Neecee invited me...

Just when I took root over in the lapband community, I find myself investing in real estate.  (What is she talking about....)  My name is Debra, and I recently lost my band, one week on Monday.  And although I feel I still live there, I need to set myself up for success, and so I am counting on you to help me re discover who I am.  Do I sound needy, you bet I am, because I am scared I maybe can't do this.  I hope I can find my place here, I will lurk and absorb all you have to offer.  I do have an appt with a nut that is a neighbor for next Tuesday.  So here I go, learning to count calories, fats, etc... whew! 

Dangit! We told Neecee no more outsiders!  She's always taking in strangers and lost animals. I swear! She's gonna get punished for this...  HEheh!  Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have and help you!  I won't take this time to go into what you should and shouldn't do because I hate when people do that to me. I'm sure you're already well aware of what needs to be done and the nut will only help you further.  Feel free to join the conversations, post questions or whatever your heart desires and we'll all be sure to help you through this!  I believe there was another person who posted here recently that lost their band as well. I can't remember their name but perhaps they'll reply to this post. Surely they will be a big asset for you! Welcome and g'luck!

Oh we are gonna get along just fine I see, Thanks Chris!

Kin I keep 'er, Paw???

*grinning*  Thanks Honey.  Before I had WLS, I went to a couple OA meetings, which were a little strange... but the most valuable thing I learn was the successful "losers" had a plan of eating, a map/menu for the day, while I don't think this is a new concept, I find my biggest discipline problem is the actual journaling...  Have you tried that?  What works for you?

Chris, I skimmed over your profile   And saw you attended TOP'S...  they do have a chapter that meets in my town, has going been valuable to you?  My insurance will grant me 3 visits to a registered nut in one year, quiet generous...don't cha think?...  I will be cash after that, but I need the accountability to do this right, did you have that with TOPS?

I've been in tops for less than 1 month now but already it has been motivational.  I've barely scratched the surface of what tops can do and I really only know the basics.  However I must say that once I learn everything it's going to be great tool.  As far as accountability goes there are several ways it helps with that.  I missed one meeting last week because of vacation. They all knew I was going to be out, in fact you have to tell them if you can't make a meeting.  Nonetheless I received several cards in the mail and at this past Tuesday's meeting from various members who said they missed me or wishing me a good vacation, etc. Each one of them made sure to say they hoped to see me at the next meeting.  Also, tops is about healthy fun competition.  Each meeting during roll call you say your name and whether you lost, gained or maintained. There are also weekly contests for best loser/king & queen. There are also many other contests where you can win prizes or cash for your losses.  There's even a bucket for dropping quarters for each pound you gain.  The money goes to the chapter to buy supplies.  For the summer we're doing a contest with Marbles where you gain marbles by doing good and lose by gaining weight.  To obtain a marble you can do things like lose a pound, exercise for 20 minutes,  and keep a food diary. I can't remember all the details but there's some type of recognition and price that go to the winners.  I don't know about you but I do great when I'm rewarded and when I feel people actually care about me. I like to have my ego fluffed and tops does that for me.  I know OA has worked for many people but I don't believe it will work for me because my higher power and I have issues.  I tend to beat the crap out of myself for failing my higher power and believing in a higher power doesn't motivate me to lose weight. I do great for a week or two and then I fail and I just don't think he/she understands so I never get back on track. Anyways, that's a WHOLE different story.  Tops is great and I'm sure it's going to help me in my journey. My only complaint is there aren't enough young people in the group.  I get along with people of all ages but when it comes to my journey I really want someone my own age that I can hang out with.. An accoutability partner if you will.  Nonetheless it is still very helpful.  I recommend attending a meeting and see for yourself.  If you don't like the meeting you went to, try another. Each chapter is a little different. I like larger groups. ayeee..my posts are always so long..

that sounds good Chris, I will try to check one out, and let you know.  About the portion issue, obviously being banded took care of that for me.  Our greatest hinderench is the size of our plates and if I could pass this on it might be of some service to you.  A sandwich plates clearly holds enough food to sustain a body.  Protein of choice, the size of your palm.  Another thing I have done is purchase 8 oz custard cups (they are actually 7 oz), but I use to measure sides, a reg measuring cup will do, but I fancied things up for myself.  pickle forks, just scale down sizes, the optical illusion worked, my small plate looked full.  Take care

You know I've thought of the sandwich plate thing before.  I think I'm gonna start trying that.  Hopefully it'll trick my brain.  I'm so horrible with overfilling my plate.  What's worse is when I'm full I can't stop if there's still food on the plate. It's horrible.  Gah, why me, why do I have these problems.  That's rhetorical btw. :)

YAYYYYY!!!!!  Come sit here in the back with the bad kids - they know who they are.... I wrap my arms around you, and I know everyone here will love you too!!!!!