Kristi

Kat, to answer you in my opinion, YES, working out is very very crucial. I don't think I would be where I am at without all the hard gym workouts I have done and am still doing. (In fact I am leaving for an appointment with my trainer right after I post.) Shelby, I have read that before that the band will do about 40% of the work, but in all the times I have seen my doc, he said that the band might, and that is a big MIGHT, have done 25% of the work, but the rest was all me. From the moment I was given the OK to get back in the gym, well, I did. Lindsay, LOL... you made me laugh too, especially when I so understand where you are coming from. You are really a wealth of information and I really hope one day I have great ripped arms like yours. I am striving for it. Hugs, Kristi

Brian, CONGRATS!!!! Making this decision to be banded, for me was very hard to do. However, it was the best thing I have done for myself. Through this process, I have gained a new and improved self confidence, I learned that I really like myself and more than ever, I am me again! I haven't felt like me in years. I love me now. My advice, Keep a positive attitude. Definitely keep us posted. Kristi

Good Morning Friday Peeps, So, as I have been gone since the 14th, and not able to weigh-in till yesterday, I waited today to do it since you all are here. Scale was surprisingly way better than as I expected after being on vacation. I ate lots of macadamia nuts and loved it. I even have a dreaded bikini (well, with boardshorts) pic I had my husband take in the condo in Hawaii, that I will post a bit later. EEKKKKK....... LOL So here goes: Scale = 133 the same as before. I will take it. We did alot of hiking and walking, so I think it helped. Hugs, Kristi

Suzpars, That is GREAT! I love it. It really is amazing when your kids see the hard work you have accomplished and you can stump them. My daughter is close in age as yours, she is 14, and she told me one day that I am no longer like the other mom's of her friends. She says I look more like her older sister than her mom. It felt wondrous to have her say that. When did you have your surgery? Keep up the good work. Hugs, Kristi

Angie, I second what Carrie said. Congrats on this NSV, it really is wonderful. I understand how hard it is to be sore on your feet. Hugs, Kristi

Hello All, I just got on from being offline the last coupe of days. I have a 10cc band that I get at Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego and currently have lost 105 pounds in just over 10 months. My fills are to a max of 4.5cc's and for the first time the so called "sweet spot" is here. I don't follow any diets, except that I stick to eating proteins, veggies and the occasional carb if it is at the table (rare). I will allow myself treats now and then, but I am good about what I have and make sure it is not too bad. I work-out 4-6 days a week and have a trainer twice a month. When I say I work-out 4-6 days a week, I am at the gym anywhere from 1 1/2 - 2 hours each day and I am going hard the entire time. BTW Carrie, I am jealous that you have found frozen yogurt with that nutritional value. I love frozen yogurt and that is one of the treats I will allow myself. I also allow myself a caramel frappaccino light from Starbucks and I eat with a spoon. I truly believe that if you work with your band, your band will work. Have a great night all, Hugs, Kristi

BrownEyedGirl, Woo Hoo... So glad to hear the first meal was good. I still have yet to try Tomato Pie, Maybe I need to come out to your place and try it one day. Especially since everyone raves about it. Ya'All know who ya are. Hugs, Kristi

Good Afternoon Ladies, Thank you all for your wonderful words. She and I have been talking alot about it all. I am thrilled to be able to be here for her and help her with it and through it all. Hugs to all, Kristi

Mindy, Congrats on your weight-loss. It is smart to get everything checked out with your band. Especially if you feel something may be wrong. Take care and thank you for sharing. Hugs, Kristi

BrownEyedGirl, Of course I don't mind. I can see my scars, but like I said I used and love my Vitamin E oil. Maderma didn't do anything for me when I tried it in 2004 so I have stuck to the E oil. Hugs, Kristi

Hi Carrie, I too am glad you are doing well and its great to see you online so soon after surgery. Hugs to you, Kristi

Good morning, So, the scale was apparently very nice to me this morning. 133.3 I think I want to update my goal to 125. Never thought I would ever think that, but I think I might be heading that way. With my workouts, I have been doing strength training and balance training, and my trainer has me working hard, so who knows, it might just happen. I will be going on Vacation to Hawaii on Sunday, so next week I won't be posting my weight. I will post it on Thursday the 25th, after I am home to see where I am. Hopefully I will be able to get online and if I can, I will check in. Hugs, Kristi Happy Losing to All!

I am so bummed, I would love to go to this and meet you all. Especially since Costa Mesa/Orange County is so close to me. I will be going up north to one of my best friends birthday. Her birthday is May 23rd and we are celebrating it on the 22nd and I am gonna be gone from the 20th-24. Maybe next time. However, I met BrownEyedGirl yesterday for lunch and had a great time. Hugs, Kristi

Good Morning, I just wanted to share my joy. My mom is getting banded. Yippee... She has been struggling with weight for years and wanted to get banded about 3 years ago and then someone talked her into Gastric Bypass and her Rheumatoid Arthritis doctor denied it and after the last 6+ months, she got her full approval through her insurance and her date is April 8th. I am so very excited. I am really praying that with weight-loss her RA won't be as extreme on her. I hate to see her that way because she is really such a vibrant person. I know it will not take away the pain, but I so would love it if it wasn't as bad as it is now. Well, I just wanted to share that. Hugs, Kristi

Thank you Angie, I have been sending prayers for a fast recovery for her and looking forward to hearing all about it. I saw in another post that her Hubby is taking good care of her. That is awesome. Debbie, I just put on another post to let us know when you have scheduled your surgery and it is here. Yeah for setting a date. Hugs, Kristi

Debbie, How exciting. I am happy for you. Let us know when the date is set. Hugs, Kristi

Good Morning Believe09, So, what I have used in all the surgeries I have had is Vitamin E oil. I have so many scars and they all seem to be very minimal compared to what they could be. I have a scar on my neck from my Thyroidectomy in Nov 06 and most people don't even see it or notice because it is so faint. Even 6 months after it, they didn't notice and I have to have all my stitches be the removable kind since I am allergic to dis-solvable stitches. I fully believe in Vitamin E oil. Hugs, Kristi

Carrie, Hey Sweetie, Today is supposed to be your Surgery T/T day. Did you have it? How are you feeling? Look forward to hearing from you. Hugs, Kristi

Hi Lea, Congrats on starting a running group and you 1st 5k this month. That is wonderful. It is so true that the band is only a tool. I really believe that cutting out all the junk-foods and exercise is key as well as eating at least 3 meals a day. You are doing great. I agree that that band is so tricky/finicky. Also after every fill you have to re-learn how to eat again. Keep up the good work! Hugs, Kristi

Hi Erica, Well, I have had 5 fills so far with a total of 4.5mls. Most of my fills have given me a tad bit of restriction in the beginning but after the 1st week it opens right up. This one, well I might have hit my sweet spot. Lets hope I don't jynx it. So anyways, I agree with others, that it takes several fills to get to the place of good restriction. It will happen. Hugs, Kristi

Good Morning Everyone, Happy Wednesday! Today's Scale: 135.8 How is everyone doing today? Hugs, Kristi

Debbie, What a sight to see when I finally got a chance to log on. You are so beautiful. And I certainly agree with B2010 that the life & confidence in your eyes is amazing! Congrats to all your hard work and you will be at goal in no time. Hugs, Kristi

Cindy, Congrats on your decision. That is so wonderful. Happy trying, Hugs, Kristi

Hey Debbie, How awesome for you and your daughter to be closer. I have a 14 years old and she and I now share meals when we go out to eat, because I order so specific. She is a tiny little thing and says she wants to be healthy like me. Hugs, Kristi