Boo

Maudeispam, That is great news! You are healthy! Even though I was ALMOST MO, I have never had high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, or pre-diabetes. I have always been able to exercise and function well. Just prior to my surgery, I had a heart scan and a treadmill test. The technicians and the doctor were shocked at what I could do, given my size. The cardiologist said my heart was close to what he had seen in marathon runners. My MIL has been MO her entire life and has never had any medical problems either. She has high energy and amazes me! The people featured in this story were in an entirely different category. There should be another level above MO. I was just curious about the idea of hoarding. Since this surgery, I am trying to let go more. I don't have the lifestyle of those featured on the show, but I am too sentimental and need to discard of "stuff" from my life. I am trying to simplify and give away. Also, I am trying to let go of old hurts and experiences that harmed me. Just wondered if anyone else has a tendency to hold on to other negative things in addition to food.

Did anyone watch the special on ABC Wednesday evening on hoarding and M.O.?? It was excellent!! They even showed a body lift surgery.

Major "Woohoo!" to everyone!!! Soon we will all be just a few pounds apart!

BLUEHILL!!! You deserve some of this: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: AND this::whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: My doctor's calculator gave me a BMI of 26.8 which under his chart is considered "borderline," between "normal" and "increased risk/overweight." Under another chart it might be something different.

You are NOT a failure!!! Before you were banded, what would you have given to be able to lose 48 pounds! Don't take your loss for granted. Some of us lose slower, or don't quite have enough restriction. We are ALL here because we failed at dieting; we were banded for the help IT would give us.

The show brought up a link to OCD. They took brain scans of hoarders while they decided whether to throw away old papers or not. They also took brain scans of MO's while they were tempted with their favorite foods. Both scans showed unusual activity relating to dopamine. The show seemed to take the POV that there are genetic, physiological, AND psychological reasons why people overeat and hoard. It went much deeper, scientifically than I can possibly explain. There might be something on ABC's website. One man that was featured had to be cut out of his house to get to the hospital. He had gastric bypass surgery, but then gained it back. He is now living in an assisted living/rehabilitation facility for MO. If ANYONE else saw it and can comment, thank you!!

YEP! I am "BORDERLINE NORMAL"!! (my weight, that is...) Thanks, Julie. Miper70: We are both Ortiz patients! Come workout with us! Exercise can sure help hormonal problems. I've only lost 40-some pounds, but my toning, energy level, and attitude has improved immensely! AND, the women here are VERY supportive. I owe my work-out success to their inspiring words. We share the same daily struggles, but challenge each other to succeed. You will find yourself doing things you thought not possible. (I can run five miles) Betty, your husband is sneaky, huh? How come men can drop weight so easily??

DEFINITELY! The lapband is "MRI compliant." I have had two MRI's, a CAT scan, AND a bone density scan. Only on the bone density did the radiologist ask, "Do you have some sort of gadget in you?" On the others, there is no interference. GOOD LUCK!!

If you are walking/driving across the border, you only need your DL. A birth certificate would be good to bring, also. If you are flying into Mexico, you do need a passport.

Eficka, you are adorable! It is fun to see pics! I'm just checking in. It seems January is the month for home improvement! It is fun to read of Julie's new apartment and Kat's beautiful gift. We've all been improving our bodies and now we seem to be beautifying our surroundings. We are remodeling most of the house right now. It is exciting, but what a mess! (And they haven't started the kitchen, yet!) I get to choose everything, except for the girls' section of the house. Kat's story of having the mural painted for her DGD made me smile. I love to paint, but there are no castles here. I've been painting my teenage daughters' rooms! No longer do we have a pink princess bedroom, or the buttercream yellow room with dainty wrought iron beds. One now has modern taste (black, white, taupe, burgundy) and one is into elegant/shabby chic (is that an oxymoron?) with a chandelier and pearlescent walls. In their shared bathroom, they are negotiating a "Betsey Johnson" look(?) Obviously, this is one area I let them explore and do whatever they like! But I miss those sweet little girly rooms! WTG, Betty!! I'm still waiting for the scale to drop. Normally, I gain weight and hit a high in February, so I am trying to appreciate the plateau! Speaking of BMI, I checked mine and it is 27! I am "borderline"!! I really want to lose 30 more pounds, but am thrilled to have passed through "overweight" so quickly. Ladies, that "ONEDERLAND" is ALMOST here for everybody!!! How shall we celebrate??

Audree, thanks for checking on me! You have enough to deal with getting through this liquid phase. I was banded two weeks before Easter. I remember sticking scalloped potatoes in the blender with some milk (I was desperate!) But it was horrible! When you can have soft foods, try ricotta cheese with an egg mixed up, then pour Prego, or some spaghetti sauce over it, cover and bake. It is yummy! Hang in there!!! You are doing great! (And you are even encouraging others along the way...WTG)

I have to wear cashmere scarves to work, and I live in Los Angeles! I am freezing! Except when I am exercising. My DH says my toes are popsicles. ????

Susannah, there's nothing wrong with being a "prude"! What does that mean, anyway? Wholesome??

Thank you! I also find the porno SPAM sickening. I don't open them, but just scrolling over their titles is annoying!

Are you on "clear liquids" or "full liquids"? If you are on clear, you can't have any of those. My doctor let me have yogurt starting day 6 post-op. But the others (cottage cheese, applesauce) weren't allowed until "mushies". Hang in there and STAY STRONG!! You don't want to risk it!

Betty, don't worry about a "downer post." We ALL have down days! This is a support group and we are all here to support you, just as you have done with us. You are right about the lack of exercise bringing us down. When I can't, I really miss the high! But also, you probably do need your Prozac. Don you feel better (more normal) when you are on it regularly? I'm sure it is not like you to blow up to a friend. Hey, it is NOT cool that we have to deal with changes in our bodies and hormones and fears and stresses, but there are so many glorious moments in each day. If you aren't feeling well it is easy to miss them! And you are NOT getting older. At this point, you are getting better! You have a rich life with great friends. We have all read your posts and enjoy reading about your social outings. Even Bluehill is impressed! Maybe you are feeling really guilty about the fight with your friend. If so, a phone call and apology should relieve that, if she truly is your friend. We ALL care! And KAT, drive safely and keep an eye out for all those inexperienced winter drivers (like me) out there!!

Wow, Kat, you are a dear person. There is so much need all around you and you keep giving and loving. When and how do you care for your own pain? You must have angels near you! I wish you could move to California where everyone has a SWIMMING POOL! There's no impact swimming, and the resistence tones the entire body. I can see why you should never run! Hugs and prayers!

Mary, I've seen Savon pharmacy stores advertise thyroid testing. Maybe there is a pharmacy there that has testing abilities. Then you would not have to pay the doctor fee to order and read the test. If your thyroid is low, it can definitely stall weight-loss. If you DO take any meds, some can mess with your weight (like anti-seizure, steroidal, & more). Could you be in an early menopause phase? It sounds like you feel pretty good working out 75 min. But, psychologically, it has to be discouraging. I get down just from a plateau! Do you get enough sleep, and can you de-stress? I have a theory that you have to be happy to lose. (It is just a theory) Anyway, I'm so sorry!!! GOOD LUCK!!!! Your friend, Boo

I hopped on the elliptical machine at the gym and got my 40 minutes completed 15 seconds before 10:00!! I just did not feel like going out in the cold tonight. (yeah, I know...I'm a wimp!) Kat, you don't need to run. As long as your activity will elevate your heart rate/make you breathe heavier, you are fine. Adding an incline works, a faster pace works, hand-held weights work, if your knees can handle it. I think your wood-chopping would definitely raise your heartbeat and make you sweat. Welcome back, Amourette! Wow! Reaching goal before April is super! Roberta, I'm sorry about your asthma!

Hey, Betty...I wasn't offended by your comment in ANY way! Don't worry! I think this whole discussion about "envy" (thanks, BLUEHILL) really helps us to understand what women around us are going through. I see that wishful look on the faces of friends when they compliment me. I know that feeling too well. So happy for them, but longing for success! Julie, although I might feel "normal", I really believe this is not the final resting weight. So I find clothes at Old Navy or Nordstrom's Rack that fit well, but aren't expensive. When you are thinner you look better in everything, anyway! And you really WILL shrink out of what you are wearing now. Even the undergarments and SHOES! Most of my dressy shoes are too big now, so I just bought a gorgeous pair of leopard sling-back heels in a half-size smaller! I forgot what it was like to wear great heels! I would have looked ridiculous in them a year ago. As far as the eating goes, my attention is more focused on how the band feels than how much Protein I consumed. I need to pay more attention to my diet. Even though I run, my body has adjusted to this activity level and almost demands it. I'm POSITIVE I will keep losing, though.

You're right, Betty, I should be grateful for where I am now. I see everyone else dropping major pounds and while I get so excited for y'all I can't help but wish I was dropping faster, too. Patience is hard sometimes! Oh, and I hear you on the fill question. I've not had a fill since August. Maybe it is time for both of us. The cold Water trick is a good idea! Ran four miles tonight. The funny thing is that I bundle up in a black scarf, gloves and headband with my hair pulled back, and run in the dark, yet EVERY night somebody different recognizes me! It's crazy.

Yep! Races are amazing! At the start, you have to work hard to relax and focus to keep your heart rate down. Also, there is a tendency to overrun in the beginning and get too worn out to sustain a steady pace. I am running a 5K in March with co-workers. I really prefer to run alone, so I will have to pace myself and not push harder than I should. (They are all ten years younger and race regularly) My goal is to beat my last time and get in my running zone, instead of trying to prove anything. (Down deep there is a competitor inside that needs much more conditioning!) I'm so proud of all of your big losses! HUGE applause! I've hit another plateau, but will remain patient. (Hi, Betty...sound familiar?) Sometimes there will be a three or four pound loss in the last week of the month. At this point, losing four pounds in a month is thrilling!

Susan, getting off the Diet Coke was the hardest habit to break! Honestly, I don't miss it EVER! I took one sip a few months ago and it was nasty. Now I drink "Vitamin Water ." The tropical citrus has natural caffeine and is yummy. I stick it in the freezer and make a slush. 20 ounces has 125 calories. That has become my big splurge. It's not too sweet, either! So just find a replacement drink that is good for you. I can't believe how much better my skin looks, too! I'm sure it is due to no more Coke! Audree, you are doing great! Aren't you glad you did it? Well, maybe not yet. I totally understand getting sick of the sweet stuff. The options get pretty stale, but your weight-loss will soon be SO exciting that the hunger pains will diminish. Keep it up!

Kat, I could NEVER swing an axe like that! If I could break my nose wheeling a storage box out of Target, just imagine the damage I could do with an axe! (I'm a bit clumsy) I love to hear about all the things you do for and with your "DH". Sounds like you both are winners! You deserve it after all you endured. Great idea about tailoring. Why didn't I think of that? I've only had to let clothes OUT (which didn't go very far)...fun to think of taking them IN! HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE! LET'S KICK SOME ______!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU DID IT!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: The hard part is now starting, but you can take a deep breathe because your life will now begin to change. It is exciting. Be strong and follow your nutritionist's rules. This liquid phase will soon be a memory!