neverB4

I didn't tell a few at 1st because I didn't want the negativity or gossip. Now I'm at the point to where I don't care who knows. Not to mention the vibes I get anyways when people wonder how I'm losing so quick and not putting food first in our social activities. I used to be the one who made and brought all the homemade cakes/desserts. No strawberry cheesecake, German choc cake, nor red velvet cake this yr for the holidays. They got sniffed when I signed up to bring salad and green beans!!

My mom absolutely was against it at first...because she was thinking actual by-pass surgery. Once I educated her on it and she got to see a video of it, she is now all for it and VERY proud of my progress. Now she's concerned I'm losing too much! Well, that just comes from her used to seeing me overweight for 40yrs!

It was for a personal policy, underwritten. You're ok if you go with a group policy...but if you don't work for a company that offers grp insurance, and you try to get a personal policy...then you're out of luck...esp if it's underwritten for pre-x conditions!!! They didn't even bother ridering it...just flat-out denied me!!! Luckily my DH's boss is now looking into some grp policies because they denied hima nd his family too due to their health issues. Still, American Repulic DOES SUCK!!!

Like others have said in this thread...I don't count my cals, I don't measure amts religiously (only when I feel out of control). I know how to fix healthy food, what NOT to eat...but at same time, I DO NOT deprive myself of anything I really want! This helps me to set limits on foods. I still won't eat fried chicken, fried seafood, fake hotdogs, sausages, etc...but still enjoy eating!! And am very happy to say that for the first time ever in my life, I feel control of what I eat. More in-tune to not making food master of my days!! My therapist told me it's a diet when you make yourself eat "inside a box"....well, my band is my box. I have learned to control it rather than wait for it to control me. So no diet for me!! The only "meal planning" I do is listening to my DH and kids different requests for supper ideas.

I'm just following my doc's and nutritionist's plan. 3 meals a day, under 3/4 cup each. high protein, low bad carbs. If I snack on reg basis, it's usually 1/2cup of LF cottage cheese. I still enjoy my sweets once in a while...and pizza! I take in average of 70gms protein each day and very briskly walk 2.5 to 3.5 miles 5-6 days a week along with arm strength exercises. I have been bad this past week though, me and family are sick. I've only lost from no appetite to eat this week, surely not from lack of exercise!!

Me too, Michelle!! My XL's and 18/20's are hanging. Like you mentioned in your other thread, don't want that saggy-butt!! Laughed when I read that one. I discovered I'm walking on my pants' hems because of losing so much butt! Even my 16's are getting baggy.

It's not a happy time when our DH's aren't with us on our rewards!! You're very proud of yourself so I'm sure you want him to be too! My DH only sees the bags...not what good deals I searched for. I waited this weekend to bring them in while he was out...hoping that he'll like what he sees when it's on me-ha! I hope things turn out to be not much of a big deal for you...congrats on your success!!

hopefulebndr, the restriction part doesn't really happen until we reach our sweet sopt. Until then, it's vital that WE ourselves restrict what we eat. My doc, his nurse, and his nutritionist all stressed before banding that we have to work it ourselves first. And that can take 5-6mos per their say. I'm almost 6mos with 4.5 in a 10cc band and I have to say I now understand what they meant by that. I could eat to my heart's content due to lack of restriction. I have yet to even PB or slime. I have worked very hard for the 76lbs I've lost, making myself stick to only 1/2 to 3/4 cup each meal. Now this may not be your issue at hand, but just a friendly reminder...we have to work the band first ourselves before we can rely on that restriction.

Txs Mzreeda...and CONGRATS to you too!!!! I was so anxious to get back into my 16's, well, that didn't last long at all. Perhaps you'll do the same with your 14's!!!!

Took the kids to the state fair monday...my thighs didn't rub together all day long while walking!!! Strutin' in a size 14 misses Lee jean!!!!

I can't remember when I weighed this amount last...180!!!!! Maybe I was 12, 13??? I know I was at 200 by age 15. Anyways....up to 4.5cc's in a 10cc band. I walk 2.5 miles in 45mins 5-6 days a week plus do strength exercises.

We're going on a cruise this Christmas...with a new size 12 wardrobe!! It's our 15th wedd anniv next month so I'm getting hair colored. Next Spring, I plan on having my spider and vericose veins done for shorter dresses. Then a yr later, depending on how stock market is (ha!) I plan for breast lift with whatever tuck/lipo that will be needed. That's my long-term goal so not so worried about it yet....

You're moving in the right direction so keep your chin up!! I will suggest increasing your exercise. I've increased my walking to 2.5 miles per day (50mins), 5 days a week. Start slowely. Perhaps do your 30mins 3-4x's per wk, then work on increasing your time. More exercise gives your body that metabolism boost to help fight off more fat.

Mine is 20gms or less (per my nute).

I'm down 72lbs as of today!!!!!! I don't count cals. I don't even worry about them! I just follow my nutritionist's recommendations!! I'm very happy with my success thus far and I know that when I do reach my limit of weight loss, (NOT GOAL!!), that I'll be more in tune with how to maintain by setting limits, not by being "inside a box".

My doc says you really dont' know benefits of fills til 2wks out, average. And I'm just wondering WHEN will I PB and slime? I have yet to experience this!!

Yes, GREAT NEWS Joann!!!!!!

Welcome, Roseyyyd1 !! How exciting...another new "SOS" who knows where her faith lies!! I love your comment for the day..."have a healthy day of good choices". I'm going to write that on my fridge door. God bless on your new journey!

Blackcherry, I appreciate your willingness to share all you did. You're a beautiful person, not only physically, but emotionally too! When I started reading all you have gone thru, I had to stop and look again at your age (before you pointed it out!) I just want to say "KUDOS" to you girl!!! And how excited I am for your journey here. You are truely going to succeed in your life! At my age, I haven't seen or been around too many 19yr olds who have the values of life, nor the maturity to make decisions like you have. It's just exciting for me right now to imagine what a successor you will be at age 40, and with where you are right now, even at age 25! God bless, you're precious!!

It is true, there's discrimination for everyone of every type. It's nice to have a place here to come and share our thoughts and experiences! Since I grew into obesity, I also grew into how other people treated and thought of me...It was not until recently I have come to realize it. And only because of my therapist and LB support grp warning me about it before I had the surgery. I now can see things in the past that were done to me because of my weight. I certainly notice now, how people treat me at present because of me being under 200lbs! Am I mad? No, just saddened and more apt to also realize who is true to their heart, who are sincere of their feelings and actions towards me. Because I tell you what again...and I'm sure you all agree with me, having been there before and now after, I can pick up on "phonies" real quick now! It just hurts when you find they were once your "true felt friends".

I went to see my therapist yesterday. The 1st thing she asked me was..."Does this hurt yet?" patting her own tailbone. I was delighted to tell her..."YES, esp sitting here on your (hard) sofa!" She then said, "that's why you see all us small ladies squirming in our chairs!" oh another, went to (sorry) scratch my armpit...my hand went into this cavity...what the heck...never had one of those before in my armpit-LOL!!

Today in church, sitting there with a dress on, no hose (yuke), I had my feet together on floor. During quiet prayer time, it dawned on me..."hey, my thighs are no longer the only thing touching...my calves actually touch along with them!!" Another, I finally decided to buy a new pair of "hip" jeans...well, the 16misses were too big, the 14's fit just right!!!!

Mary, I'm glad you never gave up on God blessing your life! The Lapband will surely be a whole new beginning for you, diff than the first one. Remain faithful to God and what He has in store for you and don't be afraid to give him your heart's desires. He always knows what we need but ever loves to hear us call on Him!!

I can go 3wks with no change. Don't let it try to bother you so much. take into account some things here...are you around your mensus time? how's your protein, water, carb, sugar intake? And more importantly, like Carrie asked, how's the inches? We can lose wgt, but our skin and muscles have to have their time too to play catch-up!! I think 41lbs is a great accomplishment when compared to 15...20, etc!!! Job WELL DONE!!!

Txs jack! I've been missing your replies lately. You're such a down to earth kind of guy, honest and true to the point!! I appreciate your motivation muches!! I'll share this...I did go to a local woman's store to try on those clothes. I was ravishing thru their 60%off racks grabbing loads of clothes along with 2 other "normal" gals. A sales associate offered to take our clothes to a fitting rm for us. Well, she took theirs to the misses fitting room, but mine to the WOMAN"S!!! Then she told me to let her know if I needed a diff size, not anything else, but a diff size! Turns out 14's, not 16's fit me good right now. So I grabbed all 12's for an upcoming cruise in 3mos. I bought $100 worth from her, the other ladies left with nothing!! This sales lady's attitude changed by then. So I shared with her my story...Lapband, wt. loss, needing clothes for an upcoming cruise. She told me another lady came in day before me saying same thing, buying new clothes to fit her. Picture here..."story to shame her...her face? priceless."