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Everything posted by gowalking
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Check with your doctor. Only he/she can give you the correct answer. And remember...alcohol is empty calories so when you drink, be very selective. I stay away from mixed drinks. The added ingredients on top of the alcohol can make a cocktail calorically lethal. I tend to stick to wine....better bang for the buck.
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I just saw a post I made in July because Debbie 'liked' it and it came to my inbox. The topic was losing weight after the age of 50. Here's what I said: I'm going to be 55 next month and want to lose around 120 lbs. I've lost 73 already and have done no exercise at all because of the severe arthritis. I go into the pool three days a week but it's to try to move and strengthen the knee, not to burn calories. I've no idea why I'm so successful...I'm not doing anything different than anyone else who's following the rules. I thought the same thing as you....how long would it take to lose the weight at my age and without exercising. I'm just grateful that it has come off so quickly...I need a full knee replacement and wasn't able to have the surgery till I lost a significant amount of weight. I met that goal a couple of weeks ago and will have the surgery in the fall I hope. Well, most of you know that the knee replacement turned into a bi-lateral hip replacement. You also probably know that it has been a long and difficult recovery. But you also know just from looking at my ticker that I've met that weight goal I was hoping for as well...or close enough that the exact number doesn't matter. You may also know that I am still going to the pool two or three days a week but not just to splash around any more. Now I attend a Water exercise class and am moving, jumping, stretching, and balancing in a way that the girl who wrote the above post never imagined she would ever be able to do again. I'm also dealing with other health issues that were never even on the radar at the time I wrote the original post and that has shown me that we never can anticipate what's coming down the road and we just have to do the best we can each and every day. Some days will be better than others but given all I know now that I didn't know then, I'm better able to face my challenges at this healthier weight. To my friends who are dealing with their own issues, both physical and emotional, this is a real good reminder that we can only control a little bit of our world...and we can only do the best we can....even if we know or think we can do better. Sending out big hugs to you gals...I know some of us are struggling and I want you to know that I love you all!
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4th fill - now way too tight can't even get down water :(
gowalking replied to ccjll's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hey cc....just don't let the weight loss overshadow the issues you are having. I have a freind who was so thrilled with the rapid weight loss that she was too tight and stayed that way. She wound up with a revision and still has problems a year later. I don't want that to happen to you...OK? -
How things have changed in a year
gowalking replied to readysetg070113's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Aww...this is a wonderful post. I do hope you can make it to the spring meet and greet. I'm looking forward to giving you a big ole hug! -
Hey Steph...I'm going to be 55 next month and want to lose around 120 lbs. I've lost 73 already and have done no exercise at all because of the severe arthritis. I go into the pool three days a week but it's to try to move and strengthen the knee, not to burn calories. I've no idea why I'm so successful...I'm not doing anything different than anyone else who's following the rules. I thought the same thing as you....how long would it take to lose the weight at my age and without exercising. I'm just grateful that it has come off so quickly...I need a full knee replacement and wasn't able to have the surgery till I lost a significant amount of weight. I met that goal a couple of weeks ago and will have the surgery in the fall I hope. How are you doing? I see from your ticker that you are down 18 lbs. That's pretty good considering you had surgery fairly recently. Wow Debbie. I just saw this post because you 'liked' it. I forgot that in July, I was still thinking knees and not hips. I hadn't seen the surgeon yet. Reminds us how our lives twist and turn and how much we really don't control it. I guess the good part is that I had said I was hoping to lose about 120 lbs. and I was able to at least accomplish that part of it. Oh, and now when I go to the pool, instead of just splashing around, I'm taking Water exercise classes...something I'd never have been able to do before the hip replacements. Thanks for letting me see this.
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OK. Let me know how it goes with the lunch shopping excursions and I will let you know how it goes with me shopping in Florida and we'll set something up when I get back for what we city gals lovingly call 'suburban shopping'. I have to come out to you anyway to discuss the spring meet and greet. We need a date for that.
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That's a good plan. You're right...it's less overwhelming that way. I tell you what my experience has been like this past year. I would buy clothes that fit. I never bothered in terms of 'do I like it'? Just...I need clothes, nothing I currently own fits, so if it fits, buy it. I would look at some of that stuff in my closet after I bought it and wonder what I was thinking?? I have to buy spring clothes soon. I have one short sleeve shirt in my closet and that's the sum total of my spring wardrobe. I will have to remind myself to be more discerning and not just buy what fits. That's why I offered to shop with you if you wanted. When I shop with my sister, she is very helpful in terms of whether or not I should buy something and how best to use my purchasing dollar. Keep me posted and again, if you want help, just say so.
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Share Your NSVs Here Please!
gowalking replied to DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!'s topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Will ya take a look at them gams! Oh, and I can also make out the nails as well. How the heck are you typing? Love ya baby! -
As much as we might like to tell someone there is a way to be successful with weight loss, it's not a good idea to do so. If anyone had come up to me to speak to me about a way to lose weight when I was at my heaviest and walking in obvious pain, I'd have been so mortified and angry that I'd tell them off or start crying. Not sure which. You just cannot invade someone's life in that manner no matter that you try to be sensitive and explain that you've been there. I would especially be pissed if a former fatty was trying to tell me there was a way to live a better life. We knew that when we were fat. Every fat person knows there is a better way. But....they must get to that place themselves and we cannot presume to move that process along no matter how sympathetic we are. I for one am glad you never ran into that man again. I'm sure...in fact I'll bet the house, that he certainly didn't want to run into you again. Even if we have the best of intentions...it's better to say nothing.
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Back from my quarterly check up with GOOD news!
gowalking replied to Jack's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
Oh darn...I lost that bet. I was sure you were pregnant... But your news is still pretty darn good. -
Share Your NSVs Here Please!
gowalking replied to DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!'s topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Nice to see you again. Great NSV! -
What can I do to help? Do you want me to come out to you and we'll go do some shopping? I can do that if you want. I swear Lisa...Alfred Dunner slacks are great. They fit me really well and they come in regular as well as short. You can match them up with lots of different tops for work and they're very inexpensive so it's not difficult to toss them when they don't fit anymore. I did that. I'm on the second round with them size wise. Penney's carries them. Let me know if you want a shopping partner and I mean it....I'll come out on the train.
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I see a professional therapist Ivy. I have no problem admitting that because I know that I have body issues. I look in the mirror and I see a stranger looking back. I'm not comfortable in my own skin and I am constantly amazed when I hold up the pants I'm going to wear and wonder how the hell I fit into them. Same thing for a small space that I can't imagine fitting into like a restaurant booth, or a train seat. And then when I see new pictures of myself, I'm super critical...I only see the saggy neck, or the still poofy tummy, or whatever. It doesn't even matter, I just know I'm not happy with myself. So just know that you are not alone and this too is part of the journey. At least it is for me.
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My Journey...A Work in Progress
gowalking replied to SillyAuntDi's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Guess what darlin'....you're my hero. Spectacular post by a very special lady. -
Looking for High protein, low fat ice cream recipe
gowalking replied to shmily's topic in Soft (stage 3)
If ice cream is a treat you just don't want to give up, you can find 100 calorie Klondike bars at most supermarkets. Obviously, they are considerably smaller than regular Klondike bars, but hey, that's the point. A little taste without the worry about over indulging. -
Lap Band doesn't let healthy food down
gowalking replied to Nicolasjon's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hi Nicolas. I haven't had any fills so I can't give you any input on being tighter at some times than other times. I do know from what I've read that many bandsters say the same thing. They are tight early in the day and not so much as the day goes on. Some of them mention drinking warm liquids to help loosen the band. Just know that this whole process is such a head game because we deal with the head hunger all the time. I know that I do. Well...not all the time...that's the good thing about the band. But evenings tend to be difficult because of the sitting in front of the TV thing. I combat that by finding things to do in the evening instead of sitting on my ass and watching the boob tube. I go to the Y and swim twice a week. I also get a massage once a week (good for my lower back pain and a nice treat as well) When I am at home, I find something to do with my hands and head to keep me busy. I do crossword puzzles, read and post to this forum, or even listen to music instead of watching TV. For some reason, this works for me. Oh, and I read as well. That also helps. And there's no food commercials when you read..lol. Hope that helps you some... -
Emotional moment
gowalking replied to jacquelynndiaz's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
jacquelynn....you say that you have never been able to have self control but then you say that food is the only thing you've been able to control and you are giving that up. Please know that you will have more control over your food after WLS than ever before. You'll find the self control because the surgery will help you to find it. Trust me when I say that as I truly had no self control when it came to food. I ate all the time and being hungry had little to do with it. I was so ashamed of how much food I ate and yet it was never enough. Being able to walk away without being stuffed is such a great feeling and it's better than eating to excess. The food tastes just as good as when you eat less of it and in my case, it tastes even better because I eat with purpose rather than with abandon. Good luck my dear. You will do great. -
Lap Band doesn't let healthy food down
gowalking replied to Nicolasjon's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Have you been counting carbs and walking since getting banded? Can I suggest you plug in all you consume into an app like myfitnesspal? I did that and was amazed at how high some foods were in terms of fats and calories and sodium. Doing this helped me an awful lot in knowing what I was eating and what it was costing me in terms of caloric intake. Oh, and shame on your doctor for telling you the band is a tool but not helping you to understand how to use that tool. In fact, I think your doctor is a tool.... Good luck, and let us know if you find success per the above. -
Jenny Craig - to do or not to do...
gowalking replied to ccjll's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi cc. Just wanted to let you know that I have done a basic WW type of plan since I got banded basically. I don't do points or go to meetings, but I follow the 3 oz protein/half cup veggies/quarter cup carbs plan that is the basis for WW. I buy premade Protein and veggies (here in NYC, so many people don't cook that any high end market has plenty of choices for grilled fish and chicken. Same with veggies. Lot's to choose from and no butter or cheese sauce in anything) carbs is easy. I buy potatoes or cook up some Pasta or rice or quinoa. So...I buy these premade foods, portion them out and freeze them. Then every day, I pull something from the freezer and it's sort of like having frozen or boxed meals all the time. I also plugged in everything in myfitnesspal so I could track my calories which I kept at our around 1,000 daily. Now that I've been doing this for a while, I'm pretty good at eyeballing portions when I'm out to dinner. When I'm home though, I go right back to the pre-portioned meals I've made. Per my ticker, you can see this worked for me so good luck on JC. -
Funny lunch story
gowalking replied to JustWatchMe's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Oh gosh....full liquids for six weeks?? You are a better woman than I. I was on full liquids for two weeks and then went to mushies. And pre-op was allowed veggies along with broth and Protein drinks. Good luck, stay strong!! -
I know it hurts, but you have to remember that people come into our lives, and sometimes they leave our lives. I've had friendships end for a myriad of reasons but I also remind myself that some of these friends came into my life because of where I was on my journey and then left as I moved on to another phase in my life. I lost my husband nearly 20 years ago and became friends with some of the ladies in my bereavement group. Some of these women were friends for 10 years, but today....I am no longer in touch with any of them. It hurt, but it is what it is. Same for when I moved to another state. Wasn't even that far..really just from one side of the Hudson River to the other as I went from Jersey to NYC but lost some friends anyway. So remember, this too may mean losing some friendships. But you may also make new friends as you lose the weight. Embrace that and try to minimize the losses. Good luck!!
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Anyone else doing well with weight loss but scared to death you'll screw it all up
gowalking replied to BrantS1976's topic in Rants & Raves
twenty years ago I lost 80 lbs. and swore I'd never be fat again. FF to a little more than a year ago and found myself facing severly limited mobility and now needing to lose more than 100 lbs. So yes, I surely understand your worries as obviously, many of us have the same feelings you do. I'm actually seeing a professional to hopefully understand my triggers so I can cope better. What I've come to understand is that you can sabotage your success just as easily with WLS as anything else. I may not be able to eat to excess as I once did, but over the course of a day, one can graze and still manage to put the weight back on. This is a process and now that I'm transitioning to maintenance, I really think the work is just beginning. Hope to see you here on this forum a year from now and still going strong! -
I had/have body image issues and am seeing a therapist to help me with this. I didn't self sabotage...at least not yet. But I am super critical of myself and do not feel comfortable in my body. I don't see what everyone else does and now that I've made it to goal, I am working on learning to live this way for good and not find myself eating for the wrong reasons. Good luck and see if you can find support via a group or even one on one with a therapist.
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Don't let what you see on this site influence you to do something you are not ready for, or interested in. If you feel strongly that you can get healthier by following your husband's food plan and by working out, then that's what you do. There are people on this site who were in excess of 300 lbs. and other who were under 200 lbs. Every journey is different and everyone has to go on their own journey. Follow your journey as you see fit and if you decide at some point to have WLS, do it because you want to or need to, and not because others who started at a lower weight are doing so. Good luck to you and the hubby.
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Share Your NSVs Here Please!
gowalking replied to DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!'s topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Found myself in one of those restaurants last night that used to scare the crap out of me. Very tight seating and very tight just trying to get to the table and back out again. I've avoided these kinds of restaurants because I was so afraid I'd either not be able to get through or I'd have to ask a patron to get up so I could make it past their table. Either way, both scenarios were mortifying to me. This time I got into the chair at our table fine...and it was tight...really tight. I sat on the side with my DIL and son...both of whom are thin people because I'm now smaller than my SIL and sister, who sat with my brother, across from us because they had more room on that side. Walking out after dinner, was also challenging because of how crowded the place was and when we got outside, my DIL mentioned that it would have been much more difficult to make my way out a year ago. I was thinking the same thing myself. So here's another situation that I no longer have to avoid. Now I know I can go to any restaurant and not have to worry about the space I take up.