skyeblu79

More than anything it used to hurt my feelings. Probably, b/c I think I used to take it all personally. You think hey I am part of this group, what are they saying/thinking about me. Then I realized some people are really ignorant (truly dumb). I have been stereotyped throughout my whole life for one reason or another. I try not to inflict that crap on other people. Some people are ignorant and want to remain ignorant. It took me a long time, but I realize that's how it is. I think the media does play a big role, but you have to be smart enough not to buy in on everything you see on tv. It's too bad everyone isn't smart enough to realize that. I have stopped watching a lot of tv shows b/c of that. A lot of the stuff that's on our local news is crap I think put out there to sway people certain ways. To live in certain areas, etc. It's amazing how much stuff that I know that never even hits the news.

I just called & spoke w/Marilyn. I am only now getting my phone consult. I will have that on January 16th!!! I spoke w/Robin yesterday & she told me to call back w/my date & they would let me know if it was available. I thought that was my next step and then and then I would speak w/the nutritionist & have my phone consult. Oh, well...Hopefully the flight prices will still be good then & I can still have the surgery done by the end of February. Looking back it was I really should have done that in the 1st place. I should have known better.

I bought the book during the holidays, but I haven't read it yet. Hopefully I will read it over the weekend.

That is true of some people, but most of the skinny people I know eat pretty much what they want. There are some people that are health food junkies and stuff, but most that I know eat "real"fast food and stuff. Most of the people I went to college with that didn't gain the freshman 15, sophomore 10 weren't any different from anyone else. Maybe the athletics? One of my friends is 28 now with 2 kids, people always ask her what she does and eats. She doesn't exercise and doesn't think about what she eats. You can't tell she has had any children. She could barely do the 1.5 miles we had to do in fitness class. Maybe it will catch up with her when she 50. She is a strange one though....I have never seen someone her size that is so consumed with food.

Stuff like that is why I don't like Republicans.....What does it matter if more Muslims get elected to Office?! It's a shame that people actually vote people like this into office and are okay what they are representing.

Hi Kristin, it sounds like you are doing very well...Congratulations!!! Marjon, good luck w/everything...You are getting very close!! I hope to find a book my surgery between today and tomorrow. I think it will be more real for me once I actually have a date!!

I did a 2 week trial last January. I really liked it @ first. After 3 or 4 times I got bored with it. There weren't many other options of things to do there besides the circuit. Several times when I was working out I keep encountering machine hoggers who wouldn't leave the machine. I hated skipping machines. I guess I could have said something, but one of the ladies was an eldery lady, so I would have felt bad saying something to her. One of the positives was that it really helped rejump start my weight loss...The workouts went by quickly and it was really simple. I know quite a few people that did Curves (which is very similar) and they did really well with it.

"There is no conclusive evidence that gastrointestinal surgery for weight loss increases longevity or improves overall health. There are a tremendous number of deaths and severe complications associated with weight-loss surgeries. Since non-invasive treatments for comorbidity factors exist, the presence of comorbidity factors is not a valid justification for surgery. Therefore, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance condemns gastrointestinal surgery for weight loss under any circumstances. Until all weight loss surgeries are discontinued, NAAFA urges that such surgeries be restricted to controlled studies conducted by trained medical researchers. Further, NAAFA believes that the psychosocial suffering that fat people face is more appropriately relieved by social and political reform than by surgery."

I didn't reference anything you said. All I said was that from the checking out some of the groups it was clear that they all weren't anti-WLS. I have never heard of the Fat Acceptance Community, so I can't speak on it. I'll try to look them up later. What in the world was their reasoning behind lobbying against WLS. I'm surprised it made it to Congress.....

Maybe for some...This one website talked about being healthy @ any weight which I personally don't think is true. I don't see how you can be morbidly obese and be or stay healthy. Most of the sites I went on talked only societies views and loving yourself.

I was not trying to say that there were no groups that are anti-WLS. There are some people that are going to be against WLS regardless. I just don't feel it impacts me. As long as they can't stop me from getting my lap band, I really could care less. The people that know me and matter understand why I am doing WLS. My point is not to stereotype all of the group by a few. I read several websites that did not bash WLS @ all. I don't think that was why the Size Acceptance Movement was started. It's no different that a gay person that doesn't like Asians. It makes no sense to me, but some people are just ignorant. Why do you feel like you are being "flamed"? About what WLS? I'm confused.:phanvan

That's how I see it too... And as far as the people who keep saying that Size Acceptance is anti-WLS I don't really think so. There are tons of people that feel that way that aren't part of the Size Acceptance Movement. It seems to be the opinion of some in the movement. It's their perogative, just like everyone else.

I absolutely love Elliptical Machines and I want to purchase one for home. I found one online called the Reebok RL 900 Elliptical Machine. I can't find any reviews @ all for this particular Elliptical Machine. Is anyone familiar w/this brand? Does anyone know of any particular brands they can recommend? This is the 1st piece of large exercise equipment that I have ever purchased that needs to be put together. I am wondering are there people you can hire to put these things together or should if be simple enough for me to put together. Also, I am wondering if I move, will I have to take it apart or is it moveable. Oh, and I am looking for a machine that has a 350 lb capacity. And if anyone is interested, I found this one on Amazon and they have the free shipping thing going on. Thanks!!!

That's pretty much what I got from it. I only referenced a few sites though. Here is something else I found on Wikipedia- " The Fat Acceptance Movement, also referred to as the Fat Liberation Movement is a grassroots effort to change societal attitudes towards fat individuals. The movement consists today of a diverse group of people, who have different beliefs about how best to address fat-prejudice. Generally dated to the 1970s, the 1980s and 1990s witnessed the increase in activist organizations, publications, and conferences. A major schism in the movement is found between those fat people who are still pursuing weight loss and those who are not. Opponents to weight loss attempts cite the high failure rate of all weight loss attempts (95-98%), the many dangers of yoyo weight fluctuations and so-called weight loss surgeries, and the repeatedly verified fact that fat people who exercise regularly and practice sound nutrition are as healthy as or healthier than sedentary thin people, dieters or WLS survivors. (Citations number in the thousands. Start with Sandy Szwarc's list of links at http://www.junkfoodscience.blogspot.com, as well as books by William Bennett, Joel Gurin, Paul Campos, etc. as delineated below. A USDA discussion of the recent U.C. Davis study confirming that fat acceptance maintains and improves health more than dieting may be found at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar06/health0306.htm.) Due to intrinsic linguistic misunderstandings and differing definitions of the word "acceptance," some fat activists believe the phrase refers to any fat person fighting for equal rights and opportunities, regardless of whether or not that person believes pursuing weight loss is safe or feasible. Other fat activists define "fat acceptance" more strictly, applying that phrase only to fat people who are not pursuing weight loss, and instead using phrases such as "fat activist" to describe fat people and allies working more generally on fat civil rights issues. In practice, the only way to know a group's position on weight loss attempts is to ask, or read specific position papers on the issue."

Hi Jerry, I am not banded yet, but I have knee problems as well. I have found that the elliptical machine works really good for me. There is no pressure on my knees and you burn a lot of calories. Glad to hear you are feeling well and good luck with your band!!!

I am not banded yet, but I plan to be banded soon. I don't think it's something to rush into. Take your time and research like they said. I wouldn't rush if you have any concerns ask questions. I wonder why he told you to rush. I'm sure he'll still be doing the surgery once you decide. Good luck w/your decision.

I have UHC and I was able to just go online to find out what exclusions there were. I didn't want to tell my HR manager about the surgery, so I looked it up myself. Your insurance company probably has something similar. Also, when I called the insurance company directly they told me my specific company plan didn't cover the surgery.

True, and I think true Christians would agree..:girl_hug:

I like the Airline too...I never noticed though. The show is funny, but I wouldn't fly with them..

Marjon, I agree with you about the equating people of size and people of color. Too completely different things. But I really didn't hear anyone comparing the two. Maybe I am reading it wrong, but I thought they were just saying it was a term that was used "people of size." I personally am okay with the term fat, some way find it derogatory. Question: Have any of yal actually heard someone use this term (people of size).

Of course not, but there are tons of extremist in all types of groups. I don't think it's fair to judgement an a group by a few. I think they have the right idea and some people are just taking it too far.

LOL, maybe they are extemist... Here is a quote from one of the websites that I found...."It is our philosophy that all people are valuable and productive citizens of society regardless of size. By developing and acknowledging self-esteem, self-love, pride and self-acceptance of who we are it is our intent to reflect positive images onto others. Thus, the ultimate promotion of Size Acceptance. " Another site: "Size acceptance isn't about giving up - it's about demanding respect for yourself and taking control of your life and your health. It's about not letting a biased society or your size keep you from living your life fully - right now - at any weight." I found some wacky sites too though....I don't know where in the world they got their research...Interesting!!

I think that most people know the what comes from being overweight. Sure there are some people that aren't the brightest, but unless you are living under a rock you know being morbidly obese isn't good for you. You may not want to admit it, but you know how you got there. As far as the size exceptance movement, I don't see anything wrong with it. Why not except the way you are being whether you are fat and working on it, not working on it, whatever. Why should overweight people have to see around and feel bad?

Everyone didn't think Saddam had WOMD. I don't think it's as simple as a mistake was made. I think a lot of people that voted for the war feel lied too and misled.

That's for all the advice. I still haven't decided, but they still have the special going on...