sandradee0124

I was where you are on January 2nd, 2010 I was banded May 26th. I took the same approach you did -- time to prepare (mentally, physically, financially). I am so proud of you and wish you all the best moving through your PCP's program!

I have to tell you again how FANTASTIC you look! I'm sure people seeing you for the first time in a year don't recognize you!! Thank you for another great recipe -- you have helped me add variety to my meals.

Great Post!!! I was picturing the happy dance when I saw the tag line. Best of luck to you throughout the process. You are doing fantastic -- congratulations on your weight loss and your positive attitude! Hugs :::::::

You are a creative writer with a lot of insight. Best wishes to you and your family! Continued success and peace........

Congratulations! Hope you feel better today; and good luck on the job hunt.........

Awesome post. You have been a source of support and inspiration to me since the day you started posting. Thank YOU!!!

My mom a week after my surgery: "I've always been prejudiced against obese people". What? What?????

Can you have clear broth like chicken or beef? Maybe warming up something like that would help? Get good rest and try to drink water and walk when you can. It seemed like although I didn't feel like walking, the more I walked the better I felt.

You look so good -- skinny, happy and relaxed! I'm glad you had a good time. Not a good shocker on the starbucks cake. It is dismaying to find out something has WAY more calories than it should based on taste and satisfaction...... You have great goals -- best of luck!!

I don't have a problem with carbonation, but rice is not so good. I think part of what we all go through is learning about what works and what doesn't. I'm sorry you had to go through that, and glad you are feeling better. I call that chest pain "elephant sitting on my chest". What else helps me? walking or at least staying upright and not sitting or laying down.

I'm sorry for what you've been through. But you are motivated and enthusiastic and have gotten yourself to a good place. Best of luck to you............

Yeah! I'm glad it went well. Enjoy your weekend!

I read this on an old forum response and it works! You put your left hand under your left armpit and pump it (the chicken dance). I almost instantly burp hard and that feeling is gone! Whether or not you do this in public is entirely up to you (smiling). I sometimes get this even if I chew well and wait between bites. When I get stressed my band tightens a lot and I don't realize how much until something gets stuck. I used to put my finger down my throat and I got really scared when it happened the second or third time (what might happen to the band) so I found this response. Drinking Water or liquids makes it worse for me. Good luck!

Get the rejection reasons and work on them specifically. For example: not on a documented weight loss program 6 months -- join weight watchers. That was one of the biggest issues I had. Don't give up without a fight!

I'm not there yet, but I was told to (every time I go to my surgeon) to talk about the issues I'm having with skin folds -- rashes, infections etc so they can document early and then submit to insurance when the time is right. Blue Cross (Anthem - California) will cover items considered to be non-cosmetic. What I want is a plastic surgeon who can just slide these bat wings to my boobs! I could accomplish two things at once :-).

You are doing so well! I put the scale in the garage -- I was addicted to the stupid thing and let a number rule my emotions. Trust me, our new life just keeps getting better and better..........

Its funny, I said almost the same thing to a friend this morning. I've lost weight and gotten healthier; I am more confident and I do more. Now I'm exhausted to the point of going to bed at 8:00pm last night. But look at all the fun things and great memories you are creating! And besides, you are a great inspiration :-).

Congratulations on your bandaversary, and thank you for all your great posts. You've been a fantastic source of support and information!

Dad said it so well! I would add -- set a mini goal for yourself (eating right today, getting a walk in). Find time to do small things like planning your meals while you walk. You can do this! Like you said -- you have come this far! Schedules are hectic but make it work for you :-). Best of luck!!!

I'm so glad you are feeling well! I agree on the support groups; they are so helpful. I'm sorry you have to go back to work, but I felt like I was ready and it kept my mind off being hungry. Get good rest tonight and wear something that makes you feel good tomorrow. Be confident in what you've done and proud of yourself. That will be the best answer of all -- you being happy!! Best of luck......

OH MY!!!! Congratulations on the engagement/wedding/move! I'm so so so happy for you! I wish you nothing but the best with your family, your health, your happiness! Thanks for the post!

Always, my friend. Hugs :::::::::::

Thoughts and prayers are with you and hubby. You have the drive, motivation and support to do this. Welcome back on the wagon :-)