Manatee

I'm glad y'all are all working so hard. You're making up for me :tongue: I'm single and live in a 3000 Sqft house that I keep at 75 degrees all year round. I own 4 cars, and only 1 is new enough for a catalytic converter. The one that gets the BEST gas mileage gets 13 MPH, and it's a Hemi V8 powered pickup. My commute is 70 miles round trip, do the math... I don't believe in man-made global warning, and I remember the articles in the 70s about the upcoming ice age. Frankly, I don't care, and I enjoy ticking off the neo-hippies. I did the whole environmental thing in the 70 and 80s growing up on a farm, and I enjoy everything about civilized life. No more compost heaps, chicken pens and outside drying lines for me, thanks.

Haven't updated this thread is a while, but the new fill is kicking (my) rear. 12

Hmm, false hope, powerless band? Look at my ticker. That's the testimonial, not the random position of my head in the rare photos taken of me.

I once ordered 12 cases of thin mints, and filled a freezer with them. This year there's 1 box in my fridge, and I really don't want them that bad. Oh, and you don't get yours until March? What's with that? They were delivered here last week

You know, people rag on these beauty pageant people, but those contestants work as hard on that stuff as any pro athlete or musician. It's just a different focus. My sister was involved with that scene back in her teens, and I hung out with her on the weekends during the competitions and saw just how much effort it takes to look and act that way. (I was also STUPID and completely missed the possibilities inherent in the other contestants. Ah well :rolleyes2:)

I personally never considered bypass an option. I don't like the idea of being cut and rerouted. If the lap-band didn't exist, I'd probably still be fat.

name.............starting#......current#......goal#.....togo# Anitak33...........245............218..........199.......19 Anna2766____.......232............232..........220.......12 TxArcher...........360............353..........345........8 Candle.............218............211..........207.......4 Cerrin.............350............350..........325.......25 chickatee..........188............182..........175.......7 Cookielover........202............202..........192.......10 cQQlgirl...........220............217..........210.......7 Faithmd............306............301.2........296.......5.2 georgiagirl........275............265..........260.......5 Hollyberries.......298............298..........285.......13 Hoppingto..........350............314..........294.......20 Irishmae11.........233.8..........234..........219.......15 Jennie1976.........290............251..........235.......16 jfran..............187............181..........177.......4 Jillrn.............176............176..........166.......10 Jsrico.............255............178..........165.......13 juliegeraci........220............220..........210.......8 KarenG.............207............194..........189.......5 keekahari..........220............217..........205.......12 kjl315.............237.5..........231..........220.......11 legster............223.5..........212..........199.......13 LessnLess..........172............168.5........164.......4.5 liz_hager..........202............198..........190.......8 Manatee............188............177..........175.......2 Mandyjo............191............187..........180.......11 metawnny...........252............252..........240.......12 MJRouse84..........274............233..........218.......15 nip50..............250............241..........238.......3 Rainer.............264............253..........248.......5 Redtulips3.........248............233..........226.......6 RenewedHope........228............215..........210.......5 rharriet...........367............256..........248.......8 Sades..............229............199.7........189.......10.7 Skinny_Jill........195............190..........180.......10 Stacy73............230............223..........222.......1 SueMagoo...........230............224..........220.......4 Sunny112...........145............145..........140.......5 Susan4794..........240............240..........225.......15 Suzzzie............303............294..........290.......4 SWEETY.............180............174..........170.......4 Trystelle..........219............211.5........205.......6.5 Twilight...........206............194..........185.......9 uxbus5.............240............240..........230.......10 want2lose..........236............236..........225.......11 wombat712..........154.8..........148.6........140.......8.6

best of craigslist : "What Happened to All the Nice Guys?"

Non scale, but such a victory.... I was in the store today, and on a whim grabbed clothes that I KNEW would not fit. Too small, not a chance, just something to gauge how far I had to go. And then they fit. 34" inch waist jeans, and a MEDIUM shirt. They fit, and looked perfectly normal. I'm a dude, but I'll admit right here that I was close to tears in the fitting room. I haven't been this size in 20 years. I still have a ways to go, but I finally believe that I can pass for normal. It's a good day.

Non scale, but such a victory.... I was in the store today, and on a whim grabbed clothes that I KNEW would not fit. Too small, not a chance, just something to gauge how far I had to go. And then they fit. 34" inch waist jeans, and a MEDIUM shirt. They fit, and looked perfectly normal. I'm a dude, but I'll admit right here that I was close to tears in the fitting room. I haven't been this size in 20 years. I still have a ways to go, but I finally believe that I can pass for normal. It's a good day.

Feeling better today. I went out and bought Italian shoes and expensive electronics, that always helps :cursing: Thanks for the feedback. To those who are curious, we really are trying to stay friends. After all, we were best buds for 10+ years, and it's a bit difficult to leave that behind. The occasional lunch isn't unusual for us. I don't think there was any 'agenda' there. (The comments about me being hot crack me up, that's so not the case. Her reaction was "you're too skinny, I want to force feed you" :thumbup:)

name.............starting#......current#......goal#.....togo# Anitak33...........245............218..........199.......19 Anna2766____.......232............232..........220.......12 TxArcher...........360............353..........345........8 Candle.............218............211..........207.......4 Cerrin.............350............350..........325.......25 chickatee..........188............182..........175.......7 Cookielover........202............202..........192.......10 cQQlgirl...........220............217..........210.......7 Faithmd............306............301.2........296.......5.2 georgiagirl........275............268..........260.......8 Hollyberries.......298............298..........285.......13 Hoppingto..........350............314..........294.......20 Irishmae11.........233.8..........234..........219.......15 Jennie1976.........290............251..........235.......16 jfran..............187............181..........177.......4 Jillrn.............176............176..........166.......10 Jsrico.............255............178..........165.......13 juliegeraci........220............220..........210.......8 KarenG.............207............197..........189.......8 keekahari..........220............217..........205.......12 kjl315.............237.5..........231..........220.......11 legster............223.5..........212..........199.......13 LessnLess..........172............168.5........164.......4.5 liz_hager..........202............198..........190.......8 Manatee............188............178..........175.......3 Mandyjo............191............187..........180.......11 metawnny...........252............252..........240.......12 MJRouse84..........274............233..........218.......15 nip50..............250............243..........238.......5 Rainer.............264............253..........248.......5 Redtulips3.........248............234.5........226.......8.5 RenewedHope........228............217..........210.......7 rharriet...........367............256..........248.......8 Sades..............229............199.7........189.......10.7 Skinny_Jill........195............190..........180.......10 Stacy73............230............223..........222.......1 SueMagoo...........230............224..........220.......4 Sunny112...........145............145..........140.......5 Susan4794..........240............240..........225.......15 Suzzzie............303............294..........290.......4 SWEETY.............180............174..........170.......4 Trystelle..........219............211.5........205.......6.5 Twilight...........206............197..........185.......21 uxbus5.............240............240..........230.......10 want2lose..........236............236..........225.......11 wombat712..........154.8..........150.2........140.......10.2

That's great progress! We always tend to focus on what's left, but it's worth celebrating the victories too.

Since I'm a guy, I carried most of my excess out in front. That looks like it's going to be flabby at goal weight, but not horrible. I don't have any of those weird arm blobs or saddlebags or anything like that.

So the ex-wife out of the blue invites me to lunch yesterday 'to catch up.' Ok, sure, why not? Turns out she wants to tell me she's been dating a guy and it's getting serious. She just wanted me to know in case I saw them out and about. What the hell am I supposed to do with this information? I really don't want to know at all, especially given some of the reasons for our split. I know we're supposed to be "friends", but it was very tough to sit there and pretend like I was happy for her. Am I supposed to go to a wedding next? Bleah. I spent last night drinking, and (as usual when I REALLY drink) woke up at 5 AM with a clear head and no memory. I really hate being alone :hurray:

Good to know, SCUBA lessons are on my list for 08. Anyone done any climbing by chance? I had a buddy just invite me to climb Kilimanjaro in 09. Apparently it's more of a vertical hike than a true climb, but I truly fear the band at 19,000 unpressurized feet -- especially in Tanzania.

I was out for 2 weeks, but HR mandated that due to some short-term disability for surgery. I don't understand it, but who am I to argue with an extra paid vacation? :biggrin: Realistically, I was under the weather for about 4-5 days after the surgery, but could have gone back to my desk job earlier.

I broke 180 today. 15 lbs or so to go. I might revise downwards when I get there -- my real goal is to be concave :biggrin: I'm thinking that's going to require another 4 inches off the waist.

My port is much higher than that. It's above the naval on the left hand side. Talk to your doc and tell him what you need, he works for you

name.............starting#......current#......goal#.....togo# Anitak33...........245............218..........199.......19 Anna2766____.......232............232..........220.......12 Cagstorm(txarcher).360............357..........345.......12 Candle.............218............213.5........207.......6.5 Cerrin.............350............350..........325.......25 chickatee..........188............184..........175.......9 Cookielover........202............202..........192.......10 cQQlgirl...........220............220..........210.......10 Faithmd............306............301.2........296.......5.2 georgiagirl........275............272..........260.......12 Hollyberries.......298............298..........285.......13 Hoppingto..........350............314..........294.......20 Irishmae11.........233.8..........234..........219.......15 Jennie1976.........290............251..........235.......16 jfran..............187............181..........177.......4 Jillrn.............176............176..........166.......10 Jsrico.............255............178..........165.......13 juliegeraci........220............220..........210.......8 KarenG.............207............197..........189.......8 keekahari..........220............217..........205.......12 kjl315.............237.5..........232..........220.......12 legster............223.5..........216..........199.......17 LessnLess..........172............172..........164.......8 liz_hager..........202............198..........190.......8 Manatee............188............179..........175.......4 Mandyjo............191............187..........180.......11 metawnny...........252............252..........240.......12 MJRouse84..........274............233..........218.......15 nip50..............250............243..........238.......5 Rainer.............264............255..........248.......7 Redtulips3.........248............234.5........226......8.5 RenewedHope........228............221..........210.......11 rharriet...........367............256..........248.......8 Sades..............229............199.7........189.......10.7 Skinny_Jill........195............190..........180.......10 Stacy73............230............225..........222.......3 SueMagoo...........230............224..........220.......4 Sunny112...........145............145..........140.......5 Susan4794..........240............240..........225.......15 Suzzzie............303............294..........290.......4 SWEETY.............180............174..........170.......4 Trystelle..........219............219..........205.......14 Twilight...........206............197..........185.......21 uxbus5.............240............240..........230.......10 want2lose..........236............236..........225.......11 wombat712..........154.8..........151..........140.......11

My turn I reckon. 39 until July, I'm a guy, divorced and no kids. Near goal, but I might lower it once I get there. 40 is going to be a good year for me.

Y'all going to keep your evangelizing out of the rest of the forum?

name.............starting#......current#......goal#.....togo# Anitak33...........245............218..........199.......19 Anna2766____.......232............232..........220.......12 Cagstorm(txarcher).360............357..........345.......12 Candle.............218............213.5........207.......6.5 Cerrin.............350............350..........325.......25 chickatee..........188............184..........175.......9 Cookielover........202............202..........192.......10 cQQlgirl...........220............220..........210.......10 Faithmd............306............301.2........296.......5.2 georgiagirl........275............272..........260.......12 Hollyberries.......298............298..........285.......13 Hoppingto..........350............314..........294.......20 Irishmae11.........233.8..........234..........219.......15 Jennie1976.........290............251..........235.......16 jfran..............187............181..........177.......4 Jillrn.............176............176..........166.......10 Jsrico.............255............178..........165.......13 juliegeraci........220............220..........210.......8 KarenG.............207............197..........189.......8 keekahari..........220............217..........205.......12 kjl315.............237.5..........232..........220.......12 legster............223.5..........216..........199.......17 LessnLess..........172............172..........164.......8 liz_hager..........202............198..........190.......8 Manatee............188............180..........175.......5 Mandyjo............191............187..........180.......11 metawnny...........252............252..........240.......12 MJRouse84..........274............233..........218.......15 nip50..............250............246..........238.......8 Rainer.............264............255..........248.......7 Redtulips3.........248............234.5........226......8.5 RenewedHope........228............221..........210.......11 rharriet...........367............256..........248.......8 Sades..............229............199.7........189.......10.7 Skinny_Jill........195............195..........180.......15 Stacy73............230............225..........222.......3 SueMagoo...........230............224..........220.......4 Sunny112...........145............145..........140.......5 Susan4794..........240............240..........225.......15 Suzzzie............303............294..........290.......4 SWEETY.............180............174..........170.......4 Trystelle..........219............219..........205.......14 Twilight...........206............197..........185.......21 uxbus5.............240............240..........230.......10 want2lose..........236............236..........225.......11 wombat712..........154.8..........152.2........140.......12.2

Hmmm. Regrets? Yeah, some. First, to be clear: this was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm down 90 lbs since May, and I cannot imagine going back to what I was. My sleep apnea is gone, my blood pressure is now low normal, resting heart rate is down 30 BMP, blood tests are normal and I'm no longer getting the "lose weight or die" speech from my primary doc. In addition, I look tons better. I can pass for a normal now, and even buy the expensive stylish duds (yes, I'm a guy -- that whole "fat clothes are expensive, ugly, and built poorly" applies to our stuff also). I see old pictures and I just feel sorry for that guy, because it's obvious he was miserable. But regrets? Sure. Everything socially revolves around food, and not being able to participate fully does cause some awkwardness. One can only pull the "late lunch/upset stomach" card so many times. I've finally just told my friends so that there's no strangeness there, but it's still a huge problem with dates and such. Secondly, the constant gurgling in the chest is just flat out annoying. Nobody told me that this was going to be a permanent situation, and it's caused some socially awkward moments too. Heck, I've had people in the next office ask me what that sound was! The acid reflux at night is random and really only happens after fills, but I never had that issue before. I understand that for some who already have it, the band actually cures it. Strange. Lastly, the inability to sedate yourself with food may require that you deal with your demons. Not everyone overeats to avoid conflict resolution, but in my case I did. Be watching for that root cause, and if you need help contact a qualified shrink. I thought it was interesting that Mary Jo from Big Medicine stated that many bariatric patients end up divorcing in later years. Please don't take anything here as an excuse to avoid the surgery. Overall, this has been a life saver, and absolutely I would do it again.

Denise, how about something like: ==== Hi there, I was just wondering how you're doing these days? Did that situation with <whatever y'all talked about> work out? <short comment about something somewhat interesting but not deeply personal happening in your life> Oh, I know you get a lot of email and may be scratching your head right now, so here's my picture again to remind you. Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you. ===