I'll kick us off for May. I have been absent again. My world was rocked when I found out I had been laid off, so I have been looking for a new job. The silver lining is that exercising has been extremely helpful in keeping my spirits up, so I have been doing it. I only started exercising about a month ago -- around the 50 lb mark. It's amazing how much easier it is to exercise without the extra weight. I don't hurt all over like I did when I exercised at my heaviest weight.

I also got a fill recently. Interestingly I had lost a couple of cc's, and when she re-filled me, I actually have less than my last fill. Go figure! My band has its own personality -- sometimes it lets me eat a particular food one day, but not another. I feel tighter sometimes and looser others. I am at 2.4 in a 4 cc band. I am hoping this fill will be the one that gets me to my goal.

When anyone asks if I would do it again, I say "in a New York minute!" Even with the PB's, no sodas, a very shallow port now, and the few other inconveniences, I am so happy I did this for myself. It was the best money I ever spent on myself.

Robin, I have lots of time now -- I'm calling you!!

Best,

Jessica

Hi guys, thanks so much for the words of support and tips. I have been working on slowing WAY down when I eat, and working on less "treats". AND I hit the gym 3 days this week - which is 3 days more than I normally go.

Do you guys find you have gotten "better" at PB'ing? I know that sounds disturbing. But the first time I PB'd it was super traumatic and lasted forever. Now, if I feel it coming on, I just excuse myself and "erp" (that's what I call it) and I'm done. Don't get me wrong, it still sucks and reminds me I'm going too fast/too much, but I guess I feel sort of relieved that it isn't this terrible earth-shattering event over and over again. That was one of my biggest fears before I was banded...reading peoples' horror stories and all.

Pelo... I found when I had my PB fest that I was learning how to make it faster and easier. When I got food stuck I'd drink water and it'd come up quick and easier then dry food. That's when I knew I had a problem. When I'm trying to find ways to do it easier instead of not doing it at all!

Glad things are improving for you!

<p>I spoke too soon. I have been PB'ing all night long. It sucks. I had salad at dinner. About 3 bites -- then up it came. I tried again later...back again. Then I tried a popsicle...which just created fudge flavored PB's , GROSS! So tomorrow its mushies and I have to seriously slow the eff down...or get an unfil.</p>

Pelo, good to stay on mushies for a day. You're probably irritated now.

Good of you to get to the gym too. I know I wouldn't have lost nearly as much without it.

Well guys, I am finally back! About 19 pounds heavier, but feeling "normal" again. As I reported the end of April they had to completely unfill me due to pouch dialation and constant PBing. After resting my band for 3 weeks, they filled me back up. I gained 19 pounds while unfilled, which my doctor said was normal (18 pounds a month is average). I have been filled 6 days now and have not lost a thing, but I also haven't gained. I have not PBed since being filled last week so I guess that is a victory in itself as well. I am having to relearn to eat slower, take small bites and chew like it is my job, but I feel great. I don't think I will lose much this month as I don't feel much restriction, but that is fine with me as long as I don't gain anything.

Steph that is too bad about the gain...but you're back on track! The extra weight will be gone in no time. The important part is that you're healthy and eating comfortably again!

Steph, glad to know you're doing better. Don't worry about the weight gain, as Pelo said, that'll be off in no time.

Steph,

So glad you are back and your band is back in functioning order. My thoughts are with you -- you've had a tough time. That's great that you are not PBing. Definitely a BIG step in the right direction.

I am going on the lap band cruise in June, and my goal was to get to 145 lbs (10 lbs from my goal) by the time of the cruise on June 17. Well, with all of the exercise (being laid off has some advantages...) and my recent fill, I am almost there, so I am going to try to get 5 more lbs off before the cruise. It really helps me to have goals like that.

Also, I have found that exercise is really helping keep my spirits up as I transition into the next phase of my career. It is truly what keeps me working out. I just don't do well when my motivation for exercise is to get in shape, get healthier, or look better. I wish it was but it's not for me.

Hugs to all,

Jessica

Oops, I sorta just ate half a box of Whoppers, followed by Reese's Cookies -- and also maybe some ice cream. BUT, I worked out today...tell me it offsets it a weee bit..maybe?

On the work-out front. Do any of you guys do the treadmill. I'm a bit addicted to the eliptical, but I was reading today that you can get far more calorie burn from a treadmill, depite whatthe bogus calorie burner display says. It requires more of your own core strength an ddoesn't let you rely on the support from the eliptical. I just hate hate hate running (because I can't do it) and I feel like walking is not really enough. Anybody make a transition from eliptical to treadmill and have tips?

I've never used an eliptical. I don't think I'm coordinated enough to do it. LOL!!!

I use the treadmill 6 days a week...I put on the TV, play a DVD of one of my favorite bands and I don't even realize I'm working out.

I have both at home and they sit there never being used. I think I am going to start using them some because it's starting to get HOT in Houston and outdoor running is becoming less pleasant. I don't know about the difference in caloric burning, but I would think that it is not that much different. On my elliptical I can change the tension and make it hard and change the incline. I think this can greatly affect the work-out, depending on one's goals. Also, it's easier on the knees if that's an issue for you. I think that any exercise I will do is the best exercise for me. I've been ill this week and haven't worked out at all and I'm feeling it -- need to get back to it!!

Hey guys, I only lost 2 lbs this month, I know its not my band, its me....but I just need to work out more and lay off the sugary foods. But 2 lbs down is better than gaining right?? We need to start a June post!!

My ortho is not a fan of elliptical and feels the treadmill is a safer and more effective workout. Given that I injured my knee after only a few times of using the elliptical and had to undergo surgery, I stick to treadmill, a few machines and free weights.

I have not been exercising of late and have been able to maintain my weigth easily after the last unfill. I am struggling with losing the idea of losing more because I feel comfortable at this weight even though I have 30 more pounds to lose. I can fit into size 12 and look good, but I know I can look better. When I was at this weight years ago I still felt fat so I can't understand why I feel fine at this weight. I am getting off my butt next week and dragging my girls to the gym and pool so that I have some movement by the end of June. I would really like to lose at least 15 pounds by my anniversary date of August 2nd. Can you believe our anniversaries are so close?????