gentlespirit

Congratulations! All the hoops we have to jump through will be worth it in the end!! The time will go by so fast you won't believe it. Emily

Wow...that's amazing in just one year! You should be SO proud of yourself!!! Emily

I have the same problem, and the only thing that works for me is to keep busy with one of my projects...I sew and quilt. If I watch TV, it's automatic to want snacky stuff. I also keep a big glass of Water near and keep swigging on that. If I really want something, I try to stick with sugarfree popsicles. Most of the time, these suggestions work...unfortunately not always! Emily

The way docs treat overweight people is one of my pet peeves. My physical therapist sister (also large) says if you went in for tennis elbow, they'd tell you it was because you were overweight! Several years ago I went to my ob-gyn for the yearly thing and he told me I needed to lose weight and had I ever thought of a diet. I could have killed him (he weighs about 125 pounds soaking wet). I went out of that office feeling like a second-class citizen for the first time in years. I went home and wrote him a letter telling him I would never go back and that I found it insulting to be treated like I had never thought about losing weight. I told him anyone who is my size has thought about it almost constantly and that he needed to change his attitude about obesity...if it was a simple fix none of us would be obese. I doubt that it changed his attitude but it was really liberating for me. I found another ob-gyn (also skinny) who is very respectful and understanding...just says, of course you know your weight is an issue...gives me credit for being an intelligent, thinking human being. I had never written a letter like that in my life, but it was a real breakthrough for me regarding not taking crap from anyone who doesn't understand. I found out later that the first doc's patient numbers were falling because apparently he has the people skills of a potato. Emily

Congratulations on being on the other side of the surgery! Glad it went better than you expected, and hopefully it will continue that way. Take it easy and keep us posted. Emily

Here's wishing you a problem-free surgery and recovery...I'm sure everything will go well. Emily

Good for you! Let us know your date when you get it. Exciting news! Emily

That's the beauty of this...having people who understand what you're going through. I wish there were something we all could do to make it easier for you...you have shared so much with all of us, and we appreciate you immensely. Everyone is entitled to kick and scream occasionally!! Hopefully the docs will figure something out and things will pick up a bit for you. Hope you'll keep us posted on all your testing~ Emily

Congratulations!!! That makes it really real!! Mine is Jan. 24, and the d ays are racing by... Emily

The only thing I can see myself possibly having is my panni removed. That really bothers me but I would wait until I am at goal weight or close. Emily

I did well on Atkins for about a year...lost 50 pounds which is more than I had ever managed to lose. Then even though I was following the plan I plateaued and stayed the same for a year. That's when I started to slip...after all, if I'm being good and isn't helping, I might as well let up a little (aren't we g reat at rationalizing?!) But when I was doing low carb strictly, I felt amazingly better...joint pain was much less and I just felt lighter and more energetic. I'm back on it again now presurgery and plan to continue when I get back on regular foods post surgery. Emily

I did well on Atkins for about a year...lost 50 pounds which is more than I had ever managed to lose. Then even though I was following the plan I plateaued and stayed the same for a year. That's when I started to slip...after all, if I'm being good and isn't helping, I might as well let up a little (aren't we g reat at rationalizing?!) But when I was doing low carb strictly, I felt amazingly better...joint pain was much less and I just felt "lighter" and more energetic. I'm back on it again now presurgery and plan to continue when I get back on regular foods post surgery. Emily

You look wonderful!! Congratulations on the 30 pounds lost~ Emily

I am getting by on the Atkins chocolate Royale...they aren't bad. I tried the Vanilla Creme and don't care for them but am going to try adding some blended fruit or something to flavor them. The good thing is that the Atkins shakes are really handy in the morning to just grab on your way out the door and they are available at Wal-Mart... Emily

Margo~ If good thoughts will help, know they are coming your way!! I keep reminding myself that sometimes this is a minute by minute battle...and you can do it! Emily

I agree with Jenna...I'd want someone who had done more bands than that. The hospital's reputation is something to consider, but I think the surgeon is more critical, and the more experience the better! Emily

Laura~ I sure hope you can find someone else to do your fills...he sounds like a real creep. How unprofessional can a doc get??? Emily

I'm going to have to find some anda try it...thanks for the suggestion! Emily

ooops...I typed that wrong. I meant benefiber. Emily

How about trying some liquid Benefil or some other Fiber supplement? I know there was a thread on this topic but can't remember where...people had suggestions and comments on different types of fiber stuff. Try searching for constipation or fiber and you should be able to find it. Emily

I agree with sleepyjean...enough is enough. You've already gone the extra mile by apologizing when you did nothing wrong. What makes her think you owe her any explanation of what you choose to do medically, anyway? I also think that if she's acting that way, she's not being the kind of person I'd want my kids around. She's acting like a 5 year old, and none of you have to join in her game and try to placate her. You didn't withdraw from her...she chose to remove herself from your immediate circle by her actions. Kids are very adaptable, and they will be fine. For their sake and your own, you can't let her manipulate you or waste your valuable emotional energy on worrying about her. It's her loss if she's going to let her jealousy get in the way of her family relationships. I understand about feeling guilty (if there's a problem at work, I really have to struggle to not feel like it's automatically my fault), but you've done nothing to feel guilty about. Just my 2 cents... Emily

Hi~ I took yesterday off work and got all my pre-op testing out of the way...chest x-ray, EKG, physical, blood work, and pulmonary function test. I was told everything looked fine. Just 2 more weeks to go until the 24th! I'm excited and nervous, but I'm sure both emotions are normal. Emily

Me, too! I got in next Monday for surgery on Tuesday, and I"ve been worrying about the liquid stage since I made the decision. I'm sure for the first few days it won't b e a big problem, but after that, I'm really worried! Emily

Mandy~ I just read your post and am praying for all of you. It's so much harder for us to watch our children go through hard things than it would be for us to go through them ourselves, isn't it? I am so glad you are being proactive and getting your daughter the help she needs, whatever form that comes in. She's blessed to have you. I know it's hard, but try to take care of yourself through this, too. She needs you to stay strong and balanced for her so you can give her the support she needs. Do you have someone there you can lean on and go to for your own emotional support? We can help and we can send hugs, but sometimes there's no substitute for physical arms around you. I hope you have that. Please know that you, Abigale, and the rest of your family are in all our thoughts and prayers. It always helps me to remember that as much as I love my children, God loves them even more and I can trust them to his great and loving hands. Emily

Wow...congratulations on the four sizes!!! I am so jealous...! And good luck with the new job. Lots of exciting things happening for you, and you deserve them!! Emily