Desdemona

Has anyone on this broad gotten tested for Vitamin D deficiency? I just did and I've been reading the new research about how it affects weight loss (and a bunch of other things). I just started taking supplements. This is going to be interesting. Rhonda --- We (my family) comes from the Elizabeth, Little Boston, McKeesport, Denora. How far is that from you? I read something recently that I thought was really cool. It said, the relationship between a daughter and her mother is so strong that nothing -- not even death -- can break it.

Scrappy-- Aw. I think what what you said about keeping your sister and mother alive is just so terrific. That really affected me because my Dad passed in early March and my cousin who was 6 mo younger than me passed in Dec and they are about the 9th and 10th in about 7 years. It's hard to lose the people we love. Like you I look for them (and see bits and pieces of them) everywhere I turn --- in everything I hear and see. And for you to look into the mirror and see them looking back --- that is just so loving. --- And they would be so proud of you.

Hi Andrew-- I have been off the board for a while so we are just meeting. I agree about eating more as a sign of needing a fill. I have never been much for exercise but I just plain stopped losing and my MD says I'm so short I wouldn't lose anymore unless I got moving. So I have finally been working out 5-6 days a wk. I know I'm losing fat but I can also tell I'm gaining muscle (which is good). But I'm also really hungry! I'm going tomorrow AM for a fill so we'll see. Hi Rhonda --- We are having the opposite problem. My belly is actually doing amazingly well. I have lost a lot in my boobs too but they are . . . . . well . . . . pretty sad . . and uncomfortable and they hurt. My shoulder is killing me. I have spinal degenerative disc disease with stenosis and fusion of 2 disc so I'm HOPING my insurance will pay for it. I'll know in a couple of weeks. I'm really worried about the pain (like you Lynn) but I just have to do something about this. Once that's all done and I get to goal -- I'll make a decision about other possibilities but so far -- my skin really is not doing too bad.

Dr Schulman -- I'm back again! I followed through w/your advise and had a consult in Albany yesterday. The surgeon thinks that even though I'm still currently 30-35 lbs over goal weight that this would be the right time to go ahead with a breast reduction. I'm about 4' ll" 1/2 tall and wear a 38 D bra. 57 years old. Even when I was 18 and 116lbs my breasts were very dense and about a 34C. I drew too much attention. Now I hurt a lot with spinal degeneration (C4-7) w/stenosis, bursitis in left shoulder. The surgeon says he thinks he shouldn't take anymore than 300 grams per breast. I'm afraid he needs to take more than that. I think I'd like to get down to a C cup now with the thought that if I lose another 20 lbs after surgery they go down to a B cup. Is there any way of figuring out what my bra size will be if he removes about 300 per? Also --- does a lollipop incision with an anchor (??) seem like a good choice? He doesn't feel I'll need implants. He thinks they'll lift up well without them. Thanks.

Scrappy --Sounds sore. It scares me a bit as I'm expecting a breast reduction in about 4 weeks. I hope you feel better. Fenton -- I'm not sure we are going through the same thing but I'm feeling that I may be relating to some of what you are saying. I too am feeling enormous pressure at work. There is the expectation to get out publications and especially proposals. My tenure is being held up due to the NY State budget. My father just passed and my mother's having a hard time. I'm an only child so it falls to me to try to help her with this. Meanwhile I'm trying to drag my body through exercise and good eating habits. I also have considerable shoulder, neck, arm, hand, and lower back pain so I'm looking into breast reduction. It's all a bit overwhelming and I find it very hard to focus on thinking and writing under pain and stress. It's all but impossible during the academic year. I'm going to the gym most days right now but not getting a darn bit of writing done --- and that isn't good for the tenure situation. Ah well! I have decided that my health must come first and I do really hope that you take good care of yourself above all else.

And I was thinking that my $18 co-pay was stiff! I guess I should count my lucky stars. I have to go in this Thurs to get another fill. I'm finally exercising and now I'm hungry. Scrappy---I'm glad you're home and feeling better.

ccm-- I have also really found out the hard way that carbs not only mess up my weight loss but anything more than 20 or 25 grams a day will cause me to crave more and more. I'm also finding that after losing 2/3s of the weight I need to lose -- I'm just not going to lose anymore (even on low carb) unless I exercise. I find that exercising (which is NOT my favorite thing in the world to do) does a lot to motivate me to eat well. It's still a struggle for me. I have lapses -- so I was happy to see your post. I'll follow this thread for a while to see if we can join forces on our quest. Personally, I have found that having some nut or cheese snacks and working in a few cups of tea do a lot to help with carb cravings during the day and eve. If things get very bad in the eve -- I'll make an avocado guacamole dip (with tomatoes in it) and have it with pork rinds. Sugar free pops have 4 carbs. If I don't go crazy with those -- they are a nice cold treat. Right now I'm headed out to dinner. A local restaurant is serving a roast beef dinner and I'll be able to ask for 2 low carb veggies and a salad. I'll have it rare which I enjoy. It will be enough for me to bring home and get 2 more meals out of it. I love steak too. If I do very high quality steak (tender) it goes down well. A steak salad with gorgonzola cheese really hits the spot. I don't feel deprived at all.

Hello Dr. Schulman-- I have a few questions regarding breast density, decisions around timing of surg. for reduction and likely outcomes. I have lost over 60lbs and am still 35-40lbs overweight. At 57 yrs. I'm 4"11 and 160lbs. I have always had very amble breasts even when I was 18 yrs and 118lbs. I do feel that this was one important reason for poor body image, and perhaps an unconscious "desire" to be fat (to hide my breasts). As I'm losing -- I'm becoming very conscious again of the size of my breast. They have gotten smaller but they are still big and now they are sagging more than ever. During mamos, it has frequently been mentioned that my breasts are very dense. My guess is they are less dense now than when I was younger. When I was 18 I bought 34C but now I'm buying 38D. These are cheap bras and I have no idea what my TRUE size is. I'm apple shape and continue holding the fat in my mid-section and at the front of my body (belly fat) and that is mainly where I need to lose those 30lbs but I have lost a significant amount even there. I do have good skin which, so far, seems to be coming back pretty well considering my age (except for a bit of loose skin around my neck). I have left shoulder pain, numbness down my arms, neck pain, spinal degeneration between C4-7 with natural of fusion C5-6 due to the degeneration . There is no evidence of trapped nerves. Rest of spine is in good shape but feeling discomfort in mid and lower back with tingling in legs. Have seen a neurologist and had blood tests to rule out most likely causes. Here's my questions. Even though I'm still 40-35lbs overweight -- does it make sense for me to go ahead and have a breast reduction because of the density of my breasts? Although I'm very hopeful about losing the rest of my weight -- I have been (unfortunately) stabilized at this darn weight for about 10 mos. I'm hoping to become more active and take more off but I have no guarantee that I will get down another 40-30lbs. I'm wondering if a breast reduction will help me feel more motivated to exercise. I'm wondering if, because of the density of my breasts, if I do lose 30lbs after a breast reduction, I would tend to not lose much fat in the breasts anyway (so I wouldn't need to worry so much about how more weight loss would change/deflate my breasts). I'm also wondering how much weight I'd lose just from the surg. if I wanted to go to a B cup. Wouldn't I lose atleast 10lbs between the surg and the recoop experience? I'm also wondering, given my spine and pain problems if it just makes good sense to go ahead and do it now vs waiting to see if I can lose more weight in the next year. Finally, given the relationship between density and cancer wouldn't sooner be better than later? Wouldn't surg lower my chances of cancer? Even if my breasts didn't maintain the complete "perkiness" of the post-op after more weight loss---at my age -- I can't say it would break my heart. I'm not looking for 20 year old sex appeal -- but something that looks like a healthy, reasonably attractive middle age look. If you really think I should just bite the bullet and try to exercise another year -- I'll do that and try. Thanks for listening.

Hi Christine-- I'm still lurking out here. I've been in a out. Pretty serious things were going on with the family and at work so I was off the radar screen for a while. I also wasn't really attending to weight loss during that time. I finally got a fill a week ago and was absolutely amazed because it seems to to have really made a difference and I'm losing again after a really very long stall. I'm hopeful. Scrappy. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! penny

I'm lurking out here too. I don't feel like I've been very actively trying to lose in the past few months but I did get back into a good eating pattern about 2 weeks ago after my Dad passed away. Today I put a pair of size 10 jeans on and I'm rather surprised. Others have noticed as well. I don't understand it but I'm thinking that perhaps my body just thinks it's time to lose again? I'm glad to see so many of you here and you are all doing very well.

That is just silly. It sounds like someone who is out of work and needs a job could certainly take that woman's place if she doesn't want to or know how to do her job. I agree with the first responder---find another surgeon. If that would take a lot of time and you want to try to get into that surgeon--then ask to speak to the office manager or head nurse. But--no matter what happens -- do not ----I repeat --- DO NOT (!!!) give up or let this incompetence put you off or slow you down! I'm a bit concerned that these economic times may cause insurance companies to reduce the types or amount of their coverage for some medical proceedures so -- do everything you can to proceed ASAP. Best Wishes

I have taken different amounts at different times. I usually start with 2. If it's gonna work--it usually works with that. Sometimes I take a few more as I see it working to just help more. The tabs are cheap and won't hurt you.

Lynn-- I have that too. I never even thought of the cold as a possible cause. Interesting. I'll keep it in mind and let you know.

Hi -- I have been looking for information about weighted vests for increasing metabolism, building muscle, and losing weight. I'm a 5 ft tall female, 57 years old. My MD says that because I'm so short -- I'll have trouble losing the rest of my weight unless I build muscle. I have a very hectic schedule-- crazy hours and traveling a lot which makes it difficult to get to a gym or even for using home equipment. I came across a number of studies that discuss the benefits of weighted vests but there's a wide range of methods for using one -- depending on gender, age, objectives. I'm wondering if anyone here has used one. If so - do you think it helped? Do you know for sure that it built up muscle? Increased metabolism? How much weight did you put in the vest? Did you wear it all day while working? Walking? Exercise? Do you know of any problems it can cause?

Hi Carrie--- It's terrific to see you back. I was really pleased to read about your successful transition. It just goes to show how determine you are and how well you can keep working at something until you get the results you want. Many of us have also found other "sticking places" for us. Your post reminds us that if we hang in there -- we will get through whatever we are struggling with. Thanks -- and welcome back. Tess--- Yes. You definitely have had a "lot on your plate" re: stress and time. Like Carrie --you are an inspiration to keep on truckin'. This board is great. We do a lot to help each other here. Thanks!

Amanda-- Wow! That IS a coincidence! Well -- it popped into my head and I started Googling on it the other day. Read everything I could find. Even went into the Medline abstracts and focused on studies for women--especially older women. I found all positives on it. Seems to be good for everything from increasing metabolism--increased bone density--increase balance--decreases hip fractures and falls---increases muscle mass---increases weight loss--even improves posture. I have searched on this board and found VERY little discussion on it. I did see posts by 1 woman who said she used it and lost only 9lbs in a few months but when she went back to do a post-vest body mass analysis with her MD -- and compared it to a pre-vest analysis her MD told her she gained 10lbs of muscle and lost 19lbs of fat. Prior to that she was at a plateau for quite a while. So I'm very hopeful this will help. I got my vest at Walmart for $46. Although there are a lot of options out there--people seem to be saying that many of the brands can be uncomfortable. Oddly enough--the best reviewed vest is actually the Gold's Gym one at Walmarts (for the price). It takes 1lb weights up to 20lbs and even has a place for an MP3. Did your trainer recommend a particular weight? I saw on one site to start at 5% of my body weight. Some say go up to 10% or 15%. Others say 20%. Some wear them while working out. Others (including some of the medical research I have read) used it all day during regular activity. It looks like men who are building their bodies and older women who are just trying to lose weight and tone up are doing very different things with the vest. My problem is I can't find any good instructions regarding weight, duration and activity levels for it. Can you say more about what your trainer told you? It definitely makes me hungry -- although I have been good with eating. I think I'm already seeing a differece in both strength and weight.

Is anyone using a weighted vest? I started wearing one 3 days ago and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with one.

Harley---That's a really good idea. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow AM---if I can.

Hmmmm------Amanda- I don't know how that happened. Did YOU take it off when you were working on it or did it slip off the chart at some other point? The last time I posted -- I copied your line from an earlier post and added it back in but it may not be right. Please check and make sure this is what you want.

NAME ***********START WEIGHT ****CURRENT WEIGHT **GOAL**** LBS. Lost aJoneen............212............210............XXX............0 evelas5000.........180............179............140............1 Desdemona..........163............161............125............2 Fenton.............XXX............YYY............220..(4wks)...-8 HarleyGirl.........180............184............140...........+4 Hopeinapril........236............238............XXX...........+2 Lynn1215...........174.5..........175.3..........XXX............0 NurseNiki..........229.8..........227.6..........190.........-2.2 Nycm00.............220............218............XXX...........-2 Potatie............229............224............XXX...........-5 scrappy_friend.....170............172............150...........+1 SpecialK...........274............275............255...........+3 Sugarbean..........200............199............150...........-1 Tess415............294............295............289...........+1 Thin2bme...........191.2..........190............150.........-1.2 WestCoastMom.......155............153.5..........140..........1.5

Hi Ya'll!!! I'm back too!! I've been into Cookies, mashed potatoes. ice-cream, dressing, yams ---- the whole nine yards. And of course I just kept walking right past that bathroom scale. I'm sure I have packed on a few lbs. I notice that my jeans are not as loose. BUT--I know that I have not gained what I would have without the band because even though I ate too many calories and starches --I also couldn't shovel it in the way I could in pre-band days. I started back to low-carbs yesterday. I have GOT to exercise. I'm really happy to have this place to come back to and I'm glad I have all of you to be honest with. We can do a lot to help each other. I've also been looking at all these poor dogs who are homeless. I'm looking at a particular dog that needs to be rescued. She's 6 mo old. I'm thinking that we can help exercise each other!

Yes. You DO need to start getting fills. You also need protein during the day both for hunger and sustenance. I tend to have protein shakes for breakfast. You might manage some cheese or egg salad for lunch. If you get enough protein and eat good complex carbs (not processed stuff) it will also help you not get so hunger in the eve.

I went to a few seminars a few years ago and decided not to have WLS because of the possible risks. I figured that even if I got the band -- I'd still have to change the way I ate so --why not just change the way I ate? Well---a year and a half later I was 15 lbs heavier. I finally got the band last March---best decision I ever made. I'm in far less pain. Most of my medical problems have cleared up. I'm far more active. I can work better--mentally and physically. Food is no longer at the center of my life. I feel less stressed out---can flow with things better. Yes-there are some risks ---but not nearly the level of risk of being fat. Other ways of reducing the level of risks to the band is to: a) get a very qualified surgeon and :blushing: really learn and follow the lapband rules. That all being said -- there are always going to be risks to no matter what choices we make. We just have to weigh out which ones we want to take.

Tess---hang in there!! This is a hard time of year. Let's hang in and help each other get through. Lynn---a bug? I've got SUCH a head cold right now and it just won't quit. Started with blocked ears for a few days. Does that sound like what is going around in your office?

Sheri --I'm sorry to you have to go back in. I have the 10 APL which is "supposed" to be more slip resistant and faster weight loss. I'll be curious to see if your MD decides to try one of the 2nd generation bands. tigerlillyhair. yes! Pretty much all the medical people say carbonation is a BIG problem. One thing that helped me a LOT with that was keeping those sugar free - diet freezer pops in my freezer. I guess it's because they are sweet, cold and very low carb that they have really helped. Just a suggestion. lizb88---I hear ya!!! I have lost 61 lbs and basically stopped losing but I have always been a devil re: exercise. I finally broke down 2 days ago and got my butt to a gym. I'm starting slow---1 mile interval training on the treadmill -- only .10 on the elliptical---and 10x on the lats. My excuse up to now has been that I needed physical therapy but I seem to be stable now -- so I guess I don't have anymore excuses. My MD says that I'm so short that I won't lose much more if I don't get the lead out and to burn the fat off.