Turler

I'm glad you all agree! I am tired of the standard. Tired of the airbrushing, theatre make-up, hair extension, etc. etc. Beauty in this country (USA) is seemingly only for the rich/famous. Why can't these models, actors/actresses and spokesmodels get by on what they were given naturally? That is how the rest of us look---just as we are. There is NO WAY I can be convinced that everyone of them have such perfect complexions, silky shiney hair and great bodies. They don't even seem real. We can never look like that, unless of course we come into millions too! LOL That is also why I liked the Dove campaign. It's refreshing. I like seeing their freckles and curly hair, gray hair, wrinkles, crooked teeth, saddle-bags and all that baggage that WE come with! I want to see more of it. I think the more we are exposed to that kind of advertising, the better. Maybe we need to 'start over', wash the slate clean and give all of us a fresh perspective on what's beautiful. And hey, we should give a shout out to the women who agreed to do the campaign in all their true, un-retouched, un-airbrushed nakedness!! Woot woot! ~C

YAY!!! Good for you! Isn't it great to have these little victories? I'm happy for you! ~C

Thanks for the encouragement Id0008!! I know this can't last forever, but as you already know, when you're in the NOW, you can't seem to focus on anything else! LOL So you like our graphic descriptions of sheer, animalistic hunger??? LOL

More power to ya! I cannot tell a lie...I could never commit to that at this stage. I'm enjoying the changes and even when the scales stalls, I am not willing to not look at it! LOL You'll have to keep searching for someone to take you up on that! ~C

letschat: Hang in there! I'm so glad you're getting your fill so soon! WOW! My doctor said no fill until 6 weeks, period. BUT, he gave me Adipex (diet pills) to curb my appetite. I said the exact same thing...if I had all this will power I wouldn't need the band!!! ARGH! Keep us posted...and btw...don't stay away when you're discouraged, we are here for you! That's what LBT is all about! ~C

Today my boss asked me if I was taking pictures of my transformation!! I took some a few weeks back before surgery, but I really think I'll take some "in progress" pics. Could be motivating when I hit a plateau. Just some food for thought (lol...pun intended!) I will be post op 3 weeks tomorrow and I'm down 22.3 pounds. YAY!! I am starting to get excited about it. At first I thought it was all Water weight, but now I think it might be real! Great job everyone! ~C

LOL Okay, I've got the song in my head... Monchichi, monchichi...you're so soft and cud-dle-ly!!!! ~C

I only brought up the Dove campaign because I thought that it was a wonderful depiction of healthy! I think what's important to remember is that there are so many variables. Spouting out sizes like 16 vs. 2 (US) is like spouting out weight. It's ridiculous unless you have all the facts. How tall, body fat %, BMI, health risk factors, etc. They are all just numbers. I think we get too obsessed with the numbers. We watch our scales religiously, every day, hoping for the mark to change. We analyze our bodies in the mirror. We judge ourselves everytime we get dressed. It just goes on and on. It really is possible to be healthy and overweight. It may not be IDEAL, but it can be done. There are people out there that are just plain tiny. Little tiny people that have small bones, small frames and don't weigh much. Some can only stomach a yogurt and a granola bar as that's all they can hold. Others can out eat any one of us at a buffet!! LOL They don't necessarily try to be that small, they just are. And guess what? Their weight doesn't make them exempt from health issues. They have high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and a whole slew of other health problems. I realize that for the majority of us that are struggling with our weight, it's because we crossed the line. Doctor's don't usually refer overweight people to Bariatric surgeons. They refer morbidly obese patients. They refer people who already have or are on their way to developing a disease process that may shorten their lives, or affect the quality of it. Or both. Doctor's will suggest to the overweight person that they should exercise regularly, reduce calories and try to lose some weight, but as long as they are "healthy", they don't continue to pick on them. It's about health, not looks. Yes, we (the morbidly obese ones) should strive to lose weight, reduce our disease risk and exercise to strengthen our cardiovascular systems. We are at a higher risk for diseases of all kinds. WLS is considered a life saving operation by most insurances...they wouldn't pay for it they didn't see a benefit. It will mean less bills/claims in the long run. (I realize that not all insurances pay for it). But this is not a guarantee that we have somehow beaten the system. How about the man who runs miles and miles for years and years and drops dead of a heart attack on the trail? The young football player who does the same? These are "healthy" looking people who take action to stay in shape, but it didn't necessarily keep them living longer. Outward appearances aren't everything. No one should understand this more than us. I don't want to be judged anymore. I'm tired of being the 'elephant in the room'. Of course I want to look HOT and look sexy. But I don't think I have to be a certain number to achieve that. Healthy comes in lots of shapes and sizes! ~C

LMAO!! So you've joined me, eh? LOL Okay, so here's what happened to me at the doctor's office today! Apparently they have sympathy and felt pity on me. I was given a prescription for Adipex (phentermine) today. It's supposed to curb my appetite, but is safe. Not all bandsters are fortunate enough to not be hungry, darnit! They don't want me increasing my Protein though for fear of messing with the kidney's. I hate taking pills, but I also am running out of will power here. And the 'bitchy' factor isn't going well either! Any thoughts? ~C

I agree on the role model thing. I think Queen Latifah is gorgeous!! I appreciate her wanting to do something healthy for herself by losing weight. Of course, we don't know the whole story on a lot of these people either. We don't know their medical history and what risks they may have to deal with if they don't lose weight. I think you are thinking of Emme!! She is amazing. She is one of my favorites! I wish we saw more of her and others like her. What did you all think of the Dove campaign? I personally loved it. It got a lot of negative press. They did interviews with random men on the street (women too) and they really criticized the women on the billboard. They said they didn't want to look at all that fat, rolls and cellulite. The thing is, those women were all 'average'. Argh! ~C

Yeah, thanks a lot!! I have been chuckling about KIDS Incorporated all day!! I just couldn't believe it when I realized it was Fergie!!! Even my DH came to see the video!! LOL

OMG...that is a funny commercial!!! I remember that one! LOL

Good evening everybody! B: I am so glad you're home and doing well!!! You sure had us worried! Don't push yourself too hard until you get clearance from the cardiologist! So I need to brag. My DH was on TV tonight on the news. He's been on before, but he is most proud of this particular field that he is in charge of! Here's the link if you'd like to see! 13abc.com: K-9 cops 4/29/08 ~C

Most of us that are complaining of being hungry were only banded a few weeks ago. We are still on liquids and mushies. You appear to be on 'normal' food, so your band is "working" right now. Our bands have no fill, and the food we eat (all 2-4 oz) goes right through. I'm guessing that's why you are doing so well! ~C

OMG Diane! I am so very sorry! I'm glad you are in touch with your doctor and that she will get you taken care of quickly! Please let us know what we can do to support you. If you want to vent, you go right ahead. Please keep us updated on what is happening. ~C

Lots of good advice in here! I was told that the first 6 weeks is for healing ONLY! Any weight loss is a BONUS! You body is adjusting to all the changes. Right now you need nutrition more than anything else. Be sure you're getting enough to eat! You're not alone...we're here with you! ~C

J: You are gonna be a fat burnin' machine!!! With all the riding you're doing...WOW! It'll be like one day, you'll wake up and BAM the weight will staring melting off again. You are doing a good thing. Put your scale away. XO ~C

I was on the same dose. I haven't taken my since I started the pre-op diet though. I'm Insulin Resistant, not diabetic so there was no risk per se for me to stop them. In fact, with the small amount of calories we now eat, they were worried my sugar would drop to fast. If I were to need to take them, they would've had to switch me to the older version (not time release) because they could be crushed. Right now, if you don't have restriction, I would think you could get them down without any trouble. I would definitely call your doctor though. Maybe they forgot to address that with you. Let me know what they tell you! ~C

LOL! Remember that children's book "Are you my mama?" That just made me think of that. And since this is the place where you can just post any kind of post, I thought I say that! LOL

Welcome deepinfl!!! HP: You are probably building muscle, which weighs more than fat...but in turn will help you burn that fat later!! Don't worry! ~C

Wow Special K!!! Great job! Yes, you should be proud!

My daughter's front tooth didn't come in!! Eeeeek! It just stayed up there, stuck. Poor thing. So several thousand dollars later, two oral surgeries and braces twice....she has a most beautiful smile!! ~C

J I'm totally with ya next year! I wish we were doing it this year. I can't believe it's here already! You are gonna do great! I don't blame you though...if it's raining, it's miserable. I'm game for whatever day anyone is able to come up with! I would love to see ya J, so I guess we'll have to see if it rains or not! LOL Or, if we could change the date! ~C

Good information. Glad you all knew! Thanks for the info (even though I'm not the OP) LOL

Geez girl! Let me know what the answer is. You've got me curious! ~C