WLSResources/ClothingExch

@@jane13 and @@borg/assimilated -- Aha, I didn't say wide-width shoes, merely referred to width of foot. You're fortunate that you never did need wide widths. All things are possible and I certainly believe you, but I'm still surprised that you didn't find your shoes getting looser. Jane, that your ring size remained unchanged is a greater surprise to me. Some of the differences in all our experiences are funny little things.

@@IAwoman, you won't know how your own feet will change until you get there, but do expect a change, especially in width. It's about losing fat, not weight. Fat, like air, is everywhere. Your ring size will change and your necklaces and pendants will hang lower.

I'm getting a message in this topic that artificial nails and gel polish cause brain damage. In accurate, there's no reason not to go to the OR all festooned.

What @@Kindle said. Is freaking out over a bloody manicure a new way to distract one's self from significant matters? If so, apply for a patent. You may be on to something lucrative.

Without a past, you'd have no present. You'd have no husband, family, surgery or anything else. Poof! The good news is that was then and this is now. You knew the truth or you'd weigh 254 at this very moment. You weren't ready for anything else before exactly two years ago. Then something changed and here you are, slim, healthier and more beautiful. The whole thing is called real life and you, dear Jenn, like the rest of us, are not exempt. You've given birth to yourself -- the picture that matches your inner being. How bad can that be? (P.S. Your family's comments were unkind and uncalled for. Tell them so without a ruckus. "Darling, you are wonderful" would have been so much better from them. They don't have to have walked in your shoes. They merely need to be more respectful.)

You seem to have gone in with misconceptions all around. Were you self-pay and, therefore, exempt from a psych evaluation? If so, that's too bad, but you can pull it all back from the brink. I don't know whether a 60-pound goal is relevant to the rate at which you've lost so far. What I do recognize is your saying that you slip into night eating. For that and for so much other emotional-psychological stuff that you have going on, you might want to see a CBT therapist. A reputable book -- if one uses it -- is The Beck Diet Solution, by Judith S. Beck, PhD, a known CB practitioner and teacher. She has a later book with a similar title, but it's not the one to get (it includes a food plan instead of solid guidance, and the food plan probably doesn't work with a band anyway). Read from page one rather than skipping around. Follow the exercises and make up the cards as you get to them. Attending your bariatric practice's support group is also a good idea. If a group isn't offered, others in your area will more than likely welcome you. A group provides two opportunities. It puts more structure into your week and talking with people face to face is great. You may even develop a new friendship or two. Also make an appointment to discuss whether you need an adjustment!

No, haven't heard anything. More to the point, how long have you been unable to reach them by phone? Have you emailed? You seem to think they've disappeared, but don't say what indication you've had of such a thing.

"Tomorrow" isn't going to work. If you mean it, you'll do it today. It can be no more than increasing your Water intake. That's a step, a valid step, and one that you'll be able to give yourself credit for. When I pressure myself, I aim to take the pressure off by telling my self that I don't have to lose weight (or whatever else is at hand). Wanting to lose weight carries more weight. We often ignore the shoulds, have to's and other commands. We're more likely to do what do what we want to do. "Motivation" is nowhere near the mystery people seem to think. In the case of losing weight, it's as simple as what we want for ourselves. Ask yourself what you want for yourself and, voilà!, there's your motivation. How much you want to meet it is something only you can figure out for yourself. Attending your surgery practice's support meetings and taking part here can help.

@@lisacaron, have you gone to a convention? After looking over the upcoming program, I'm having trouble deciding whether I want to go. I can't decide if near-solid days of topics on obesity, weight loss and related matters sound a bit over the top for me. If you've been before, I'd appreciate a few words of what really goes on there.

Once I got to the description of the device, I had to stop reading. It would be so much simpler to take the unwanted portion of food and, rather than ingesting it so that a little gadget will spit it out, simply toss it into the trash or back into the refrigerator. This Aspire thingie has less charm that a penny gum ball machine. On a slightly serious side, it sounds as though it isn't being considered [openly] for people who have had surgery: "The AspireAssist procedure is indicated for adults with a BMI of 35 to 55 who have not succeeded with more conservative therapies." It may well sell like wildfire. I wonder what horror stories will come out a couple of years along.

Too much happy crazy is never enough unless, of course, you start sneezing on people. Keep going.

It's more a matter of strengthening the abdominals, which do most of the work to support the lower back. Working with a personal trainer or a physical therapist will get you going with a full routine for abs and what comes next. You can also find lots of exercises -- in illustrated form, video and what-all else -- at sites like sparkpeople.com and livestrong.com. There are also lots of videos available at public libraries -- either in a particular facility's collection or through interlibrary loan. This is a good way to go before spending money on buying them for yourself. Pelvic tilts are a good start, followed by bridges. Also wall slides. You'll find them and more easily. Remember that proper form serves two important goals: Efficacy and safety.

I can't use them and am stopping in just to say that it's thoughtful of you to offer. I stopped taking calcium+D a few months ago after blood work showed that my D level was extremely high. Now I'm finally researching for Calcium all on its own until I retest in a few more months.

I doubt that I'll call, but it sounds like fun. Good, goofy, laughing fun. Those wacky Swedes.

You didn't say exactly where, e.g., hip sockets or the area we generally refer to as hips, as in "hands on hips." Or where on the hips, if the latter. That's neither here nor there, though. Whatever the problem is may or may not be related to surgery. Having my own difficulties with all things called "hips," I'd suggest that you see your primary doctor to precisely describe the pain and its location. Your doctor is likely to refer you to an orthopedist or rheumatologist or both. Don't put it off -- I'm sure you have options for relief. 312 pounds? My eyes are popping. You lost one pound more than me at my heaviest. I salute you and hope all else is well and that you're enjoying it all.

And without taking a break between feet? Good show.

Nay, Woman. Anyone else would have sung, "My Eyes Adore You." Not to hijack this topic, I'll send you a list in a private message. @@Daisee68, I'm guessing your "like" means you'd also like the list, so I'll send it to you, too. Anyone else interested, just let me know. You are magnificent. You got me weepy with joy for you. @@Valentina -- Planning a 'Rosie Ruiz' to cheat the zipline? You of all people! I am shocked and incredulous.

@@lisacaron He may be having a better run, but you're cuter.

Unless things have changed, A&E doctors and staff and other non-bariatric types know little about bands. Was it your band surgeon who removed the port? I can't imagine having a band without it and would think that the saline would have had to be removed for safety's sake. You don't say which tests you've had, but I assume complete abdominal ultrasound, et al. No signs of hernia? If your surgeon can confirm that the band is causing problems, won't National Health pay for removal? I wish you well -- that is, finding the cause and the solution.

You may be a tad too tight. You should be able to get and keep Water down. Were you given some water to drink immediately after the adjustment? And it went/stayed down comfortably? If you have not improved since you posted your note, call your bariatric office. Someone should be on call. I'm guessing that you're in Belgium and may have had the fill close to 20 hours ago. The amount of saline in your band means nothing. What does matter is how well any amount works for you. It's possible that even a fill that seems good while still in the office can prove too much after a while.

I signed on as a volunteer facilitator for a new, weekly book club for people with developmental disabilities. We had our first meeting this morning. This is going to be an excellent experience for the participants.

@@Bobby'sGirl, it is more than tempting and almost impossible not to think of an ultimate number. I have no way of knowing if 125 is realistic for your chosen surgery or your temperament and psychology. If your numbers at screen left are current and you haven't even had surgery yet, would you consider 'setting yourself up' success upon success? Instead of 125 or some such, you can achieve again and again if you always have a goal of 10 or so pounds until you reach a good weight. You're off to a good start already. When you get closer to a weight that will make you happy for all time, you'll know more and can set a number then. I suppose the notion of one day at a time is woven in here.

@lisacaron That the "expert" lunch is sold out is disappointing. It was one of the draws for me. Did your husband have surgery, too?

I understand that you're eager to lose weight. Reading between the lines, however, it seems that you may not have demonstrated a wish to lose weight sufficiently to the bariatric practice or your insurance company. For example, you say you've been gaining weight in the two years. That's very different from, if not losing, just staying the same. It's important that those who make the decisions for you (insurance and surgeon) see that you understand what your part is in losing weight after surgery. Before you run off to Mexico, I think you would do yourself a great service by examining whether you truly have been given the run-around or if you have a part in the process taking so unusually long.

@@Cervidae, we could have written such beautiful poetry together. Like Ogden Nash. I'd combine it with a couple of days visiting my niece in the DC suburbs and friends a little farther afield. If I were able to arrange more time off, I'd also be able to see friends in the Blue Ridge Mtns. and, given more time, go on to Asheville and the Great Smoky Mtns.