claraluz

It rings part of a bell, Zoe. Like you, I feel that over time I lost the ability to relate to food in anything resembling a normal manner. And I still think that my sense of taste is just not as developed as some people's. Quantity was always more important to me than quality. But since 2/3 of the people in the U.S. are overweight, and diabetes is now an epidemic, I figure it's not just me and it's not just that I'm not wired correctly. I know my problem is (was?) more extreme than most people's, but I don't exactly feel like a strange person in a strange land. I feel that our society as a whole has lost the ability to eat normally and it is the minority who do all the healthy things you describe. Nancy

Ten pounds is great, but 16 inches is really super-duper! Congratulations. Nancy

Hi, Melanie. About therapy: I don't mind saying that I did go into therapy shortly after I got banded. I did it in anticipation of having a lot of issues related to being banded and losing weight. But actually, I've not had any band-related psychological issues so far. What I found myself dealing with instead were all of the psychological scars from being fat for so long. You know, the low self-esteem, the social isolation. I'm not in therapy any longer, but I'm very glad I went. I'm feeling better than I have in ages. I certainly don't think that everyone who gets banded needs therapy, though. I'm glad you got the child care arranged and I'm excited for you! Nancy

Yes, it is. But what pleased me more was that I was able to share something that has helped me so much. And guess what? Today she told me that she actually made an appointment to go to one of the informational sessions. I'm really excited for her. nancy

Congratulations! I've been thinking about you. Take it easy. All in good time, my dear, all in good time. (That last line is from the Wizard of Oz, I think). Nancy

I say picture #1. But with a face as lovely as yours, it hardly matters. Nancy

You just have to wonder what someone gets out of being that mean. I guess he is a miserable, unhappy person and he won't be satisfied until everyone else feels as bad as he does. I'm going to be busy all evening thinking of things you could have said. But he's not worth it. Congratulations on the fabulous weight loss. Living well is the best revenge. Nancy

Great pics, too. Nancy

Marie, you are so sweet! Nancy

For Protein powder I use whey, but I also drink soy milk. It has isoflavones and phytochemicals which are good for you. Nancy

I'm glad you're feeling so well. Please do not worry about how much you are eating. Until you get a fill, you might get hungry, you might be able to eat just as much as before, and you might even gain weight. Don't sweat it. I know you know that already, but it bears repeating because it is so easy to get impatient in those early weeks. Nancy

Have a great time! We'll miss you! Anything we can help with with your "weird place?" I guess we all feel that way from time to time, but remember we're all here for you. Nancy

That was a good guess, Becky.

Everything will be fine, Ryan, don't worry. It's a new world without the cocoon and I can't wait for you to experience it! Take care. Nancy

I can't really remember what he told me about dieting pre-surgery, but I know it wasn't anything strenuous. No liquid fasts or anything. He just wanted me to lose 2 pounds pre-surgery. nancy

I'm so happy for you, Ryan. I am praying that all goes well and I know it will. We love you. Come back when you can. Nancy

Thanks for posting these pics. They remind me of all the fun I had. To those who weren't there, these ladies are a very spiritual, loving, triumphant and fun-loving bunch. It was inspiring to be among such strong women. I hope I get to meet more of you someday. Oh, and the thongs originally belonged to . . .guess! Nancy

Thanks, both of you. Marie, your comments about my wrists and hands tickle me. Nancy

What a cute picture! You look great! Nancy

Great NSVs! On Friday I was walking through a large, busy corridor at work and I heard two people behind me talking. The first one said, "That's Nancy M." The other one said, "That's Nancy M?!" Then they both stopped me to tell me how good I look." I just shopped in my first regular store! OK, I got an XL and a 1X, but it was a store where skinny people shop, too! There are more, but that's enough! Nancy

I completely missed this thread prior to the trip! I don't usually get on this particular forum, but I will from now on. I, too, loved meeting everyone. You are all so beautiful and so special to me. It struck me that we are a group of women from different walks of life and different backgrounds, but how alike we all are underneath it all! And when was the last time I was singing karaoke at midnight? Until the next time. . . Nancy

Wow, from down in the dumps to dancing bananas in such a short time! I'm so glad things are working out for you. Sometimes all we need is a little perspective. Nancy

I'm so happy for you! You must feel great! I did lose enough weight once to get out of the plus-size stores and I remember feeling a little overwhelmed at first. Suddenly instead of having only three stores to choose from, there were twenty or thirty just in the nearest mall! I can't wait to feel that overwhelmed again! Nancy

You've done so well with your weight loss! You should really feel good about that. Don't worry, Ryan. You'll still be you when you're thinner. You'll just be a healthier, happier, more confident you. Nancy

Congratulations! I'm glad you are feeling so well. I really like the unjury Protein powder. Another thing that you could try is putting tofu, a few ice cubes, and some crystal light powder in a blender. It makes a thick, protein-full shake. Nancy