I dare ya! I double dare ya!

Is there anyone who's roughly at the same place I am (70-100 lbs. to go, 1-6 months after banding, 35-55 yrs. old) who'll take up a challenge from me? Oh, hell, I'll challenge anybody!

Weigh in on Nov. 22 (the 41st anniversary of the JFK assassination), check in again on Jan. 3 (first Monday of the new year). Only rule is: no fasting or other insane food deprivation. Or, if you want, we can have a straight exercise challenge on the honor system; you set the terms, whether it's miles, steps, minutes, etc. One-on-one, in the street, you vs. me. Come on, you competitive bandsters, just try to kick my ass! (Mind you, that's a big target.)

Ok staying steady at 241 lbs. I should have actually gained some since I was eating way too much crap over the last week. I scolded myself and started being more diligent about eating healthier. Hey Leatha, I got some of that Tillamook Jerky. YUM YUM!!! Love the peppered steak Jerky. So delicious and full of protein and low carb. Great for a quick snack. Just be careful of the extra sodium in them.

Exercise has been non-existent the last week. I am starting a new regimen this week. Walking is a good thing. But I need to step it up some with the weight training as well. Thinking of hiring a trainer. Any thoughts on that? I know Alexandra was using one for awhile -- wonder how that is going?

I had NO IDEA this would be so impossible! I see now the proper approach to the holiday season is to hold on tight and hope to maintain.

I do have good news, though. No, I'm not exercising....but I am back down to 172, after a slight gain due to a cookie problem. And even though I'm not really losing right now my pants just seemed to be getting baggier. I finally couldn't stand it any longer and went to KMart for a cheap fix. I was wearing 16s and DH said to try 12s. They fit! They are the relaxed fit, stretch jeans, so I really wear a 14. But Boy, oh Boy! did that make my day. The 12s are nice and tight for going out. I'll wear the baggy ones at home. :confused:

So, Greg? I weight 172 now. Have I lost 4 pounds in the last month? That's what my record shows, but I'm not sure. Putting things in a holiday perspective, THAT'S NOT BAD AT ALL!! :Bunny

Great job Becky! You are doing so amazing, especially without a fill! I am so proud of you!

That's marvelous Becky. I guess I must have missed something, but why no fill yet? Is that your choice or is there a problem? Just nosey.

Well, I have lost a grand total of (drum roll) one pound since the challenge. (Greg, I will e-mail my exact stats for the last two weeks.) But I feel great. I'm eating a lot -- time for a fill, maybe, or at least a post-holiday attitude adjustment -- but I'm walking for about an hour a day, no matter what the weather, and I'm really enjoying the fattening stuff I choose to eat, instead of wolfing it compulsively without really tasting it. My last pairs of size 20 pants are too big, and my legs are thinner. They still look like sausages, but they're bratwurst now instead of giant salami.

We have two more weeks to go in our exercise challenge. Let's kick butt!

Pat,

I have had restriction since surgery, so I haven't needed a fill. Lucky me! My doc talked me into a fill and I ended up on soft foods and liquid for a month with esophageal pain and had to have it removed. He did the barium fluro and everything looks fine. I don't know if I have a problem or just have good restriction that won't go away. Very strange -- makes me worry -- but so far I am just one lucky ducky!

Just wanted to say hi to all you. I dropped out of this challenge, but I've still been getting in a pretty regular walk. Today was very special, cuz Chloe spent the night (5 year old neighbor) so she went with me this morning. She was so cute and so excited because we left in the dark and the sun came up while she played on the monkey bars with my dog. We also took the dogs to another park yesterday to feed ducks and climb the dirt mounds. Plus I rode my motorcycle all weekend, which I never realized was considered exercise, but it takes a lot to keep that bike upright!

Dogs and kids are great exercise partners! Lisa, how is Chloe doing? Any change at home? (Sorry, that's a thread hijack...)

Zoe, thanks for asking. I'll post a Chloe thread tonight cuz we took some really cute pictures that I want to share. She's so fun because she doesn't think of it as exercising, she just thinks we're playing at the park. Could you imagine if running was actually fun?

Becky,

My friend who turned me onto the lapband had his surgery in Feb 2004 and he has only had one fill which he got about a month ago. And he is only two pounds from his goal weight of lossing 90 pounds. He looks great(I'm not but if I was inclined he'd be my man Lol).

I have had three fills and the way this last one is going I can't believe I'd ever need another. So I'm hoping everything pops in place as I had not loss this week. But I'm happy got a smile on my face all the time.

Will get all the stats compliled in a day or two. Still behinf=d due to family committments but will get it done cause I consider you all(there is that southern drawel I'm picking up from some of you) family too so makes this a committment.

God Bless one and all

Ahhhhhhh...... Greg, that is y'all! Now, get er done!

Don't stress over it, Greg. We don't need those stats until Jan. -- the 3rd? I'm afraid the math will not be too advanced.... the numbers are looking pretty small.

I was at 183 yesterday, so that is my official weight for this week. I feel I am doing really well in the eating department on most days, but I did not do so well on the exercise this past week. I maybe got in two hours of walking total. But I vow to do better in the upcoming week.

Nancy

I wasn't gonna post my stats because I have a 5 that is FIVE POUND GAIN, but thought oh what the hey so I posted it. I am in a very heavy state of depression here. and the holidays aren't helping any. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!

Penni, I have not lost an ounce for 2 straight weeks. I know the feeling of frustration you are going through.Matter of fact, there are several of us here struggling right now through this Hoilday Goodies Crap! Hang in there... those 5 lbs will be gone in no time.

NO MORE FUDGE OR chocolate FOR ME!!! I've been a bad bad girl :ermm