OH Juli

Carol, You're new addition and the momma are in my thoughts. Congrats. Try to get some sleep. Tab, Hope you made it to the gym. Work off those chips!

You're perspective on things shift as you lose the weight. It just does. You'll be someone who has had or has a foot in both worlds, that being heavy and regular. You can chose how you advocate for yourself, for others, if you want to have a grudge or if you want to make peace with the fact that people are treated differently for many obvious and not so obvious reasons. It's up to you. You know there are benefits to losing the weight and it's not just buying cuter clothing. But getting healthy in your body and your mind. There is a lot of work to do in both areas for anyone on the WLS journey. Think about what you want for yourself and make that happen. If you think having a grudge is going to enhance your life then grudge away all you want. Peace.

Self love and connection to the universe are always good messages to hear. Knowing we are not alone is also important. Regardless of who is saying it, don't worry about it coming out of Oprah's mouth, Mindy's mouth or mine. Look for the message and how you can be a better you.

I'm a gym rat. That's probably the biggest "secret". Work out and keep increasing either time or difficulty. Exercise does so much for you. More than just burning calories, but it makes you sweat and become alive in your skin. If you're not there yet, keep going to gym, you'll find what I'm talking about. As for food, right now I'm not the poster child for eating properly with the band to lose weight. I'm rather maintaining my wieght instead of losing more. There is more to lose but I'm kind of on a break from hitting the food part hard. I believe one can eat normally with the band and not gain, but to lose one really needs the diet mentality.

BAD. Processed food isn't good. Get pretzels and count them out. Yogurt, fruit, nuts. You know the drill, everyone else has already stated it.

It took a month but then I was able to sleep on my tummy again.

Tab, You're funny. Congrats on the spin class. Mine kicked my butt. It was awesome. As for my tips. 1. Get the band. 2. Eat less 3. Exercise 4. Be happy Really the difference, in my humble opinon, is exercise. It doesn't just burn calories, but it makes you feel good, it reshapes your body and it makes you stronger. It also connects you to your physical self like nothing else. Not to get all woo-wooey, there's something spiritual about it too, getting to know yourself, getting in the zone...all that good stuff. Are you one to post pictures? If so, show us what you look like.

You are probably putting too much pressure on them. If you can pull back in your seat and carry more weight in your bottom you'll do better. They may be at a bad angle too. Also if you don't have cycling gloves, get some they help. And lastly, reposition your hands and shake them out as your ride every once in a while. It's "normal" a little, but not a lot. Others will give you suggestions too.

Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - OH Juli's Album: OH Juli A few pictures of me. I just found the earliest one, me at my highest. Thought I'd share. I should change my stats to reflect my highest weight, not my starter weight for the band. Just saying.

Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - OH Juli's Album: OH Juli I put some pictures in the photo album on here. There's one at my highest, ever, weight.

Tab You are amazing! Rock on with that Tae Kwondo! I got to the gym yesterday and will spin today.

Traci, You are doing amazing to go back to school at your/our age. One class at a time as you can get it done is better than no classes. Hold your head up high. Yeah, it's rainy today. Blah. I'm spinning tonight. Does that count as cycling?

What a great post. I like how you write as well. Rock on! Wheel chair to triathalon is amazing. I'm duly impressed.

Just know that there are hormones in your fat cells that get released as you lose weight so you'll be more emotional than typical. It does level off. Just breathe though it. You're doing great.

I'm off for a full two weeks. Then I have 12 weeks of school and I graduate!!! Well I graduate in May, but my last class ends March 28th. I'm looking forward to the break.

Gwen, That's so awesome! I'm glad you found a solution that works for your nutrition education. The biggest part of meeting goals is to keep on trying. Good going! I worked out insanely Saturday. Chest and triceps and HOLY COW I couldn't push the grocery cart yesterday without it aching! I'm laid out with a cold today which is keeping me out of the gym but I can't wait to get back in there to work more muscles. I have this image of myself after the plastic surgery all ripped. HA!

Hi Tigerlily What are you studying in school? I have two more weeks before I get a break. (MBA) Hi Traci. The snow stinks, I agree!

Come and find the Ohio threads. I'm up in Columbus but am from Cincinnati originally.

Did you pick those tricks up at Barbazon Modeling School? Do you even know that refrence? I just know, boobs, look over your shoulder, don't clench your teeth.

When it's me and my daughter, I'll make spaghetti and meatballs. She gets noodles and I do not. I'll cook chicken with a rice or cous cous side, which I don't normally eat. But I eat the meat and veg. It works. When I go out with my SO we've found that sharing plates is helpful. Or we eat Tapas, which are little bits of food any way. She doesn't feel badly to eat in front of me, and I don't worry about it either. When I was initally banded most food didn't appeal to me. Since then I'm used to eating smaller portions where ever I go, so who ever is with me is used to it too. Slowing our meals was the biggest issue. She had to slow down, which isn't a bad thing. Also, now I covet three bite left overs. "I'm like hold it! don't throw that out! I can eat that for a meal tomorrow!"

You've considered it because you are human. You've also considered the outcomes and how you are not willing to risk hurting all the parties involved because you are a smart and compassionate human. Love your husband and relegate the other man to where he belongs, in the land of "what could have been." Be strong.