shangefan

I don't want to take away from OP's question, but I want to add something. What if, along with commenting on your present looks and weight loss, a colleague boldly asks, "Is it natural?" I must admit I was struck mute by the shock.

OK, I must have a different type of people in my life because I am definitely a guy and I am constantly receiving these comments. They come from friends, co-workers, family.... I am not troubled because I definitely wear more stylish, hip clothing that fits much closer to the body and the comments are generally positive -- unless I am being told that something is too big. Those comments are annoying -- of course I know it is too big! I have not lost 105 pounds, but I AM down @ 70, which I love. Sadly, I can't offer much help with snappy comebacks. I can have a sharp tongue on occasion (I'm praying about it) and it just seems to happen in the moment.

I am happy that you are getting in sooner and that you were able to refill your Lortab prescription. I just had two wisdom teeth removed a few weeks ago. The pain beforehand was horrible; one of the wisdom teeth had broken and there was infection. My dentist gave me antibiotics, which helped greatly, and vicadin for pain. Then after the surgery, I had more vicadin for the pain. After a couple of weeks, it began to feel normal and I avoided becoming addicted to pain meds! Good luck!

Well, there were lots of rude and arrogant comments on this topic. She was hardly alone and I do believe she simply responded to the question she was asked. Seems to me that something other than that is going on. But I'm checking out of this one.

Sorry... I meant I haven't had one since surgery in February '09. Not sure why I typed May. I did have a beer once when I was out of the country. Never again. My stomach went crazy.

Congrats! I love the idea of acknowledging 50 pounds lost. I am down 55. I am 50 pounds from goal and 75 from my smokin' hot goal. I had surgery 11 months ago.

I'm not sure why there is so much negativity directed toward K-statearmywife. Her initial post was quite brief and respectful. She was asked to educate and did so. At that point, the sarcastic and, in my opinion, very rude, comments began. This is not about the PC police or zealots. It is about the reality that we live in a world where there are NOT only males and females. Basic biology makes this clear. No one has to like it, but it is a fact. And while folks are being authentic and saying what they want this year, I wonder how they will respond if others do the same and make degrading comments about obese folks.

I was addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper before I had surgery in May. I haven't had one since and, frankly, I don't miss it. I am, however, addicted to Water with Crystal Light. I do occasionally drink champagne, particularly mimosas for brunch. But I had a beer when I was out of the country recently -- I think in Mexico -- and I thought I was going to die that night. The carbonation was horrible. I won't be doing that again.

Thanksgiving was horrible for me. I totally over-indulged. I ate the wrong things and lots of it. I think I did things to beat the band and get it down. I gained two pounds. The good news is that it is gone now and I have lost a couple of more.

Another quick remark. In the past, I always preferred very loose clothes, flowing pants, etc. A few days ago, I was getting ready for work and had decided to wear some clothes that were a little big large but would be flowy, etc. like I used to prefer. I thought I looked ridiculous. I chucked it all and started over with clothes that fit. Also, big clothes make you look bigger. Too bad I didn't realize that when I was trying to disguise my body in the past.

That is wonderful. You should be very proud. It truly is fun to see those sizes go down.

I am certain that there is some discrimination based on weight -- the assumption that if you are fat you must be lazy or the (often accurate) assumption that because you are overweight, you are more likely to have more health problems that will, ultimately, cost the company money. I think the other piece is that even when we don't think so, we often are not as confident as we might otherwise be when we are obese. I've lost about 55 pounds and hope to lose another 50, but I can say without a doubt that I am far more confident than I was before I began this journey. And I say this as someone who is well educated (I have two MAs and work on a PhD) and has had a very successful career. I never thought I lacked confidence, but I now see the many subtle ways it played out.

Congrats! I am certain you will find great success. My advice is to ask your doctors and bariatric coordinators every question you have, take part in support group and don't try to "beat the band." You'll be amazed how soon you will start to feel better and have more energy. Good luck!

Finances will definitely factor into your decision making, but just know that wearing clothes that are too large will make you look bigger than you are. If that is a concern, I would recommend looking for a few inexpensive items that you don't mind wearing for only a few weeks. I have started buying clothes at Target, which is something I never would have even considered before. Crazy thing is, they look good, so I might even continue to do it once I reach goal.

I've been cleaning my closet recently, too. It is a trip. I see these clothes that I wore for years and am amazed by how big they are. And I also am realizing that some stuff was just damned ugly. It has been liberating to part with this stuff. I don't want it around. I definitely don't need the reminder and I don't want to be tempted to let my weight float back up. We all know how easily that can happen! It was a bit startling to realize how few clothes I actually have. It will be that way for a while since I don't want to buy a lot of clothes in any one size until I am at goal or at least where I am going to be. I have realized, though, that I look much better in the clothes I have to continually recycle than I ever did in all of the huge crap in my closet. Thanks band! Best $10K I ever spent.

I've lost 55 pounds in nine months. Some have done more, but I never could have accomplished this without the band. My health is much better. Decreased meds, no more achy knees, no longer worry that I am going to have a heart attack. I am now comfortable tucking in a shirt -- and think I look good when I do it. No more "Big and Tall" section. Yippee! Waist size under 40. I mean, it is 38 and I want to lose another four inches, but I haven't seen anything under 40 in a decade. Compliments -- from family and friends. And they don't just say I look thinner; they say I seem to have a new glow. No problem walking anytime and I can actually run up the stairs now. I like me, I really like me. (with apologies to Sally Fields)

I got home from surgery in the evening and drove the following day. Actually, I walked around in the mall with my family. I had surgery on Wednesday and went back to work on Monday, but I could have gone sooner probably.

I second Mommie's recommendation. I love Dr. Belott.

I flew this weekend and it was nice to fit easily into the seat, have extra seat belt and be able to let down the seatback tray without it bumping my belly. Also, now that I am a somewhat normal size, I can more easily find clothes. I bought jeans at Target for $15 on Sunday. I still have more weight to lose, but I'm down about 50 pounds and have a 38 inch waist -- pretty good for a guy who hasn't seen that in a decade.

Congrats KartMan. You should be very proud. Be sure to post on the "Who has lost 100 pounds" thread!

I had my surgery in late February and have lost about 40 pounds since then. Yet, I was concerned because it seemed I never had what I thought restriction would be. Well, that day has come. Now, I am full on less than a cup of food, particularly if it is mostly protein. And it lasts for many hours. I don't find myself feeling hungry all the time. Now in my head, I still desire food, but physically there is no longing. I've also discovered that the things you can do without restriction do not work when you have it. You have to chew properly and if you overeat, you are gonna pay. I like that. Nothing wrong with a little fear to reinforce the willpower. I am trilled. I am feeling great. Thank you band! I love you.:laugh:

I have a real problem stopping at satified. But the "bulldog" is so rabid that I don't test it and instead just stop eating.

These are great suggestions. I'll check out these stores. I think you are right: it is time for new suits. I'm not going to buy very expensive ones because I know I won't be able to wear them very long.

Any guys on here dealing with suit issues? I've dropped four suit sizes in the past few months and, while it is wonderful, I am struggling to work out this clothing issue. The business where I bought them offers free lifetime alterations (the suits are expensive), but I just picked up several and while they technically fit, they just don't look good. Mostly, the shoulder area is simply too broad and makes me look much larger than I am. How are you dealing with this issue?