HarleyGirl

I'm staying on plan today because it makes me feel strong and in control.... Oh that, and summer is right around the corner and I want NEW CLOTHES!

I bought one at penney's for under $30...it's not a "magic bullet", but on off take of them....I LOVE it! Money well spent!

I have so stinking much money invested in this thing that I don't want to screw anything up.....I've been 100% faithful....for the first time in my life.

I had a hernia repair with mine, too......lifting restrictions were lengthened a little.....obviously, I don't know if it caused more pain or not.....but I'm okay now, two weeks out.

IT'S MUSHIE DAY FOR ME!! I'm pretty stoked about it!

I don't like milk either. I have mixed unflavored unjury with Crystal Light....or the chocolate unjury with soy milk. It's tasted good to me.

I'll bet if you called your doctor and asked, you know what the answer would be....................................... I wouldn't do it.

I'll be 47 in August! I know being fat has impacted things I've done....we have friends that do a cruise or a beach vacation every year and we've never gone with them. I'll do the mountain retreats or anything else....but I just couldn't bear to be the fat lady on the beach chair....wearing the grandma bathing suit. I am planning a Hawaiian vacation for a goal reward!

I had a hiatal hernia repaired at the time of my surgery, too.... I was out of work for eight days....there were a couple of days in there I could have gone, but I work retail....busy and on my feet all day and it just didn't make sense. I've got great co-workers that cover my a$$, so no problem! The surgery was about what I expected.....the first couple of days I was gassy and sore....after that the shoulder pain was the worst part. Now, two weeks tomorrow and I feel good. Probably get tired a little quicker, but I sure sleep good! I'm happy for us! We wasted too many years being fat.....now we will be FABULOUS in our 40's and 50's..... BTW, I'm 46....I'll BE 47 this year....can't believe I aged myself pre-maturely!

:thumbup::thumbup::crying::thumbup: YAY! These are the kinds of things that are important....I don't give a rat's ass what the scale says, it's all about quality of life things!

Just thought I'd share the website of the GORGEOUS new chopper line our shop just added......GAH....now I want one....BAD! Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles

I was like you.....had a diet coke pretty much all of the time. I gave them up three weeks before my surgery. I've been off almost two months now....do I miss it? Sort of, I guess.....but I've found that it was mostly just the habit of having something to drink. I've replaced that with a water bottle or a bottle of propel and it's all good. Really, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.....the anticipation was worse than the event.

G'Morning and CONGRATS on your approval! I'm 47, 5'3" and started at 232, so we're pretty close in stats as well! I've only been banded for two weeks, but I'm down 18 pounds and feel GREAT. I'm starting the 'mushy' stage tomorrow...... May 1st will be here before you know it!

Good luck to the tail end of the Shamrock Parade!! Wow....this month went fast!

My family was pretty good for the first few days......and I have refused to buy garbage when I go to the grocery store....but things have been mysteriously appearring in the fridge (ice cream) and pantry...a GIANT bag of reese's pieces...... I've just decided that that's life....I guess I have to learn to deal with it. The rest of the world isn't going to stop eating junk food because I want to....there will be goodies at work a couple of times a week, just like always....sooooooooooo right now, it's pure will power. I did tell my husband that he's going to feel bad when I'm banging hot and he's still chubby (hubby could lose 30 or so)......

Mine was $13,625.....and it includes adjustments/follow ups for the first year....and support through dietician/exercise physiologist forver. My insurance had a written exclusion, so I didn't even bother.

My absolute favorite way to make chicken in the crockpot is so easy that it's almost scary! I put in three chicken breasts....and I throw them in frozen, straight from the bag at Sam's Club.....cover them with about a cup of my favorite salsa.....put the lid on, set it on low....VOILA....about 6-8 hours later, juicy, tender, flavorful salsa chicken! Pre-band, I always served them with a sprinkling of grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream.....but they're certainly good without the extra fat.

I've told everyone that is remotely interested. My co-workers know, my friends know, my family (except my MIL and that is another story) know.....and yes, it has created a GREAT circle of support for me. I'm sure somewhere along the line there will be someone that is not supportive....oh well. My life, my choice.... I've always been pretty self-confident and I'm certainly not going to let a few naysayers rain on my beautiful band parade! I have been amazed at the support from my co-workers....I work at a motorcycle shop, so we're talking biker guys, too....they've been wonderful. At first I sort of kept it 'a secret' and then I decided that for me that was stupid. Keeping it a secret implies, again TO ME, that I've done something wrong or something to ashamed of. I'm NOT ashamed of taking control of my life, my eating, my weight.

Having a cup of decaf right now......think it's the first time in MY LIFE I've drank decaf....it's good. I did get some Gevalia Breakfast Blend decaf....and I like it. I just love coffee. Between my doctor's recommendations (both my band surgeon and my GYN) and talking to my husband's gastro doc, I've decided to eliminate caffeine from my diet....

Very, very common......mine is finally subsiding! Heating pad is the only thing that worked for me!

Into the Mystic - Van Morrison Pretty much anything by Journey (yes, I am an 80's girl)

There are a lot of us who have insurance exclusions....and many, many insurance companies that do.....I knew up front mine did, so went a self pay route. Hoping you're able to find a way to do it for yourself..... Good thoughts.......

Lynn, yesterday at my appointment the doc said give myself 4-6 weeks to really feel "good"...as in still having the tiredness. I think we're all doing pretty darn good! She also was kind enough to remind me that I'm not 25 anymore....

I'm seriously only ten days out, so may be premature......but I am so happy. I have a sense of control and empowerment that I've never had before. I know this is going to work for me and it's just such a great feeling. I have a wonderful medical team to rely on, a great support system at home, and most importantly, such a feeling of CONFIDENCE. No regrets....none.

Could either of those articles about Sharon Osborne been more judgemental or inaccurate? I love Sharon....hope she's doing well with her eating problems.....