Pre-band, this was always the pattern with me….loose weight, get stressed because life is stressful, gain weight, get depressed, gain more weight.

Even with the band, when life is really stressful, I simply cannot live and eat the way I need to in order to loose weight. That’s just a fact. THANKFULLY, with the band, I am not over eating and I’m not regaining weight during this stressful season. I’ve just stopped loosing weight.

So, right now, I’m in the end of the not loosing weight phase. In 3 weeks, I go back to the hard work and focus on weight loss. But I’m a little nervous about it. I’m afraid I’ll fail. Would anyone like to give me some gentle encouragement? Some cheerleading? I don’t do so well with the boot camp lectures, but I love to be inspired by your stories of how you got back on the weight loss train. Anyone? Anyone?

Stress, in my life, comes from being extremely busy. I mean, never sit down (except in the car), work day and night, no time for idol hands, just insane demands, kind of busy. That’s just my life, and for as long as I am a full time mom of 3 smart, talented, busy kids; part time employee, can’t say “no” person, this is the way life will be for me. And the truth is, I’m happy with a busy life. I have little time to waste and absolutely no time to get in trouble. I get a lot done and I like it this way. BUT, my heath can take the back seat… a sacrifice I’m willing to make, in spurts.

I tend to have about 3 months of crazy, 3 months of not so crazy, 3 months of insain, and 3 months of slower. That means half the year I can focus on health. Half the year I just have to survive with out going bezerk.

I got banded in June 2012 and have lost 35 of the 60 I need to loose. I have not lost anything since December – which I expected due to this being the craziest time of year for me. I’m about to enter the slightly less stressful time.

I guess I’m kind of babbling,…mostly I’d just really like to hear your stories about getting back to the business of weight loss and what helped you succeed.

When they wrote the book on stress, they had me in mind.....I deal all day with some very sick people, all kids from 1 years old to 21..... and their families whose lives have been turned upside down.....and I have to make decisions which directly effects their lives and lifestyle....and things don't always go as planned.....I'm sitting here right now and my first appointment is with a irrate parent of a severely disabled child......but I will deal with it....

Then at night I have type reports, settle insurance disputes and file appeals, and put up with the flat out absurd logic of some of these companies.....where do they find these people....

All I will say, if it was not for the band, I'm not sure where i would be.....it is a life saver......my health as never been better.....

I don't want to be the downer here but it's really hard to be healthy for only 6 months out of the year! Lol.... I know that your super busy and stressed but your going to have to put yourself a little higher on the priority scale. You have to be able to take an hour for yourself and exercise! It clears your mind and distresses you and gives you the energy to be able to control your life in every area! The healthier your mind and body the better you are able to deal with the priorities at the top of your list! You have to remember your health is important all year, not just when you have time! It's hard to get into a routine and make healthy choices a habit when you have a preconceived timeline in your head of when your going to be too busy to continue! Your worth it, take time for you ALL year!!!!

First of all the band is something you did for yourself. Now do two more things. Learn to say "no" yes I know it is not easy because I had to do learn it myself. The second in enlist your busy family to help you out. Yes the surgery was for you, bet becoming healthier is for the whole family so they will have you around for longer. This health risks of obesity far outweigh the convenience of you busy family members. Stand up for yourself and do this for you. If you WANT it, it will happen, but only you can make that decision, not your family.

WoooHooo! Thank you for the inspiration! I lost a pound this week and ate very healthy. Next week is a big week for me because I am going to start exercising again and quit drinking coffee (again....). It will be a challenging week, but I know I'm consuming a lot of calories in fun coffee drinks, and I'm addicted. So, must kick that habit now. I'm also starting a diet that consists of food that you can "kill, plant or pick, or get directly from those foods (like eggs)." I'm excited about it. No more manufactured food - we will see how it goes, but I'm feeling pretty good and that's a good way to feel as I go into it. Thank you encouagers! You really helped me in a difficult time!

Sounds like your excited about taking care of yourself! That's so awesome! You can do anything you set your mind to!

Good job, I'm to be banded in a week and I worry that my own life will have these set backs, it's reading posts like yours. when you can say I'm not giving up thats when I think okay I can do this too, just don't give up!

YOU have Encouraged me, Thank you