gowalking

Oh good. Thanks.

Welcome Nicole. There are quite a few NYC folks on this site and we also hold a monthly support group meeting. We have folks at all points in their weight loss journeys so feel free to join us for the next one.

OK, I saw it. Very nice! I know CG doesn't post much anymore, but she is still my inspiration.

I've been staring at this picture for several minutes because it just so happens that I'm wearing similar outfits in both and it's easy to do a comparison. The problem is that I have no idea who either of these women are. Yes...I know they are both me, but I don't recognize either of them. I didn't see myself as fat when I was and I don't see myself as normal which I understand I clearly am. I need to print this and bring it to my next therapy session. I'm still working on self image issues but it's like the weight loss journey...two steps forward and one step back. It's so easy for me to see other posters before/after pics and know the difference between them but I can't see it with my own. I am still on this journey and likely will be for quite some time. Good thing we have a support group meeting today. This facilitator could use it. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone.

Oh, I want to see that. Where can I find it?

I started this journey in a size 26/28 pant and 4X tops. It took something like 50 lbs. to drop down to size 20 pant and 2-3X tops. It wasn't till I got into size 14 pants...and that was at around the 100 lb. loss mark, that the sizes started to drop fast. I was probably around 160 lbs. when I was wearing the 14 pants and XL or 1X tops. But at 128....I'm wearing 6/8 pants and mostly medium petite tops. Once you get into the smaller sizes, it doesn't take much to go down. Just be aware of that...especially with something as important as a wedding gown.

I also counted calories and entered everything I ate into myfitnesspal so I would really understand what I was eating and what would be better choices for me. It's not always intuitive and after a lifetime of bad habits, I needed the structure to help me change the pattern. I haven't counted calories in a long time...I no longer have to. But....I still weigh my food when I eat at home. I don't quite trust myself to not overeat. There are times when the 'satiety' doesn't kick in right away and I have to know when to stop. Once in a while, I eat too much and then I pay for it....I'm uncomfortable and my tummy feels bloated. As you can see by the posts, everyone does what is right for them. There is no right or wrong answer...do what works for you.

I've been on this forum for quite some time and I've never heard of this complaint before. You should make an appointment to see the doctor. You just never know what could be the reason for this pain. Good luck, hopefully it's an easy fix, whatever it is.

I'm so sorry that this has happened to you. It's painful to lose friends. But...the truth is that these ladies were never your friends. Friends don't abandon you when you improve your life. You will find out who your true friends are when you see who supports you...and who doesn't. Forget these gals....they are poison to you. I bet you find that the 'new and improved' jtickle makes new friends. You can't control how others interact with you and whatever makes these women jealous is not your issue. I know it won't be easy, but move on and know that you are leaving these toxic relationships behind. Congrats on taking control of your life and your health.

I'm speechless. What a lovely post. I'm so grateful to know so many wonderful people via this forum. Thanks Bandista. You have surely made my day.

Mine is a very unusual situation. I haven't had any fills. For whatever reason, I've had restriction from the beginning. Even my surgeon is very surprised...and I can tell you that this is not just willpower. I know that I have good restriction because if I eat too much, I don't feel so good and most of the time, I can keep myself at around 1,000 calories daily with virtually no real hunger in between meals.

Thanks Tammie. I just know that if I'm struggling with something, so are others. Yeah...I have lost more. Not even trying to lose more at this point, it's just coming off. At some point it will stop. I'm certainly not starving myself.

FYI, Alex messaged me. He apologized for missing the meeting but had a last minute switch with his ex and has the kids with him. At least we know why he didn't make it and fortunately, it's not because he or the kids are unwell.

You are so right. The whole 'living normal' thing is what it's about. The numbers are just that...numbers. Great NSV and I'm so very happy for you!!

Somehow you just have to learn to roll with the punches. I got approved and had a surgery date set and then Hurricane Sandy hit and the hospital was flooded. It took three months before they could re-open and I just had to wait till the hospital was up and running. No fun when you expect the procedure to have already taken place. I've been banded over 18 months at this point and the delay is just a long forgotten memory.

The band has worked phenomenally well for me...so much so that I feel I should put in a disclaimer in case anyone else thinks they will lose as much or as quickly as I did. I still don't know why I've been so successful...it certainly wasn't anything more than so many others do. But there it is.... Even so, I'd never try to scare someone out of making their own personal decision. And I'd hope that no one would make a decision based on what they read on this forum. It should be just simply what it is....advice and personal experience.

I just sent you a PM. Liz

I forgot...are you in the city or one of the outer boroughs? We can always meet up somewhere..or you are always welcome to come to me and peruse all my stuff. Just let me know. I'm in the West Village.

Can you come to the support group on Saturday? If yes, I can bring clothes with me and you can take whatever you want. It will just mean less stuff to schlep to Florida..

Your pics made me smile. You look just wonderful...and happy. Great job!!

I'm afraid I don't have business suits...we are business casual in my office. But I have so many blouses, slacks, and tops that no longer fit me. Much of it was only worn a handful of times as well. The slacks are mostly 12 and 10s but I have tops from 1X to L with a few more generous mediums thrown in there. I have them all packed up...I was planning on taking them to Florida with me to give to my mom's cleaning woman for her church. If you're interested in anything, let me know. Oh, and there are also some jeans as well. 12's and 14's. Even though I've really slowed down on the weight loss, it must be redistributing because I'm in smaller sizes every few weeks. In April I was wearing 12 pants and large and extra large tops. Now I'm in 6 or 8 pants and mostly medium tops. I have an almost brand new winter coat that no longer fits. Even the spring jacket I bought is too big. I'm going to have to get another jacket for the fall. This is all stuff I barely wore. It's a shame that I have to just give it away but at least it's clean and not worn out. Again...let me know if you are interested in any of this. Liz

FYI, for anyone still following this thread, the NYC/LI chapter is meeting is set for August 2 from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends and we also have a few special surprises planned for those in attendance!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful summer afternoon in NYC, please RSVP to the site and let us know if you plan to attend!!! If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us.

If anyone on this thread is interested, we're having another support group meeting on Saturday from 2-4 in midtown at The Atrium on Third Ave between 49th and 50th streets. Feel free to PM me if you have questions. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of you. Liz

Your husband is welcome. Looking forward to meeting you. Most of us are banded but there are always a few folks with different WLS.

yeah...not likely you can make it on Saturday but we will have another meeting in the fall.