EllenH

Your post was a life-saver this morning. I am 1 1/2 weeks into my 3 week post of diet and have been fighting it for some reason. And like you I am a carb-oholic. Your post has given be the push I needed to stick with it another 1 1/2 weeks. It is getting easier and I have lost 7 pounds. My stomach isn't as hungry, but my mouth still wants to eat.

Where are you going to college? What is your major? My ywin granddaughters are also starting to college this fall. One is going to Eastern Oregon to major in theater. The other is starting at a community college because she doesn't know what she wants to do yet and figured she would get the first two years out of the way for less $$$ and with some good friend. Good luck to you, too!

Close enough. Where are you getting banded?

So, my surgery is scheduled for Aug. 17th at the Univwesity of Washington Medical Center. My surgeon is Dr. Kandelwal. I live in Oak harbor on Whidbey Island. Anyone else from my neck of the woods? Ellen

Hi. My name is Ellen, and I will also be joining you August bandsters. My surgery date has been set for August 17th. I am excited, ready, and also a bit nervous. I can't wait to get on with my life.

I started to college after I retired, so I have some experience being the oldest in a class. Enjoy it! I found the instructors and the students to be very supportive. Having more life experience actually gave me an advantage with some of the subjects, but on the other hand, I found I could no longer memorize as well as I had 40+ years ago. I was about 250 lbs and I had no problem fitting into anything. At my college we mostly had tables and chairs. The only bad experience I had was a hike in the pouring rain, with my geology class where I was the slowest person. It was not easy, but one of the other students (19 years old, and also overweight) and the instructor walked back with me. My advice is to enjoy your college experience. It is so rewarding. BTW - it's fun to be driving with my husband through town and have a friend from college honk and wave. Oh, yes - one more thing . . . I took a swing dance class to satisfy my last PE credit. I was the oldest and heaviest person in the class. It was fine. I teased some of the younger guys that they would be able to dance at their weddings with their grandmas.

Congrats and good luck!

Thank you both. I will try both suggestions. Have a great day. Ellen

Thanks Elizabeth. Congrats on your weight loss in just a month and a half! You are doing great.

Thanks Greystreet. I will check that out.

Hi Everyone, I should be banded within the next couple of months, and I think I have most of the diet and exercise issues resolved except for one. My husband and I are boaters and enjoy cruising (think RVing on the Water.) We are often in areas or conditions where getting off the boat so I can walk is not possible. Does anyone have any suggestions for exercises I can do in a small space with no equipment? My husband is a SCUBA diver, so I can use his ankle and "bean bag" weights. Any ideas you have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Good for you! I am waiting for the day I can wear something that does not have an elastic waist! Getting to go to the "normal" size department for the first time in a long time is a huge motivation to me.

Late yesterday I got a call from the hospital to schedule the last test/consultation - an endoscopy. It is the last hoop before talking to the surgeon again. This could be happening bgefore too long. My attempt at a low cal diet worked really well. I was able to make it through the day on about 1150 calories and 7 glasses of water. I was hungry when I went to bed, but not when I woke up, so maybe it was just my mind telling this old farm girl that she hadn't eaten as much as she normally does. I haven't had any wine for 3 days and - wonder of wonders - I have had no acid reflux or heartburn! Plus, I have already lost 4 lbs! I could get to like this new way of eating!

What exciting news for you. I love your comments about "living intentionally." What great advice for all of us. Good luck to you, although I su7spect thyat you will do great.