Stephanee

Hi Tj...its nice to see a fellow Oklahoman on here! This site has been amazingly helpful in my journey. So, if you ever have any questions, jump on here and ask. You can also feel free to send me a private message. Good luck!

Hopefully, for all of the extra stress you have encountered, your success will be even sweeter! Hang in there though...it all happens the way it is supposed to (may sound weird, but it gets me by!). We are rootin' for ya!

Copngratulations! I think it is normal to have so many mixed feelings about the procedure. Just keep looking at why you are choosing this new lifestyle and stay focused! I started my journey about a month before my actual procedure, and I have not looked back once. Best decision ever and I wish you all the best, too!

I have to lean on Sissy's side a bit on this issue...I was literally 5 pounds away from meeting my insurance's requirements (min BMI of 40 regardless of co-morbidities!--Strict) even though the "national average" medical requirements was min BMI of 35 with Co-morbidities. And to make matters worse, my insurance was running out one month later. I was mortified because the insurance company would not offer any assistance whatsoever. I paid $450 a month for family insurance for many years and never had any other medical issues for them to pay. Anyway, I ended up having to wear heavy shoes (after eating whatever I wanted for a week or two) to my weigh in...but I made it. It is so frustrating to be so close yet feel so far away. Unless you have been in that boat, it is real hard to understand what that person is going through. However, all of us was overweight...doesnt matter by how much, we all know what it feels like. Fact is, we all want to do something about it...so, Ms Sissy...I wish you the best of luck as I would someone who was already qualified for the surgery! Please keep us posted!

And Ms Kat...thanks for the tip!

Hey Ms B...have you tried lookin at your old photos? I took the advice of some great people and found a snapshot from 6 months ago....WOW! And you know what? You have lost a LOT more than me, so if I saw a difference, I am sure there is one in you too! Let me know...

lmao, Kye...that is really really funny! Yeah, today, I had another "excuse"...I had to be in court (for the foster children I have) and I missed my morning gym time. Tomorrow is a new day, huh?!

Thanks everyone for your support! It looks like Im def on the right path now.

Well, Sophrosyne, thank goodness we are both on the right track, huh?! It is amazing how many people say things "out of support" yet it is only a slap in the face. And you really hit a good point on the expectations part. I do have high expectations of myself and where I want to be. I think alot of us women (and men too!) have the same high expectations. I spent alot of time lowering my expectations too...so now that I have hope, my expectations have soared! My ego has soared a lil bit too and I am not ready to rein it in just yet@

Thanks Ms Kat...wow, you have done amazing! To answer your 'question" (sheepishly, of course!): No, I have not been exercising like I used to. I could come up with a long list of excuses, but the answer is still NO. We have a gym membership through my boyfriend's work, so I have access to a gym. I will start taking advantage of it now that my kids (and me too) are no longer sick. I really LOVE to do circuit training and the elliptical machine...so I have not dragged my feet on exercise because of a disdain for it. I actually am excited about getting back into the gym. I do walk alot (especially when shopping!) but my Dr (my appointment was earlier this week) told me to start doing my circuit training, etc. He said that walking simply is not enough if I want to tone my body. And of course, he is right. lol I will look into that thread that you mentioned, so thanks! I do still see a really big person in the mirror and it makes me a lil sad. But everyone on here has given me some great advice that has helped me deal with those feelings. So, thanks a bunch!

Dana...it is so nice to meet you. It's tough isnt it? Having to face what you didnt want to have to face. I am glad that I took that step that you just took the other day. My life really has changed dramatically and the change couldnt have come at a better time. Well, if it had happened a few years ago, that would have been nice too! lol Anyway, I never imagined I would be here, in this position. The funny thing is that I never viewed myself as being emotionally tied to being heavy. But I was...and still am. I just chose to ignore that part. Matter of fact, when they told me that I would need to see a professional therapist, I just scoffed. I went into the appointment and answered the questions how they needed to hear them. Not once did I ever think that I would ever feel bad about myself again. I mean, as long as I was smaller, I couldnt be upset anymore. Boy, was I wrong! The feelings I had really hit me like a ton of bricks. But this site has been so supportive that I have been able to come to terms with my emotions. And believe me, that is really hard to do (for me anyway!). And omg, that pic of your you and your baby...how adorable is that?!?! I have 5 (3 bio and 2 foster) ages 4, 4, 7, 10, and 17. My 10 year class reunion is coming up and I am terrified!!! But I am very relieved that I get to go to the reunion at a much smaller size. Heck, I am just relieved that I convinced myself to go in the first place. This time last year I had full intentions of not going due to my weight. How sad was that?! Anyway, I have added you to my buddy list. I really look forward to talking to you, Dana! Do you know when you are going to have your surgery?

That was one of the most beautiful posts I have EVER seen! Thank you soooo much and you are so right, of course! When I was younger, I too thought I was over weight...and now when I look back at those times, I only needed to lose like 20-30 lbs too! So much wasted time and energy...I wont waste any more, that is for dang sure! So, how are you doing...newly banded and all?! Please let me know!