Okay so we have been having a hard time and the thought has crossed many minds wondering if we are a dying breed. I say no way! I need you all, and I need to keep chatting away if I'm going to get anywhere near that finish line.

In one of the threads here it was suggested by another that we just create one master thread where we can communicate. Make it easier to stay in touch, and is something many of the other monthly groups do to stay in touch.

I know for me that is really important, and something we have never done before.

Please don't leave guys... check in! It doesn't even always have to be about losing weight or whatever. Just tell us all what's going on, whatever it is.

Lori - what a fantastic sale you had. I'm gonna have to remember all the advice for next time I do one. I gave up after my last one. But that one was right after we moved and hubby was near his end. I just didn't have the time to do anything for it and it showed. I barely sold anything.

Jul - Never worry about sounding me, me, me. You didn't at all and I, personally, love hearing what everyone is doing. Please talk about you. Huge congrats on 201. You're so close to onederland.

Lil - Great job getting back your exercise mojo. How's the new equipment doing? Was it eliptical? Not sure if I'm remembering right or not.

Tap - I'm looking and looking. I'm sure they are hiding somewhere together having Snacks and giggling. Mojo! Mojo! Where the heck are you!?

Edited August 5, 200917 yr by Ezma

, the garage sale was FANTASTIC!!!! I had a blast. It was a lot of work, but I just enjoyed meeting people, chatting and just having fun. We sold over 85% of what we had available, and we made twice as much money as I thought we were gonna. Honestly though, I think the best part was meeting people! My two favorite quotes from the sale:

"I go to garage sales all the time, and this is just one of the nicest I've ever seen - you really have everything organized, and you have something for everyone in the family!"

A lady picked up a beautiful pastel dress that still had the tags on it (size 2X), and she was amazed it was never worn. I told her it was meant to be an Easter dress. She said, "Oh, I'm so sorry the lady never got to wear this, it's lovely." When I told her that lady was me, she looked me up and down in disbelief. It just felt so good "You must have lost quite a bit of weight." Yep I did It always feels so good when someone notices.

The "bake sale part" of the sale flopped, no one wanted to buy food, even the tempting aroma of cinnamon rolls.

I have my garage, crawl space and several closets cleaned out! I'm geeked.

******

Getting back to my weight loss and motivation, it seems I found my mojo! I have my weight back into the 150's (whew) and I'm doing excellent staying on plan (so far for 4 days, lol). I'm gonna try really hard and keep it up.

Eating good for a few days will help me to shed a few of those extra pounds I've gained, but I know it's exercise that's gonna burn the rest off and keep me from gaining more. Especially when my lap-band isn't up to par at the moment. I'm really doing this on will power alone right now.

Hi Lori! Glad to hear the garage sale was a success - and the compliments were the icing on the cake (so to speak!). I am amazed though that people didn't buy any of the rolls - guess different regions/people want different things!

And back in the 150's and with good eating...you are on a roll! I am sure you will succeed; you have come this far and have the right attitude!

This past week is the best one I have had in a long time. First of all my last fill was just magic! I am able to stop eating with no effort. I'm eating the small amounts I had expected when I got the surgery.

I feel good. I reached anew low. 201!!! This is big for me. I am soon to be out of the 200's.

I'm just so happy, I really feel I have much to be thankful for right now. I'm just basking in it because I can't remember the last time I felt this way.

.

Hi Jul! Sound like things are going great for you - YAH!! And so close to breaking the 200 pound barrier...This is fabulous...enjoy it! I am delighted that your last fill has done so much for you. It certainly is easier whent he band helps us, isn't it?

Tap,

I really hope you find that niche that's going to get that back for you. Or who knows, maybe you just need a little time.

My fill has been great, and I have never been happier to have done something like that. I can eat, I can eat small portions and be satisfied, and be satisfied until my next meal. I'm good with small Snacks in between such as fruit, etc.

Hey LilMiss - you are sounding so much more positive than last month...what a change! This is so good, and your attitude is great! New shoes, new equipment, new attitude...you are unstoppable now!!

Tap - I'm looking and looking. I'm sure they are hiding somewhere together having snacks and giggling. Mojo! Mojo! Where the heck are you!?

:w00t:

I'm still moping! I walked to work today and totally bypassed the Y - I just could NOT get interested enough to cross the threshold and go in! So, I guess a brisk walk home tonight and then I will have to find something to do tonight...other than eat,, and be a blob. BAH!!! Someone, kick me in the rear, or give me a slap upside the head...

Morning all. Everyone feeling inspired today? I'm gonna try to get there. We've moved our walk length up a bit and today it's 2 and 2/3 miles. We're working up to 3 but I'm already dreading it today. Gonna jump in the shower and hope that perks me up.

Have to take my son to get his hair trimmed up a bit. He likes it long but it's looking really messy and I can't stand that. My baby is starting high school on Monday. Where did the time go and where is my tiny, tiny baby? It really is hard to believe that he's going to be a freshman already. I took him to orientation last night. It was so weird to be there without my husband. We have gone to every single thing like that since Austin started school. Just gotta buck up and realize that he was there in spirit.

Have a great day guys.

Morning Ezma,

Glad to see you back on the exercise routine Ezma...imagine...maybe someday you too will become an Angie/Shiny/runner kind of gal!

It must have been difficult to go to the orientation without your husband, but I bet your son apprecited that you were there! And yes, isn't it strange how children age so quickly but their parents don't? You're still young!

I still have the exercise mopes. It has now been over a week since I went to the Y. Still getting up in plenty of time to go but just don't do it. I got in 60+ minutes of brisk walking yesterday and will again today, but I just have no interest/energy in going to the Y. Im hoping that in Sept some new courses will be offered and one of them will be just the jump-start I need....but who knows.

Well, gonna grab my lunch now - small bean salad and a ff yogurt. Definately missing the Protein, so will have to have a big protein-packed supper.

Morning all. Everyone feeling inspired today? I'm gonna try to get there. We've moved our walk length up a bit and today it's 2 and 2/3 miles. We're working up to 3 but I'm already dreading it today. Gonna jump in the shower and hope that perks me up.

Have to take my son to get his hair trimmed up a bit. He likes it long but it's looking really messy and I can't stand that. My baby is starting high school on Monday. Where did the time go and where is my tiny, tiny baby? It really is hard to believe that he's going to be a freshman already. I took him to orientation last night. It was so weird to be there without my husband. We have gone to every single thing like that since Austin started school. Just gotta buck up and realize that he was there in spirit.

Have a great day guys.

Hi Ezma,

I'm still doing good on the food plan, but really need some motivation for exercise. I've been busy busy busy, but I don't think that cuts it for good aerobic fat burning exercise. I need to get back on my bike and get my treadmill smokin' again.

I know what you mean about kids growing up so fast. My son just turned 13 a week ago, now I'm the mother of a teenager! :eek: My son has autism, so his behavior is still very young, but he is growing fast - he's starting to give me that "mom, I don't wanna do that right now" look already. Arrg! :sneaky:

I'm sure your husband was with you both in spirit when you went to orientation. You sound so strong when I read your posts, and I admire you for that. I'm sure it's gotta be so hard sometimes. ((((warm hugs)))) to you and keep that strong faith going. :smile:

...

Glad to see you back on the exercise routine Ezma...imagine...maybe someday you too will become an Angie/Shiny/runner kind of gal!

I wish I could get that kind of motivation going. Can't ever see myself running! Maybe if I got into the 140 weight range - right now I'm having trouble fighting the 150's. Most difficult weight range yet. I know 158 probably doesn't sound like a lot, but it is on a 5'2" body frame. Need to convince my body it really is "petite". lol. :w00t:

I still have the exercise mopes.

Me too Tap. :tt2: I gotta learn to buck up it and get my butt in gear again.

Well, gonna grab my lunch now - small bean salad and a ff yogurt. Definately missing the Protein, so will have to have a big protein-packed supper.

Oooo, I LOVE bean salad. But Beans have protein, yes? And I wish they made ff *soy* yogurt. I've never found any. The regular soy yogurt is way too many carbs and calories. And I can't touch anything with milk (although oddly cheese doesn't bother me) - milk just plays havoc with my GI system. I'm very lactose intolerant.

OK! Pushing myself to do two miles on the treadmill tonight. I'll report in tomorrow and let you know if I was successful, lol.

Hugs and have a good day all - Just Keep Swimming! And running, and walking, etc. lol. :wink:

(((Ezma))) Sometimes words just aren't enough. Hang in there. It's going to be tough, but you're a tough lady. You just need time.

Tap, you definitely need a better motivator when it comes to the workouts. I LOVE to workout, but even *I* got burnt out on the same routine after awhile. I didn't even realize it. I felt no motivation whatsoever, but since I bought my new elliptical, shoes and WW Online to promotoe workouts (you gain extra eating points for busting your buns :sneaky:) I have a renewed energy. I'm really kicking it back into gear! TG I didn't think I'd ever get this back. I'm so happy!

Lori, you've done so great to be in the 150's!! My goal is (well based on my BMI whatever) is 155. I doubt I'll ever breathe down the 150's though!! I think a more attainable goal for myself is 170. I just like the way I look heavier. I guess what I'm saying is... look how far you have come. From your pics I think you look totally awesome. As long as you are comfortable with yourself, don't be down on the fact your (as you say) only in the 150's. I'd dream to be there!! LOL

As for myself, well I'm back at it again. New journaling system, a-la Weight Watchers Online. It's working fantastic for me. Today is day three. Day one I didn't even go over my points and into my "weekly points". In fact I used one less! How's that for willpower??? Day two (yesterday) I indulged some with ice cream. It was DELICIOUS! I used some of my weekly points for that, as I did have a pretty decent dinner. Not anything totally health conscious, but I expected it.

The thing I need to get over mostly is my feelings of guilt. I mean, I stayed well within plan, and should not feel bad for wanting and eating that ice cream. I should remember that before, I would eat that whole 4 serving size of B&J before. Last night I only ate 1. YES ONE!! What an NSV for me. I'm stoked!

Best wishes VV's!

Hey everyone...

I've been MIA a while ...trying to get my life as a single parent running smoothly....

I have not had a fill since sometime in May I believe...I still have restriction so I cancelled my appointment I had this week and rescheduled it for mid September...

Some days I look in the mirror and I can't believe I'm 153, down from 226...Size 18 to a 10...

I went to Goodwill and was looking for shorts and capris and I decided to try on a 10 to see how tight they were on me and I had to take them off and look at the tag to make sure they were 10's. I even tried on a second pair, trying to blame it on the designer...lol

I'm trying to fit more exercise in my day, but so far I can only get in 30-40 minutes 3-5 days a week depending on my schedule.

I hope everyone is doing great!

Blessed Twice - It is great to see you again! I know you must be facing new challenges every day - but the fact that you are doing so well says you can do it!!

153 pounds is great - is that your target, or just a stop on the weightloss journey?? Size 10 - YAY you!

I know all about the exercise challenges - bah humbug!

My goal is (well based on my BMI whatever) is 155. I doubt I'll ever breathe down the 150's though!! :wink2: I think a more attainable goal for myself is 170. I just like the way I look heavier.

As for myself, well I'm back at it again. New journaling system, a-la Weight Watchers Online. It's working fantastic for me.

YAY on the NSV! And you're right - it isn't about a number. It is where you are happy and feel good about yourself. I know my doc still thinks that I, at 5'5" and big-boned, should strive for 117 - 125...but I think it just isn't going to happen. And frankly, I'm not sure how I would look at that weight. However, I am going to the clinic next week and shall have another wee chat about it and the reflux I am starting to have.

My son just turned 13 a week ago, now I'm the mother of a teenager!

Right now I'm having trouble fighting the 150's. Most difficult weight range yet. I know 158 probably doesn't sound like a lot, but it is on a 5'2" body frame. Need to convince my body it really is "petite". lol. :nanahump:

Hugs and have a good day all - Just Keep Swimming! And running, and walking, etc. lol. :biggrin:

HLori - mother of a teenager...that only lasts for 9 years!!!:Banane56::laugh:

I know what you mean about fighting the 150's - just keep the faith...exercise (says she who is ignoring that same thing) and eating right.

And yes everyone - just keep swimming!!! Have a great weekend...

As of today: I am no longer "obese".

WOOT! Now I'm just overweight! Wait...

As of today: I am no longer "obese".

Focus on that for a bit! YAY Angie. :wink2::thumbup:What a great start to the weekend!

Woohoo Angie!! Great job!!! :-D

Tap, 5'5 and 115? OMG. *faint* I hope you can talk some sense into your doc!

Congrats to blessed twice!! How exciting to go clothes shopping and have such a drastic change in size! That would put a smile on my face!

Angie, your goal is absolutly great too! I hate the term obese. It makes a person sound like a disgusting beast, like Jaba the Hut or something. So that is wonderful you are out of the "obese" cloumn.

Hey lil miss, what are these special magic shoes you got? how are they different from regular shoes? Are you finding it easy to follow WW?

Well on Monday I have to have a surgery. it is scar revision for some very large keloids on both of my shoulders. So due to the location of the surgery I will be restricted from a lot of arm movement, bending and stretching. Which means, you guessed it! It will interefere with my working out. Maybe after a couple of days I might be able to do my stationary bike (Minus the arms) but I'm so worried about gaining. especially since I was just starting to make progress! Do you guys think it's possible to lose weight without working out, just in case I'm not up to it for a week or two. I suppose I could walk. But is that enough? I'm really bummed about this, but I can't stand the damn keloids anymore either. i was tempted to put it off, but I might as well get it overwith. Are any of you having problems with extra skin from your belly? So far I haven't lost enough in that area to make a good decision as to whether or not I'll need surgery to remove it. But if I do I found a good surgeon. We just bought a new computer. YaY!, but we havn't set it up, I'm not sure when that will be for sure. So just in case you guys don't hear from me for a little while, you all take care. Keep up the good work! But I will try to check in, even if I have to go to the library! I need the support!

Blessed and Angie - Congrats to both of you. I can barely imagine either or those. Way to go.

Jul - Good luck on your surgery. I'll be sending you good thoughts. Let us know how it went.

Have a great weekend all.

My surgeon wants me at around 122 so I have 31 pounds to go according to him. I'm going to see how I feel and look as I lose the next 20 -30 pounds. I'm 5'2" ...I will have to decided as I get smaller and it will depend on how I feel. I don't want to be sickly looking....

Great Job Angie..

Hang in there Ezma...you are doing great!

Hi All

Glad everyone is doing well. I wish I could say the same. I've just come out of hospital where I stayed for 3 days. My band is so tight even though I'm completely unfilled.

The Dr at the hospital played around and got another.5cc out.

I had a barium swallow and an endoscopy to make sure a piece of food wasn't stuck, but that came back clear.

We are thinking because I've been trying to eat food ,but end up throwing up my stomach is so swollen so its back to the post op diet for 3 weeks and hope the swelling goes down.

Sorry to moan.