hey all you slow LOSERS!

[mini_me]

I felt the need to share this...my weight loss journey has gone something like this...

February 2006---218------CONSULTATION
March 13, 2006--207-----SURGERY DAY!!! YEAHHHHHH!!
April 2006--------198
May 2006--------193
November 2006---190
December 2006---187
January 2007-----190
March 2006-------189
July 2006---------190
MARCH 2008------165

Thats right ladies and gentlemen...it took me two years to lose some serious weight!! Look at how I stayed right around 190 for over a year!

DONT LOSE HOPE TURTLES...IT HAS TO HAPPEN EVENTUALLY!! KEEP TRYIN'!

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/brish99/b4front.jpghttp://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/brish99/100_4342.jpg

[Tricia K.]

Woo hoo! Girlfriend, you are smokin' HOT!

[SpookyJulz]

Very cool!!! So happy you posted your weights and pics. I've been one of the slow folks and it gives me hope...LOL

[CaribnQn]

mini me you have done well. My mom has always said that "the race isn't for the swift, it's for those who endureth to the end." When I was younger, I use to get so mad because she had a saying for everything, but she was so right. Congratulations.

[mizfish]

Thank you mini me, you look great! I have been so bummed because I have so hit a plateau and it is so frustrating! Thanks for being a ray of hope!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Ohhh mini_me you look wonderful!! Congrats on your loss... you'll make your goal soon I'm sure of it.. Thanks for posting your pictures.

[Sue's Eye]

You look great!! And your post could not have come at a better time for me - I have been feeling quite discouraged lately, and this has certainly given me an attitude adjustment. Thank you!

[Dustbunny]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
You just confirmed for me that I will get there eventually. Now if I have a looong journey ahead of me, what can I do to keep the kids happy until we're there yet?
(The kids are really just my yearning for a quick journey and desire for quick gratification and fun.)
Ok, I get that it's going to take some time, what can I do to make the trip fun? DB

B.T.W. You look great! Congratulations. And Thank you.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Your message is touching, your picture is beautiful, and your SLOW but steady progress is inspiring. You're a MUCH better woman than I am, for sure for staying the course. I'll try to remember your story the next time I hit a plateau. If I don't see a loss of 2 # a week, I tend to FREAK. However, I must say that my band definitely helps to keep my freakouts under control, as do inspiring stories on B2G like yours. Bless you for posting, and keep up the wonderful progress !!!

Judy

[kristina]

you are so beautiful...good job!!!

[mini_me]

thank you for all of the compliments...love you tricia!! you are a gr8 friend!

i posted this especially for all you discouraged folks...because i was in your shoes as late as july of last year. i was sooooo stuck at 190, and after spending over a year at that weight, i did not even feel like i was appreciating my less large size...i could not even give myself credit for the weight i had been able to manage to lose. my friend talked me into getting a fill at the peak of my discouragement, and to be honest, there really was not much of a difference in terms of restriction, but WOW, the weight really started melting off. (at least compared to the loss that i had grown accustomed to)

i was responsible for much of the slow loss. i don't exercise right....that is my fault, and realistically, i should not expect miracles when i am not doing my part. second, i was not always eating right, nor was i drinking my water.

i would find short term motivation to exercise and eat right, but i think that it really just aggravated my body. i did not allow myself to be terribly disappointed about the slow loss because it was, after all, partly my own fault.

i decided one day that i MUST drink my water. if i do nothing else 'by the book', i have to drink my water. besides, the fat could have broken down already, but the waste is just hanging around in my body because i was refusing to drink enough fluids to efficiently flush them out. when i started drinking more water, the loss really intensified.

to make it through...mostly i kept telling myself that if i kept eating this small amount, my body would eventually be FORCED to respond, and finally, it has. with each pound that disappears, i get more and more excited.

the more i lose, the more desire i have to achieve my goal. i am doing LOTS of things correctly now.

[kristina]

mini...lovin your honesty girl. thanks for sharing.

[munch2much]

Thanks so much for sharing Mini. You give me hope.

[503-250]

Hey Mini, I have been sooo discouraged lately, but posts like this one (and P'Nuts and Jameza40 never giving up on me) make me wake up everyday and keep trying...and I think as long as we continue to do this we can get through it.

[Patrick]

Thanks Mini; Good thoughts. I think that the hardest obstacle that we have to overcome in complete honesty with ourselves. Once there, this system really works.

[mini_me]

So, I have been out for a while...living my wonderful life.

HOW ARE ALL THE SLOW LOSERS DOING??

[maggieD]

I am a slow loser... i was really discouraged to begin with but i have to stay focused on the positive and so far ... the scale hasn't gone backwards. Everyday I try to get the rules correct and follow them... some days are better than others but the positive is I am focused on trying everyday.

[jet9999]

I am so glad this older thread came up... I'm have been stuck + - 5 lbs at -25 since March 23rd surgery. I am scheduled for my second fill later in June and I know it's time because there is absolutely no restriction. I was feeling so discouraged over the last couple of weeks that I really saw my old eating habits start working their way back int. It's all in my head (even though I think it's in my stomach) and this is for me the hardest part of this journey.

[firefighter30603]

I know I am a slow loser before the band so I hope I don't let plataeus bother me too much when I get my band

[newlifeat57]

I'm joining this group of slow I've had a lot of issues surrounding my slow losing abilities, but it's still slow no matter what the reason. I will come back and check in often.

Mini Me, your story encourages me to not let the slow process discourage me. My Nut keeps reminding me that It may take me 3-5 years to get to goal and to not be discouraged by that time frame. So hearing from you only encourages me more to keep on truckin through the rough times.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I'm a slow loser as well. I went to my Dr the beginning of June, and he's happy with my weight loss in this year since being banded. He told me I am on a "3 yr plan".. 30 lbs first year, 30 lbs the second year, 30 lbs the last year. He said not to get discouraged, that it will come off. Just hearing that from him, put my mind at ease, and to really realize that this is NOT a race.. it's a lifestyle. Thank God for understanding smart Dr's. :)

[MoOrLess]

I wasn't a slow loser the first 6 months...but I definitely am now. Between disabilities that sometimes keep me from consistentlly exercising, and food choices that could be better I'm sitting still when it comes to the scale. I know this too shall pass - but it IS frustrating. Thanks for doing this thread -- it's a good reminder that there are many of us that don't just zoom to goal and stay there.

[503-250]

im still losing slowly, but losing is losing and that poor rabbit never saw the turtle that kicked his butt.

[Dustbunny]

Wow Bear! Look how far you've come. I have been orbiting a six pound area around 200 pounds since 6 months after I was banded. I keep planning to kick up the exercise but haven't made it there yet.
Is it easier to do exercise now that you have vanquished 186 pounds?
i just wish i would get up and do it.

Good luck everyone. DB

[503-250]

yep..I recently broke my wrist, but before that I was working out almost daily.

Now, I am trying to get back up on the horse. I bought the Nintendo Wii fit and I will be going back to the gym and getting back into my routine.

I was just posting in another thread that I walked the entire outlet mall with my wife with zero effort, something I could not have completed in the past...it's maybe 1 mile.

[PattiDi07]

Bear, did I just hear another NSV???? Way to go!

[503-250]

NSV's and SV's for me lately...walking tall and without pain and losing weight as well.

Slow is better...no matter how painfully creepingly crawlingly ass draggingly slow it's been....at least its moving down.

[MoOrLess]

nsv's and sv's for me lately...walking tall and without pain and losing weight as well.

Slow is better...no matter how painfully creepingly crawlingly ass draggingly slow it's been....at least its moving down.

a m e n!!!

[wingsfly825]

I agree totally...a loss is a loss ...

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Keep reminding us about this Bear.. slow is better (I mean losing weight) :)

[503-250]

3.5 yrs times 52 weeks = 182 weeks since surgery
182 weeks divided by 191lbs lost = .95lbs per week

S L O W

[Patrick]

Hey Bear, that sounds like the perfect losing speed. Even most docs will let you know that crashing looks great but won't last. Turtle speed ='s endurance ='s success.

[MoOrLess]

3.5 yrs times 52 weeks = 182 weeks since surgery
182 weeks divided by 191lbs lost = .95lbs per week

S L O W

huh...never thought of it in those terms Bear...that's pretty dang awesome, if I do say so myself! If a doctor told you he would guarantee you 1 lb EVERY week you wouldn't have believed him - so slow? maybe - priceless? you bet!!!

I'm at almost 2 years out.....so a week shy of 22 months = 52 & 43 weeks = 95 weeks....divided by 40 lbs lost = .42 lbs per week (is that right?) well...that was certainly insightful - you have me beat at this point! -- am I wrong? don't you divide the total lbs by the 182 weeks and get 1.049? just over a lb a week, right? since 191 lbs is more than 182 weeks....help me out here Bear!

[Texasgal]

Ahhhh, how nice! Love the pics. Grats on just staying the course and letting the band do its job while you did yours. I can't wait! You look super!

Edit: Throws hands up - don't ask me hehe I am terrible at math! But I would take a pound a week!! At least it is moving! Good job!

[Patrick]

That is my current goal, 1 lb per week. It has been working for me for awhile and I don't feel deprived of anything.

[BrendaC]

Did great the first six months, stayed the same a couple of months, gained 15 pounds and currently trying to get that off. Had a small fill of 1/2 cc and 1 week later had to have it removed as I hurt with every bite and swallow of liquids-lost 4 pounds that week!!! Not a good way to do it, I might add.
So to answer your question YES I am a slow loser and YES I am discouraged and Yes I would have the surgery all over again. I am discouraged but determined no matter how long it takes.
Thanks for starting this thread, sometimes you feel you are the only one.

[MoOrLess]

Did great the first six months, stayed the same a couple of months, gained 15 pounds and currently trying to get that off. Had a small fill of 1/2 cc and 1 week later had to have it removed as I hurt with every bite and swallow of liquids-lost 4 pounds that week!!! Not a good way to do it, I might add.
So to answer your question YES I am a slow loser and YES I am discouraged and Yes I would have the surgery all over again. I am discouraged but determined no matter how long it takes.
Thanks for starting this thread, sometimes you feel you are the only one.

We definitely sound a LOT alike Brenda....hang in there - we'll get there...I've had the same issues with fills...it takes a lot of discipline, water, and exercise...but we can do it! I would do it all over again too..oh wait, I AM lol

[LibbyJane]

Wow that is awesome! You hung in there when most people would've just given up.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

<---- pointing at me typing here.. I'm slower than a turtle.. I'm a turtle in reverse ;)

[maggie22]

You all have done really well !!! they say the slower it comes of the longer it stays of . I can t wait to get started ,

Well done to you all

Love maggie

[503-250]

Thx for pointing out my math error Mo, it is 191lbs divided by 182 weeks.

So, 1.049lbs per week

[MoOrLess]

Thx for pointing out my math error Mo, it is 191lbs divided by 182 weeks.

So, 1.049lbs per week

:wink2: my pleasure...that means a little better weekly average! all good!!!

[firefighter30603]

From what I hear losing the weight slower helps prevent a lot of the excess skin.... can anyone confirm this?? Its not that I would rather have the weight than the skin but I know that for myself plastic surgery is nowhere in the near future (student loans and trying to make ends meet is). So just a question if anyone knows the answer.
Thanks!

[MoOrLess]

From what I hear losing the weight slower helps prevent a lot of the excess skin.... can anyone confirm this?? Its not that I would rather have the weight than the skin but I know that for myself plastic surgery is nowhere in the near future (student loans and trying to make ends meet is). So just a question if anyone knows the answer.
Thanks!

Good question Crystal...for myself I won't know until I'm nearer goal...I work out pretty consistently and my legs show it - so toning is important I know...plus it helps the "head" when the scale isn't moving - but the clothes are getting looser :)

[deanna1225]

:cool:I am so glad to find this link and hope to keep up to date with all of you. I think I have a new one for you. It seems noone else in my doc's office admitted to him that they have an eating disorder! now really! who doesn't when you donsider all of the diets we have been on and how hard we have all tried. so he sent me to an eating disorders clinc.the folks there are very nice ,pleasant and helpful. no recriminations or blame. I do enough of that to myself. now the doc has talked to more patients and is sending more of us to that clinic. so on my last visit he says to me that five pounds every other month is fine with him. and he is seeing it my way that at least the restriction from my band does stop me from eating the way I used to:thumb:

[mini_me]

WOW! I am just tickled to death to see so much activity on this thread! I started the thread because I remembered as I was going through my slow loss, it always made me feel better to read of a slow loser FINALLY hitting some milestones. I wanted to lift up the slow losers who needed lifting and show that you are not alone!

Congrats to all of you on each and every pound that you have shed!

((not hijacking my own thread, but please consider registering for the Bone Marrow Registry today... www.marrow.org ... today is the last day you can sign up for free. They will mail you a kit that you complete in your own home. It consists of four cheek swabs that you mail in to the Repositor))

[Patrick]

In this race, slow and steady is definitly the way to be a winner. Crashing will always cause your body to want to rebound, it is just natural survival mechanisms that you activate with extreme actions. I wish I was ahead of where I am, but, given the options, I am very glad to be here.

[mini_me]

Its been soooo long since I have checked in on all you LOVELY folks!

Just wanted to update that it has taken yet 3 more years, but I have reached 145. I even dipped to 144 one weigh-day. I still hope to make it to 135 someday, but I feel like I look great...even with my ever present thunderthighs! HEY! They are just part of me!

I go for my first endo tuesday...wish me luck! My band is 5 years old now... :/

[MoOrLess]

hey there girl! Congrats on getting so close to goal. Pictures please :)

and don't be a stranger!

[mini_me]

I will work on being around more. I had gone back to school, and I finally finished! yeah! Sadly, our family was hit by a horrible string of tragedies. Kinda jumbles up your social priorities when everyone is sad. Hopefully folks will stop dying and we can get back to normal around here!

I still don't have many pics. As always, I am always the one snapping the pics. I don't shy away from the lense anymore, but noone seems to hold cameras in front of me!

[MoOrLess]

I'm sorry to hear things have been rough, sounds like a few deaths too many in the family. Hugs. And congrats on finishing school. I finished last August myself, now to find a job lol