robbynnoel

((((((((((((((((Kristi)))))))))))))))))) I'm so pleased to hear your mom is going to get banded. I can see the both of you enjoying your lives...shopping for clothes, taking mini vacations. I'm so proud of your success. You look amazing. Love to both of you. xo

(((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))))))))) Hang in there! I can relate. Let's just say I am a serial dieter. Okie dokie. Fasten your safety belts for bruital honesty. A little history on me first. 133 - 9/88 | Lowest weight since high school - size 7 165 - 4/91 | (After first baby) First Call to Jenny Craig (Husband wouldn't let me keep apt...BASTARD...lol) *I am divorced from him. 169 - 5/91 | First weigh in at Weight Watchers (I lost 7 lbs the first week but then dropped off the program after a week or two) 192 - 6/92 | Weight after my second child 217 - 6/93 | First weigh in a Jenny Craig 167 - 10/93 | Lowest weight on Jenny Craig (and lowest recorded weight since having children) *I then dropped Jenny Craig...I just lost my motivation...thought I could do it on my own...blah blah blah) 214 - Early 1995 | Joined weight watchers (1st restart I think) 175 - Summer 1995 | Dropped weight watchers...(blah blah blah, can do it on my own...you get the drill) 195 - Feb 1996 | Baby #3 on the way 215 - 11/96 | Weight after baby 240 - 1997 | Fen Fen Start (is that spelled correctly?) 219 - 1997 | Fen Fen Stop (taken off market) 230's - 2000 | Divorced, sometimes less, sometimes more...multiple ww starts, JC starts, medical ww starts, weight loss drug starts but always within 10 or 15 lbs of my 230's. 230's - 2001 | Went to work for JC 217 - 3/02 | Left JC Employment 225 - 4/02 | Joined ww (again) 200.2 - 8/02 | WW member but also had some JC one on one consults and ate some JC food 220's - 03 | WW member off and on, some JC appointments 220's - 2004 - 2006 | WW member off and on 280's - 01/09 | Most wonderful man in the world proposed. 294 - 3/07 | Highest weight ever! Joined WW and followed the program the way it was designed...(finally) 246 - 07/07 | Married my soul mate 212 - 02/08 | Lowest weight after WW restart 257 - 01/09 | Huh? Yea, I dropped WW, lost my motivation blah blah blah - First apt with a band doctor 237 - 03/09 | Almost died on operating table during surgery (yikes...) 248 - 5/09 | Changed doctors! Went to OCC. 224 - 6/09 | Lowest weight at home after surgery. 225 - 230 | Summer/Winter 09 (Two fills and WW restart) 234 - 3/10 | Weight on employers scale (yep...went back to work for JC) 222 - 3/10 | Lowest weight on home scale since surgery (huhah) Okie dokie. Bruital honesty. Between the band, WW, and JC I'm down 72 lbs from my heaviest! Halfway to goal. Wheeeeeeeeeee. I think given my history, it's easy to see that my body seems to be comfortable in the 220's. That has been the number on the scale within a few lbs since I had my 3rd child. When I'm "on" a program, I'm in the low 200's, when I'm not "on" the program, I'm pushing the 250's. With this in mind, I really have to give the band credit. I honestly think my body was getting ready to accept the 250's as the norm but because of the band I was able to erase a few years and bring my stable weight back into the 220's. Is it as much progress as I wanted when getting banded, but I know myself and if I can gain 11 lbs in 2 months between band operations (the first op, I didn't get the band - long story) imagine where I'd be today. 9 months x 5 lbs a month...that is 45 lbs up from 248. Taking me right back where I started at my heaviest. Thank god for the band! So I guess I'm saying it's a learning process for all of us. We're going to take tools and strategies from everywhere to make this life change happen. I know we can do it! I know it I know it I know it. Sometimes we'll use WW, Lean Cuisine, JC...OA...and other strategies to enhance the success we'll get from the band which is honestly a tool to help keep us motivated and to help lapses not become relapses. I believe in you!

((((((((((((((((Brown Eyed Girl))))))))))))))))) Congrats to you for waiting 3 weeks to taste solid food! I'm so proud of you for reflecting back and hearing Dr. Ortiz's words. He did encourage us to test the band to see how little we could eat. I'm glad you reminded me of that. I had my surgery 9 months ago and I had forgotten he had said that (until just now when you reminded me.) It's never too late, so I'll start today. xo Hugs to you. I can tell you are going to do fabulous with your band and you will have much success. If I remember correctly, I didn't experience a pb until after my first fill. I can't wait to hear how things go for you!

(((((((((((((((((((Carrie))))))))))))))))))))))) Big Hugs to You I am so thankful for your thoughtfulness. I keep reflecting back on your "living my life post". I'm so happy I read it pre op. It's really helped me reflect on my successes since getting the band. I'm so pleased and proud to be a fellow bandito. I truly know it has kept me in check, even when mentally I felt as if I could have eaten a whole pizza. lol I miss you! Thank you for always being kind and a cheerleader. It has really been such a help to me. xo

(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))))))) The forum has changed. Wow. It's cool, but the longer I'm away the harder it is to figure out what is going on. I guess I shouldn't take so many long breaks. lol The good news is that FINALLY I am practicing some good band habits (far far far more than I ever did before), coupled with heathier eating so I am starting to see some progress and yes, a loss. Wheeeee. And of course the loss has me wanting to follow more good band habits and continue to eat healthier so it's a win win. Now I just need to spend enough on the website to get comfortable again. I guess the biggest change for me is that I went back to a job I had years ago. I am so happy to be back. I'll just keep the explanation simple and say I work for Nestle. I know that sounds like the opposite of where I'd want to work, but I work for a division with a Food * Body * Mind focus so it keeps me in tow. Exactly what I needed to get my act together. Enough of that. I am seeing a number on my scale lower than what I was after the surgery which is really a victory for me because I've lost just a modest amount since my surgery. The reason why is because of a personal choice. I've only had two fills. Now that I'm getting my act together, (and not eating as much garbage) I can see myself getting a third fill eventually. I've been asking myself "why" I wasn't ready when I had my surgery, and I've accepted my answer and I'm glad I had the surgery because if I hadn't OMG...me not being "ready" would have had me easily at 325 lbs...rather than simply maintaining a 25 lb post surgery loss for 9 months. At first I wanted to kick myself in the butt for not having the motivation to do more than the 25 lb loss post surgery, but when I look back on it, with everything I went though (including a move from San Francisco to Dallas), job changes, living in a hotel for 7 months, moving into a new home, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, New Years, Football Season, Bunko, being the President of the PTA at my daughter's school, being a mom to a 19, 18 and 13 year old (I could go on and on and on...trust me)...lol. I thought, hey last year when I first thought of this, I weighed 258, and today I weigh 222. That is a victory. Again trust me, I know unconditionally if I wouldn't have had this life changing surgery...I'd be 325 right now (my highest weight is 294). I was fast on my way back. I have not a doubt in the world. Thank god for the band. And now that I have the nutritional support, activity support and mental (tactics) support from the OCC, this forum and my employer I know I can do this. 72 lbs down...72 lbs to go (at least) but that's a good start.

((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Steve))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Congrats on your decision to become a bandito!

(((((((((((((((((((((((Suzpars)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Happy Band Anniversary! I'm so proud of you and of your success.

((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Sabrina)))))))))))))))))))))))))) I'm so proud of you. Your success has been amazing. You look just beautiful. I had my surgery in May but I should be tighter...I'm not mentally ready to tighten things up to where they should be...yet. I wish I could offer more, but I did want to let you know that I'm just so proud of you, and your success has been a motivator for me. xo

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))))) Here is my food plan for today. I find if I precommit my food, I have better luck sticking to the plan. The "why" is a long story, but to keep it short, I do still need to test recipes and cook, even if I can't consume what I've created in my kitchen. Today I'm testing a banana pudding and pork chop recipe so I've logged it as if I'm able to eat every single bite...that won't happen, no way no how, but I can adjust based on what I consume later. Thursday, February 11, 2010 Morning 1 serving(s) Coffee-MateFrench Vanilla Coffee Creamer 1 Tbsp 1 1 serving(s) ISOPURE 40g Protein Zero Carb 3 Subtotal 4 Midday 1 serving(s) ISOPURE 40g Protein Zero Carb 3 Subtotal 3 Evening 1 item(s) Vikki's boneless pork chop recipe 10 1 cup(s) banana pudding 7 Subtotal 17 Food POINTS values total used 24

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I love the idea of posting food logs and I am still a ww member with access to the online tools. I'll be posting daily.

((((((((((((((((((((Hugs to you)))))))))))))))))))))) Bruital honesty. Here goes. I had a doctor who told me the following: Not nuts, popcorn, drinking straws, caffine, diet soda and no liquor (I've done all of those things since my surgery which was in May.) I cannot seem to chew steak (which was my favorite thing in the world), bacon, chicken (depending on texture), and scrambled eggs (on occasion - more often than not). I won't touch french bread, pita bread, bagles, white bread, wheat bread (even toasted) with a 10 foot pole. I can't seem to eat bananas, apples, oranges. I can eat lettuce normally without issue. So here's my problem, prior to getting the lapband, I had lost almost 100 lbs on my own. My official loss today is 70 lbs because prior to getting banded I started to gain my weight back. Everything I taught myself to be successful when I lost weight on my own is moot. Nothing I used to do works any longer. I am still in the process of reteaching myself about my body and finding a food plan that works for my body today. To make matters worse, when I'm not motivated, the stuff I can eat is ridiculious. I can eat junk food like it's going out of style. There must be something about the texture that makes it easy to chew and swallow. Thus, why it's called junk food. So there is my honesty. Hugs to you. I hope this helps. I'd do the surgery again a million times over though. I promise you that. Following the program 5 percent of the time has still resulted in a 30 lb loss for me.

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))) Wow, the website has really changed. I normally post a long list of why I haven't posted in a bit, I make a dozen excuses and then I just fall off the face of the earth again so my new years resolution is no more excuses and no more promises on the board unless I am willing to make a committment to what I've posted. I had my surgery in May and I've had 2 fills. I haven't been aggressive about following the program, but to be honest, I've had some success anyway which is a miracle. Without the surgery I'd be well over my highest weight. I'm not going to post that I'm finally ready and that I have my motivation. In my mind I think I'm there, but I've made that promise to y'all so many times, even I'm tired of hearing it. So this new year I'm just going to try to commit to myself to follow the rules to the best of my ability and see where motivation takes me. Love to all. Have a beautiful new year.

((((((((((((((((((((((Girl Barb)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs to you. I can relate. I too have the tendoncy to stop following program if I'm getting unwanted attention. I can't make sense of it. I'm glad you posted this. It has helped me understand I'm not the only one who feels this way. xo

((((((((((((((((((((((Cathy)))))))))))))))))))))))) I'm so sorry you're still ill. Many of us had our surgery at the Obesity Control Center, so when we use the term OCC it is the same as us telling you to call your doctor.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Yesterday was Thanksgiving part deux. On Thanksgiving I did amazing. I felt great all night long and although I never felt satisfied, I didn't feel sick either, which is great and I didn't get up for seconds, which is even better. But as I mentioned, yesterday was Thanksgiving part deax. Same song different verse, different menu. This menu had brisket and green bean caserole. Yep...I couldn't stay away from the green bean caserole. I couldn't chew the brisket, other wise that would have been a problem as well. I was so into the green bean casserole that even after my friend had packed up the food and put it away, I went back into her fridge, opened the contained and had more. Then when I got back to the hotel, I pulled it out again and again and again. (Which sounds like a lot but it was only about 2 cups total.) So I dreamt about the green bean caserole all night long. (It was that good...green beans were prepared with garlic. Water chestnuts were used in the recipe as well.) I got up, fixed myself about a half a cup. Thought I'd relax in bed and enjoy. Ah...nope. Within two small bites I was in the bathroom pbing. Three times total. My husband had this concerned look on his face and I just told him the band was doing what it was supposed to do. I haven't pb'd in quite awhile. Each day I'm learning more about my band and what I can do and what I can't. I used to crave and miss bread and steak but I'm kind of over it now. I've learned quite a bit and to be honest, I really am learning how to be satisfied with the choices I'm given. I just started to log every bite, lick and taste so I know my motivation has kicked in and I'm on the road to success. Also, the last weigh I had it showed just 2 lbs up from my lowest weight since prior to my mother's death which lead to the weight gain which lead to the band. Up until now, I honestly felt I was moving in reverse. For my next trick, I'd like to get down to my lowest weight in 6 years, which is 205. I don't care when right now...just sometime in the not so merky future. Love to all.

((((((((((((((((((((((Sabrina))))))))))))))))))))))) Thank you for posting this. I really needed to see it. Congrats on your success with the band and thank you for sharing about your unfill experience. You look awesome! xo

((((((((((((((((((((GirlBarb))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs to you. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your challenges and for everyone else too for posting replies. I really needed to see this because I can absolutely relate. Have you started the pouch test or are you starting today? Good luck to you! xo

(((((((((((((((((((Carrie and Angie)))))))))))))))))) Thank you both so much for your posts. I'm dangerous when I'm quiet...but because of this board I'm quickly learning it's always better to share, good or bad. You both look amazing! I'm so proud of you. xo

(((((((((((((((((Laura)))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs to you. I knew if I took the time to read the boards I'd understand that when I get deep in my head is when I need the boards the most. I usually do the opposite though. The posts you received were really good for me to see. I've been struggling struggling struggling with motivation and I convinced myself I was the only person in the world with limited results. I know why I had limited results mind you...I just wasn't motivated but after long long long self reflection I was able to see the light. I know that if I wouldn't have been banded, not only would I weight more than I do today, I'd weight more today than I did at my highest weight. I am so thankful for the band. To be honest, I'd start to binge and then pb. My husband would be concerned and I'd look at my husband and I'd say "The band is doing it's job." I'm just starting to listen to the band instead of listening to my head. It took me about 6 months to stop thinking I knew better, but I'm finally ready to play by the rules. Now I just need to stay on the board so I don't get into my head too deeply if I have a set back. xo

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Kristi))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Happy Thanksgiving to you. You look fab! Your success has me very inspired. I had a wonderful day today. I put about a tablespoon of everything on my plate and ate slow slow slow. I never felt full but I did feel completely satisfied and although I thought about going back for more of the soft stuff, no one else at the table did (the food was kept in the kitchen not on the dining room table) so I didn't and soon I forgot that I would have enjoyed seconds. Hugs all! xo

(((((((((((((((((((((((Cathy)))))))))))))))))))))))) Hugs to you. I hope you are feeling a little better. I was miserable a few days after surgery to the point where I asked myself "What the f did I do to myself?" Hopefully you'll feel more like yourself soon. It took awhile for me because I was stubborn and didn't call the OCC. The moment I did, I felt better over night because I followed their direction. xo

((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Theresa))))))))))))))))))) Congrats on your big decision. If you're looking for confirmation that you're doing the right thing, you've come to the right place. I believe that most people gain 7 to 10 lbs over the holiday season so keep that in mind. In theory even if you're weight remains the same, you've really ahead of the game. To be honest, I found the pre op very difficult to follow. Not because it was hard, but because my head wasn't in the right place. Do the best you can, and give yourself credit, no matter how small of an amount you wind up losing. I believe in you! xo

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Just a quick update. I had my surgery in late May and then had a whirlwind of life changes. My weight certainly went down but not by nearly as much as I thought it would have. I was a bad bad girl. Seriously. I after my move to Texas I often ate potato chips (I had never eaten them or purchased them when I had dieted before). I found that once I had two fills I had to eat something super crunchy...like potato chips to have the pleasure I used to have of eating. And yet...I still did lose weight. Which is crazy to me. Finally, a few weeks ago the sun, moon and stars aligned and I had enough stability to get my motivation back. There are many foods I can't eat but I am not angry as often if I order something and then a couple of bites later I am full. In fact, I'm even learning how to order and eat much much slower so when I do order out, I feel some form of satisfaction before I feel "full" and better yet "sick". I wanted to wish everyone a very happy holiday and now that I've gotten my act together, I'll post more. I promise. Love to all. xo

(((((((((((((Michelle))))))))))))))) You look amazing. I'm so proud of you. I'm sorry to hear you've had bouts of pb'ing...that certainly isn't fun. I'm also sorry to hear you are going though a divorce. I wish the best of everything life has to offer for you. xo