LittleBird

Take away the vice - food, cigarettes - and listen to my body, observe my body and the cravings and moment when my body says "gimme!!" Driving to work - there were at least 3 times when my body screamed "it's time to smoke. let me smoke". But rather than giving in to that subconsious scream, I stopped and thought about it, thought about what I was doing - driving, breathing - and realize that smoking has nothing to do with it, its not neccessary or productive. Besides that, I have to quit for surgery. Yesterday -since I took my diet more seriously - when my body would scream for food and I'd say no, it would immediatly scream for a cigarette. Very interesting.....Funny how I can "hear" my body now that I've taken away the distractions. I'm down to 248! Total of 7 lbs. I'd like to lose 12 before surgery on the 16th. I think I can....I think I can....

Take away the vice - food, cigarettes - and listen to my body, observe my body and the cravings and moment when my body says "gimme!!" Driving to work - there were at least 3 times when my body screamed "it's time to smoke. let me smoke". But rather than giving in to that subconsious scream, I stopped and thought about it, thought about what I was doing - driving, breathing - and realize that smoking has nothing to do with it, its not neccessary or productive. Besides that, I have to quit for surgery. Yesterday -since I took my diet more seriously - when my body would scream for food and I'd say no, it would immediatly scream for a cigarette. Very interesting.....Funny how I can "hear" my body now that I've taken away the distractions. I'm down to 248! Total of 7 lbs. I'd like to lose 12 before surgery on the 16th. I think I can....I think I can....

I know EXACTLY how you feel. People have asked why I'm having the surgery - I said "because I am NOT 'the fat girl'" This isn't who I am. Inside is a whole different story! I'm going to bring the inside out into the open! What day is your surgery scheduled? Give us all the details. The journal is a great way to measure your results and share your progress!

I hear the paperwork for insurance approval can be daunting. Good luck as you go through it...Keep us posted!

I had a hard time dealing with the money aspect myself. But I told myself "without the money being a factor, would you have this done" I made my decision and then made the money part work. I figure I'll save money in the long run - health, food, etc. It sounds like you are having your surgery local. Keep us posted!

I wonder why the heck they don't take a debit card - its like the same thing as a credit card....wierd!

way to go! It feels like your naked up there, huh? At least for me, but once its up its the begining of "accountability" AND support AND honesty- thats the way I feel anyway. Can't wait to watch your progress!

That is so great your aunt is coming to help out! That kind of support is wonderful. I'm excited to get started even though I know the liquid diet post op might be tough - it will mean I'm on my way!!

I never even thought about insurance covering the fills. The insurance I have is pretty cut and dried that it won't cover any type of WLS for any reason. I guess I just assumed they wouldn't cover anything, including fills. I'll have to check on that. I have the Northwest Fill Center ready to do my aftercare - that is who hosts the Arlington support group too. I think its only $125 for fills. I figured I'd just have to pay out of pocket on that.

My surgery is $8,500 plus round trip air fare for my husband and I - about $700. So, $9,200. I'm financing it so there is that added cost. I'm thinking of it as a car payment....

Price. I'm self-pay. There was no way I could do it locally...and afford it. At first I was against it "no way I'm going to MX" but I've talked to so many people who've had good experiences, I couldn't see why not....

Did I already say "me too!". I got a head start on Atkins, but taking it more seriously today!

Yep - might as well be Arlington. I haven't been banded yet, but they welcomed me to the support group and said before hand is the best time to "get connected". I think every insurance gives a denial before they say yes - its like they want to see how bad you are willing to work for it! I'm looking forward to meeting some locals for before and after my surgery - I think that connection, support, and common goals are paramount to the success of this thing!

I am the 31 year old mother of a 10 (almost 11) and a 14 year old. I'm married (they say the 3rd time is the charm) to an "older guy" - he's 49. Anyone else have feedback on the "saggy skin" issue? All I've figured out so far is WATER - lots of WATER is the best hope in keeping firmer skin after weight loss.

It's August 1. This is the day I said I would quit smoking. I was going to like 2 weeks ago, but changed my mind. I hafta quit no matter what, but it is like 2 days before the Dr. said...I figured the 1st was an easy day to keep track of....So I'm smoke free. Taking it one minute at a time. I still haven't lost any more weight - other than the 6 lbs. That worries me - in an off handed way. I want to lose at least the 10 the DR. said to - and any more would be "cherries on top". I'm following the Atkins diet, but I think I'm munching more than I should - its that whole "this will be the last I'm going to have in a while". So even though I am staying low carb, I'm eating too often. To solve that, I'm at work with 2 Atkins shakes - its almost 2:00 and I'm not hungry and I don't have a headache, so that is a good sign. Didn't walk yesterday, but did do 1/2 mile the day before. Flat at 3.0 MPH. I was in a hurry, so didn't do the mile. I'm still trying to figure out what - other than SF Jello and broth - qualifies as clear liquid, but I guess the Nutritionist will let me know for sure.... 10:00 p.m. Update so I keep track. I walked just over 1.25 miles at an average of 3 MPH. I added an incline the last quarter mile, but only 1%. Walked for ALMOST 30 mins including warm up and cool down. Also pure honesty and accountability, I came home and ended up having 2 and a half cigarettes. Shit! I have this 2 day buffer, but I really wish DH didn't smoke - if they weren't here, I wouldn't have cheated!

It's August 1. This is the day I said I would quit smoking. I was going to like 2 weeks ago, but changed my mind. I hafta quit no matter what, but it is like 2 days before the Dr. said...I figured the 1st was an easy day to keep track of....So I'm smoke free. Taking it one minute at a time. I still haven't lost any more weight - other than the 6 lbs. That worries me - in an off handed way. I want to lose at least the 10 the DR. said to - and any more would be "cherries on top". I'm following the Atkins diet, but I think I'm munching more than I should - its that whole "this will be the last I'm going to have in a while". So even though I am staying low carb, I'm eating too often. To solve that, I'm at work with 2 Atkins shakes - its almost 2:00 and I'm not hungry and I don't have a headache, so that is a good sign. Didn't walk yesterday, but did do 1/2 mile the day before. Flat at 3.0 MPH. I was in a hurry, so didn't do the mile. I'm still trying to figure out what - other than SF Jello and broth - qualifies as clear liquid, but I guess the Nutritionist will let me know for sure.... 10:00 p.m. Update so I keep track. I walked just over 1.25 miles at an average of 3 MPH. I added an incline the last quarter mile, but only 1%. Walked for ALMOST 30 mins including warm up and cool down. Also pure honesty and accountability, I came home and ended up having 2 and a half cigarettes. Shit! I have this 2 day buffer, but I really wish DH didn't smoke - if they weren't here, I wouldn't have cheated!

I told my husband that "the camera make me look fat" is just what fat people tell themselves to try and make themselves feel better. We had this disucssion after having him take some current "before" photos for my journey. I hate these photos. But I realize its important to have an accurate way to measure my future results! I'm taking measurements on my left side. Today at 249 lbs they are as follows: Upper arm: 16 3/4 in. Chest: 46 3/4 Waist: 42 3/4 hips: 52 Upper Thigh: 28 1/2 Calf: 17 3/4 I hate those measurements too. :phanvan I ordered Omnitrition Liquid Vitamins today. They have a better absorption rate and Elaine (step Mom who is an RN) said the people she knows who do well with WLS have all used some form of liquid multivitamin. Here are my before photos - in my unflattering purple bikini. I'm going to wear this for all my photos - until it starts to fall off me anyway! I think wearing the same thing each time is a good way to really see a difference. Posting them here for the world of LBT to see is daunting, but I feel compelled to share my starting point.

Hi Regina! Welcome to the group! Glad you took the time to post. Poke around, let us hear you! Your feedback and input can be very helpful to others - like me! Good job with your 38 lbs so far!

I told my husband that "the camera make me look fat" is just what fat people tell themselves to try and make themselves feel better. We had this disucssion after having him take some current "before" photos for my journey. I hate these photos. But I realize its important to have an accurate way to measure my future results! I'm taking measurements on my left side. Today at 249 lbs they are as follows: Upper arm: 16 3/4 in. Chest: 46 3/4 Waist: 42 3/4 hips: 52 Upper Thigh: 28 1/2 Calf: 17 3/4 I hate those measurements too. :phanvan I ordered Omnitrition Liquid Vitamins today. They have a better absorption rate and Elaine (step Mom who is an RN) said the people she knows who do well with WLS have all used some form of liquid multivitamin. Here are my before photos - in my unflattering purple bikini. I'm going to wear this for all my photos - until it starts to fall off me anyway! I think wearing the same thing each time is a good way to really see a difference. Posting them here for the world of LBT to see is daunting, but I feel compelled to share my starting point.

I've had previous experience with a brand called Omnitrition - they have a liquid Vitamin called "Omni 4" that has GREAT absorbtion. With all the people on here, I'd guess someone has heard of that brand. Any feedback is appreciated. What are "whole food" Vitamins? I guess I could just google it too.....

My girlfriend turned 34 yesterday and invited my DH and I out. We went. It was a nice time, however everyone kept saying how worried they are about me going to Mexico for surgery. It's frustrating when people don't know anything about a subject and still have an opinion on it....Her BF put his arm around me and said "You know it all comes down to diet and excercise" No kidding?! I'm glad he told me - and to think I thought you could lose weight magically....

My girlfriend turned 34 yesterday and invited my DH and I out. We went. It was a nice time, however everyone kept saying how worried they are about me going to Mexico for surgery. It's frustrating when people don't know anything about a subject and still have an opinion on it....Her BF put his arm around me and said "You know it all comes down to diet and excercise" No kidding?! I'm glad he told me - and to think I thought you could lose weight magically....

I work with a bunch of men - as the only woman salesperson in an auto dealership, I see it all. The other day I wrote this while thinking about some of the comments and reactions we get when a "thin" girl comes in. Overlooked Inside I look the same I feel the same I smile the same As the other women the women the men notice the women men talk about. Its funny how women of slighter build get more attention than women of substance. Is the only picture men see the one painted by flesh? How sad how lonely it must be to always overlook the beauty of character. ~~Cindy W. 06-17-2006

I'm not nervous exactly - a little scared....my jornal entry today tells about a "quasi dream" I had about the surgery too....

I was reading that "dopamine" is the brain trigger in the "reward center" of our brains. Now I don't really know what the heck that means except that it happens when I eat - its only common sense - I enjoy eating therefore my brain puts out "dopamine" when I do. So, I got to thinking, I just need to have that happen in some other way - besides food especially when I get banded. So I told my husband that sex also triggers dopamine. He smiled. I didn't use the treadmill last night - traded that excercise for *ahem* something else....I'm not a big sex fiend, but hey if it keeps me out of the fridge...why not! Speaking of the fridge, I have this "middle of the night" eating thing I do. :hungry: I'm worried about how that is going to be impacted with the band. I get up, I eat, and go back to bed. I guess I'll have to put a lock on the kitchen area or something! As I feel asleep :notagree last night I was "on the table" being put under for surgery, but I wasn't all they way out - I was terrified the Dr. was going to cut me and I'd still feel it.....My subconsious trying to tell me something.....hmmm.