DynamoMini

Viri - just know that most people are stupid when it comes to obesity and those with eating issues KNOW YOU BEST. I had to get over my own reluctance and judgment about WLS before I had the lapband. My doc, is a good friend of Dr. K's, and he wanted me to do this for two years before I did. Yes, we can lose weight, but I can't keep it off. While I was working on the psychological issues that have kept me fat, I would regain the weight I had lost with strict dieting. This isn't a diet, it is a complete lifestyle overhaul and, frankly, not for wusses. I am proud of you, you go girl! You have more courage and initiative than all those nay-sayers out there. Best wishes, you will have a great outcome. Hugs to all, Michelle

LA - I have been putting off the band, for lots of the same reasons. I lost 40 pounds with Slim4Life, but put it right back on. It was my dieting experience all over again. The band is different, I don't regain, even when I am on a plateau. It is helping me to confront issues that I have always avoided. Lap - The healing needs to be from the inside out, however, I will never have the mother's love nor nurturing that I needed at an early stage. My therapist says that so much of my relationship with food was based on this and surviving in the only way I could figure out to keep myself whole. i am sure I will learn more about this in the coming weeks. hugs, Michelle

Marcy - it is always great to hear from you. There must be an alternative class for you. Don't quit because of one bitchy attitude, 1..2..3... Thanks for saying I look younger. I am radiating good health these days. (kinda of like Wilbur in Charlotte's Web - remember? ) don't have to take the number of pills I used to and I think it is good to not have all those chemicals running around my body. I am stuck on this plateau and I wanna get off it. I spoke with a gal at the gym who can lose 25 pounds in three weeks. I hate her (just kidding). Anyway she suggested fish and green veggies for two weeks to change up my diet. I have to go buy some fish, but I can. I will do it. Lap - hugs to you. LA - the date they have you signed up was in 2005, have you waited a long time to get banded? Michelle

Brandy - I'm proud of you. Would you have admitted what you ate before you were banded? I was a closet eater. You have gotten to the part where the band doesn't do the entire deed for you. A fill will help, but I have had to face it, I am an addict. I will find a way to eat no matter what. I was greatly disturbed by the fact that I could PB and then go eat again right away. Please go lightly on yourself because, this is the rest of your life. Be gentle. I guess it is the way I am experiencing it. But it isn't about dieting perfectly, it is about accepting my own weaknesses and limitations, coping with them, and working through my stuff. The band is helping me stay more true to myself. Before, if I wasn't perfect, I was off that diet, now this is it. Everyday, at any hour, I face the fact that I am not going to be able to eat or drink whatever I want, because it just doesn't work. For me lately, too many treats, means, no weight loss, no matter how diligent I am at the gym. Maybe this isn't about you, it is about me, maybe all of us - this is damn hard and challenging, but we will get there one way or another. Woofay - thanks for the pics. It is great to see our progress together. It would be really cool if we could somehow photoshop the pics next to each other. Maybe for our bandaversary in April. LA - wish you could come to RR too. We have a nice group going. Dee - How are you doing? Are you more comfortable sleeping now? Hugs to all, Michelle

Regarding the crunches and/or sit-ups My trainer and I have found a wonderful stomach crunching system that uses my belly weight to my advantage. FYI - She calls it "Belly Ups" I am on all fours, with a flat back. I relax my stomach, then pull in my stomach and hold it for a count of 15 seconds. I mean really hold it in as tight as possible and still breathe. I do this 6 times in a row, do something else then repeat the sequence. It doesn't hurt or smoosh my band area, it gets me in touch with my stomach muscles, which I don't think I have ever really used and it promotes great posture. Just thought I would share a trick here - to those who deserve the best. Michelle

Hi Everybody - Woofay - I felt totally guilty when we walked outside and saw that blowing snow. It is strange to think of the raging blizzard of last night and the sunshine and warm weather that is today's weather in Denver. I am so glad that Dee waited and invited you. I want you to know that you have an open invitation to stay with me anytime. That goes for all of you. I have been where you were; praying, white knuckled and it wasn't a pretty picture. I'm sure glad you have a sturdy vehicle that got you through and feel bad about your stressful drive. So glad you are safe. Hugs. Dee - you are doing really well. Enjoy the quick weight loss and changes that your body will be going through. It is already happening. Mal - you were missed. Hugs. Feel better. John - it is amazing the difference your weight loss has made in the way you look. You add an appreciated blast of testosterone to our group. Any other guy bandsters out there who want to come to our support group??? Brandy - it was wonderful meeting you. You deserve to come to support group, even if it is in a restaurant/bar. My gosh, raising four kids is enough to exhaust anyone, then your daughter with special needs, I am glad you are getting out of "Dodge" for a little R and R. When my sons were young, I remember saying the easiest part of my day was going to work. So I admire you, holding the fort and being super mom. I love that you are exercising too. It really helps the endorphins. Mare and Lydia - Sorry we missed you last night. Hope you will be able to make it on March 6th. Red Robin on March 6th - It seems fine for all of you. So all you regulars and newbies put Red Robin on your calendar.

I really think that Red Robin ought to give us a big discount. Anyway, I went online here is the site with a map and all Red Robin Greenwood Village 80112 | Menuism The reason it has worked is that it is so easy to find. Mal - sometimes when I am depressed I have to force myself to get out. I'm gonna call you. See you there tonight. Michelle

Red Robin - Feb. 7 (please copy and paste) Dynamo (Michelle) Brandy Mal Woofay Bookholder dee~ John t Lydia Anyone Else????? It would be amazing to have 8 of us. I think I want a round table again, because it is so much better for talking. We can pull up a couple of chairs if we need to. Hi Everyone - I am having a day off from exercise. Whew! These old bones get tired after 4 days in a row. Usually I do 3 days on 1day off 2 days on 1 day off - so I get my 5 times a week. But I didn't work out because I was in the mountains. I was sorry I missed the Oprah show. I did get to the caucus last night, what a crazy event. I was at Grandview High School as an Independent, so I couldn't vote, but I helped register everyone in the room I was in. There were so many people, they ran out of forms. The parking lot was gridlock for 45 minutes. However, it is going to be year of choice which is nice for a change. My eating is back under control. I hate being human. Although I think it is the alcohol that I drank in the mountains that puts me into a nose dive. Must be the carb thing. Well, I am looking forward to seeing all of you soon. Michelle

I am in the process of a lifestyle overhaul. In the past I could lose weight by whatever method, but I always regained it and more. I needed 1) to look within and sort out fifty decades of stuff (help of a psychologist) 2) get moving (help of a wonderful trainer, who understands support rather than put downs) 3) get honest what I am putting in my mouth and write it down (me and Calorie King) 4) move my energy from negative "can't" to positive "can and will" (help of my acupunturist) 5) and not undo the weight lost by regaining it when I hit a snag (me and my lapband) I am half way to my goal weight.Weight loss for me isn't linear or consistent. My emotional health, my physical health and my thought process are being overhauled and reshaped. It takes enormous concentrated effort on my part and a willingness to look at what I used to hide. I always wondered why WW, Slim4Life, Optifast, Nutrisystem and all the other diets (like egg/grapefruit, all liquid, etc) never "worked." Well, they all worked, but never stuck. I realized I needed to radically attack and change internally to make the external changes stick. Exercise has been a saving grace, but I started with a Water aerobic class with women 20 years older than me, graduated to being able to do 1 minute on an elliptical trainer without my pulse rate going over 140. That was two years ago. I stayed with it and now I do 45 min cardio five days a week and weight training two 30 minute sessions per week. It isn't making the weight drop off, but I feel great, have wonderful energy and my body shape has changed. I encourage all of you who hate exercise to find a good trainer who is the style you know you need and bite the bullet and pay the money, it will change your life. Staying the course is the only way it works for me. When I get depressed I remember that if I continue to do what I am doing then I will succeed. I am building my future life, brick by brick. It isn't perfect, or even close, but gradually my lifetime habits are changing and I feel I have a better chance of a permanent healing. Best wishes to you and I know we all talk about a journey, but you and I are really on one. We chose the band as a vehicle of change and a commitment to our health - I work every day to live that promise to myself.

Thanks for all the supportive thoughts on my problem. It will have to resolve over time. In therapy I got in touch with the sadness I feel when I ate (most of my life) to cope with anxiety producing situations. My therapist says it is from very early and not getting the time to be a child or the nurturing I needed. I am working on the judgment I hold and forgiving myself - understanding that the food was just the vehicle to protect myself. See you Thursday. Hugs, Michelle

Dee -Maybe - I have thought about that. As an obese person, I have gotten used to being ignored, and found some comfort in that hiding. Yet, my panic stems from feeling like I am losing substance, ballast, girth when it is noticed by others. You see it is a conumdrum. Probably, from early childhood. Yes, compliments are tough to accept. How can I expect the world to accept me if I am not comfortable in my skin? Thanks Dee for the compliments. I am a big believer that beauty comes from within. It's the with"out" that I am struggling with and wanting my inside and my outside to match up somehow. I will let you know what I figure out. It may be important to others out there. How are you feeling? Michelle

I am going to my first caucus, not as a voter, because I am independent, but I hope to get a clearer view of the Hillary vs Obama positions. I think it will be chaotic, but what the heck? What a country! I lean more democratic, especially after our dear President Bush , our war, and our deficit. But I maintain an open mind until voting day in November. I agree that it is a crock. It seems that whatever platform they run on they change once in office. I have a concern that Obama doesn't have the know how to get stuff done in Washington (like Carter - who was brilliant but unable to get his ideas into practice). I think a lot of it is who is around the President that makes stuff happen. Both good and bad. Maybe we should look beyond the candidates, to the machines that are putting them into office. Wow! I didn't know I had so much to say about this. Hugs to you all and happy voting, Michelle

Red Robin - Feb. 7 (please copy and paste) Dynamo (Michelle) Brandy Mal Woofay Bookholder dee~ John t Lydia Thursday is coming up. Can't wait to see you all. I just hope the roads will work for Woofay. Anyway - I have a serious problem that I am taking to my therapist, but want to share it here too. Maybe you will have some understanding of this ridiculous problem. Ok - My body is changing and people are noticing. Initially, it makes me feel great and happy. Then, it makes me really anxious enough so I eat crap. It is like I am worried about disappearing, not really, but why do I have to stay obese to get noticed? And when I am fat, people don't notice me all that much. It is the weirdest thing and not something I have ever read about. I have to resolve this issue, or I will not let the band take me to a healthy weight. Any ideas? I think some of it is about exposure, and I am a basically shy person. I worry about evaporating, losing substance... crazy stuff. Anyway, I am excited about seeing you all. Hugs, Michelle

Red Robin - Feb. 7 (please copy and paste) Dynamo (Michelle) Brandy Mal Woofay Bookholder dee~ Dee - I am so glad that the cool is helping. I used it for about a week to ten days post surgery. : ) John - i am so happy for you. Wow! Not obese anymore. What a wonderful thing for your life and health. Are you coming to RR? Well - another stupid thing I did when I was at Coldwater Creek in Silverthorne. I was in the dressing room and took off a really nice gold chain with my jade circle when I tried on a top. I thought I put it into my purse, but I must of just missed it. So I am heart sick. It was a chain from Ira and the pendant was from my trip to china. Boo hoo. I called and I hope there is an honest person up there who will feel good and call me to return it. Lap - I appreciate the kind words. I am still using a protein shake daily. It seems to help. Hugs all, Michelle

Red Robin - Feb. 7 (please copy and paste) Dynamo (Michelle) Brandy Mal Woofay Bookholder dee~ Dee - I totally remember the port area being painful. I found really loose clothing helped along with ice packs. Other people say heat, for me it was ice that did the trick. Hope your discomfort vanishes soon. Try the ice pack. Many hugs to you. Michelle

Hi Everyone - I had an AHA moment. My sister says,"How much weight have you lost? You look really different, even your body shape is changing." You all have to understand that I have been about the same weight for several months, even tho' I lost on Dr. K's scale. So I was astonished, but felt really great. Even my skinny jeans are getting loser. Another AHA was shopping at Coldwater Creek - I found PXL fit me really well. I didn't have to go into the X's. So I guess there is a change happening and all those hours in the gym are paying off. Dee - Congrats! For me, it hasn't been fast, but my relationship with food is changing. All the rest of you - who is going to be at Red Robin - Feb. 7 (please copy and paste) Michelle Brandy Mal Woofay Bookholder Hugs all, Michelle

Michelle, how was the play? My best friend wants to go see that! Let me know! Brandy Brandy - the play was wonderful and very worth seeing. I was really worried that the play wouldn't do justice to the novel, but it held it's own and wasn't whitewashed or over done. I highly recommend it. Mal - how are you doing today? I read about the stones. Your pain was a similar pain that my Todd had with Pancreatitis, no laughing matter. Oh dear. Glad things have subsided, don't go getting hooked on those pain killers. I did that once, and it is really hard to let them go. Todd is still having nightmares about the pain. Really big hugs to you!!! Dee - You will sail through the surgery tomorrow. You go girl! Hugs and a kiss to you!!!! Best wishes flowing your way. :wink2::wink2::wink2: I am doing ok. I am frustrated :frown: that I am not dropping any weight, when I am so careful. I am logging everything that is going between my lips. I am sometimes at 1500 or 1600 and it counter-balances when I am at 1250. Even with the exercise, I don't drop weight. I will have to bite the bullet and reduce my calories or up my exercise; neither of which my trainer supports.:tt1::confused::frown::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused: any ideas for me out there? I am excited to go to Breckenridge to see the ice sculptures on Thurs/Friday. A friend and I are either going to get a condo or stay at my sister's house. It will be fun. Sorry about the bitch session and poor me stuff. Hugs to all,

Hi Everyone, Been really busy this weekend. I finished knitting a little dress for my niece's birthday in March. It really is cute, but a lot of work. Taught religious school class Sat and Sun, and worked out today. Went to a play, Plainsong last night, on my own, because I had to switch my tickets because of a class dinner on Friday night. Whew! Busy girl. Mal - I had no idea you were under the weather. I get hives sometimes, but nothing as hard to deal with a shingles. Feel better soon. Don't worry the scale your body holds onto water weight when you are sick. Dee - you are going to be a bandster in two days and counting. Hugs and a swift recovery to you. Lap - when I think of Florida I think of you. Take care and come see us sometime soon. Hugs, Michelle

Hi All! Mal - Whoopie! You are flying girl! Exercise does give you a sense of power that we don't really get from food. Endorphins, the natural way. I'm soooooo proud of you. Moving and grooving. Dee - I am so excited for your surgery date. Whoopie! You looked great on Thursday when I saw you. Hugs! Yes, touch is special and necessary for our lives to thrive. Woofay - So what's up? Are you working now? Mare - how are you holding up? Haven't seen a posting recently from you. fatwidow - I know the port sounds important right now. I was consumed with how to do this thing "perfectly." Now, since I carry my weight in my middle, a low profile port wouldn't be a good thing for me. Getting a fill is tricky enough without making it more difficult. I think that the band is changing my relationship with food, that is more significant than any of the details. I even asked Dr. K about a remote control band that I read about. hee...hee. What the hay -it still seems like an interesting idea. Anyway here is the list so far for Red Robin Please cut and paste this list onto your response. Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 pm RED ROBIN Dynamo (Michelle) Bahotmomma Mal Woofay Tied2BFit

Hi Everyone - Yes, I was just with Dr. K and two others (a med student and a PA student). Dr. K is such a sweetie. I have lost 4.3 pounds since last month and considering all the eating out and stress, that is a good number to me. So I didn't get any more fluid in or out. I asked Dr. K about the surgery for excess skin and whether he would do that. He said he would do the tummy tuck portion, but to check with my insurance. Many insurance policies will cover the excess skin operation because it is a medical necessity to prevent irritation and infection. We'll see about Kaiser. Lap - You look great! Some chi chis there - girl! Woofay - how is January treating you? Mal - are you working out? Brandy - make sure to put us on your calendar. So I ran into Dee at the office. She is so excited about her surgery next week. I also asked about the RR night and she said it was on the 7th. So lets plan on February 7th, Thursday, I'll start a list. Red Robin List - Thursday, Feb. 7th Come on - meet and greet. It is good for you! Dynamo - (Michelle)

I had a break through in therapy, part of the journey. Part of my childhood trauma around weight was being marched down this long hallway at my (Dr.) father's office to get weighed weekly. I still have visions of that shame and underlying unexpressed anger. The scale was at the end of the hallway. When I was talking about not losing weight today, that image came into my mind. I think I have to heal my head and heart before my body will release the weight I have held to protect me. Enough said. Things are good. Does anyone remember whether we were going with the first Thursday or third Thursday in February? The 2nd one was Valentines and we voted to not meet that night. Hugs to all, Michelle

A lot of what was in the PurpleLady report about the pouch is different information than we have been given at Dr. K's office and with Paula, probably because it was written for gastric bypass. However, I do think it is good to know that we can't really stretch the pouch, it is our ability to learn how to eat with it that makes the difference. Anyway - a cold Monday to all of you. My son and I went shopping at Kohl's and the Rack and Costco today. I'm done for a month. I have a low tolerance for shopping. He needed some duds for looking "professional" because he is now been asked to become a student advisor for the LAS department at UCCS. Quite an honor for him and he has to wear shirts, ties and nice pants, so not the college clothes he has a closetful of. Just getting him to put on pants above his hipbone was a discovery for him. You moms of boys out there will relate. I am going to exercise now. A great way to start the week, so even tho' I don't want to go out into the cold again, it will be done and I will love myself for going. Hope all is well with you. I appreciate the advice Brandy. I think I will have to go to more proteins, and I need a little unfil. Hugs, Michelle

LA - Congratulations! You are on your way with flying colors! I am determined to lose more weight. I have been stalled for several months, with a little gain then loss then stall...... and counting. I see Dr. k on Thursday. I'm not sure if I need more or less. I am not eating much and exercising a lot. Hugs, Michelle

Fatwidow - me too! My husband died 7 years ago. It still hurts. I just pushed down the feelings with food. But I am miles more healthy after having a medical crisis (lung cancer). I retired. Started working out with a trainer, went to therapy and acupuncture. Now, I am looking forward to the rest of my life. I live in Denver, so listen to the other knowledgable people on this site regarding travel and surgery. Mal - you are doing great. I love your postings, don't be bashing yourself all the time. I have seemed to improve my head hunger problem by reducing my carb intake and taking up knitting (keeps my hands busy). But I do know that I go in waves. Sometimes I can't put myself to bed unless I have an extra bowl of cereal. But the Kashi takes intense chewing. Today I took my son out for lunch. I had a gyros sandwich, I opened the pita, cut up the veggies and meat and ate about half of it. Man, I just can't eat that much any more. Woofay - fantastic, you are doing better with the unfill. I may get just a smidge more taken out. I keep having to stop the car to spit out water that I am trying to get into me. Hot liquids are easier. Do you have trouble with water? Book - awesome about your clothes. Make sure to keep a running list of what you donate, come tax time. Since my audit, I even take a digital pic of the item, so I can itemize my donation. They are minimally accepting the "10 bags" of stuff I used to list now. Tied - How is the pre=op going? Keep with it. You know these months seem soooooooo long, but we have a lifetime to correct and refine our new lifestyle. You go girl! Marcy - miss moose meat queen, how are you handling the darkness? Do your kids drive you nuts during the winter. I was in Seattle in December, of course it rained for 6 days straight, but the darkness really bothered me. My brother, who lives there, says he gets unsettled when he experiences too many bright days in a row. Hugs to all, Michelle

Hi Everyone - Thanks for the words of support. Todd is back at school working away, feeling pretty good. I know it sucks that the docs can't figure it out. I hope we are done with this forever. Otherwise, I had a post birthday reading from this new psychic todya. Okay, don't think I'm looney, but I do believe our energy is readable, because I am psychic too. I just like to get confirmation and another perspective. Anyway, this year is red banner with a man coming to me and great health and adequate financial security. Who could ask for anything more? I am SO there, friends! Lots of hard work to make this possible. Hugs, Michelle