gowalking

Mazel Tov girlfriend! Keep us posted on how it goes. Oh...and I looove the picture in your blog of you and Keith. Happy couple!!

Wanted the least invasive procedure available and wanted to be able to reverse it if needed and only the lapband met that criteria. Had to lose at least 100 lbs. and my PCP wanted me to get bypass. I spoke to the bariatric surgeon and she said I could lose 100+ lbs. with the lapband so I went ahead with it. I've lost 150 lbs. and I weigh less than my PCP now.

I've had both hips replaced. I swim laps and take aqua exercise classes. Best thing in the world for folks who need the buoyancy of Water because of arthritis or any musculoskeletal issues.

Me too. Cut my hair very short almost a year ago and it looks great. I love it short. I did it at first because so much hair fell out but now I have it short just because it looks so nice.

My dream was to walk without pain and I've made that dream a reality. Every time I take a step, I am reminded of what I have accomplished and while I'm sure that one day I'll take it for granted, right now I still find it miraculous simply to walk.

Good luck. You'll be on the other side soon.

You should check with your doctor to find out what his/her expectations are for you in terms of how many calories to consume. Don't forget you also need to keep an eye on your daily Protein and sodium intake as well.

Constipation is a big problem with banded folks. I take a prescription med and a stool softener to help me to go. I even see an acupuncturist as well.

Hi. I think the biggest challenge will be how many folks take part. Obviously the more that do, the more items will be available. I hope we get a good interest level.

Just wanted to post an update that there will be a meeting on January 10th. Details in terms of location and time will be forthcoming. Please view the information in the link to the thread below or feel free to PM me or Lisa. Hope to see a nice turnout. All are welcome...pre and post surgery and of course, any WLS procedure. Liz http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/304888-ny-nyclong-island/page-14

I don't suffer from clinical depression but a year ago, after losing around 100 lbs. I knew that I should be happy about it and I wasn't. I went into therapy and am still with the therapist as we have of course, uncovered issues that made/make me want to turn to food and are currently working on them in order to give me other ways to cope when things go wrong. You may be feeling some of the same things so talk to your doctor about counseling and pharmaceutical intervention (if needed). Good luck!

Attached, please see pics of an off white 100% silk skirt suit, size 16. A 100% wool gray shell and jacket, also size 16. Last...a full length gown with beaded embellishments in purple, size 20. If anyone is interested, let me know. One more thing...I'm short so unless you are under 5' 4", they may be too short for you.

Fantastic! Great news!

Just wanted to thank those who came out yesterday. It was a very good meeting...it always is when you get to meet virtual pals face to face. I'm going to start working on the clothing exchange and will post here first and then in the clothing exchange area if more people need to be reached. As we discussed, since many folks take mass transit in our group, it makes more sense to post pictures with short descriptions including size obviously. Let's start that way and see how successful we are. I'll be posting some pictures shortly of some 'better' items I have that I just can't bring myself to simply give away to Goodwill. I'd much prefer if someone on BariatricPal gets first dibs. Stay tuned!

I love reading these posts. We have to meet up...I want to spend a weekend with you gals, I really do.

alot of bandsters cannot tolerate pasta. you may be one of them. I'm presuming you are in the mushy stage at this point. try to avoid carbs...they are not good for you. eat Protein based mushies instead. refried Beans, hummus, yogurt, etc. much better for you than pasta or mashed potato, etc. good luck.

Small utensils..like baby forks and spoons. DO NOT watch TV while eating. sit at the table and pay attention so you can eat slower Use an app or just an old fashioned timer so you keep time so you can eat slower It takes time, but you'll get the hang of it. Good luck!

...friends and family members ask you if you are done losing weight and not to lose any more.

Relax sweetheart. We've all been where you are. This is very new for you still and it will take time for you to get in the zone and work your band to it's optimum. You said yourself you've done diet after diet and it didn't work. Don't worry about your brother because I guarantee he'll gain it back....and you won't. Surgery is not the easy way out, it's not cheating. In fact, what's easy about trips to the ER that you have experienced. Nothing, right! Hang in there...come here for support....talk to your doctor and nutritionist. They are there for you...make sure you use them. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Good for you girlfriend. You know your danger zone and triggers. Knowing this will help you not to self sabotage. We are all here for you to help you through this tough time you are experiencing. Come to us, PM any one of us if necessary. This is why we are here...the posts are great things but to know there are folks out there who have your back is comforting and strengthening. Use that strength to get you over this hump. I come to this site all the time to draw strength from you all and I always credit the folks on this site for my success because I know you all had a hand in it. I'm both happy and honored to pay it forward.

I'm not sure if this is quite what you had in mind, but a colleague just offered me some chocolate candy that one of his vendors sent for the holidays and I thanked him very much, said I'd love some but no thanks. I didn't hesitate...and more importantly, I didn't feel badly over being 'deprived'. Rather, I felt empowered for making a good decision. I consider that accountability....and I'm two years out from lb surgery so technically, I'm a veteran though I won't really feel like one till I'm several years out...and still maintaining my weigh loss.

I know so many of us are numbers focused, myself included but we should really look at NSVs and/or the bigger picture regarding quality of life. I say this because for two years now, I've been watching my weight go down and my clothing sizes go down as well and at so many times, the two do not match up as I expected. I've said before on other posts, that I had to lose an awful lot of weight just to go down one or two sizes from my inital starting point of 4X in tops and 26/28 in pants. Yet I've noted that over the last four months, I've dropped a total of ten lbs. That's roughly .6 lbs. a week. Not much, right? Yet....I have gone from a petite medium/large to petite small in tops and fit comfortably in a size 6 petite in slacks and possibly into size 4's depending on the manufacturer. I bought silk thermal leggings/tops last week because of the cold weather and I tried them on yesterday and the small fit with no problem...in fact, I might have been OK in the extra small (which is a size 2/4). All on ten pounds. So what I'm trying to get across here is that numbers are just that....numbers. It's the changes we've made. The healthier eating...the healthier we've become...more mobility, less co-morbidities, the more active we are in terms of exercise and socializing. The more comfortable we have become in the world. The more engaged we are with life. This is what is important to remember in our weight loss journey. We are so much more than our stats...and we have to remember that so as not to obsess over it. Have a great weekend everyone.

Your post resonates so much for me. I get everything you said. It's both wonderful and terribly sad in terms of how much of our self worth is wrapped up in our appearance. Right or wrong, that's the reality and I can see how much more 'acceptable' I am to the world....and to myself. I am so very inspired by the work you've put in to make the changes you needed to and am glad to call you friend. Have a wonderful day!

You can check the NJ threads (if there are any). We welcome anyone from the tri-state area so please feel free to join us. You are not the only person from Jersey who has attended so no worries there. I'm looking forward to meeting you Jaime.

Oh yeah...it's pretty cold in NYC. Single digits with the wind factor. I can't warm up even in my apartment. In fact, I ordered silk thermal underwear yesterday. I never needed that kind of insulation but oh boy, do I need it now.