jbflorida

It could be the pain meds..... I had vicodin when I had melanoma removed. The headache from that was worse than the cancer! (which is gone and has not returned, thank God.)

Yes--BMI of 29.9 No one else really "gets" the excitement we have for each other. I celebrate with each of you for your victories too! I live in a place where many people go up North for the summer...snowbirds. They are starting to return and when they see me--or should I say 27% LESS of me--it's FUN! One of the men came to a rehearsal after being away since April and when he saw me, he said, "Where's the REST of our director??" (I am directing a play....have acted for 20 years...blah, blah, blah.) hugs

Yippee!! I am no longer obese!!! Never thought I'd be happy to be overweight! I remember moving into obese from severe obesity. Day by day, good choices and exercise, dedication and patience....we'll get there! 217/158/140

Hey! Give him a break everyone! He loves his wife and his intention came from a loving heart. So, he's human! And his wife is sensitive because she may know that she needs to be more healthy. I didn't like it when my family commented because I was sensitive about my weight, but I knew it was said from love and not malice. I wish I had had a husband that cared like you!

I only take Protein drinks after I have done strength(weight)training. I lost 57 since May.

Carol--nicely written. We have all gotten to that point. My weight has cost me too much of my life...It was a cloud over every aspect of living. I am looking forward to the day when I go for 24 hours without thinking about weight....just living happily as a "normal" person who uses food as fuel. As of today, I am at 160. (5'1) Still have more to lose, but it will happen. Meanwhile, I am in control of myself, off of meds and grateful for my life.....and all my dear friends here at LBT. Judy

[/url] I was banded in May and I am STILL not back to work!!!! hahahhaahahahaha-I am retired. Couldn't resist.

I love this!! Elayne, I understand about the pup situation. I also have pups, one is 15 years old---poodle, of course! No kennels for her. When I travel, I have a petsitter who comes and lives at my house. Peace of mind costs me, but it is worth it.

Wear something size 6!! You must be so excited!

Little Bit--you are not overweight----you are UNDERTALL!

NO to the JUNK FOOD--NO NO NO NO!! But do try adding some calories of healthy foods. Also, I find having some red meat often bumps up my metabolism. Try mixing up the exercise. Your body has gotten comfortable. Weight training builds muscle which burns the fat. Is there a dance class you can do? exercise tape at home? The elliptical machine is a killer--gets you going. Lately I have been doing interval training on the treadmill....I walk for 4-5 minutes, run for 1-2, walk again for 4-5, run again...and so on for 30 or so minutes. And---patience and prayer. You have done wonderfully--your body needs to catch up. It WILL happen. But not if you taste junk food and the old habits start to click in. Good luck.

You have a right to be proud! Good for you. When people ask how much have you lost---say, "I've lost a 3rd grader." I have now lost a 4th grader and am aiming for a 6th grader.

Lost 13 lbs on 2 weeks of Optifast...started at 217...204 on day of surgery May 13....160 today.

Thank you for your kind words. Happy to help. Your 7 year old deserves the BEST that life has to offer. I know you would swim rivers and climb mountains to do whatever you have to for him to have a great life. And that life begins with a healthy and happy mommy. I repeat, won't it be fun to get down on the floor and play with your grandchildren one day? Picture your child, now a grown man, watching you play with the grandbabies, so grateful that you took care of yourself. As great as all this is--do it for YOU! Send me a private message if you want to talk..... "Aunt" Judy

There was a doctor 3 miles from my house that has done 50 surgeries. I went with the one 40 miles from my house who has done hundreds and hundreds. This is surgery. You want someone who knows not only how to do the procedure right---but knows (and has experience with) EXACTLY what to do if something goes WRONG. Probably nothing will go wrong. Are you willing to take that chance? I wasn't. That doctor needs to get more bands under her belt. She may be a great doc-to-be, but she needs more experience. Her "I only want to do a small amount to be more personal," is only meant to try to make you AND her feel better. Let's see if she only does a small amount 2 years from now.... I went to 7 seminars to find the doc that I just knew would be the one for me. And I have had great success and feel fine! Whatever you decide, good luck and we wish you the best! Judy

You have all the motivation you need! Your beautiful 11 year old daughter. Congrats for taking the time to do research. At my doc's seminar, he raised his hand about 3 feet from the floor and said, "here is your risk of lapband surgery." Then he raised it about 5 feet from the floor and said, "here is your risk of gastric bypass." Then he raised his hand up as far as he could over his head and said, "here is your risk if you do nothing." That was an ephipany for me. Will you cheat? Only you know you. I did not cheat. I was done with being the fat girl. The fat had cost me too much...and I'm not talking money. The fat shadowed every aspect of my life. EVERY one! My mantra was, "who am I kidding?" I could have a heart attack or stroke or get diabetes. Should I wait for that to happen and then do something--if I survive? What do you think your beloved husband would tell you? I won't tell you it is easy, I will tell you that I have NOT struggled. The surgery was more discomfort than pain (the only pain was I was a self pay). I am always prepared (grocery shopping wise) to make good choices in eating and I do exercise (which I have come to love...???who thought THAT would ever happen). I have followed the band rules, but I have experienced sliming and PB--I had to learn my limits. And yes, you do have to be aware and conscious about this new lifestyle...it is not a diet. But I was DONE with the way it was. The lapband was not suffering---I was already suffering with the weight. Going through the surgery, the hunger at times, the choice to say no to some foods---that is the REWARD. And so is how I now feel. I have gone from 217 to 160 in 4 months. No BP or Cholesterol meds. No chafing. No heavy breathing. I even run with my dog. I get lots of "You look good," to which I answer, "I FEEL good." I am proud of myself and plan to live a long life. You? Won't it be fun to one day get down on the floor and play with your grandchildren? Wishing you well, Judy

Passive-aggressive.

Has this ever happened to you? I was at a dinner party. Took just a few bites and felt "full". I thought if I take one more bite, uh oh. I waited a few minutes--and then, WAS ABLE TO EAT THE REST OF MY MEAL! I just had fill #3 and am doing ok with restriction. (got in the 150's this AM---true, it was 159.5, but still.......)

Laurinda--and of course, we live in FL where you can wear sleeveless almost all year round! With my arms, I may move to Minnesota! (of course, on a good windy day, I just spread my arms and aim for where I want to travel. Lift off! I am saving so much $$ on gas!) (To my Jewish sisters, my own sister calls them Hadassah Arms!)

Deb--I went to Dr. Dietrick's seminar. I was impressed with him. The drive to where he was is horrendous for me! I sent you a private email with my phone #. I will be happy to share with you all of the wonderful things about my journey! PS The only thing I have trouble is chicken and fish that is DRY!!

Congrats--keep going! Isn't it a great feeling knowing that you WILL get to your goal? I bet people are noticing your accomplishment. I am 3 away from 60. So far, I have lost 26% of myself--but I GAINED so much more!!!

Molly--I started at 217 and had surgery on May 13, 2008. I have just had my 3rd fill and weighed in this AM at 161.5. I am retired and live in an active adult community, so I take advantage of exercise classes--often 2 a day! PS I like the picture of your puppies! PPS I am originally from MD (Balto and Ellicott City). Came to FL after 26 years in ATL, GA. Brandy--did you need a lift at your young age? (AH, to be 31) I do NOT, repeat NOT want to be large chested! But I guess perky would be nice. What happens if you get a lift without implants? Deb--I see that you are in Tampa. I live in Sun City Center, south of Brandon. Who is doing your surgery? I went to 7 seminars before I chose my doc (can you tell I am a former teacher who does lots of research??), so I may know yours. I would be happy to talk with you. I have had NO regrets!

I have lost some inches on my arms, but alas--I will need plastic surgery. At my age, 56--the resilency of my skin is not what it was. I would think that those aged 40 and under would have good luck with the right exercise. I am now a size 12, planning to get to an 8, so I am not that big anymore. I lift weights and do what I am supposed to do, but the extra skin is there and I've been told that PS is my only option. (And while I'm under, I want a boob lift and enhancement!!!)

I had fill #3 yesterday--I am on Clear Liquids for 48 hours. I asked about this and the doc said, that the fill "irritates" the stomach and makes it swollen (since something "new" happened). He said anything other that CLEAR liquids will stick to the opening. I am following his directions. This doc has given me gooood advice. I have gone from 217 to 161 in less than 4 months! But bottom line--ask your doc. (I wish there was ONE protocol on what to do--it would make it easier on us--wouldn't it???)

heatherO--you are so right! Those endorphins kick in and you feel goooooooood!