juliarh

Hi DeeDee -- I'm an adoptive mom to two great kids (I have one biological one as well - and it was a struggle to have him) -- congratulations on the wonderful journey you're about to embark upon The only regret I have is that I wasn't the one to carry them for the 9 months before they were born -- I love them so -- AND theyre teenagers now. (so sometimes they try to act unlovable, but ya know, they just can't get rid of me ) -- here are some pics of them

You're looking great!!! Keep up the terrific work

Happy birthday Tiff! I hope it's been a great day

I think I'll cry too, first. Then I want new clothes like Diva/Irene. And I want to go to the ocean (anywhere, really) and swim without thinking that I'm the biggest one there. And I want to go on a zipline through the jungle (lived in countries with jungles and was never able to do it) I want to be able to run several 5ks (already aiming that way)

I eat out a lot -- but I've resigned myself to the fact that my husband will eat whatever I don't eat. For me, the whole purpose in going out is enjoying not having to cook and enjoying the company -- in fact, like others, I find the huge portions now really daunting and can't imagine eating it all even if I could! I know 3 weeks out I could barely eat anything -- now, I'm able to eat about 3/4 of a cup of food, so it's much more enjoyable now.

That's great news Tiff -- congrats!

Hi Jilly -- I have a son with Asperger's too, and it's mild. He's in college right now and my mom (who lives near his school) reports he's gained weight. He tends to have my body type, and eats in reaction to emotional upset, etc. SOOOO, I'm hoping that he can get his eating under control before he ends up like me. The thing is, as I'm sure you are aware, like all people with Asperger's, he has no self-reflection -- he thinks he's fine. He also thinks he's fine when he doesn't shower, but that's another story. BUT to your question -- as you know, people with Asperger's learn very quickly from non-social feedback -- in other words, negative stimulation goes miles -- which makes me think that the VSG would be perfect (rather than RNY) because it gives IMMEDIATE feedback that you've eaten too much -- you literally get sick. Now it will probably be more traumatic for him than it was for you because he won't be able to process what's happening to him as well as you did. But it could be a very positive thing for him. I've got a couple of questions -- if he's mildly Asperger's, is he self-sufficient?? I mean, does he have a job, etc?? The reason I ask is because at some point, he can and should make this decision on his own. I know that if you determine that you can present him with the information, you could do it in a very logical, scientific way -- one that would grab his attention -- making sure you include that it takes more than the surgery to be successful. I don't know if this was helpful or not, but I know how you feel and I worry about my son's weight as well -- he's not obese yet, but he's definitely overweight. But I can see him getting there in the next 5 years or so. . . I hope this helped -- hugs, Julie

Hi -- I took a very logical approach to my goal weight -- I took the highest weight at my BMI range (165) and made it that -- I want to be a normal weight. Now, if I go lower, hooray. If I end up fighting to get to 165, oh well. It's a goal, it's not set in stone. My real goal in having the sleeve was to be healthier -- so if I get close, I'll be happy

I'm doing the C25k as well -- it took me forever to get the ability to run week one, but now I"m loving it. They also have a 5k run training page as well (different than the Couch to 5 k) -- I think they recommend that you are able to run 15 - 20 miles per week for 6 months before running a 5 k -- but since I've never run one (yet!), I don't know if this is uber conservative or not . . .

That's so great to have someone recognize all your hard work -- even if they don't get it exactly right -- you earned that compliment Revel in it! Great job!

Big congrats Kathy -- it feels awesome to have everyone notice your hard work And to have people not recognize you at all -- how awesome is that

Hey all -- checking in on my weigh in day -- thanks to my TOM (that ol' biddy) I lost a grand total of .2 lbs. yep. .2 lbs. I look at it this way, I lost during my TOM -- soo, onward and downward, right? But, I've had some great NSVs -- I'm running now (so that should help weight wise) -- I haven't been able to run in ages -- so I'm very proud of myself. I am in regular size 18s in pants and XLs for shirts (I'm getting desperate because I keep buying and then nothing fits after a month or so) (wish I could go to Goodwill or something but that doesn't exist here in Paraguay) -- anywhoo -- the scale was only gonna cough up a bit, but I'll take the bit! Hope you all had a good week too

Kelly, that's an awesome story -- you've overcome a lot -- and lived to tell the tale You're one strong woman Congratulations for everything (not just for the weight loss, but that's big too) -- big hugs!

Wow Kathy -- you're doing sooo well! You started off about where I did, so I'm hoping I'll be able to have similar results Any tips??

Congratulations!!! That is so awesome -- lots of happy hugs!

You look great!! Can hardly wait till I can wear some boots Way to go!!

I hope it's a great day

Thanks Cheryl

Oh, and I think some people have had less hair loss with more protein (like you said) -- sigh. It's frustrating and scary . . .

I've heard some people are taking Biotin supplements and using Biotin shampoo (I am, but I'm still shedding) -- in addition, I was watching a YouTube video where a VSGer was using a shampoo with coffee extract in it (she was in Germany) and said it really helped to stimulate the hair growth -- I don't know if you can find that in the UK, but maybe . . . .

I'm so sorry to hear about your complications -- please take care of yourself and let us know as soon as you can how you are doing -- you'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

Glad to have you join us Pam -- you should be here! How'd you do this past week? Your overall weight loss looks great!

I too like the Premiere Protein bar