vlb11752

The 18 year old me would be surprised that I am still alive at 54 (with my family history and self destructive things I did). She would be surprised that I'm an account manager for an insurance agency instead of in the medical field. She would be sad that I could never have my own biological children, but happy that I found a wonderful husband with 2 daughters that he and his first wife share with me, and that the girls consider me a parent as much as the two of them. And I think she would think of me like my youngest daughter does, fun, young and really cool...her words!!!!

Just my 2 cents worth, but the way I look at it, if you eat healthy and get in everything you should. Exercise the amount you should not over-do, but do what is healthy. Don't either one of you obsess over the amount of pounds you weigh. You are going to end up where you should be. If you continue to do things the HEALTHY way, you will weigh what you are meant to weigh. If you lose more, then you are supposed to lose more, if you stay the same then that's where your body needs to be. It's all about being healthy, not underweight for your body type, not overweight for your body type. I've found with my hubby if we disagree on something and we can't reach a compromise, we agree to disagree and let it go. It always works out the way it is supposed to. Sounds to me like you have a good solid marriage and like us, we love each other and find each other sexy (which is 90% attitude) no matter what our size. Granted the physical aspect is much better when we're both thinner. I bet that good man you've got will love you no matter what. He loved you large, he will love you thin. We all have to work this band forever, just relax and enjoy the ride, you'll get to where you should be.

The first picture is of the family at Christmas a few years ago, but it is pretty representative of me at my largest. The second picture was taken Thanksgiving after 75 lbs lost. Why do I always have such a stupid smile in pictures...I need to work on that one!

Please, please take her to an endocrinologist. Some of the simple thyroid tests done by your family doctor do not show all thyroid problems. Also age 10 is about when the symptoms of PCOS starts. The mood swings sounds kind of hormonal. When I was her age I had a well meaning aunt that would give her son and husband bacon and eggs and toast and jelly for Breakfast, her and I would eat Special K with skimmed milk. For Snacks we would eat apples while the guys got candy bars and pop corn. She would always tell me "You have such a pretty face, if you would only loose weight". In my pre-teen mind that equated to you're ok, but I would love you more if you weren't fat. So, I knew where she hid the candy bars and I would steal them and hide in the back yard and eat 2 or 3. Later in life, I found I had PCOS after it was too late for babies (that everyone just blamed on my weight). Please take her to an endocrinologist. You and your daughter are in my prayers.

Everyone to his own opinion. I actually feel sorry for him, he doesn't know me or my situation in life, he is the one carrying around a hatred of a group of people he doesn't know or understand. It's eating at him...not me! But most importantly, I haven't been judged. Some day I will be, but it most certainly will not be by him. God is my judge, and as far as I am concerned, he is the only judge I need to worry about!

Yeah Spydr!!! Congrats on the loss!! Looks like we're on the same track. I don't know how tall you are, but our weight and goals are very similar. I would do this again in a heartbeat!!! Keep up the good work you are so close to ONEDERLAND!!! The closer I get the more excited I get and I know you do too! Just think how incredibly cute we will be this time next year!!!

We're all in the same boat at one point or another. You aren't cheap..you're frugal. I have lost about 74 lbs and have bought a few things along the way just to get me by. I buy tops that can be worn for awhile that will look ok kind of snug, but will look ok too if they are a little loose. I try to buy pants with a little lycra in them so they are a little stretchy and a little snug so they last longer too. I buy just enough to keep me looking ok at work (but I'm sure they are getting tired of seeing the same stuff all the time). I also buy at the discount stores to keep the price down. Besides when you buy clothes that fit and you look good, you will feel amazing!!! Hang in there...and stop being a Sad Sack!!!!!!

Started at 287...I've seen 212...this morning I saw 213...I can smell ONEDERLAND!!!!

Hi Indiana Bandsters, I'm originally from Indiana and want to go back soooo bad. I'm from the middle of the corn fields, but have spent the last 25 years in the city in Jacksonville Florida. Just wanted to say hi Hoosiers!!! Good luck on your band journey! Beversman, my Florida friends and coworkers were very supportive of my band. My Indiana family couldn't understand why I would spend that much money on something I should be able to do myself. Of course they have known me for 54 years, 44 of which I have been overweight. It was worth it to me! But you gotta love the frugal farm mentality....I'm still proud to be an Indiana farm girl!!!

Back in the day I was an extreme partier...as I aged I slowed down on the number of party nights, but now and then I like to go out have a few with friends. Since banding I definitely stay away from beer and bubbly wine. I have found a drink that is very potent, non carbonated, that I can sip for a long time and keep adding ice to. I used to be able to drink most men under the table, but now I'm a pretty cheap date (maybe I should say inexpensive..lol). Since you can't eat much there is nothing to soak up that alcohol so you get the buzz much quicker. The reason I picked something I couldn't drink very fast was so I would know when I had the buzz and could stop, because the thought of a drunken barf session scared me. You said you went out drinking about once every 1 or 2 months...go for it...but be VERY careful...don't get sick! Oh and my potent little drink...now don't you all go yuck until you try it...tequilla & amaretto (preferably Patron tequilla and DiSaronno) on the rocks. Party On!

Way to go on your NSV...if I could ever find panty hose that were big enough for the tummy but not too long I might give them a try again...5'3" 287lbs...no panty hose fit well...maybe I should try now that I'm down 72lbs... I hate them, but I must admit I don't like the look of bare legs and dresses except for cute little casual sun dresses. Keep up the good work those NSV's will make you feel even better than the SV's!!!!

I agree with Susan (we had the same doc). I've tried some small sips, but that's not the same as a big ol gulp, so it just wasn't the same. I miss a few things, like big bites of a big juicy hamburger with all the trimmings, little bites just aren't the same. I REALLY miss my Subway sandwiches for lunch, but can't do the bread so what's the point. Being halfway to goal by following most of the rules is worth more than any temporary craving I might have. Just another 2 cents from one of Dr. Herrera's bunch!

Just a thought for those about to have surgery. My dr is a stickler for being up as soon as absolutely possible after surgery. As a matter of fact they sat me up in a chair in the recovery room (my room wasnt ready) about 45 minutes after I woke up. They took me to a remote area of the recovery room and I would stand up and take a few steps from that chair about every 30 minutes. When I got to the floor I walked up and down the hall about every hour. I never had the shoulder gas pain at all. It isn't easy, but its better than the pain my husband had after his gallbladder surgery. So walk as much as you possibly stand.

I used to have a boss that was very moody, but she was the best boss I ever had. We worked well together most days. Hard to work for because of the moodiness, and sometimes it was hell, but she was the best because she got the job done, made me want to get the job done, and gave me confidence in myself. So in honor of her my band's name is Maxine...Max for short.

Yeah Susan!!!! Isn't it great to see those sizes going down!!!! I couldn't even FIND a really comfortable pair of jeans...hadn't worn REAL jeans with no elastic for years. I bought a pair of regular size 18 (you know the ones without a W after the number..lol) as a goal. I can button and zip them, but there's still way to much "muffin top" to wear in public, the problem is the legs are too big. You're doing great Susan!!! Keep up the good work!!! As for the steps, hate eats people up. You can get up in the morning look at yourself in the mirror and know your ok. Its the steps that are being eaten up. Its their loss, they could have a bigger family with more people to love, its their choice not to. I was fortunate in that department. I have two wonderful step daughters. My husbands ex and I get along fine, she has even been to my house twice for Thanksgiving. It hasn't always been easy, especially with the youngest, she wanted Mom and Dad back together. She lived with us during her teenage years, and it was bad. Now we are good friends and get along great. You may never be really close, but I pray someday there will be at least some peace in that area of your life. See you in group!!!!!

A new program is being started here in Jacksonville, Florida at St. Vincent's Hospital by Dr. Herrera & Dr. Chappano. Dr. Jerrera did lap-band in Maine. I will be his first here. Since there are so many members on this site I was wondering if anyone had their's done by Dr. Herrera. He was really nice, easy to talk to. My surgery is March 14th. I'm nervous...kinda...I think...

I have been a little discouraged lately. I officially weigh every Monday morning, and have been doing the up and down thing for a couple of months, though at the end of the month the average for the month is still coming out to about a pound per week. (I know that's what its supposed to be, but being patient is not one of my strongest attributes..lol) BUT, yesterday I wanted something new to wear, everything was either getting too big or I was just tired of it. So I go shopping. I tried on pants first, not good, if they fit around my stomach the legs are HUGE...I tried on 3 pairs of jeans....yuk. Then I went for the tops..... I tried on several...all too big...hmmmmm...maybe a different department? For the first time in YEARS...I went to the ladies department...not womens...ladies...I bought a size 16/18 top....I cried in the dressing room... I've gone from a 26W/28W to a 16/18 top... Now if I could find pants to fit I would be ecstatic... Does anyone else have the problem with pants? The stomach is big and hanging and the legs are SKINNY...and there is NO junk in the trunk...what do I wear?

Remember we're spread out over the entire country..actually the world. We have few people to talk with close to us that have had band experience. For some when things are going ok...nothing bad, nothing great...they don't post. But when something doesn't feel right...or when something wonderful happens...that is when they post. Some people make a mountain out of a mole hill. Some have no tolerance for any discomfort. I have a friend that never has a headache...she always has a migraine. I used to have migraines...believe me I can look at her face and her activity level and know she is NOT having a migraine...she has a simple headache. Painful yes, migraine level pain...no. The doctor has given her migraine medication that she says doesn't work...guess what migraine meds don't work on other headaches. Same here different people have a different prespective on the severity of their problem. So take everything with a grain of salt. Personally, I've slimed, I've pb'd, I've had some pain....and every time I can attribute it to something I HAVE DONE!! This isn't the case for everyone, there are some with problems...but those with real issues such as erosion or slipage are few. Being banded was the absolute best thing I have ever done for myself....no matter what, even on my worst day...I haven't regretted it one minute. Good Luck!!! If you are suseptible to other peoples complaints...stay away from those posts...

BIRKENSTOCKS!!!! I had trouble with heel spurs and plantar facitis for YEARS. My massage therapist recommended them. You will hate them for the first 2 weeks, but if you keep wearing them every day, all day for 2 weeks you will feel an amazing difference. Even though ebay and some other sites have good deals, you need to find a Birkenstock store near you and be measured for the correct fit. Then once you know the size you can order elsewhere. They are worth every penny you spend on them. Helps with back problems too! Like I said wear them all the time for 2 weeks...you will hate them...but keep at it. After wearing nothing but birks for about a year (and losing 60 lbs) I can wear more attractive shoes to work and other places, but I always wear my birks when I'm shopping or whenever I'm going to be walking or standing a lot. They aren't cute, but your feet will be SOOOO HAPPY!!!!

My first mushies I actually used a baby spoon till I got used to little bites. It might help. As far as Jello goes, I cannot eat the already prepared jello. It seem to have too much Gelatin or something. The kind you make yourself works just fine. It's more trouble but works much better.

I miss the occasional beer...however...now don't curl up your nose until you try it....I can drink tequilla and amaretto...together on the rocks! Yep its GOOD! But be careful it doesn't take much! You can sip it for a long time.

5 weeks from seminar to surgery. I was self pay though. I was also the first patient for the new program at a local hospital. Not my surgeon's first just the first for the new program.

I've told everyone, and for the most part have had great reactions. I saw an ad for the seminar on tv one night and then it was in the paper the next day. My best friend at work said I'll go with you to the seminar knowing I hated going places by myself and my husband had to work. My other very best friend took a day off work to sit with my husband during surgery. The only negative I had was not said to me but to someone else. My cousin just could not believe that I would take that much money out of my retirement for something like that. She's very money oriented...and very skinny. She lost tons of weight back when she was a teenager. She's a year younger than me. She has never understood why I just didn't DO IT. I guess she figures I never really tried. I just laughed and told my DH she's just afraid I'll be cuter than she is...he just said...you already are!!!

I had one before surgery and about 3 after surgery till I went home the following morning...I don't understand why for 2 weeks after...you should ask your doctor why so long. They burn like crazy

If you look at a bare skeleton...the skull looks enormous compared to the rest of the bones...GBers...anorexics...and most entertainment people are skeletons with just a few muscles and some skin stretched over them...big head!! Banders lose slower...build more muscle with the added Protein...more proportionate. We are all going to be so much cuter!!!!