wisconsin jen

You know Cherie... I tell my teenage daughter that I love my ex's... I just hate the way they ended... Ex's are ex's for a reason... it doesn't mean I don't love them...in fact one of my ex's is coming into town this summer (should be making great progress with BuddyAide :rolleyes2: by then)... and he knows I will never get back together with him.. but we have found friendship for the sake of our son...and I really like it that way.... These relationships are so personal in nature.. only you can know if it is worth saving... or is it so valuable that you want to stay friends thus bringing the romantic part to the end.. or is there hope for the whole thing to turn around... I feel blessed, absolutely blessed, that I am single and happy. I don't ever want to get married... but eventually I would love to find someone to date and travel with....I think there are lots of women like that these days... very independent and don't need someone.. but rather, wants someone...and that is powerful... very powerful... I have embraced my pain.. I have embraced the steroids...and I will embrace the BuddyAide.. much like your Bofinger.... I think your time until your surgery is going to be awesome.. what a great event... if I could fast forward to the 26th for my surgery.. I would:) You have lots of friends on this site...can you imagine 6 months from now how many success stories we will see in the January Bandsters? I am excited... I hope I can succeed.... I must say though... I feel like I may be the ONLY one that fails with the band... always have that fear... but I am going down fighting:) Also, be sure to take stuff with you.. I do cross stitch as a hobby and always have a project to travel with, just in case I have too much time on my hands..... I also have the schooling of course.. I was sooo happy one of my research papers was finally returned to me after 4 tries... with a 95%.. whew... every paper I do know is worth a lot in the dissertation process... so everything is crticqued with a fine tooth comb...I should be reaching my goal for the lap band and my graduation at the same time.. great synching I think... What is your timeline for goals....? I set my first goal, then three others before the final goal... 258 start/253 current/240 surgery date hopefully/198 on 1 June/185 on 1 Aug/170 on 1 Oct/ 160 1 Dec - GOAL... so I am planning on 10 months 98 pounds... I think totally doable.... Just hang in there girl... keep the eye on the prize... and remember this is ALLLL for you and you get all the credit.... Jen

we3601 Where in Wisconsin are you.. I am in New Berlin and get banded January 26th.. I face the same windy walks....it was 11 degrees today... and "what windchill"...:smile2: Jennifer

It sounds like EVERYONE is getting excited... I said this morning that I have 24 days and a wake up and my life starts again.. But I am not waiting for surgery to start my new eating habits.. I am starting now... ie.. no cereal.. egg beaters instead and I am putting on my shapeups and walk for a half an hour in the Wisconsin chilly weather... I will do that every day until my surgery....that is the bond with myself.... I want to lose ten pounds by surgery day.. only five more to go... What is everyone doing before surgery to be successful for after surgery? Thanks Jennifer

Cherie What do they say? When it rains it pours:) My ex (dad of child) is coming home from Kuwait in June and I have not told him that I am having this surgery. We still have a burning torch so it would not bother me for him to be pleasantly surprised... even if only to say, see.... should have been nicer to me:) Although that is not why I am doing this.. I am doing this for me, myself and I.. the three of us get along well:) I will tell you though I am happier without the romantic tangles... I am too independent for my own good.... I don't ever want to get married but I do want to find someone to date and be a travel companion... as I am about to turn 40 soon.. no more kids in my future.. so I am preparing for my next twenty years to be even better than the last twenty years..... I want to be a "cougar"... just kidding.. I am too conservative to be on the prowl... but an occasional glance my way won't hurt the ole ego... I also know what you mean about folks picturing your diagnosis with you as a person.. almost as if the diagnosis is the person... I don't talk about the pain ever to my 15 brothers and sisters or my ex... (yes I did say 15 brothers and sisters) I don't want them to see me that way... although they do see the pain in my body with the steroids are wearing off.... but I do not want the PITY party so I just gut through it.... I will tell you Cherie... the RA will not define you.. the Lap Band will not define you.... in fact, it is not the action that makes the person but the reaction.... So, the action is that your DH says "there may be issues"... OK.. all relationships have issues... .now...what are you going to do about it? Counseling is an awesome, awesome method to find out the root of a problem.. you just have to find the right one... Now another question would be.. how will the relationship with you and the DH be after you lose 75-100 pounds... will there be a burning torch... ? It is tough....I think it comes down to more of what "you" want versus what the "DH" wants....how hard to you fight? But I am the wrong person for this... I have three ex-loves.... loved them all.. still do.... but they are ex's for a reason .... I have been burned so many times... I don't go near the fire.... It is tough.. what does DH say about the surgery? Jen

Cherie.. We do have a lot in commone.. I too am shooting for 100 but will be satisfied at 75.. but I do intend to go for the dream:):tongue2: I know a little bit of what you are going through on the RA.... I have lupus and athritis in the knees with bone spurs and all.. two years ago, running marathons.. today,,,not so much:):smile2: I use the prenisone - low dose... injections and topical pain patches just to function... I am reallly hoping the lapband is going to help me for the rest of my life becuase of the diagnosis.. I actually agree with the surgeon having you go to "his" rheumy.... I think he will feel more confident about doing the surgery... But getting the weight off is HUGE and will make us both feel better.. I picture in my mind's eye what life will be like in 6 months and I almost wish I could fast forward time...... Right now I teach Law, Ethics and Business.. both online and brick and mortar.. I love both so much. The online gives me flexiblity to be a single mom - I have a 14 yr old, 6 year old and a 3 year old.. they keep me running.. I did the miltiary officer thing for 20 years and am starting my second career as it would be.... I love the brick and mortar teaching because to see the faces of a student that "gets it" is something you can't get online....so I got my fix of both.... My dissertation is kicking my booty... just going through committee now with the concept paper and hopefully be done around June so I can be Dr. Jen instead of Major Jen..... I don't have a preop diet as of yet.. I have my dietician and physical on the 8th of Jan so I am sure I will get more guidance then... I am already on board with losing....so a preop diet puts you in the right mentality... I have no problem getting the weight off (wait.. let me rephrase....it is tough but doable over a period of time)... but keeping it off is my problem... that is why I say if I lose 75 and keep it off I consider it success... but I so want to shoot for that 100 marker....wouldn't that be great......!!!!! I will be too big in the ego for my own good...... the weight allows me to have humility... I will cross my fingers for the Rhuemy on the 6th.. I know those visits are always so pivotal...but your ducks are in a row so hopefully it will be smooth...... Jennifer

By the way.. which books.. I have a 14 year old daughter.. she is too much like her mother.... I wrote Escape from the Dungeon.. I plan to write another down the line.. not sure when though...... Jen

Hi Cherie... You bet we can be buddies... I laughed when I saw your post on my CrackBerry..... I love the names.. maybe BuddyAide.... a combo of band aide and buddy...Yup... I think that is it.. BuddyAide and Bofinger.... That makes me laugh... I sometimes start talking to myself a lot.. you are educated, you are smart, you are in control (as I eat the donut)....it is funny... we all have a demon... some are relationships with their significant others... some with parents... some with food.... Food is my demon....I think that it was because of the way I grew up ... but also that is why I keep going to school.. I am ADDICTED to learning... can't get enough.. really sad this is my last degree.... I did continue that fix though by becoming a college professor.. that way I am still in the classroom enviornment...I love it.. love coach, teaching, and mentoring the students there.... which also complicates things.. I can tell anyone what to do and be a great mentor.. except to myself... This BuddyAide will be just the thing that will get us through I think.... Now when Bofinger and BuddyAide assist us meeting our goals.. what do we do then? Got to have a plan I say.... need a project:):biggrin: How much do you need/want to lose? When is your surgery.....? Mine is 25 days and a wake up... woo hoo.. I am excited.... I am on every day these days... I find this particular forum pretty uplifting...... Jennifer

Well I have good news... Last night I had to get out of the house... I am a single mom with three kids and was having a fight with the mortgage company... It was New Years Eve.. I was having a bad day... I told my teenage daughter to watch the boys while I went to the post office...she said, "mom, the post office isn't open"... I just wanted to get out of the house and change my surroundings for a moment...I dropped off the mail and was deciding which restaraunt to go to in order to get something to eat..I was thinking two plain tacos from Taco Bell.. not too bad... right? Well.. it was that moment I said... No..having something to eat at home.. you are not hungry.. you want to eat because you are upset.... So, I drove home.. had some chicken and got up today and did my homework.... I am working on my PhD..... Now... why is this huge.. well I am retired from the military.. I have an undergrad, a law degree.. an MBA and the PHD is almost done... why is it I can't control food? I am convinced beyond any doubt that this venture is psychological.. we eat because we are having a bad day... we lose hope..... The lap band that I will be getting on Jan 26th is a piece of hope.... maybe I will be driving around and say,.. I can't have that, it won't fit down the band....if that is what it takes, I will take it for the rest of my life.... I think this is going to be a great tool.. because even those that appear to have all of the control in the world.. all the determination... need a helping hand. My band will be my helping hand I think... something to remind me when I am alone in the car, upset, with a few dollars in the checkbook that would easily get me through the dollar menu..... I think I shall name my band:):biggrin: Any ideas from anyone? Jennifer

I tried ordering them online and they had limited sizes... I did get a size larger in the shape ups because my regular size was too snug... I will be doing the same the walmart kind... Jennifer

Hi Guys... I have the shape ups and LOVE them.. I won't wear anything else... when I look at my regular shoes, I laugh.. no work out with those:) I will always own this type of shoe... I got mine at Kohls with one of the 20% off certificates.... However, I am liking the shoes posted here for $25.. may have to give them a whirl too... I do NOT think these would be good for running but plan to use them for speed walking when the snow and ice melts here in Wisconsin... maybe will go out today even.... Running though, I love the New Balance shoes...I am a faithful believer in them.. i use them on all my marathons and half marathons...and I plan to use them again when the weight is all off for my next marathon... Definitely a "must have" in the shoe inventory for the Shape Ups or something of the like... Thanks Jennifer

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Chua on the 26th of January, 2010 and am pretty excited... I had my seminar on Sept 2, 2009 and almost left in the middle because I just didn't know if the battle with insurance would be worth it. I had three dietician appointments required by Dr. Chua's office and did well.. the big tip, get off of carbonation quick and master your food demons..... The staff is nice and I am excited.. this lap band is just the tool I need to help me help myself... it will not be easy... it will be me doing the work. I see the lap band as an appetitite depressant... you have to be the one that doesn't eat.. you have to be the one doing the exercise... if I don't loose enough weight, I will walk faster and eat slower.... I am shooting for 10 pound loss prior to surgery... then ten pounds a month after.. I think that is a reasonable and attainable goal..... I have looked into this for years.. just looked.. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Chua and the center of excellence that they provide... Everybody has a different experience... I am really considering going to the support group... I never thought I would need one, but I have been really watching this site a lot lately and am finding inspiration... I think "seeing" everyone's success on a regular basis will help motivate me into continuing the journey... This is a lifelong commitment to change your ways... there is no "going off the diet".... failure is not an option.... Hang in there, if you have any questions about Dr Chua and the Wisconsin experience.. please let me know.... Jennifer

That is awesome loss...... I am in a 16/18 and am shooting for a size 10... 8 on the "i have a dream" side:) I have never been under a size 10 so I got the feeling I may get really motivated towards the end..... You give me hope:thumbup: Jennifer

I hope I get that loss of appetite too.. that is my demon as well.. not "what" I eat.. just "how much"..... I think starting before you get banded is the way to go.. I am doing it as of RIGHT NOW because I am getting motivated by this website... I want to lose ten pounds before my Jan 26 banding and that will just be less that I lose after... my goal by June 1, 2010 is 198....I think it is doable... I want to run my marathon again too.. I ran the marine corps marathon two years ago and a few others and a half.. but the Lupus and athritis has literally stopped me in my tracks... I know that this will help me get back on track.. I am hoping to do a half marathon when the weight is off.. right now.. hurts to run.... I think this will be a great place to keep the motivation... Jennifer

Cha Ching... I think I got it:)

You know.. you could have two tickers...total and just after banding... It is all mental and motivation with those.. visualizing the goal and the progress...I love those tickers.. still figuring how to get mine on.. dang technology, I have to get my teenage daughter to show me..... Jennifer

Hello everyone.. My name is Jennifer and I actually have been watching this forum for a while and am ready to be writing in it now... I am getting my lapband on Jan 26, 2010 and am really excited and really focused on a lifelong change:thumbup: I see lots of good folks in these threads and look forward to using the site for a long, long time. I am 39 and although I am active, I am overweight and need some help to help myself... I really think this is a good tool for me and I wish I could get it right now....:biggrin: I am a single mom of three kids and I just imagine how different our summer is going to be because mom is a bit more mobile.... I look forward to seeing everyone in the threads... Jennifer

What is nice is that there are answers for everything which is great... I think this is the best part of mentally staying in the game... Luckily I don't have a huge amount to lose but I need the lifelong hand holding that the lapband can give me... just a gentle reminder to slow down, eat less and concentrate on why you are eating... Just tonight I had dinner and all I could think about is that what I ate for dinnerr will soon be two days of meals soon... and that is a great feeling... Working in the military for twenty years.. I am used to eating a lot but now that I have retired.. not moving as much as I did before...that and athritis and lupus weighing me down (again, no pun intended:) this is a great place for those folks that just want tons of info... thanks again... Jennifer

I am hoping to put these mini goals on too.. just learning the signature part, can't find how to get my ticker on...yada yada yada:) I am making my mini goal of 10 pounds January (pre-op) and 10 pounds in Feb... any more will be gggrraavyyy - no pun intended:)

ahhh... I will take 28 pounds in 18 days:) sounds like the biggest loser:):laugh: I am having surgery on the 26th of January and am also looking at the numbers for curiosity and motivation... I am shooting for 60 pounds, 6 months and hoping for more but will settle for anything:):w00t: I can't wait to get my ticker going:):tt2: someone to be a motivator instead of needing the motivator Good luck everyone

Hello fellow JanBand's...... I have mine scheduled for January 26, 2010 and wish I could get it done today..... I think this is going to be a great, lifelong, healthy tool... I think the first six months are going to be both the most exciting and the most difficult and the greatest rewards... New eating, new weightloss, and then...........new clothes:):laugh: I am shooting for about 70-80 pounds of loss....I plan to visit this site often the first year.... just because this is so new.... I go to my dietician appoint on January 8th.. my birthday, the big 40.... I know I am ready for this because I don't care about eating less.. I care that I can't get it done sooner.. like everyone.. lifelong battle that I want to conquer:):w00t: I look forward to seeing everyone here.... Jennifer