pink dahlia

Im guessing that you belong to a WLS support group in your area ? If not, consider joining one. Some of them may have the same issues as you and can give advice and support . The group could also help with starting a conversation, dating advice, online do's and don't s, etc. Since you're all in the same boat, you might feel more comfortable talking about certain things. And like I said before, devolp some hobbies and interest so you can have a comfortable conversation with anybody, guy or girl. What do you like to do ? Or something that you want to try for the 1st time ? Give it a shot ! Have fun !!!

I cant and wont give you specific dating advice, (ive been with my husband a long time ) but I will say good for you for trying something new ! Dating or meeting people isnt easy, but to start somewhere, you have to have some things to talk about, so start getting involved with some hobbies etc. You'll have "something " to put on your profile and/or things to talk about should you meet someone. Good luck !!

How about cooking healthy at home, together ? Saves money and calories, and you still get to spend time together. Also, with your lovely New York winter coming your way, you'll be spending less time outdoors, etc and more time indoors , close to all that comfort food. Soooooo, where do you want to be at the holidays ? Ten pounds less or another 10 pounds heavier ???? Your call.

Sending hugs and good karma your way !!!!

Great question ! Its fun to hear about others hobbies and interests too. As for me ? Outdoors - fishing, camping, walking , gardening a little, and my newest addiction, golf !!! Indoors - Pinterest ( my version of crack !) , vintage or thrift stores, learning to cook, reading, and watching any kind of football and baseball. Go Seahawks !!!

I was a little bit worried that I wouldn't be able to eat certain foods ( cheeseburger, fries, Chinese food, etc ) after surgery, but I thought the tradeoff of losing weight would be worth it. Not only did I lose the weight, but I occasionally I have a few bites of old favorites with no problems.

Finding things I liked in the beginning that didn't make me feel like I was "exercising" made a big difference . I didn't want to sweat, hurt, or feel exausted from the effort of exercising. My choices were swimming and walking. Easy and fun. Later as I lost weight I slowly started running. Now it's swimming, pilates and golf. Finding activities I like helped me stick with 'exercising ".

Hi there, Dont beat yourself up for ONE day !! You have SEVEN kids, and only ONE you ! I noticed you took care of everyone else except yourself!!! Since you're taking care of so many, how about "pre pack " some things for road trips ? Then you and the kids can grab and go much easier. Keep a bag stocked in the car with vomit bags, hand sanitizer, paper towels etc. Give each kid an empty backpack and whatever fit toy wise, can go . As far as Chinese food ? I love it but always gain a few extra pounds because of the salt. Get back on track and the water weight will disappear !! Your kids need a healthy happy mom , so don't give up !: You wouldn't tell your kids to "give up " if they ate some unhealthy foods, now would you ? I didn't think so...........................!

The only " fat shaming " I got was from myself ! I hated being overweight ! Slim to medium until around 30 years old, then the weight piled on !! Add in sleep apnea, hurting joints and hating the way I looked and felt was not a very good way to live my life. The band was a Godsend, and gave me a 2nd chance to live in a strong , healthy body. No fat shaming from anybody else !!

QuilterGal, while im truly sorry for the loss of your co worker, I have to agree with Go walking, I dont see this as catty at all. I know no one knows how she died, but the fact that she was a health care researcher, and obese too, is a fact. Not to be disrespectful but I dont see it as catty, but as a fact. As far as your other co workers comment " She had alot of health problems," (that may or may not be obesity related) that may of contributed to her death, again I see it as observational, not mean spirted. You may be more sensitive to the weight issue because of your WLS, maybe not. And possibly the shock of her passing unexpectedly brings up to others the more " seen " health/obesity issue, and not her more "unseen" PhD. Again, Im not trying to be disrespectfull in any way towards your loss, I just dont see this situation as "catty", although I wasn't there in person, and you were. Hope your day goes well, my condolences to all.

P.S. Geesh, if id read read some of these comments first, ............ anyhoo, I like the comment "All that I have worked for is enough." Yes. That. Enough already on thinking that the more you obsess/lose, the "better" you'll be. You're already there, and you can't top "awesome!" ! As the song says "Let it be." And !!!! Who the hell is this idiot Bill in Idaho who's giving you all this crap ! ?? Anyone else feel an intervention coming on !? I sure do ! Again, you are enough ! That is all.

Instead of thinking why wont it work, how about why it will work ? You re choosing a Dr. who has experience in this , and a procedure that has had great success, and alot of people who went from unhealthy and over weight to healthy and normal weight. So why wont you be successful too ? I can't speak for others, but the band worked for me because I put the effort in. Every single day. Follow the rules ( not hard to do !) and you'll be successful too !! Good luck !!!

1. I was told not to eat and drink at the same time because the liquids wash down the food and you dont feel full. 2. 2000 calories does seem like alot, but maybe check and see why your Dr .recommends 1000 calories ? 3. Same with 2 cups of food, talk to your Dr. 4. Who says only protein shakes after a fill ? Liquids can mean soup broth, milk, popsicles, homemade fruit smoothies, juice , etc, not just coffee. Hope this helps, congratulations on your weight loss so far !! Keep it up !!

Wow ! Thats amazing ! Great job , and keep it up !!!

Well, hello Ms. Onederfull !!!!! Welcome to Onederland !!!! Isn't it fun ??? I remember practically jumping for joy, thinking " I weigh 199 !!" Yay me !! Who would if though we'd be that happy ? But when that number shows up , it really shows how much hard work went in to getting there ! Congratulations !! Keep it up !!

You say you're eating less but at the wrong times ( 6pm ) and ruining your evening meal, but I dont see it that way . I think your body is telling you it's time for dinner, so instead of 3-4 snacks, and then trying to eat even more (why ?) skip all or most of the snacks, and eat your dinner. On a regular work day I have lunch at noon, at 2 :30 pm a little more of my lunch, and then usually 1 small snack between 4 and 6pm, then dinner. Keeping my body balanced with healthy foods ( almonds, peanut butter on apple slices, a coupke of crackers with cheese ) every 2-3 hours helps keep my blood sugars balanced, less crankiness and mood swings, and I'm more likely to think about what I'm putting in my mouth because im not so hungry or tired. So far , this has worked very well ! Good luck !!

What makes you think you're not a "real woman " ? How do you know that there is'nt someone out there who is looking at you as a role model ? Try giving yourself a 5 lb range, and as long as you dont go above or below that number, call it good !! Being healthy and strong is more important than a number on a scale ! Great job ! Keep it up !

Way to go Daveo !! Nice job ! Its kinda fun to be able to put a LOWER weight on the license, not a HIGHER weight, isn't it ?? When I got my license renewed in July, it felt really good when the guy behind the counter asked me " are you the same weight as last time ? " ( I had weighed 160 then , but lied and put 150 ) This time I said " No, just please put the weight at 140 !" Im really 143, but who's counting ??? Congratulations Dave !!!! Keep it up !!!

Thanks ! I do my best !

Hey, if this is any help, my problem was portion sizes too ! Didn't matter whether it was healthy or not, sometimes I could pack away a good sized amount. I went on Weight Watchers for a year, followed the program very well, counted my daily points, loved the small portions of healthy food and lost...........wait for it, wait for it..............12 whole pounds !! In a year !! Talk about disappointed ! Sometimes, you just can't get your body on the same page as your mind ! Now ? Small portions suit me just fine, im not hungry alot, eat a little bit every few hours, done ! Yes, you'll have to get used to the "new " way of eating, but you'll also have to get used to the "new" way of living..................wait for it, wait for it................ Healthy ! Clothes falling off of you ! Compliments ! Shopping in regular sizes ! Lower bmi ! Joints dont ache ! Men flirting with you ! Happy !!!! You get the picture, good luck !!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again.......... the human body is not perfect, it doesn't always "cooperate" and do exactly what we want it to do. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just cant get your body to go where you want it to go. Im sure you've been to the doctor or denist before, but im sure you didnt expect to "fix" the problem all by yourself , now did you ? Nope ! Same thing with WLS, you're just helping your overweight body get healthy , with a surgeons help. Just sayin '.

How about drinking some water before you clock in at work, some on each of your breaks, more on the drive / ride home, and then finish up your quota at night ? Just a thought.

Hmm, interesting question. Since I eat so little, I dont say no to anything unless its going to cause a stuck episode. 90 % of my daily food is protein, , fruit, raw veggies, or salad. Even if its unhealthy, 2-3 bites is about all I can manage anyways. Except for sweets. Then I seem to have no problem eating those, in any amount. Sigh..............

I wasn't crazy about the idea of "exercise" either, I didn't like sweating, hurting, or feeling exhausted from the effort it would take. So, I only did a couple of things that I felt comfortable with. Walking and a swim fitness class, both 2 -3 x a week. I loved the fresh air and feeling of accomplishment of a good walk, and then on other days the warm water and the hot tub afterwards. Both were a huge factor in my weight loss success. Later I tried other things as lost weight, but only as long as my body was ok with it. For a time, I ran, now its Pilates, swim class, walking , and golf. So start off on some things easy, and see where you go !! Good luck !