Dabliss111114

You are an inspiration..... Don't let the dog out>>>> You know, like the song.. hang tough with the dog and the docs. You can do it!!!

@@CanyonBaby I've been out of the loop over the past several weeks tying up loose ends after my father in law's death, and dealing with some behavior issues my mom is having due to her Alzheimer's but you and Dave have been in my thoughts. I'm glad the chem has started and that Dave is tolerating it fairly well. Having you as his support person is a blessing. I hope you're at least trying to get enough sleep so that you don't get too exhausted and worn out. Like I said before....you'll be little or no good for Dave if you don't take care of you too. From reading your updates I want you to know that I am in awe of your strength and positive outlook on things. I believe that's half the battle. You obviously are a very strong woman and there's a special place in heaven for people like you. Dave is a lucky man. Continue to hold on to your faith, and know that you have tons of folks praying for you every day. By the way..... to hell with the insurance companies....what do they know..... besides, it's not like they don't have enough money to cover your claims. You just keep doing what you're doing and the paperwork will all sort itself out. Just make sure Dave gets every test and every treatment he needs to have to fight this thing. Hugs. Deb

If you're able to walk 2-3 miles that's terrific. Even if you're only doing it several days a week, it's better than nothing. My doc preaches about exercising every single day for a minimum of 30-45 minutes. In theory that's great but in reality I think most post surgery aren't able to do that much exercise because they simply just can't. I couldn't walk to my mailbox without my knees hurting like crazy or being out of breath. I started slow and now I'm able to walk about 2 miles at a time. I try to walk at least every other day and also get to the gym a couple to 3 times a week. I know that I really do feel better when I get exercise, but some days it's just not possible to get in. I think doing what you're able to do, when you can do it is a good place to start. As the body gets lighter and stronger you'll naturally be able to do more. Keep up the good work.

Who do you have your insurance with? Were there circumstances that helped get it approved, like a rash or infection? Just curious.

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband and want you to know that you have warm thoughts and prayers coming to you from N. Carolina. Try to take care of yourself as best you can so you can be the rock your husband will need through all of this. We'll all be here for you as time goes on. Keep us posted. Hugs,

I discovered Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal several years ago when I kept 2 of my grandkids for a weekend. I love that stuff, and I'm not really a cereal eater. Since my surgery I only buy one or two of those single serving cups and divide them in half. It's about 1/2 cup or so, and I just munch them with a cup of coffee in the morning or afternoon as a snack. No real Protein but just enough to satisfy me. Twizzlers Once in awhile one or two don't bother me or the scale.

Ditto on the clingy knits that only emphasize our problem spots. Also, when will they realize that not every large woman is 6ft. tall and the same width from the shoulders all the way down to her knees? Large sized petites are nearly impossible to find, and if you do it's only in pants. I HATE tops that are always so long they look like a tunic instead of just a top.....especially when my butt is and always has been the widest part of my body, even when I wasn't heavy.

Here's a good one for everyone.... Today I saw someone I haven't seen for several months and all she could say at first after she finally figured out who I was was "Oh my God", Oh my God". then she got real close and whispered..."Did you have a facelift? You look 20 yrs younger than the last time I saw you". I told her that I hadn't and she backed up, looked at me and asked if I had gone in for a total body lift. I told her no, but that I may have one next year. She kept saying "Oh my God" until I thought I'd crack up laughing. Really????? I happy she and others think I look younger, because at my age looking younger is ALWAYS a plus, but a simple compliment would have been enough. Other people heard her, and instead of feeling good about her noticing the change I found myself feeling totally self conscious. Good thing she'll never have the chance to see me naked....

I'm so LOL..... I think to a lot of people "some" weight is about 10 pounds. To others it's more than they can comprehend. They don't really know what to say without fear of offending us in some way. I try not to worry about it too much. I know how much I've lost, and that's all that really matters. Enjoy the compliments regardless of how silly they may sound. I say temper patience with mercy...

@@CanyonBaby You have summed it up so beautifully. Be proud of the woman you're becoming. I know I'm trying to be proud of the woman I'm becoming, and one day in the not too far off future I think the mirror just may turn out to be a friend......one who reminds us of our journey and nods its approval back to us when we look into it.

Thank you for your insight and wisdom. People like you help me understand do much about myself. I hear you loud and clear, and if it's ok with you I'm going to copy and print a sign with all your statements on it to hang in my bathroom.....right next to the mirror.

Boy am I glad to see this discussion. The only time in my life that I didn't see myself as being "fat" was when I was in my early 20's. I wasn't fat for sure at 117 pounds, but I still had some self confidence and self esteem issues. While married to my first husband everything I ever thought was "wrong" with me he fueled by making me feel inferior in some way. After pregnancies, miscarriages, a lot of emotional abuse and so forth I DID become fat. Really fat..... Right before my divorce I lost a lot of weight and got down to 145 pounds. The heaviest I had been until that point was 224, after the birth of my second son, but had gained and lost bits and pieces through the years. Needless to say I gained every ounce back plus more as the years went on bringing me to where I was when I started this journey. I hated the mirror, and avoided being in pictures at all cost. I didn't want to see the grotesque woman I had become. Even now I struggle with the changes others say they see because I don't feel I'm worthy of their compliments or praise. Even my current husband who has loved and supported me every day since we met gets upset because I can't see what he sees. The only picture I've willingly had taken was the one they took at my surgeons office 2 weeks before my surgery. I HAVE NOT taken any photos of myself because I just can't bring myself to do it. I do see a difference in my clothes and in the mirror, but in my eyes I still see that huge, unattractive woman. Don't get me wrong I do see some change, but until I can walk into a room and not feel self conscious about being the largest woman in the room I'll probably continue to judge myself. I'm halfway through my journey and look forward to the rest of it unfolding. I know I'm healthier and that means more to me than anything, but I also look forward to the day when I CAN look into the mirror, or see myself in a picture and not cringe at the woman I see.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You should be so proud of yourself. You're an inspiration for all of us. Stay strong and committed to your lifestyle change so you can continue to enjoy your good health and your new body. You can do it for sure!!

@@Packerfan61964 Way to go champ!!! You'll make your goal before you know it. Some lucky woman will show up in your life and appreciate you for who you are. Your day is coming!!

I know I'm probably going to be preaching to the choir but here goes. I know I'm on my way to a much healthier life filled with compliments and praises from people who see the difference. I so happy that I made the decision to have my surgery and dealing with the skin issues afterward is something I'll address after I reach my goal. What most people don't see or even know is that we even have the loose skin or the jiggle of the fat that still needs to be lost. Exercise helps with muscle tone and strength, but fat will only break down so fast, and not overnight. It's ok by me because I know that in the end I'll not only look better/different, but will be healthier than I've been in nearly 20 yrs. I think so many of us could be left with yet another issue to contend with because of all the extra skin, and how it can have a huge impact on how we view ourselves even after the dramatic accomplishment. Don't get me wrong I'm thrilled beyond belief to have had the opportunity to have my surgery, and that so many strides have been made in the area of obesity in general. Here's my issue..... Insurance companies have finally gotten to a point where they'll pay for the WLS but still lag behind in agreeing to cover the surgery needed to complete the process of our transformations. Right now plastics is only covered if it can be proven that there's a "medical" reason for having it such as infection or pain. At least this is the way I understand it to be. I wonder about how many WLS patients have just as much emotional pain as they did before surgery because of the residual skin and the inability to get past how it may affect their lives. If the goal is to promote good health in general, where does mental and emotional health come into play? Surely the majority of patients that look into having plastics done aren't doing it because of vanity!!! With the extra skin clothes may not fit the way the patient envisioned they would, or it has an impact on their intimate life, or they continue to have self esteem issues. With all that being said I've been wondering if and when the insurance companies will come around and finally help with the cost of the procedures that WLS patients may need after they reach their weight loss goals. I remember years ago when having varicose vein surgery was considered "cosmetic" and also not covered by insurance. Now just about every procedure involving spider and varicose veins is covered by most insurances either partially or completely depending on the plan. Women all over that have a tiny blue vein around an ankle or behind a knee are running to surgeons to get them fixed, and insurance pays for it. Am I wrong to think that the WLS patient is extremely deserving of a plastic surgery procedure that may be necessary because of the dramatic results of their surgeries. Just wondering....