Gwendolyn Smythe

Great 2B thin - I have heard that comment frequently. Villagers, not all, feel that since they are paying bond fees, and other fees that outsiders should stay outside. I think the feeling is at the highest when they can not find a parking space, have to wait in line to long, etc. Personally my DH and I do not share these feelings. It takes both the Villagers and non Villagers to keep the businesses here in business. Many businesses here have gone under. So say Welcome to your parents from a Villager, and ignore all others. Your Mom is right sad to say. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hello Since everyone is sharing what is happening with them, I thought I would share where I am in my journey - My kid cousin is coming this weekend, and I am planning to ask her to make me blouses in the future. Ones with billowy sleeves, darts in the front and side. My bat wing arms will now be XXL when I reach my goal weight, and want to hide them. All other sins will be hidden by skirts. Who knows I may be daring and buy slacks. I remember a long time ago, that one of the on line companies made slacks to fit just you. Then I was thinking, when I was thinner and lived near NYC I knew exactly where to shop to get the best deals, of course that was more than 4 decades ago. I guess I will find more places where we live - another adventure in life. Funny, I haven't thought about buying clothing with a smile on my face in decades. My new slogan in life will be "Charge it." In all fairness, I was banded 6 days ago, not living in the now, but looking down the road. Gwendolyn Smythe

Hello As a newbie bandit with an inquiring mind wants to know; what is happening in Vegas, and does DH mean Dutiful husband? Gwendolyn Smythe

Apple2 - that would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can get to see what The Villages is like - I jokingly call it the Stepford Village, with Stepford Families. Looking forward. Gwendolyn Smythe

jbflorida, we live in the villages part of the year. we are snowflakes. we will be down probably nearly full time the end of september. i am going to have much needed knee replacements. if there is a support group here, i have not found it yet. not to sure why, but in the villages, i find some people still in the adolescent stage of life. i did not expect to find that. hope our paths cross. gwendolyn smythe

ny sparkle girl - i can only imagine what you are feeling. knowing where cedarhust is, i grew up in bayswater, like to suggest to go down to the ocean and just listen. sit in the sand. and just feel your feelings and everything around you. that is what i used to do. somehow the sound of the ocean i found soothing, when there were a lot of waves - i would just watch them come rolling in, i liked putting my toes in the sand, etc. hope this helps you. i miss not being able to be by the ocean. dassi - i would tell her, and then ask her what she would like you to do in the future. even though she said good by, she may still wonder each day what is going on. instead of a letter can you call her? that way you can be there for her, no matter how she responds. thank you one and all for your support :w00t::thumbup: i have to get back to the gym, besides over eating, i am also a major procastinator - for that i give myself :tt2::thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbup::thumbdown: have an easy day everyone. gwendolyn smythe

i am following the doctors orders - to the letter. don't always reach the minimum amount of protein i need each day 55 grams, nor drink a quart of liquids. spoke to the nutritionist today, and she said not to worry. i do not think i ever focused on food as much as i am now, when i was eating, i just ate whatever was handy. when i was dieting, i followed everything and then would start to add extras. i'm allowed 3 - 5 ounces at a time. when i first heard that in my minds eye, that looked like a pint - i could not believe how small the amount was, until i bought some 6 ounce cups. it has been an interesting journey so far. what has made this journey even better for me, is this site. i do not know anyone who has been banded, and have told only a few people. thanks for your advice - i am listening, gwendolyn smythe:blink::tt2: this is me listening

ocotillo, i will listen, but not to sure what i am listening for, or feel. this is a whole new world for me. thanks, gwendolyn smythe

hi, just found this group by accident. i could really use a buddy, to answer questions, deal with the unknowns and just have friends. i got banded five days ago, i am feeling like i am walking on cloud 9. still have some pain, but i call it the grin and bear it pain. have one question i need answered as soon as possible. i rarely ever felt full prior to banding, primarily felt hungry. how will i know when i am full - what are the clues? thank you all for posting here, i enjoyed reading about your journeys. gwendolyn smythe :tt2::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I was banded yesterday, and was wondering the same thing. i do not like to move, as the site where the port is hurts so much. Gwendolyn smythe

Rebecca, I feel the same way you do. As the old saying goes "Been there and done that." now for us it will be a new road. Lots of luck. Gwendolyn Smythe :grouphug:

Hi Everyone, I am so excited. Less than 48 hours to go, and I will be a new woman. Had a manicure and pedicure today to Celebrate my upcoming surgery. I have a very loose dress, I am wearing that with just undies, no slip. I did not know how I would feel wearing a bra, and with this dress no one would notice the difference. I have learned so much from this site it is unbelievable. You will never know how much I appreciate the info. So for all of us being banded - I salute you with a 3 ounce cup of clear liquid. Appreciate reading what everyone has written. Keep well everyone. Gewendolyn Smythe :grouphug:

Hi Everyone, I am being banded at 7:30 am, July 14, 2010/ Must admit I am excited about having this procedure. I haven't told many people about this surgery, those who I have told (carefully selected few) have been very encouraging. So to all my July banded and to be banded friends, I wish you the best. Gwendolyn Smythe :confused:

Hi, I got my date for surgery today. It is July 14 at 7:30 am. Now I am becoming anxious and nervous. I know I will go through with it, but I thought I would feel elated that my date for surgery was moved up five days. Very few people know I am having this surgery - I just don't want to fail. I have been on so many diets that I lost the weight on and then regained it all, with some extra. Tomorrow or one day soon, I will go shopping for gasX, read that it works, and some other liquids that I can have. I think I will look for one of my self help books, and find readings to help me during this period of time. If any of you have any suggestions, I would like to hear about them. Gwendolyn Smythe:eek:

Thank you for your prompt response. Did you have Jello during the first two days after surgery. I think that is the only solid food LOL I am allowed. It was suggested I get Isopure Protein clear drinks. I tried orange, and felt it was tolerable. What did you drink, or for that matter what did anyone else drink. I also looked at what a 3 ounce portion is. I was shocked. In my mind's eye, I thought 3 ounces looked more like a cup. That is like when I only want a cup of something, it looks more like three to four cups. You are doing great. Gwendolyn (yes I like the name also)

Hello, Was wondering if any of you are hungry? I have read the food plan I am to follow, and must admit it leads to more questions than it answers. From reading all of your posts, I now understand why I am so covert about this surgery. I am afraid that this will be another failure. Thank you all for sharing, and your honesty. You are helping me understand myself better. Gwendolyn Smythe

Just wanted to say Thank You to everyone who has posted. Reading through all of the post has given me a better understanding of what I will be experiencing. I wish I had this surgery decades ago, and am glad to see so many young people having this surgery. After a life time of obesity, knowing what it was like for me, makes me feel good that so many young people will not experience what I have. Gwendolyn :thumbup: