BigDennis

Happy 4th of July TX! I learned a little secret from my nurse brother that might help you immensely. It sounds like you are doing well with Soups, SO he recommends adding flavorless whey powder and boosting the Protein level! I love those EAS shakes as well, but the protein content is minimal compared to whey. Remember, look for something that will not affect the flavor of your soups to a great degree and you should do well. Sounds like you are progressing well!! Dennis

WOW, I just got my shot of motivation for today! That is wonderful that you have been able to drop 149 lbs and are living a much healthier lifestyle! I am adding you to my friend's list as we speak! Congratulations once again! Dennis

Excellent point! Our society, as a whole, refuses to accept the fact that obese people are absolutely the most targeted group for "legal" prejudice! You can see it in people's eyes when they believe you are 100% responsible for your body type, although genetics, biology, and other factors are key players. Humankind is the only species where we dictate everyone should fall within a certain height and weight category!

Drasan, I still meet folks who believe gastric surgery is some kind of miracle and it somehow removes all responsibility to eat properly and change the habits that got us here in the first place. The key word is "TOOL"! A tool is only useful if it is implemented and used safely and properly. I wouldn't expect to purchase a hammer and believe that nails would magically be driven into wood. I have to research new tools, understand their capability, understand my responsibilities, and then make the decision to move forth, based on those facts and data. The most important thing we can say to others considering the surgery is for them seriously determine exactly why they are overweight and the obstacles they face in becoming healthy. Unless those issues are understood and addressed, banding, gastric bypass, and other options simply will not work by themselves.

CG, You are awesome girl! I have to agree with you 100% on this one. I had lost all hope of every feeling good about myself and my weight was controlling my life. I was banded on April 26th, but I am feeling much better, have more energy, completely off blood pressure medications, and looking forward to the future! To summarize, I agree with CG, my life is better and would do it again! Dennis

It sounds like you've made up your mind to get healthy and do the right things for YOU! The reality is, you probably have a lot of family, friends, and other depending upon you right now and you are feeling the pressures. I am absolutely sure you will do fine, because you actually have a game plan to get back on track and deal with the stresses in your life. I am definitely looking forward to hearing about your successes soon! Take care bkmom! Dennis

BK, You will be just fine! You have the right tools, know how to lose the weight, and you know what your goals are. Sure you have to work through the mental part of losing weight and the issues with your new braces, but I am more than confident you will come out the winner! Thank you for sharing! Dennis