Hi everyone--I thought I'd listen to some advice from one of the other monthly groups and start one master thread in which we have an ongoing discussion/updates. I don't know about you all but I certainly spend most of my time on these boards on the pre-op forum and the general forum, not here. It would be nice to have just one thread to go to once in this forum.

We can maybe start out with introductions?

As for me, I'm going the "online privacy" route for now (paranoid that people I haven't told about this will somehow stumble across me on this site I guess, which is crazy, I know) but I can give you the big picture:

You can call me Penny, I'm 27, single and live in the Washington, DC area. I have a background in politics (which is why I live in DC) but now I'm a librarian which is much cooler and way more fun (trust me on that). Oh, and there's no "Marion the Librarian" thing with me either. One of the things I hear most frequently (besides the cliche "you have such a pretty face") is "but you don't LOOK like a librarian", which is another one of those bizarre backhanded compliments that you never really know how to take.

Personality wise, I'm kind of dorky, big into public radio and books and popular science. Oh, I'm also a little on the paranoid side (as you may be able to tell from earlier in this post). Beyond that I'm just kind of silly and friendly, VERY much so into traveling and I'm an aspiring "green" domestic diva (but that's not going so well).

Thanks, hope it works

Hi, I had a nice holiday and didn't gain anything to speak of. :-) I held pretty steady, which was good considering I made a few desserts for the guys and had a little bit now and then. Now I am finally getting the scale moving again -- in the right direction! And today I finally hit the 200's. 299.0. :-) It almost feels like an anticlimax, it took so long.

WTG Orea! It is always a good feeling to keep our weight going in the right direction, especially through the holiday season.

How's everyone doing?? its been pretty quiet at the start of the new year.

I joined in on the 10lbs by valentines day. I get my next and much needed fill on the 16th.. the doctor is on vacation till then.. I got back from my trip and was all pumped up to finally get my next fill only to hear I had to wait over 2 more weeks!! :thumbup: I guess its up to me till then.

We joined the YMCA because I refuse to go all winter with out being able to walk or do anything.. its so hard with a little one because you cant just step out into the freezing cold any time you want. its nice because they have good childcare while you work out. so I am excited about that.

ok well everyone post a little something so we know how you all are..

Orea- good job holding steady!! and congrats on the 299 mark!! even though you may not be where you want to be I applaud you because you are doing awesome!.. :wink_smile:

OREA, CONGRATS ON BUSTING THROUGH TO THE 200's.

SHRINKNME, nothing like a challenge to get the weight loss going. I don't get a fill till the 19th so I am kinda hungry. Oh well, I have been working on my small bites and chewing. Restriction can't do it all.

Fellow Butterflies,

At the end of last week I hit a weight that would no longer qualify me for the surgery! My BMI is finally under 40!!!I am NO LONGER MORBIDLY OBESE!!! Just obese. Jeez, who would think someone could be THIS excited about being obese?!:wink_smile:

Yay Orea! What a fantastic way to start the new year! You worked hard for that number so I hope you are going to give yourself a reward.

Nothing new here. No fills for two months as I have hit the sweet spot. Steady 6-7 pounds a month. Finally just overweight. My diabetic medicine has not gone down, but I can tell you this, as my weight goes down my energy level is going up. I did not have a clue that the weight was slowing me down so much. I am so thankful I did this lapband.

Happy New Year, Butterflies!

I've been on an "unplugged" vacation since Christmas Eve and today is my first day back on a computer since then. It was great -- I highly recommend it (especially around the holidays).

Orea, congrats on breaking the 300 barrier! WTG!

I didn't lose any weight over the holidays but didn't gain any either. Since I ate lots and lots of chocolate, I can only assume it's because I didn't eat very much by way of food volume so I guess I just indulged in chocolate calories. Oh well, it was the holidays and now it's time to get back to real.

Happy New Year, Butterflies!

I've been on an "unplugged" vacation since Christmas Eve and today is my first day back on a computer since then. It was great -- I highly recommend it (especially around the holidays).

Orea, congrats on breaking the 300 barrier! WTG!

I didn't lose any weight over the holidays but didn't gain any either. Since I ate lots and lots of chocolate, I can only assume it's because I didn't eat very much by way of food volume so I guess I just indulged in chocolate calories. Oh well, it was the holidays and now it's time to get back to real.

Donna, that is what it is all about. You enjoyed foods you normally had (just less of them) and DIDN'T GAIN ANY WEIGHT!!! Have you ever been able to say that for any holiday season before this? CONGRATULATIONS!

YEA Orea!!! so happy for you. and I would love to be back to 6 or 7lbs a month but for now i'm kinda stuck at 3 to 4 but I'll take it, right now I have 32lbs to go and it seems so possible and exciting. so glad everyone is back from vacation and the Holidays It was getting lonely out here.

OH, and just wanted to share a non scale victory with you: I bought a pair of pj's yesterday and no more 3X I bought a large in the reg. section. not even a extra large just large i'm still amazed

Hi everyone. this is my third attempt to post on this thread and for some reason I keep getting kicked off. Hop this one makes it. Great job Kimally! I have only lost half of what you have but hopefully will get back on track. I am all for the 10 lb Valentine challenge. I really need some motivation. Jenhay

Fellow Butterflies,

At the end of last week I hit a weight that would no longer qualify me for the surgery! My BMI is finally under 40!!!I am NO LONGER MORBIDLY OBESE!!! Just obese. Jeez, who would think someone could be THIS excited about being obese?!:thumbup:

congrats, another victory!!!:wink_smile:

Donna you did wonderful over the holidays. Wish I could say the same, but tomorrow is a new day. I just started a new job that I have been trying to get for the last 4 months and it should be my dream job. I am working at one of the best fitness centers in the area and one of the perks is I have free membership as long as I work there. If that doesn't motivate me nothing will. LOL

You ladies are doing great!

I am stoked, I finally moved out of the obese category and am now just overweight!!