iamworthit

Yea - for years I thought I was nuts to hold on to some of these things. Now, it is kind of fun. I have a suit that I bought from Petite Sophisticate about 12 years ago when I was a size 8 that I just can't wait to get into. I hold the skirt up and it looks like I couldn't fit it on my thigh! Another couple of months and I will be there! Thanks everyone for your support!

Yeah - we get 1 or 2 days a year where it is cold here. Now, the 26 degrees was from 5:30 this morning (I work out at that time). It is in the high 50's now. But still, I had it to wear this morning! Yippee!!!

Ok, so it is cold in Florida this week. I realized I don't have any cold weather clothes that fit me anymore and am freaking out because I don't want to buy anything. I was freaking out last night because it was going to be 20 degrees this morning and I have to walk to get to my building at work and I knew I would be cold. My husband reminded me about a coat that was hanging in a spare closet in his office that I had forgotten about. It is a wool coat that I had when I lived in NY 17 years ago. I told him there was no way it would fit me because it was from when I was in college and I was a size 10 / 12 in college. He kept insisting that it would fit because it looked big to him. Well, I went and pulled it out to prove him wrong and LO AND BEHOLD...... IT FIT! I was so happy! It is a size 14 (I always bought big coats when I lived in NY so I could layer sweaters, etc), but still. I am still just busting because it is a classicly styled wool coat to the knee. Now I won't have to buy a coat this winter knowing I won't be able to keep it. I know it is silly but it made me realize that I have lost a lot and changed my body shape. It was a huge NSV for me...

Mona - I am so happy you finally have restriction. More importantly, I am so proud of you that you have stuck with it and looked at the big picture and never gave up. I too struggle with losing weight - I am lucky if I can take 4 lbs off in a month so I know how hard you have struggled. I just booked my 2nd fill (December 17th) and hope after that I get some much needed restriction. I am losing now purely on will-power and exercise. Although, I feel better than I have in years. Remember - we can do this together! Keep up the great work and congratulations!

I just got done watching The Biggest Loser tonight. I just have to say how much I can't stand that Vicki! She is so evil. I was so mad they didn't send her home tonight. Ugh... Anyway, I love this show and think it is so inspirational!

Until you need one. Ok, that was kinda sarcastic I admit it. However, it really is based on your restriction and whether or not you lose more weight after your first fill. My doctor explained to me that fills are needed as you lose more fat around your stomach and the band loosens. I had my first fill on October 15, 2008 and I just called for an appt for the 2nd one. I am not sure I will need much to get to the sweet spot, but I can tell I am able to eat more now and I am relying on my common sense and willpower again. IMHO I would say the average is anywhere between 4-6 weeks? Good luck!

Haley, I agree with what the others have said so far. You have to work within the rules / guidelines in order for your band to be successful. We all have shared similar feelings as you but the bottom line is it is ultimately up to you as to whether it is worth it or not or if this is your time. I made my decision to take control of my life, 10/19/2007 and don't regret it for one minute. I had my surgery paid for by insurance and had to go through the 6 month pre-workup which included meeting with a dietician and my surgeon monthly till the time of surgery. From 11/01/2007 to 07/01/08 I lost 35 lbs on my own, meaning through diet and exercise. I made a lot of great changes during that time period that have made all the difference with the success I have achieved since the band. I work out every day for an hour to hour and half, I eat right, I get appropriate levels of sleep and I engage myself with those around me. Prior to starting this journey I had checked out - both mentally and physically. It was all just too hard. I was banded on 07/01/2008 and have lost another 25 lbs since then. I can honestly say I have thought it was slow at times and have wondered would I have lost the same amount if I would have just continued with my original plan I was following prior to being banded. With that said, I will never know because I chose to go the extra step and get the "insurance policy" and have myself banded for life. The way my doctor explained it to my husband (who was not on board with the surgery 'till just recently) is that anyone can lose weight. Some people lose faster than others, but it is physically impossible to not be able to lose weight. However, and this a big however, 100% of people who try to lose weight through diet and exercise only gain back eventually. Getting the band, or gastric bypass limits that risk. Sure we can gain back - but we have a tool for when we do fall off of the wagon. I have consistently lost weight through this journey and it has been incredibly slow and sometimes frustrating; however, I am much, much better off than I was at this time last year at over 260 lbs. I wish you much luck with your decision process and am confident that whatever choice you make it will be the right one for you. Remember to stay true to yourself and you won't fail.

I am sorry, BeBe that you are having a tough time. Have you tried the protein bullets? They could help you with getting your protein levels up until you can get in for a slight unfill. It seems that you are too tight and may need to take it easy for a couple days, going back to liquids. I use the 42 gram protein bullets to help supplement my protein intake and they are really good. I love the fruit punch one; I mix with sugar free crystal light and can't tast anything weird, etc. I split them in half and have half in the a.m. (21 grams protein) and then half in the afternoon (21 grams of protein). That coupled with other sources of protein throughout the day allows me to get my required 60-90 grams a day. If the tightness continues, you probably should get in and get an unfill. I had a fill on 10/15 and can tell I already need another. I called late on Friday to make an appt and they are supposed to call me tomorow to schedule. I hope I can get in within the month. I have lost 5 lbs since being filled, however it all happened the first 2 weeks. Good luck and remember to take it easy! Oh and congrats on the 15 lbs. That is so awesome!

Funny!! Similar thing happened to me on vacation last month. I only own 1 pair of jeans and they were wayyyyyy too big but I brought them anyway because I didn't have anything else. Well, one day I put them on because it was kind of cold and they just dropped the floor. I don't even own a belt, so I used a string to tie around my waist like huckleberry fin. How sad is that? Meanwhile, this week I went to Target and bought a new pair of jeans. Size 18! I could have gone for a size 16, but they were just a tad tight.

I didn't get banded at OCC, rather the Mayo Clinic. With that said, my provider sent me the same link. It may be a new process for OCC? I appreciated it because it was a great link that I was able to share with my friends and family. It explains how the band works and eased some concerns on the part of my husband. Good luck with your surgery!

Congratulations! Wow - what a great accomplishment! I am really proud of you and you are a huge inspiration to many of us on this board. I am close to hitting 60 and cannot wait to get to that goal. November 1, 2008 is my 1 year anniversary of starting my healthy lifestyle. Although I didn't get my surgery until 07/01/08, my life has changed so much in this past year and being over 50 lbs less makes it that much better. Again, congratulations and celebrate your success with a pedicure, or a new blouse, or something fun!

First off, congratulations on your restriction!! I know it has been a long time coming for you. I didn't get banded at the OCC, rather the Mayo Clinic. My dr. has me meet with a dietician monthly to review progress, etc. and it helps with the follow up care. With that said, the plan that I have been put on requires me to eat every 2-3 hours. I have 3 small meals a day (300 calories or less) and 3 small snacks a day (100 calories or less). They encourage protein first, then vege's then fruits then starch. Typically, when following that plan, I don't get past the vege's before I am full. I take in between 1000-1200 calories a day most days and on days when I don't feel the restriction and I can eat I go to 1400 calories. I have lost at a pretty steady rate since starting this eating plan albeit some months are only a couple pounds at most. The way they explained it to me is you have to use as fuel and rather than just eat 3 normal meals a day or 2 meals a day (which I was a huge offender) you have to keep the metabolism running so it doesn't go into starvation mode. Again, I wasn't banded at OCC so I don't want to tell you something that they did not recommend because they certainly seem to be a great place for the surgery; however, this is what has worked for me. I say if you are hungry and as long as you are following the rules of only eat 1/2 cup of food or less per sitting and focusing on protein first then eat. Tracking your food makes it easy to know where you are getting your calories as well. I use myfitnesspal.com as my tracking tool, but it could be as simple as tracking in a journal. You are doing great and I pray you keep the restriction so you can get this weight dropping off once and for all. Remember, we are in it for the marathon - not the sprint! Take care,

Thanks! It was a shock to say the least. I still think of myself as the size 24 girl. I have been heavy all of my adult life too (37 now) and I think we fall into that trap of thinking that is who we are. It is amazing when those NSV's show up and give us hope that we too can be 'normal' again. I flew a couple of weeks ago, for business. I was able to sit in the airplane and put the tray down when my drink came. I haven't been able to do that in years because my big belly was always in the way. Amazing how those 'little' things make a huge difference.

That is so awesome! Congratulations!!!! I can't say I am quite "there" yet, but I do tell a difference in my whole mind, body, spirit thing. On Wednesday, I was at Target and I decided to try on a pair of jeans. I pulled a 22 a 20 and an 18 since I really wasn't sure what size I am anymore. Well, lo and behold the 18 fit and I probably could have gone with a 16, but they were out of that size. I ended up not buying the jeans because I figured I would wait till I was in the 16 for sure. It was a huge milestone for me because I always think I am much, much bigger than I am. I have been afraid to try clothes on for fear that the size in the clothes wouldn't show the 60 lbs I have lost so far. Can you believe the insanity? I know, I am brutal on myself. Anyway, congratulations - what you felt today is such a huge milestone. I think the important step is knowing the importance of wearing clothes that we look and feel good in. I have several items that are going to good will this weekend because they are so large and I am tired of feeling like I am wearing clothes that are much too big for me. Kudos!

I completely agree! My weight loss hasn't been huge since surgery, but my body changing is dramatic. I tried on jeans last night and I am wearing an 18 now which is great. I started as a 24. At 5'2'' that is not a pretty sight, just let me tell you. I was thinking last night I almost look like a normal big girl again. I don't feel like a freak anymore... We need to focus on the long haul, that is for sure!

Oh my goodness you and I are in the exact same boat! I got banded on 07/01/08; unfortunately, I wasn't able to get filled until last week so I went over 3 months without a fill which really was bad. I have lost 21 lbs since being banded (I need to update my ticker). I find myself getting discouraged because I know 13 of that came off the first 2 weeks. However, when in your life have you lost more than 30 lbs in 3 months? Me? Never! I have been tracking my weight loss since I started this journey a year ago last week. My biggest weight loss month, pre-banding, was in April of this year - I lost 6 lbs. I too workout 5 days a week doing a combination of cardio and strength training. Also, I can see a difference in my body and clothes, but the weight just isn't coming off. Last week, when I got filled, my dr. required me to go back on the liquids for 6 days afterward. Boy, that helped break the plateau. I lost 3 pounds this week and I am thrilled! I had a personal goal of being under 200 by Christmas and now it seems I may be able. I am currently 212 lbs. Anyway, don't be discouraged - be proud and strong. Remember, we are in this for the marathon, not the sprint. We are doing this for the rest of our lives, not just an outfit or a party. I have to remind myself of that daily because I too find myself obsessing about the numbers. I think that is the little diet 'devil' trying to trick us into not following the plan. You are doing great! Keep up the great work and we can cross that 200 lb mark together!

That is great, Cathy! I am happy for you. I got my 1st fill, last week on Wednesday. So far, I have restriction and it is working great. I lost 2 lbs my first 5 days which made me thrilled because I was at a plateau as well. Great job!

I use these bullets too. They are really good. I like to use 1/2 of the 42 gram protein bullet fruit punch flavour mixed with fruit punch crystal light. You can't taste the protein at all yet you get all of the benefits. I use them pretty frequently as a protein supplement because I have a hard time getting my 60 - 90 grams of protein a day. p.s. my fill is AWESOME! I finally have restriction which is really nice. I lost 2 lbs since last Wednesday!

That is awesome! I was hoping you had some results. I think once I am on regular food again I will keep the carbs to a minimum too. I bought some 'protein bullets' so I had some options after my fill and I have noticed that having the extra protein helps a lot. I will be curious to see if that works with my weight this week too. Congrats on hitting 170! I am shooting to be under 200 by Christmas. 170 seems like a dream to me. Again, glad it is working for you!!!

I was just thinking about you and wondering how your low carb plan was going? I got my first fill, yesterday. I am hoping I will start dropping again because of it. It has been almost 4 months since my surgery so I had a huge gap before getting my first fill. My dr. requires a diet progression after fills. 2 days of full liquids, 2 days of mushies and then on to 'real food'. I am on the full liquids now which if nothing else may help me break this stupid plateau! Anyway, I was wondering how you were doing because I know you have been struggling a bit. I also started the "body for life" program last week. It is an older book, but one of the guys at work was telling me about it. It is a pretty good program so I am anxious to see if that helps too. Yesterday was my leg workout and I did 48 lunges on top of my normal routine and I can barely walk today. I guess that is a good sign, right? Hang in there and hope you are doing well. Give us an update!

I think you make a great point, Lisa; however, I am a person who exercises every day for an hour to an hour and half and can say I have only lost 17 lbs since surgery (majority the first 2 weeks) (surgery 07/01/08). I have been dieting and exercising for almost a year, so perhaps I was at a natural plateau, but it is frustrating when you first get banded and the weight doesn't come off in the 1-2 lbs per week like thought. With that said, I definitely agree with you that people who are finding success trend towards not posting. I find myself coming to the board when I am struggling as opposed to when I am losing. Losing weight is hard and it is a personal challenge. For any of us to try and compare ourselves or think that something that worked for one will work for me too is the way to failure. Finally, I can say the exercise is paying off in that I am stronger and my muscles are more toned and I just feel better. Now, getting up at 6:00 a.m. to do it every day is a real drag, but it pays off in the long run. When I made this committment I was in it for the marathon, not the sprint. Thanks for your posts! It is great hearing from someone who has had such phenomenal success as you. You are a huge inspiration!

Holy shmoley! That is quite the transformation. You are gorgeous! You were then too, but wow - what a big difference. Congratulations! You look phenomenal!

Kim, I don't want to sway you because I personally know how hard the struggle is with regards to weight loss. Have you looked at the Zone or the South Beach diets? I only ask because they stress low fat protein choices where Atkins allows bacon, beef, etc. It may be a better option for us to focus on leaner protein choices for the long run. You are doing great and are a huge inspiration to me. I hope you get your numbers moving again. I am sure your plateau you are in right now is natural and just your body telling you it needed a break. You have done so well and will make your goals, I am positive of that! Anyway, I just wanted to remind you about South Beach and the Zone because IMHO they are better "diets" than the Atkins to adhere to. I have lost weight on Atkins, but unfortunately always gained it back rather quickly the second I let carbs enter my life again. Oh those evil, evil, carbs <sigh>....

Great job, Kitty! I can totally see a difference. We are shaped very similar. I am only 5'3'' and my starting weight was 267 lbs. I am now 215! Like you, I am starting to see my waist again and my face has slimmed quite a bit. I wish I had your moxy and could post a picture, I am just too shy! Anyway, great job on your continued success. You are a big inspiration for me. Regards! Iamworthit

I haven't posted in a while, I have been very busy with work and homelife and only get to the forum ever couple of days. I try and keep up with everything, but find it more difficult than ever. I was banded on 07/01 and still have not had a fill do to scheduling issues (on my part). I am getting my first fill Wednesday and am scared. I am not scared of the actual fill; rather, that it won't work. The last couple of months have been tough for me. On surgery day I was 234 and I am 215 now but the majority of that was lost the first couple weeks after surgery. I am following the plan and workout regularly and can tell my body is changing, but the weight is just not dropping. Luckily, my dr. does a fill with fluoro, so I am hoping he will be able to get me good and tight (but not too tight) so I can start dropping again. I am almost looking forward to the couple days on liquids he requires after the fill as a 'jump start'. Anyway, I am scared. I know many of you have felt the same way as I so I wanted to share my feelings with you all because I get great comfort from this forum. I have been fighting this weight loss battle for almost a year now (solid) and was really hoping to be at 75 lbs by my first year. Good job to all of you who are succeeding. You are a great inspiration to me and keep me motivated. I hope to have some new weight loss news in the next month or so, but for now just keep me in your prayers to get going again. Iamworthit!!!!