Angelsma

Get real...it's like that for all of us. I can guarantee you that it's like that for every fat working person in America. While it can't be proven, I believe, obesity is the last stone wall of discrimination. So, if you can't beat em (I'm not going to try) join em and get happy while you're doing it.

Beautiful reminders. Thank you :cursing:

I understand that we can't have any caffeine before, during and immediately after surgery. I am trying to give it up or wean myself off (don't have a surgery date yet). Any suggestions? More importantly, how long do I really need to be off the stuff? The withdrawal symptoms are monstros...I feel for drug addicts who are in withdrawal. :thumbup:

I was drinking herbal tea in place of my one (big cup) at home early a.m. and then another cup of reg. once I got to work. That was ok M-F but by noon on Saturday I guzzled a diet coke. Then on Sunday after church I couldn't understand why I had a sickening headache. I chugging another diet coke at 9pm Sunday night!! I won't do that again. So, I'm going to dry the 1/2 caf 1/2 reg and gradually go 100% decaf and ultimately 0 caffeine. Prayerfully, once I lose the weight I won't need a fake engergy booster. Thanks everybody for you kind and helpful feedback.

In reading your note several things come to mind...(1) hater, (2) so unprofessional, (3) ignorant to the facts, (3) hater!!

"Bringing Sexy Back" LOL...that's really sweet and very funny. Sometimes I wonder how I'll feel once I lose the weight because it has been such an excuse not to get close or a "wall of protection" for me. I'm working on all that in behavior modification classes.

You should ask your doctor about that...while it makes sense it may interfere with your surgery.

WOW...that sounds like me. I'm currently in behavior modification classes at Ohio State University (3 of 12 classes to go) and I'm beginning to feel the same urges of wanting to eat all I can while I can before the surgery - the stress is amazing. All the while in the back of my mind (and I've seen some people here touch on it) that I will eventually need to say goodbye to one of my nearest and dearest (mute) friends, food -comfort foods in particular. I don't believe it's always about the food I'm eating (and lots of it at times) but the FEELINGS that I associate with it. I need to remind myself to get in touch with my feelings (very difficult to do at times) i.e. fear, sadness, stressed, anger, hurt, happy, sad, excited, lonely and determine how best to respond to what I'm feeling vs running to the frig...it's a lifetime of un-learning signals of reward and punishment with food....."here have a popsickle you'll feel better"...."have a bowl of soup you need it"...."I'll have a cheeseburger..I deserve it"..."we're going to get ice-cream if you're good". Does this make sense to anyone else?

CONGRATULATIONS! Now get some rest :cool2:

Congratulations! That is so exciting and the perfect way to start the day :blushing: All the best to you in your journey.

As long as you keep taking in sugars you will continue to crave carbs. How about a thick creamy strawberry/peach protein shake? or oatmeal with a flavored (sugar free) syrups? I heard others say they realy like won ton or hot and sour soup from a chinese rest. Just a thought.

Abby, please know there are 1000's of people who feel the same you do at one time or another in our journey to better health. Don't be so hard on yourself. Matter of fact this is the time that you need to look yourself in the mirror and tell that girl "I'm going to take care of you and we're going to get better...one day at a time/one minute at a time". You have beat yourself up so much for so long for wanting/eating stuff you know that you should that you can't get past the guilt. STOP IT. Yesterday is yesterday and you may (more than likely you will) do it again. So what, don't use it as an excuse to pig out - just pick yourself up and get back in the race girl. You're going to it. Maybe you can join a local support group (overaters anonomous) or find a group here that you can pour your heart out to on a regular basis. All the best to you! oxoxox

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! I really appreciate your article. Currently, I am "sentenced" by my WL program to sit through a 12-week behavior modification class (trust me I know that I need behavior modification). So, when I leave the class I feel like a slug who just likes to eat because I must not have anything else to do when actually I just need help/encouragement to move past my emotions. Instead, for an entire hour we are lectured to about food choices, how to exercise, proteins and fats. Instead, I believe what we really need is information on how to deal with the WHY... ARE EATING OURSELVES INTO A STUPOR? And we're paying for these classes out of our own pockets just so we can be "considered" for surgery. While I'm an active participant in the class (I need/want to at least feel like I'm getting my money's worth) however, most of the people just look at the moderator like she's crazy; their eyes are glassed over and lips are pursed (the guys come one time and never come back). I hope you will share this information with your colleagues around the country who are actually teaching these so called behavior modification classes. :thumbup:

Hello, I'm glad to know that you're taking care of yourself for yourself! While I haven't had the surgery yet - I'm currently in a 12-week behavior modification class (one hoop/requirement for me prior to surgery). However, I think you should first check the American Society of Bariactric Surgery site for a CERTIFIED surgeon/program in your area American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (2) research as much as you can abou the lapband. This site is awesome and you will find tremendous support (especially with encouragement and support that you don't seem to get from that gem of a husband of yours). (3). Know the surgery is for your health and that slim body/size 6/8 jeans are only bi-products of your better health. Please tay in touch and all the best to you.

CONGRATS APRIL...YOU LOOK AMAZING...more importantly where do you live LOL. Take care :biggrin:

Well, I agree with everyone here that says #1. it doesn't matter what anyone says. YOU need to get to a place where you don't care about the opinions of others....people will make you feel bad about your ear lobes if you let them. #2. Although I am in behavior mod classes right now and hope to have my surgery by the end of May or early June I don't plan on telling anyone outside of my immediate family (note to self: remind blabbler mouth sister to keep her trap closed). So, for least 3 months people at work have seen me change my eating habits and know that I'm exercising so I don't think that's an issue. For you, you just simply need to (don't feel obligated) simply say "I've had stomach surgery and it's caused me to change my eating habits completely - the up side is I'm losing weight. Enough said and end of discussion. Good Luck to you!

Are you sure it's not dehydration??? Please be sure to drink plenty of water.

Have you considered how important breakfast really is? Trust me, I wasn't a breakfast eater before this process (I'm in dr. ordered behavior modification classes prior to surgery). If nothing else you can get your protein from egg white omelets w/ veggies and a little no fat cheese; check out Shaklee's Cinch Shakes (see link below) 20 grams each; and of course get a cookbook on a variety of ways to prepare fish and chicken. I am loving roasted or blackened chicken! All the best to you.

Losingjusme, since joining this site I've watched your progress and I am absolutely blown away by your pics. You should be crowned the "progress queen"....it seems nothing will stop you from meeting your goals on all fronts. CONGRATULATIONS AND ALL THE BEST TO YOU!

I personally use Shaklee's soy protein (see link under my signature). A lady in my support group gave me a great suggestions (it works wonders) mix vanilla protein w/ crystal light (peach, lemon, rasberry etc) and make it thin (thick if you prefer) w/ iced juice or water. If I have it for breakfast I mix it with bananna, frozen strawberries and/or fat free/sugar free yogurt in my blender. Yum. Good Luck!

I agree with what everyone here is saying....you can count on this group to be very supportive before, during and after your surgery. Many of us have family that are non-supportive simply because of their own misunderstanding of what we go throug. My family is like "just don't eat so much", or "girl, you can get that weight off just like you put it on". So, I just keep my mouth shut now and commit to taking care of myself/being kind to myself/being patient with myself. The weight will come off, and you will find people (don't even know you) be your best support. All the best to you! You are a success already because you have taken the first few steps just don't give up. When you feel weak - check in here :eek:

Actually it's no one's business that you've had a medical procedure (unless you feel the need to share). It shouldn't matter whether you're drinking a shake every 3 hours or simply not going along w/ others to lunch etc. I've read previous posts where it may not be wise to share too much too soon because you surely don't want to have folks staring at you if you decide to eat or not eat and judging your eating. Let your success tell you story :angry_smile:

Hello from another central Ohio Buckeye! What do you guys do during the get togethers? What has the group done in the past ? Sounds like fun.

Tammy, you may want to check out Shaklee's Soy Protein (their Protein Bars are good too). I love their products so much I am now a distributor. If interested, check out my website. You can order online and have the products shipped directly to your home of office Regina Edwards You will have the option to buy retail or as a Shaklee member (one time fee of $19.95) that offers a 15% discount. All the best to you. Here's Shaklee's Soy Protein Description... Energizing Soy Protein is a plant-based, biologically complete protein source that's naturally low in fat, cholesterol free, and replete with all essential amino acids. As part of a healthy diet, it helps build muscle, skin, and hormones; support the immune system; retain normal cholesterol levels; and promote heart and prostate health. Plus, it contains soy isoflavones, which can help minimize hot flashes and promote breast health.*

Received a letter from Ohio State University Bariatrics program yesterday stating they are referring me to behaviorial modification classes (12 wks) before they will consider my application again. Anyone out there ever experienced this. If so, I'd like to hear from you and about your outcomes. While I believe it will be helpful I'm concerned that they want to "re-evaluate" my case after the 12-weeks. Then what? I've battled my weight all of my life and have 3 comorbidities so I'm not sure what this is all about. (maybe something was triggered in a freakin online psych eval) :thumbdown::bored::mad2::mad2: