The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

Only a third of my weight is gone and I'm seeing the dreaded turkey neck. (Getting old sux. However, it is better than the alternative.) Does it ever "snap back" after age fifty? Any suggestions for me other than turtlenecks and scarves?

When a friend sent me this video, my first thought was, "Crap, another Twilight Saga ripoff!" This has nothing to do with vampires and werewolves... but more to do with bobbing for ovaries. When you see it, you'll sh*t bricks!

In the process of changing my life, preparing for WLS, I have tried to find things for my husband and I to do on Date Night besides "Going out to dinner". The kids want to go to lunch and a movie, and even my mom and I... our Saturday outing is going out to lunch. So what do you do? What is there to do besides go out to eat, with friends, family, lovers? What else is there? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Jennifer P.S. Feel free to friend me, we need all the support we can get.

I thought it might be a good idea for the people in and around St. Louis to share information. I would like to know what restaurants in the area will accept Bariatric cards and let you order a kid's meal? What's your favorite place for buying cheap clothing for when you are losing like crazy? What's your favorite place for buying Protein shakes? Any other regional tidbits you would like to share? Or if you have had bad experiences with a restaurant or store, please share. I am starting to wish that there were restaurants where you could pay by the ounce!

I am in of course Kingsport, Tn....having my surgery soon and was looking for people around the area for support

I have three pairs of pants that are almost identical, in size 22, 18, and 16. I just realized this. I haven't been able to wear the 16 in three years. Now they fit but with muffin top.

Do you drink beer? Does it taste the same after sleeve? Get drunk faster? I'm just wondering!

You get to goal, you are fit and healthy, you can do anything in the world.. What is your dream job? Mine would be to travel the world and protect/rehabilitate wildlife. I know that once I have savings and drop all my weight, I will be heading overseas to South Africa to volunteer with the Lions there. So, what would you do? What makes you happy?

Used to be a smoker, but recently stopped because of this surgery. I feel better now; but do still have the Urge from time to time!

"Check this shit out with some guy named Mehmet "

My son who is home on leave for 2 weeks from the army is spending time with us. I know these 2 weeks we will be doing a lot of going out to eat with friends and family. So losing weight during this time is going to be a challenge. I will enjoy the next 2 weeks with him eat moderately make wise decisions. On the good note I had a pcp appt on tues and was taken off my HB pressure meds. I'm down 70lbs since Feb 2014. Have a great day!

Keep getting pains at the bottom of my belly like stabbing is this normal

Does anyone no if I will be ok two fly two Mexico it will be 3 months after my op

Hello guys I will be in Houston and Austin to visit next month...let me know what I can do..sorry not into museums or zoo's but I do like water...thanks if you can help...any questions just ask me

Hey all! I just wanted to tell you guys that I have just published my first children's book!!! It's based on a true story. My Grandmother collected Ladybugs and sold then to nurseries in her younger years. This Is a beautiful story of my Ladybug Grandma, told through the eyes of a child. Order yours today at: http://bookstore.xlibris.com/Products/Default.aspx?bookId=SKU-000915810

I've met my goal weight and just want to shout it out! Some have even accused me of being HOT! I'll take it!!

I always said I would have photos of me and my daughter together, because I have very few of my own mother. My mom HATED her picture taken. She would very rarely be in them, and mostly only candid shots taken before she could object. When she died I scrambled to find all the pictures I could of her, and there wasn't many. Therefore I always said I would do better by my own daughter, because once we are gone that is one of the only thing left for our survivors. I know I don't care how my mom looked in pictures, all I see is the mom I love and miss. Yet I have found that I too have problems being in the picture. I am hyper critical of my appearance, especially being morbidl…

Hey I'll be documenting my weight loss journey on Instagram, also for some funny and inspiration quotes and what not.... So follow if you'd like @mandie.de.lionne

I had my bypass five days ago feel so happy the start of my new life good times come back

I do not have appetite is that normal

Hi just had surgery is it normal not two hungry

I am trying to understand my patterns of emotions with eating. Really examine it and learn. I have known for years that grief will cause me to totally lose my appetite. I literally cannot eat another bite, even mid meal, if I am given bad news, or become suddenly sad. Anger or fear will also stop my appetite cold. This happened to me on a dinner out with my husband this past week. The vacation surroundings were wonderful, the food was perfect, I was hungry and enjoying the food. Then mid meal he started a fight and I completely lost my appetite. I took the rest of the food back to the hotel and gave it to my daughters. Although that loss of appetite was n…

Guess the occupation of the person above you based on their avatar. Please keep it clean and courteous!

I had a really great synchronicity moment today that I think you all might understand. I was changing into a gown to get my upper GI in a little room with my 7 year old twin girls. As I'm changing I am having second thoughts about WLS. As these thoughts are swirling around both my girls look at me and say, without a bit of judgment, "mom, you are big!" My girls never say things like that and it was truly without judgment, just a fact they had just noticed. I don't usually believe in divine inspiration but this ones got me considering it. It's like two little angels reminding me of my commitment to them vis a vis handling my obesity. So, most of my tests done; hopefully…

I'm completely addicted to WoW and SWTOR. Any fellow gamers?

I'm almost 2 years out from surgery, and still losing in drips and dribbles, I've loved almost every aspect of having WLS. I've loved the smaller clothes, the CUTER clothes, the stares, the compliments, ALL of it!! EXCEPT! I would like to write a memo to the designers of pants, blue jeans in particular. Dear Blue Jean Designer People, I love your product! It is roomy, durable, comfy, can withstand multiple uses without washing, it truly is the universal napkin! My only complaint (and it really is quite a serious and big one) is pockets. I have gone from a 24 to a 4. My legs have shrunk, my thighs have shrunk, all of the junk in my trunk...has shrunk. HOWEVER, …

I'm 22 hopefully getting the gastric this summer the insurance process is so long I can not wait to finally start my life I have felt trapped in this body since I was little and kids first started calling me fat I am looking forward to being happy I'm concerned with loose skin complications if like to connect with people that have been through this my Instagram is itskariduh feel free to add me I'll follow back

I'm at the end of my 4 week post op and my scale has literally been frozen the past 2 weeks, am I doing something wrong? I'm drinking water and my isopure protein drinks, I barely eat anything cause I'm never hungry. I lost 26 pounds within the first 2 weeks after surgery and now I feel broken. Please help me get back on track.

Once you are able to eat "regular foods" What should I be eating to maintain weight loss? I'm in the puréed stage And about to leap back into that scary world of real food I'm not going to lie I'm scared

My husband was asked to consider a job transfer to Suffolk, Virginia. I'm looking for residents of the area for advice and guidance. Would you recommend Portsmouth or Chesapeake over Suffolk? Which schools do I need to stay away from? My kids are middle school & high school ages. Not sure if we're ready to plant roots in the area so considering 3 bedroom / 2 bath town homes or apartments for the first year. Any recommendations there?

...OK...that moment passed...time to go work in the garden.

Not a size 6. Age 6. Took a walk on my lunch break today. It's cool and damp in Chicagoland right now. I walked to the 7-Eleven and bought myself a turkey sandwich. I decided to walk around a few blocks, and get some exercise and see the results on my Fitbit. As I walked around the neighborhood, it dawned on me how much I was enjoying it. Even though I have only lost a third of the weight that I need to lose, the difference in how I feel is incredible. I am not out of breath, and my joints don't hurt until the end of the day. Before banding, I couldn't walk half a block without getting winded and having terrible back and knee pain. As I walked outdoors today, I rememb…

HAs anyone gotten married at a courthouse and had a reception later? Here's the thing... I have absolutely no desire, to plan or stress about a wedding. My family has been feuding for over ten years so none of them would show in fear of the others being there. His family isn't part of our lives because we aren't religious... And most of our friends have moved out of state. But most importantly I have no desire to be the center of attention or stress/plan one. I was thinking either marrying at a courthouse and having like a party later or just eloping. Was just wondering if anyone did the same... Was it still romantic? Do you regret it?

Well as I have been going through my new journey with my lap band I have been looking for a job. Today I was told I got a position that I have been wanting for years. I am so happy and so had to share it with all of you. Thanks for all the info you have been giving me over the last 3 months...I'm leaving offices, but not this site for sure...I still need you all!!!

I'm just curious on what should be the average weight lost on a weekly or monthly basis? I work retail and am on my feet walking all day for 8 hours, then I walk a mile every night after work. My weight at surgery was 397 and I've lost 25 pounds in 2 weeks so I'm down to 373. Should I be losing more or is this too much too fast?

Well, it's been about 4 months and I'm getting sick of cooking my same ole dishes and bored with only eating at home. The wife's birthday came up and in accordance with usual event celebrations ........it called for eating out at a restaurant. So.......next question.....where and what?? Finally decided on Red Lobster. And the results were pleasantly unexpected. Instead of searching for some mini-appetizer or kids meal, I ended up ordering a huge Shrimp Trio. Turns out, with the Shrimp Scampi, I could count the shrimp for easy portion size in addition to shrimp being great for Protein. Not to mention, I love shrimp. I enjoyed it thoroughly a…

Hi guys, I just recently got my 3rd tattoo on my foot/ankle on Tuesday. I absolutely love it! I was wondering if anyone else has any and if so what they are, where and the significance of them. My first one I got when I was 18 on my lower back. It is a dolphin with a moon going through it. I am a swimmer and was still competitively swimming then plus I love dolphins. My 2nd was on my lower hip and is a chinese sign for energy. My 3rd one winds around my right foot/ankle and is a flower with stars around it. Curious about everyone else.... ~Liz~ banded 03/10/06 Dr.Ortiz 241 highest/237 surgery/203/150 5'7''

Dear All, I'm looking for some advice regarding Panama City, Pensacola, Eastpoint, Apalachicola, Fort Walton, Destin and around those parts?! Do you live there? Could you tell me the 'good' and 'bad' areas? Or any general viewpoints on these areas at all? The best things to see and do? Any help would be very much appreciated. To forewarn you all - I may be paying you a visit soon! ARRRGGHHH, RUN FOR THE HILLS, THE BRIT IS COMING!!!!

Had a great ride today. We had to trailer about 30 miles to get out of the snow but had a very scenic ride on the cliffs overlooking the Snake River coming out of Swan Valley, ID. We worked our way down one of the canyons to the river so the dogs could drink and swim and we had a little lunch. My seat shrinker pad works great and kept my shrunken butt firm in the saddle even with a little "spring fever" behavior from my horse.

Just read this on the twitter feed of a great spiritual teacher, Cheri Huber: "There is no such thing as a mistake. Powerful spiritual opportunities? Yes. Mistakes? No. " I have been filled with so much self doubt lately - I so needed this shift in perspective today. What do you all think? Have any stories that illustrate this concept? Do you agree? Disagree?

I love that show! I can't wait for the next episode.

Can you relate?

5 months post op and I've been stuck for about 1-2 months with the scale not really budging. Ive been stuck shy of 50 lb mark for too long now. I've gotten frustrated enough to jump off the cliff of the plateau and to push myself more. I've reduced my calories (esp random snacking), reducing the alcohol and increasing exercise. This morning my scale had said I lost 2.7 lbs! I am excited and noticed again. I question myself if I'm really hungry or bored. A 3 mile walk on the beach with gorgeous weather definitely helped today. I'm in Florida. Hope everyone is doing well. How'd you get over your plateau's?

A friend sent this picture to me. I don't know who dressed up their beloved pet like that. LOL. But it sooo reminds me of a picture taken of me at my friend's house the afternoon of my VSG, trying to sip. Funny! (I was done as an outpatient.) Until I post my actual pictures, enjoy this; maybe you can relate and smile. And yes, it gets better. (For me, March 4th = 3 months; approaching 45 pounds down.) Enjoy pic:

If you're a follower of Crankshaft, you'll understand his doctors comment.

This comedian/actor died Saturday at a Pittsburgh hotel. Sadly reminds me of the toll obesity took on him as well another one of my favorite comedian/actors, John Candy. I'm so thankful for my WLS, for I, unfortunately, was headed in the same direction.

Someone sent this link to me today and I think it is spot on, for me, so I thought I would share: https://reliantbh.personaladvantage.com/syndication.jsp?module=section_040&subtopic=10002707&category=10000006&resource=10006870

For those that are interested: http://www.toofab.com/2014/04/17/rosie-odonnell-shows-off-50lb-weight-loss-photos/

Hi can anyone chat ..