farmgirl04

Yup, not an easy couple years but right now I'm only 10 pounds over my 'idea' weight. I think by doing a hard and fast 're-boot' it will get me right back where I need to be in my head. I never ate anything 'bad', just slowly started grazing. Example- peas from the garden....I demolished them, one pea at a time

Hi All, I've been banded 4 years now. I've lost 110 pounds, no issues. One year ago I lost my dad, six months after losing Mom. It had been 3 years of intensive health issues for both (they both lived good, long lives). This past winter, in a two week period, I also lost a student in a car accident, a cousin's wife was murdered, I was diagnosed with Crohns , and had to put my dog to sleep. In other words it been a couple really difficult years. I am just now starting to lift my head and move forward with a purpose. I'm realizing that I've gained 25 pounds. To 're-set' my brain and body I'm going on the liquid pre-op diet for a week. I figure it can't hurt, with refocus my head, and shrink my stomach back down. Hope this does the trick! I'm well into day two, and amazed how not hungry I really am! I'll keep posting a) to keep me honest and to inform. Wish me luck!

Hi All, I am basically at goal (actually 10 under my original goal), and am having fits finding the right bra. When I get measured and get the size they recommend once I put it on there is so much sag that there is extra fabric on top. My only solution so far has been a bra that is basically a workout style. If I knew where to go for a good fitting I'd do it, but up here they don't know anymore about measuring than I do! I'm thinking of trying a push up style just to solve the issue. Surgery isn't an option because I can't imagine insurance covering that! I'm 57, lost over 100 pounds, and my boobs were working models (three kids). Any suggestions?

From a 22w to a 4. The picture says it all. I'm trying to get rid of some attic junk and found these old shorts of mine. Wow! If things are tough, remember, it works!

Wow! Had to get a new drivers license today and with a the crazy new technology the computer asked for more ID! It didn't recognize me as the same person I was 5 years ago and 105 pounds heavier! Best visit to DMV ever!

Hi All, I was blown over last weekend! I saw a friend I hadn't seen since last summer. Its a summer community where we all grew up. It's been almost two years since my surgery. I'm down 110 pounds and in a size 4. So what did my friend say to me? "I saw a really fat woman swimming in the ocean and I was so worried you had gained back all the weight" did she say it once, which I guess I could deal with. No, she said it 3 times! It continues to stagger me how thoughtless people came be sometimes!

Absolutely Jersey Mikes! I've been eating mikes since I cut my teeth almost 57 years ago- in the original Mikes! They are the only, and #1 hogie, in the world!

Let see if you get this (I'm a jersey girl too). I've switched from a #5 to a sub in a tub since my journey began. You?

Wow, I'm watching The Today Show and saw a segment on low cal meals. The size of the servings was absolutely HUGE! The biggest thing I've learned on this journey is portion control and here is a diet 'guru' telling people to eat a huge volume of food. I get the we have an advantage in this battle but it was thinking like that that was my down fall!

SIZE 4!!!!!!!!!!! Now for a few other words. I never dreamed I'd ever be a size 4. Hoped for 10. Dreamed of an 8. Flipped at 6. Can't believe a 4! When my co-workers think I'm too strict about what I'll eat I'll just flip my waist band size tag in their direction!

Hi All, I guess this is actually a good problem, but a problem none the less. I've lost over 100 pounds, am 8 pounds below my doctors goal and 8 pounds above my goal. I had a complete tummy tuck in December. As I get closer to goal my port sticks out more and more. I understand why, but this is so annoying. I seriously can't wear tight clothing without it poking up. It is about an inch higher than the surrounding area. Anyone else deal with this issue? I haven't been to my doc since last fall due to many, many issues. I see him again in two weeks, unless something else comes up, and will ask him about it then. I'm just trying to go in informed from other veterans here. Thanks!

Wow Frank, I'm so sorry! Maybe she is like my dh, insecure with my new body and missing his eating and drinking pal. Thinking of you!

Ok, I get it! I need a new running bra! My first full 3K run last week after my tummy tuck and recuperation, I knew I was physically ready to do it start to finish (on the treadmill in the gym) so I psyched my self up. No stopping unless I broke my leg! I didn't plan on my boobs going down and the bra going up at the 2 mile mark! Ever try to re-tuck those flabby boobies while running on a treadmill, in a crowded gym. And not attract any attention or go shooting off the back! I thought everyone here could use the laugh. I am happy to say I have a new running bra which compresses those babies into pancakes, and new running tights...... Size SMALL! Hope you got a smile!

I guess the thing that bugs me most is that I try hard to show affection in a multitude of other ways as well. And to be honest probably part of my lack of drive is due to the lack of interest on his part for years, starting when our kids were born and I was a whopping 40 pounds over weight. When I asked him point blank what had happened to our physical relationship he said he was turned off by my fat! That is a comment I've never forgotten, almost 25 years later. So, yes, I do resent the fact that I've worked so hard to finally lose all this weight, he has gone on to gain way more weight (he has always been proportionately heavier than me), and now is express renewed interest. That part of me died, probably in some part to the 'use it or lose it' reality. He also has ED (along with diabetes and gout) and has told me that I'm the only one who can 'cure' it. Do I still love the nut? Yes, but I'd be happy living as partners, holding and hugging, and occasionally more. If I wanted it all the time I'd be a cougar but I'm not. I'm 57 and married to a 60 year old going in 15, and it is NOT what I want! If the 'plumbing' worked on my part (interest and desire) that would be great, but it doesn't. I'm more interested in the freedom of being me! Before anyone jumps in with hormone therapy I also have a brain tumor that expressly prohibits me from taking any form of hormones, which adds to the issue. Ie Does he REALLY put his sexual desire over my health?! He is still on the fence about that one (whether he believes the doctors about the hormone issue). So many things to take in. The tumor is what actually kick started my goal to good health. If I ever need brain surgery to remove this little tag-along I want to be in the best possible shape going in.

Wow! I came on blow off steam about my husband and found this thread! I could have written it myself, only I'll add that my husband is grossly overweight himself, which adds a whole new dimension to our issues. Sex was at best difficult, uncomfortable, and not to thrilling (sorry to say). After 30 years of marriage, 3 kids, daily issues, and menopause sex is quite frankly the last thing I'm interested in. I resent the constant grabbing, and complaining (and name calling). Tonight really took the cake. I have to say that when I started this journey I tried to get him to join me. When he wouldn't I said that was fine, but it wasn't going to hold me back. I have gone on to lose almost 105 pounds. I want to lose another 10 pounds even though I am well within normal range for my height. I'm in size 4-6. I am still working hard, using myfitnesspal, getting regular exercise, the whole works. I anticipate that routine for life. Here is the kicker. Tonight he commented on how I did it the easy way, how he won't do it anyway but naturally! He is angry because he bought a bottle of wine even though I'd said that I didn't want any, and after entering my food for the day I continued to say I didn't want any! We have had our ups and downs over the years but I'll be honest and say that this is the worst. Am I partly to blame? Yes. But only because I am deliberately not allowing myself to be sabotaged by him. He didn't like me fat, and now he resents me being thin. I guess only time will tell!

Glad you waited! I am on week two back (week 5 post op) I have started wearing my id, lanyard and keys to my back because it simply hitting my stomach every step I took caused spams! Yikes! Very glad I had a compression garment in the the car!

He wins! Last night I was told that he thought it was extremely selfish of me to have my tummy tuck during his busy season! Let's see, who knew how long getting insurance approval would take, who knew they would approve it in two weeks with a short window that, besides his busy season, included the birth of our first grandchild and then lambing season (very intense time for me), who knew my Mom would pass away the day before my surgery after a long illness. He works for fedex, yes, busy, but not rocket science! Wow! He had a bad day yesterday and blamed it on my surgery four and a half weeks ago. Wow! Just makes me want to do more to help him out. Why do some people not realize they flys with honey than vinegar! Thanks for letting me vent, and not murder him!

Hey everyone, when you had your surgery what did you tell people? I've told my family what's happening but I am very hesitant to be truthful at work. I think there will be a lot of negative judgements and resentment aimed towards me, especially given the fact that I'll be out of work, then restricted, for a significant amount of time. Right now I've told them I'm having 'female' work done, being as vague as possible. I know administration frowns on having elective surgery done during the school year, but obviously you take it when you get it. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Hi All, I am 4 weeks post surgery tomorrow from a full tummy tuck. The first drain was removed at about ten days because it really wasn't producing anything. Everything was fine for a few days then I rolled over in bed and reached for something on the floor and felt a distinct pop! When I saw my ps about a week later (snow storms delayed an earlier visit) he removed the second, and last, drain. At the time he said the first drain hole looked fine. Well, it's been almost ten days now and the only pain I have of any significance is from that first drain hole!! because of Christmas and new year my next appointment isn't scheduled till the 9th. After being so good in following restrictions it is making me crazy that I might have compromised something by rolling over! I'm not sure if I should call my ps on Monday, or even if there is anything he could do. It does continue to drain very slightly. I feel like there is no support and anything I do re opens it. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Day 2 back at work after 5 weeks, I'm planning on taking this Friday off. Don't have to but the stars are aligning to make it feasible and just knowing I have 2 days left in the week is making it easier. I'd say 5-6 weeks, minimum!

If that is the case then I would op for summer. It really is major, major surgery!

Just bragging! My new profile picture of me and my brand spanking new grandson, born 1/4/14! And I'm not ashamed to have pictures of me with him! Talk about a non-scale victory!

Would they freak out if you had to take a week off after break? I didn't have any breast work done so I can't speak to that, but as I recall in third grade you're still up and down a whole lot (circle time and such). I don't think 2 weeks would have been enough for me, but also remember I was dealing with the stress of my moms death. Who knows how much that affected my healing.

I'm a para, special ed, in high school. I have a couple of questions. First, what do you teach, and second, how old are you. Are you having a full tummy tuck. I'm 57 and am used to bouncing back much faster than what I've been told. Granted, my experience has been very different. I lost my mom the day before surgery, but I had scheduled for two week off, took the third because of scheduling issues with my doctor. Then rolled into Christmas vacation AND had two snow days. First day back will be tomorrow, 5 weeks to the day from surgery, and while I could have gone back sooner I am really glad I had all this time. I find that the more I do the more my stomach aches. Yesterday was my first day in spanx instead of the heavy duty surgical compression garment, and I was sore last night. So I guess my answer would depend on your answers to my questions.

We've been married 30 years, I just needed to vent. He just makes some absurd comments sometime! Many, many moons ago I was in pre term labor with our third child. DH was giving me all kinds of fits about how I was going to make him lose his job if he had to keep helping out. My OB, who was a friend, found out about it and to this day neither one will tell me what was said but DH was much better (perfect, as a matter of fact) for a long time. Maybe I should give Angelo a call