gowalking

I was updating some of the pictures I have in the house to include the newest Myrtle Beach pics and I realized that it's not so hard to remove the 'fat pictures'. Most of the photo's I had were of others because I didn't want to be reminded of what I looked like. I have to keep some of them as they are from important events, like both of my boys' weddings. But I'm updating others and finding that now I'm in most of them as I'm not ashamed of how I look. Can't wait to add to the collection when the newest grandchild comes in the spring and has a healthy and happy grandma to love him or her. (Don't know if we're blue or pink just yet... )

Most of my friends and family know about my WLS. That's mostly due to my mother who has no filter these days. I was upset at first but because I have been successful, I'm not that concerned anymore. I do understand though, that if I struggled more in trying to lose the weight, I might be concerned about those who judge. Even mom was ignorant in terms of how the band works. My cousin's girlfriend got the band about a year after me and my mother said she wasn't as successful as me because she needed to have the band tightened. I explained to her that this is the way it's supposed to be and it's me...with no fills...that is the anomaly. I felt I needed to be honest with my friends when they asked how I was losing the weight. No one has been negative and that means the world to me. It shows what good friends I really have. Coworkers....those I am close with are aware. The casual coworkers have not been told but I suspect the women have figured it out. The men I don't think have a clue. There are valid points on both sides here and I agree with many of the pros and cons. So I guess it still comes down to what each of us feels comfortable with. I do believe however, that most people think that WLS is the easy way out and we all know how wrong they are in that assumption. Advocacy would indeed go a long way in changing that incorrect assumption.

Apologies if you thought I was being rude. Sometimes I can be a little direct. It comes from being on this site for quite a long time and making certain presumptions occasionally. I don't want you to feel threatened by asking questions so please don't stop asking. It's how we learn and help others.

I forgot about this thread. OK, here goes. This is what 144 pounds gone looks like.

Can't help you with feedback for St. Luke's but I can tell you I was banded at NYU and had a good experience there.

Been a while since I've posted a NYC pic. Was strolling Fifth Ave. tonight after dinner out and took a quick detour to the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center. Hope you like it. No...no tree yet...but no huge crowds either.

I agree. Don't ask us for permission....talk to your doctor.

Hang in there...this is the hard part. Remember...you do get to eat a little something. I put the veggies into the broth so it was more than just liquid. The post op diet is also challenging but once you start on the mushies and eventually go to regular food again, the chances are good that you will have gotten over the worst part of it. Good luck, and hope to see you next week at the support group meeting.

I used them but for strengthening purposes after hip replacement surgery. I got them from the physical therapist but I'm pretty sure you can get them at a sporting goods store.

Would have loved for you to have been able to join us Bandista. I know this will work because Lisa and I are like old pals now and we already felt like we knew Tammie because of our online relationship. I'm psyched...I want to meet you gals so much. Lisa and I talked last night and maybe a warm weather location early in 2015 might work out real nice. I like the Vegas idea that was floated but we'll look at several options so we can find something that doesn't burden anyone more than necessary.

Is there something the doctor can offer or even prescribe to help you get over the withdrawal?

Yes...engage him in your journey. If he feels like he is part of it, he might be more open to the reasons why you want to go this route. Good luck.

Thanks for all your compliments. My brother had the best comment of all. He said, 'Now you look like the way you're supposed to'. I loved that response because he recognizes me more now than when I was heavy.

The love and support on this site has helped me to find the success I hoped for. Stick around and feel the inspiration. Become a success and pay it forward. Welcome!

Obesity and depression....is like the chicken and the egg. Which came first? Does the depression cause overeating or does one become depressed when overweight? No matter...they are linked regardless of which causes which.

Once it became obvious that I was losing weight, people would comment on it and of course ask what I was doing. I am not good at lying or even editing the truth so I just came out and said I had WLS. Fortunately, feedback has been very positive so I haven't had many issues with 'the stinkeye'. Then there is my mother...who told every frickin' person she knew including the financial advisor we share. Why oh why did she tell him? It's too late now to take it back so I deal with it, but I wish she hadn't told everyone on the planet.. Just this past summer, one of her neighbors on the floor of her building saw me in the hallway waiting for the elevator and asked me how I was feeling as she also knew I had WLS. Really? Oh well....

Make an appointment with your bariatric surgeon and have him assess your issues.

Yeah, you all know I'm in the city but I filled in the info anyway. It would be great to get together with y'all! Name: Gowalking (Liz) Town: New York State: NY Country: USA or :