Several people have suggested a place to post on a regular basis to save time going from one thread to another! I thought this would be a good title. Like reading the daily newspaper!

We are all banded now, and I will still update the line up when new people discover this site.

I look forward to hearing from everyone as we transform!

Welcome Addy!! You were banded one day after me and on the same day as CathyChatts on here. What an awesome 6 mos it's been, I look forward to what this year and my band anniversary date will bring. I have not heard of gas pains lasting this long, but am not sure. I never had them so wouldn't know. As to what I eat. I eat about 1/2 cup portions, protein first. Breakfast is typically egg beaters and 2 slices precooked bacon. Lunch is some sort of chicken and once a week that is a 6 pc mcnugget at McD's as those are my favorite fast food. Dinner is 4 oz or so of meat and a small amount of veggie. Snacks vary but try to keep them to some type of protein for at least one of the snacks. I have not tracked calories in a few months but was averaging about 800. Some days would go up to 1000 or so. Hope that helps. I have had 7 fills, it took me lots of fills to feel consistent restriction.

Thanks, that does help, I think I snack to much or graze all day instead of "sitting" down and eating. I am going to start measuring ALL my foods today. This is our year!!

addy

Thanks, that does help, I think I snack to much or graze all day instead of "sitting" down and eating. I am going to start measuring ALL my foods today. This is our year!!

addy

Hey, Addy, welcome. At least you have a loss instead of a gain. Looks to me like (as you said above) you need to measure and weight your food for now until you can gauge what your portions sizes should be. I bought a "Salter" scale about 6mo. b/4 getting banded and started right away with weighing my food. Even though I am at goal, I still weigh the proteins and measure my other foods. Just a habit and helps to eyeball portions when I am eating out. It would be a really good habit for you to get into and then there's no doubt of what your intake is. Take care and jump into the New Year with your new habits!:Yawn:

How did everyone usher in the NY? We had 15 rooms with 15 different families at a hotel. Was great. Waaaaaaaaay too much food, of course. I grazed and ate more than what I am used to but tried to go for the more healthy foods. We are ready to start a brand new year. 2008 carried a lot of stress for us but we got through it. Nothing terrible or anything....just a lot with managing the farm and business, 2 surgeries, kids buying homes, kids moving, etc.

I am packed and ready to hit FL! I had to do some last minute shopping on Amazon though. (Probably not a NEED but a WANT). Just hoping all the goods come b/4 we leave on the 13th. Didn't break the bank though. Found capris for anywhere between $4-$11...not a bad deal. My fav shoes are Born so ordered three pairs of sandals. My 2 pair from last year are stretched from my fat feet.

We have this store in our little town. Not consignment but prices of a consignment shop. The owner buys overstock items in higher end brands. There is no item more than $20. I did damage there a couple of days ago. Found a couple of Jones NY dresses, Ann Taylor coat, tops, etc. I was hyperventilating going through the racks. LOL.

Me thinks that Long, Allie and myself have that shopping bug embedded in us!

I know I got that shopping bug lately. I used to hate to shop. Think it was because I hated shopping at Lane Bryant and how things looked on me. I did go today and got some Gap trousers in a size 12!!!! They fit though not comfortably but soon. On sale of course. And next door was good ol' Ann Taylor and I got a blouse there that matches the pants and when I checked out it was even cheaper! My kind of deal. The blouse is more summery. That's it, no more shopping til I need new sizes or spring clothes. The past week I've gotten 2 new bras at Victoria Secret, underwear, casual/dress pants, sweater, blouse, leather jacket, another sweater and some jeans. Me thinks I need to slow down and wait now. I still have about $200 of my Christmas money left for summer clothes.

Hi June Bandsters,

I was banded on 6/23 and am feeling great. I'm glad to see everyone is enjoying the great changes the last six months have brought.

I wasn't sure how Christmas/New Year's would be since there is so much food around, but it was amazing how unattractive most of it seemed this year. I still baked my Christmas cookies and managed to taste just a little bit of cookie dough (yum!) and give the baked ones away.

I'm glad to start my first year without an empty promise to make this my last "fat" year. The idea that I no longer have 100+ pounds to lose is amazing. I hadn't realized how overwhelming that thought was - although I'm sure that contributed to my inability to lose weight over the years.

Keep up the good work everyone - this seems to just keep getting better!

Jenny

Hey, Addy, welcome. At least you have a loss instead of a gain. Looks to me like (as you said above) you need to measure and weight your food for now until you can gauge what your portions sizes should be. I bought a "Salter" scale about 6mo. b/4 getting banded and started right away with weighing my food. Even though I am at goal, I still weigh the proteins and measure my other foods. Just a habit and helps to eyeball portions when I am eating out. It would be a really good habit for you to get into and then there's no doubt of what your intake is. Take care and jump into the New Year with your new habits!:confused:

Thanks, I did weigh my protein today, I was shocked at how much 2 ounces was. I had been just guestimating (a word?):cursing: and couldn't believe how much I could actually have. I measured out my greens, peas, and cabbage, (New Years you know, I actually felt satisfied, not full, but satisfied. I appreciate the helpful hints. I love the sales ya'll have gotten. I am a shopper myself, but I am between sizes and cannot stand to pay for stuff I can't wear yet and refuse to buy big again. Cannot wait to buy new clothes!!!

addy

That consignment type store sounds great, wish we had one, I am going to have to start investigating them.

I know I got that shopping bug lately. I used to hate to shop. Think it was because I hated shopping at Lane Bryant and how things looked on me. I did go today and got some Gap trousers in a size 12!!!! They fit though not comfortably but soon. On sale of course. And next door was good ol' Ann Taylor and I got a blouse there that matches the pants and when I checked out it was even cheaper! My kind of deal. The blouse is more summery. That's it, no more shopping til I need new sizes or spring clothes. The past week I've gotten 2 new bras at Victoria Secret, underwear, casual/dress pants, sweater, blouse, leather jacket, another sweater and some jeans. Me thinks I need to slow down and wait now. I still have about $200 of my Christmas money left for summer clothes.

Long, I went out to do some shopping today and bought something totally different! A dress!!! I don't think I even own one! But heres the problem...for so long, I have been wearing frumpy ol lady stretch pants, I dont know how to wear anything stylish. I am a style moron! Help!!!:confused:

This is a short sleeved knit dress, loose, not clingy thank God, and knee length. So what do I do with it? At one time, I would have put leggings under it but I dont think thats 'in' now. Should I wear dark nylons and dressy shoes? Its a soft grey color and its cute, but I am not sure if I want to bare my pasty white legs just yet! It is too long to pretend its just a long sweater and wear it with jeans. Any ideas, girls?? Maybe I should ask my kids, they can style me up like no one else can! lol:confused_smile:

Long, I went out to do some shopping today and bought something totally different! A dress!!! I don't think I even own one! But heres the problem...for so long, I have been wearing frumpy ol lady stretch pants, I dont know how to wear anything stylish. I am a style moron! Help!!!:confused:

This is a short sleeved knit dress, loose, not clingy thank God, and knee length. So what do I do with it? At one time, I would have put leggings under it but I dont think thats 'in' now. Should I wear dark nylons and dressy shoes? Its a soft grey color and its cute, but I am not sure if I want to bare my pasty white legs just yet! It is too long to pretend its just a long sweater and wear it with jeans. Any ideas, girls?? Maybe I should ask my kids, they can style me up like no one else can! lol:confused_smile:

I guess I would just try to find a pair of tights. They make the patterned ones now that are so cute. Take your dress and ask a sales lady in a dept. store (hose/sock dept.). They are usually up on the current styles. If you don't like the idea of tights, just buy some black pantyhose. You'll be cute no matter what you do, Strike!

Apples, when it comes to dresses you are asking the wrong person. I also do not own one and haven't worn one in years. I wouldn't even know where to start. My daughter pointed one out to me shopping today and don't think I am ready to go there. My legs are still so big. In fact many pants if they are slimmer cut I can't pull up over my calves and knees. It's like I am losing from the top down. If you saw the top of me and then my legs, they wouldn't look like they went on the same person. Congrats on getting a dress though. I hope to some day soon! And then I will be coming to you as to what to do with it.

Hello everyone!

Isn't it great to be in 2009! Happy New Year!

Over the holidays I have had s o o o o much company!

I have had 3 partys! Remember all the re-decorating I did on my house last summer! Well, it came in handy! I did the Christmas decorating to the 9s and now I have to take it all down! It was worth it though! We have had a ball!

I have done well with the eating. I know I have had too much sugar though... my weakness... but I have managed to loose about 5 lbs this month, in spite of the holidays. Under normal conditions I would have had 5-10 added to the New Year's resolutions! Yesterday as everyone left my house after my last party, I had packed up the last of the food and sent it home with them! It felt so good!

I have dug out the old gym membership papers and have my membership numbers and the schedules so I can go back to the gym! I have a membership at a gym that has 5 gyms in my town. My favorite is women only and they have a pool. So.... it is off to the gym!

I also bought a Wii fit for myself for Christmas, I have been so busy that I haven't had much time to use it. That is on my to-do list. We have played with it a bunch at my partys, but only the sports things.

All you shopping bugs! I am also a shopper, but I have been so good about that lately! I think it is because I can go to my attic and shop! I have been able to get into the old clothes! I have down to a size 10 petite and I am going to completely exaust those. I have purchased some things, like a pair of jeans and stuff, but I am saving for the final round! When I get to goal I am going to go to Atlanta and have a spree!

Apples, have fun on your trip. I am so sorry you won't be coming through Tennessee, but we will meet someday!

Long, I hear ya on the bottom heavy stuff, but it is funny... this time I am losing the weight all over and the bottom is coming off!

Strike, I love dresses! I agree with Apples, try textured tights, and I think legging are still ok. My moto is if it is cute wear it!

Allie: you must still be in Virginia! Hope you had fun!

Addy and JennyVA Welcome to the June Bugs! There are over 300 people on here, but most don't post!

BUT.... I know you June Bugs are watching!.... :confused:

To everyone! Keep up the good work and have a skinny New Year!

Happy New Year Junies: I weighed myself this morning and I weigh 202. Yikes, 2.5 lbs and I'll finally be in Onederland!!!! I've lost 7 lbs since 12/17. I was so concerned about the holidays. I ate some forbidden things but made sure I ate what I should be eating first and then if I wanted anything extra, I had it. But most of the time, I didn't want the junk food.

Addy: Welcome, keep measuring and do a food journal so you know what you are eating. Our minds can play tricks on us and make something that is 16 oz look like it's 2 oz. Have you been to the website: The daily plate? you can keep track of your food on that site, it really helped me.

Welcome Jenny, I am on this site several times/day but don't post to much. I do in spurts I guess. Any, keep hanging out with us you'll like this site.

Strike: what about a pair black boots that come to just under the knee. I love that look and it never goes out of style. Just a thought

Mornin' Kids!

Sounds like you have had a very successful bandster holidays, Cathy and Linvin. Isn't it a great feeling to make it through the holidays, have some treats and walk away from it with a loss? Good going.

Cathy and Long...I am the opposite of you guys. My legs and arms are too skinny. Even when I was heavy it was carried all through the mid section. I wish I carried more on the bottom and legs but I decided b/4 goal that I would just be satisfied with the body God gave me. After losing all the weight I did and getting to goal, there are no negative body issues with me. A lot of that comes with age but I don't pay attention to a little wrinkle or whatever. I lucked out with getting a flat tummy back. My thighs look like melted butter but the only person that sees them is my DH, and, if he doesn't like the way they look, he won't be visiting them much! He's so supportive though. He loved me when I was FAT and he loves everything about me now. He just knew how unhappy I was carrying all the extra weight around and he was unhappy for me.

I wear a size 4 pants but have to special order because I need 34-36 inch inseam. All arms and legs and short waisted. There are always ways to dress to pull the eye away from a figure flaw though. Never works for me to tuck in my shirts. Pretty distorted image when I do. Please do not think I am bragging when I disclose size of pants I wear. I am VERY small boned and lanky. Even when I was heavy I could wear a woman's medium pants but was really close to getting into a 4x b/4 I started this process. (I am sure your guys are all drawing this freaky picture in your mind of what a mess I must have been!) LOL. Anyway, my point in all of this is...accept where you end up. Appreciate your shape...love yourself.

Happy New Year Junies!

I am finally home from Virginia.. just to come home to 5 inches of snow.. but luckily a friend shoveled our driveway. We put up a vinyl fence this past spring and looks like a couple of cars slid into it.. bahh..

I am doing great, I was able to stay on track and feel awesome! I did some shopping (of course) and bought some nice clothes. It is so awesome shopping in the regular sizes. I am in a size 12 pants and Large shirt now.. woo hoo.. I have gone from a 44dd bra to a 38 d (could go to a c cup but love being a d so i'm in denial). We had alot of fun on New Years' went to a party at a "moose lodge" and it was really fun.

It is so great being home. On Christmas day I woke the family up at 5a.m opened presents and they all went back to bed till 8. I in that time, took the tree down and out of the house cleaned up and packed the car. We were on the road to virginia by 9 a.m. It was so nice coming home last night to a clean house and not having to do the tree.

Well, I am off to go grocery shopping and do a spring cleaning of my closet.. I have so many clothes to donate to good will and really need the room for my "new" wardrobe.

Have a great day Junies!!!

Welcome back, Allie. Good to hear you had a great holidays. Always good to get back home again. We are anxious to get out of here for a month. Record snow fall and cold already this winter. Just looking forward to being in our cabin, in the warm weather, in the National Forest. There's hiking trails, etc. and cannot wait to have the freedom of spending time in the outdoors again. We leave on the 13th. Suit cases are all packed (except of internet deals that I got on some clothing that is yet to be delivered). My DH will freak when he sees how much I have packed but not over the limit for the airlines. Guys can get by with so much less than us women. Doesn't every woman need one suitcase designated for shoes?