As I continue to struggle with frustrating weigh-ins, I've had to keep myself motivated by considering all of the many changes that I've noticed since banding. I was curious to notice what you've found to be the most surprising or remarkable changes.

Among my biggest surprises:

1) skipping meals, not because I've forgotten, but because I'm simply not hungry.

2) feeling out of sorts when I don't exercise.

3) clothes still don't fit. It hasn't been any easier to find clothes--they're simply different sizes, but I'm still so particular about how everything fits!

4) kids meals are still too much food. I order from a kids' menu when I'm out, but I rarely eat it all.

5) this hasn't been easy. All of the people I met who were banded talked about how fast they lost weight. I haven't. I feel the changes, and my measurements go down, but boy, I'm often frustrated by the scale.

So...to you all...what are your biggest surprises since being banded? Happy May to all.:cool2:

That is Great!

I am going to have to order my suit in a smaller size then last year.

Cerrin,

If your ticker is accurate, you shouldn't have any issues with finding a suit in the stores. I know we've all done the mail order thing for years, but I think you may find yourself down more than one size from last year...why risk getting the wrong size? For the FIRST time ever, trying on suits wasn't degrading and upsetting. I was pleasantly surprised that I no longer needed the largest size they make...but I instinctively grabbed it anyway. Go ahead and go to the store to find a suit this year. I think you'll be surprised at what a difference even 40-50 pounds can make!!!

I am beginning to stand up for myself. For so long whenever something was wrong I just let it go and grumbled about it to dh later. The other day a teacher talked really nastily to my son and I made it a point to tell her that I thought it was inappropriate. When another person grew a little too big for their britches talking to me like I wasn't good enough, I set them directly in their place.

The new self confidence and the feeling that I AM worth it is amazing. I think that's the best NSV and most remarkable change. Who knew that I would start to feel worthy by losing some weight. Amazing.

Stephanie,

I totally agree with you on all fronts. For some reason, when we're overweight and unhappy (not everyone who is fat is unhappy, but I speak for myself here....) we tend to believe we're not worthy of people treating us respectfully. I also find myself more pleasant to be around. I'm happier, I sleep better, I ache less, I smile more....what could be better? I find that I have more energy to focus attention appropriately when I have issues and stress. My temper is dissipating and I'm far easier to be around. My bf told me the other day that while he was sad I'm losing my "shape" he is very excited by how much fun I am to be around. He was initially sad that our eating out has changed shape, but realizes now that my eating less leaves more for him!

I didn't stress over having to sit next to someone on the plane last week and I no longer worry about feeling miserable at the Red Sox games. (Our baseball stadium was built in like 1912 and hasn't been updated...my knees still jam into the seat in front of me, but I no longer worry about the arms of the chair jabbing into my sides.) I never considered all of these wonderful side effects of losing weight. As I read somewhere, in losing weight, I'm finding myself. I'm glad we're on this journey together!

Cerrin,

If your ticker is accurate, you shouldn't have any issues with finding a suit in the stores. I know we've all done the mail order thing for years, but I think you may find yourself down more than one size from last year...why risk getting the wrong size? For the FIRST time ever, trying on suits wasn't degrading and upsetting. I was pleasantly surprised that I no longer needed the largest size they make...but I instinctively grabbed it anyway. Go ahead and go to the store to find a suit this year. I think you'll be surprised at what a difference even 40-50 pounds can make!!!

Thanks, I have issues with not knowing what size to wear. Plus I HATE shopping. I was going thru my clothes this weekend trying to devide them out into Too big, Too small, just right, catagories. Even though I am getting smaller I had very few things in my too big pile.

I think I needed another opinion. But I am wearing something today that I have not worn in 3 years Woo Hoo New to me Clothes!

Yeah!! I've found one of the cheapest stores to shop is the Guest Room closet. Mine is filled with all sorts of clothes--some worn, many new. When the department store, Filene's, was bought by Macy's a few years ago, I was on may way to a slimmer me. I bought tons of clothes a size smaller anticipating I'd need them, but never did. I'm finally fitting into them now. I love it! I still can't find a pair of jeans that I like, though....even those new better fit things from Lane Bryant don't do it for me. Some day soon.....for now, I'll just sport the capris and skorts I've got!