ya know? Like, I still eat way too fast! And I eat too big of bites, I’m sure. I am much better about the not drinking before and after I eat. Small steps!

Erica- your plateau is going to break! Just keep doing the best you can, it will happen!! My 3rd fill is on Monday, and I can't wait!

Another good workout yesterday. Good and sweaty! I know it’s been one of the things that has helped me along. I can’t wait until I get to the 50 lb mark.

Nicole, we're all here for you. I had some issues for a few years with hubby/stepdaughter who came with lots of emotional baggage and me being the last person she wanted to see when she woke up in the morning. I ate and even started drinking to numb the pain.{where I put on all this weight baggage}.Finally after a few years and intervention, things are much better. Never thought I would come out alive and not become an alcoholic too as well as being a foodaholic.Didn't meant to share this here, but you're not alone when it comes to family dynamic. We all have it one time or another. Unfortunately, you have now.

My favorite saying is, "it could always be worse", although there have been times when I looked up to the skies and whispered, "it could always be better, damn it". At least you have one less thing to be unhappy about, you are losing weight and feeling good about yourself. Hang in there and again, know we're all here for you. You're awesome!!!

Oh yeah, I'm in New Jersey, at the Jersey Shore. Not THE Jersey Shore with Snookie and the Situation. I'm north of them between Asbury Park, Bruce Springsteen's home away from home back in the day and Monmouth Racetrack, Oceanport.

Lincoln, Nebraska here

I'm going for my 2nd fill this afternoon. Only have 2.5 cc's "under my belt". I have to ask him today what size band I have. I've been getting stuck and having some PB's lately. Think it's the choice of food and not chewing properly. Taking big forkfuls {bad habit} but chewing it as best I can. WRONG!

Nicole, I too enjoyed your bathing suit story. I use to get my suits online. They had great bathing suits, great designs, styles and good quality. I never cared for the suits in thes stores, even LB, for me. We went on my first cruise 2 weeks before surgery and I wore a bathing suit and took a picture of myself in the stateroom mirrow w/o DH there. I actually blew it up and printed it out and it sits hidden on my desk behind papers for only me to see. Ugh!

I'll put the website out there for all as summer is coming and no matter what our weight, it's nice to have a nice bathing suit that fits.

I like Nicole's idea of meeting at a beach! LOL! "The winter bandster girls get their summer on!!" eh...a girl can dream, right? I'm so proud of all of us too. I know some, if not all, of us are going through things that aren't about "The Band" and that we don't necessarily talk about here. However, those things do affect so much: how we see ourselves, whether or not we stress or emotional-eat, if we're getting the support we need. I'm so glad this forum is here because, as other have said, so many times, things that I'm thinking or feeling are already being expressed here.

Meredith...I've been having more stuck & PB issues as well. I think I'm taking to large a bite or not chewing properly. Could just be that chicken is a no-no from now on. LOL. oh and BTW, Nashville, TN here.

Just came back from having my second fill. Also found out I have a 12cc band or as the dr. referred to the size initially, a "regular size" one. I just got 1cc today so now I'm up to 3.5cc's. Like it's been said before on here, each doctor has different ways of treating us. Most of you seem to be on your 3rd fill and have a good 5+cc's in your band. Oh well, I am doing well so far, I'm not complaining. It's still a good thing. It was quick and so easy with a little pinch and he was right in!

I tried on a bunch of smaller clothes in my closet and most of them fit!! Good thing I have several sizes to go through in there, LOL.

Meredith, glad your fill went well- my 3rd is on Monday. Right now I have 7 cc's in a 14 cc band- not feeling a lot of restriction for sure.

Another good workout last night! Tonight DH and I are going out to eat- and all I'm worried about is how can I get my workout in!

JDI130! That's awesome! I had a similar experience last night. I had to run to walmart for a couple of items and while there I thought...I'm by myself. I think I'll try on a pair of jeans real quick, just to see where I am pants-size-wise. I was a 24-26 (depending on the item of clothing) when I started this journey. I've lost 43 lbs so I figured I'd lost about 2 sizes. well... I picked up a 22...tried them on and though I could have worn them, they were too big. I didn't have time to try on a 20 but I'm sure they would have fit just fine! And good deal on the workout. Yay!!

Yay for a good fill Meredith. I'm still praying for someone to cancel w/my dr between now and Wednesday so I can get mine moved up.

Peeps...say a prayer for me this weekend. Feeling 'ugh' today with digestive issues and TTOTM..but I have a 5k tomorrow morning and a 2 mile walk for March of Dimes on Sunday. I'm going to be one tired chica come Monday morning. LOL. Have a great weekend everyone!

North Carolina here!

Prayers for you Chrissylu, hope u feel better and way to go on doing the 5k.. I'm aiming for October Breast Cancer 5k

Congrats to all us incredibly shrinking women! I like to order my bathing suits online too! just dont know what size to buy for the summer..im not a big beach person but i may change that! lol

ChrissyLu- you'll do great! I hope you wake up ready to go and energized.

I'm aiming for a 5 k in September that my office is doing in honor of 9/11.

My parents live near the beach in NC, so this year hopefully I won't be wearing cutoff sweats to the beach!!!

I am so sleepy. Hope this goes away before tomorrow morning. LOL.

Helloooooo everyone!!! I have beeen keeping up with all of you through email notifications, and can't wait to catch up later! Your posts brighten my day!!! ))