lash44

Largest Size 52 in waist paints Coat or Jacket 50 Shoe 11 DDD or Extra W Neck Shirt 19 NOW 38 to 40 waist Coat Don't know yet Shoe 10 1/2 regular Neck 16

I too is a Texan (well transported) but Texas is home. I had all those illness and they are ALL GONE. They went away with the weight and that will happen to you. Fear is human, just pull a Nike - Just Do It and will be fine.

You go girl. Lash

Below is an encounter I had with a exceptionally thoughtful gentleman whom help me decide on weight loss surgery in a strange sort of way. I recalled attending a TCOYD (Taking Care of Your Diabetes) Conference approx 3 years ago in Kenner Louisiana. In the lobby of the conference center I met an extremely nice middle age man who happened to be morbidly obese, body weight around 375 to 400 lbs. We discuss things such as diets, glucose meters, and other things pertaining to the seminar. We walked slowly around the building, the gentleman began to tired quite rapidly. As a result, I suggested we take seat on a couch until the exhausted gentleman regained his energy. After 10 minutes or so we decided to attend a few breakout sessions together. One of the things I most remembered about that encounter was that pleasant and polite gentleman could not get up on his own from the sofa, he struggled from side to side as each attempted to push himself up from the setting position. It was quite strenuous and very demanding, he was helpless and powerless to regained his standing posture. I asked him did he needed help, and his reply was yes. At that moment I convinced myself to look into weight reduction surgery. After the conference I never met the man again. Strangely, I would like to see him, maybe to thank him or offer suggestions about WLS. My accomplishment from the sleeve (85 lbs in seven months and off all meds including diabetes) and everyday struggles occur by many experiences. So as to that one day is very difficult to forget.

To my knowledge all who had the surgery losses weight. As stated, some do gain and some gain more. But that is a individualistic matter. Stick to the plan, you will loose, and keep it off.

Thinoneday, In my sight you are not a hypocrite and no one should advised you to go anywhere for your opinion, we may not agree but your views are always welcome. For the moment, from a sexual point of view, we all have preferences toward who I like and/or dislike. Physical attraction is an individual choice. In general, for those who are unhealthy and face long term illnesses and early death due to their body mass (as most of us were). That's another subject to ponder. Do ex cons see present day convicts in a different way, how about a recovered drug addict or a cured alcoholic, do they view existing addicts and drunks in a different light than others. Once you been there, only you know what is like to be on the other side. Lash Lash

Tiff, Your view point is worthy of note. By-the-way best wishes and con-grads on your pregnancy. Lash

SFOTraveler There are a lot of folks whom went through WLS feel the exact way you do. I think it's human to want to assist others. Yet to most, being over weight is personal and private. I don't know if considered rude to approach a person to discus their weight. Very interesting. Lash

Fascinating reply!

Thank you very much for such a response and congrads on your surgery.

Now that you have accomplished your weight loss goals and maintaining your new body mass. What's your feeling about folks who are obese or overweight. What goes through your mind when you see a 350 pound lady in the super marker line, or you notice a nice young man that happens to be a double plus size standing at the bus stop. Do you see the world differently now that you don't have to shop at Lane Bryant or The XL Shop for Men. What going on between your ears? Should you advise others who are morbidly obese to the avenues of successful weight management. Or should you preserve your personal privacy and keep your individual achievements only to your immediate environment. You have succeeded in the area where others have failed. Let's face it - there is a new part of you with a different mindset. What you do with it and how you handle it is entirely and utterly up to you. How do you see the world? Lash

Rootman, You are so correct, if it works for you that good.

Great, All things in time. Lash

Forensikchic First congratulations on your surgery, as we all know it's the first step is most important. Everything else must follow the first step. Now about our situation, we should not have to compete with our spouse with it come to health and wellness. We want our mates to be healthy, wealthy, and wise. Yet things seem to change when insecurities and emotions replaces logic. Is it a societal rule that a the wife must weigh less than the husband? Or do they feel as one's life change is their lost. I was not aware of this problem within the marriage weight lost community. Any type of surgery requires family support and unity, not resentment of one's accomplishments. Now what should you do, that's a difficult road to travel. But NOT an impossible path to journey though. First continue with your post op regiment, your health is most important to you and your family. Your wellness should help heal all wounds in time. Next communicate, oh did I mentioned exchange a few words, listen, and talk. Then talk and listen some more. A good time for this when you two are walking and/or working out together. Maybe go out and get a Kids Happy Meal as long it within your diet plan (sleever's are cheap dates). You (we) must find a way to convey to your spouse that one healthy weight is more important than some strange notion that if a man body mass is less than his wife, it's bad for the marriage. Understanding what's going between his ears can help too. Why does he feel your weight must be different from his. Only you and he can answer that. And work on it from that point. Being insecure plays a major role in our situation, I can see this is one those unspoken and unwritten problems with WLS. It's the same when one spouse get a big promotion or get a better job. It's all how we handle it. Insecurity is when one is unsure of themselves or lacking confidence. We must find a way to encourage and restore the assurance with our mates. Finally, satisfaction is a link to this emotional chain. He must be satisfied with new life style and well being. Some WLS program's includes a support group and if my situation continues I will discuss it at one the sessions. I hope this help you and as we try to journey toward weight lost serenity. Take care and continued thanks, Lash

thanks lash

Smkeller, I like your reply Lash

My wife always did not have to watch her weight, she is a tall sexy 180 lbs. and eat all day. As of late she have gained approx 10 lbs or so but it looks good on her. We are both in our late 50's. The thing is now I am at 189 lbs and still losing (thought I had stopped at 195) from 275 pre-op weight. Always she had the advantage because of her metabolism and I out weighted her for about 100 lbs., until now. I am within 10 lbs of he body weight and I feel she is getting a bit concern about her body now. I been trying to reassure the sexy lady she have nothing to worry about, but that's not working. For now she is going to the gym and mostly modifying her diet. Any suggestions what I can do to boost her confidence and relax her feelings about her weight or go along with her program (happy wife equals happy hubby). Continued thanks, Lash

Thanks Tiff

I received a (Gig Green Egg) ceramic kamado style grill for fathers day. It's a grill, smoker, and outdoor oven in one. I am looking for some cooking ideas. meats, marinades, rubs, sauces, seafood, and veggies for us sleevers. Continued thanks. Lash

One of the tools I used for my continued weight lost and eating healthy are the small cooking utensils (see pic). They are used every day when I cook, especially when I eating alone or when I prepared something different from the family. This is a great way to control how much food is prepared and they are very easy to clean. The covered casserole dish is oven and microwave safe. The pans are non-stick which is great for folks on restricted diets. The best part, all four items were about 10 dollars. With proper care, such as hand washing and use of non-metallic tools when cooking they can last a long time. Continued thanks, Lash

Too much mass for me.

It depends on your insurance company. I had to do the same, then when my employer changed carriers, I had to do it allover again. My BMI was 41, now its 28. The thing is, like it says in the Nike ad - JUST DO IT. Your persistence and patience will be greatly rewarded. From the voice of experience. Take care and be well.

According to my BMI (Body Mass Index) I should lose 20 to 30 pounds more. That's down around 165 lbs. Last time I was at that weight I was a teen riding my Schwinn with the balloon white wall tires, listening to the Ray Charles on the transistor radio and trying to get a prom date. Frankly, I don't want get below 185 lbs., that's five more pounds to lose. The doctor says follow the BMI. My two cents (opinion) says the BMI calculator is only a range tool, not an exact measurement for the entire population and it should not be the only determining factor. The BMI should not be used as the only indicator in an overall fitness program. What's your opinion concerning the Body Mass Index. Take care & be well, Lash

Its the little things like that which make your sleeve worth it. Good news to you.

thanks much