PattyGirl66

@Dacoop, I am not an exercise fan. I have severe arthritis in my left hip and my right hip was replaced years ago. I found an exercise machine that I can actually do without having 'pain'. It is actually fun and NOOO impact on my joints. Its called the Gazelle Edge trainer. Not expensive like all those other machines, easy to use, and easy to storage away. I like to watch tv while on my machine or I listen to my itunes. You should go check it out! I found it at Walmart.com for a mere $99 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gazelle-Edge-Trainer/1597237

OMG, everything falls into my clevage, its like its own hidden hideway. One time I found my earring in there when I had thought I lost it while shopping (chuckles). Forget about going out to eat, I almost know something will fall down there and I try so hard to be discrete while pulling it out.

wheeeew! I saw the title and freaked out for you. Glad all is well, could of been really scary! I am not going to chew gum either once I am banded cause I don't want this very same thing to happen.

Okay, so I am not banded yet but I am trying out new recipes for when I get to the 'mushie' stages in my weigh loss journey. I tweaked a recipe I found for Pumpkin Soup and made it super low fat and packed with Protein. I enjoyed this and you may too find this recipe a favorite or you can tweak it yourself Makes about 4 cups (great for freezing leftover portions) You will need a blender for this ... Ingrediants: 1 can of Pumpkin Puree (16 oz. can) Pumpkin is packed with fiber! 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth 1 cup of non fat milk 1 tbs of low fat margarine ( i use smart blance with flax) 1 scoop of 'unflavored' protein powder salt/pepper desired to taste (I do not use salt because I have high blood pressure) Preperatations: Take your 1 cup of non fat milk and warm it in the microwave for about 25 seconds and add the 1 scoop of unflavored protein powder (mix until powder is dissolved and set aside). Next, in a 2 quart saucepan you want to put in the margrine and melt, add in chicken broth, pumpkin puree, and the milk with the protein powder. Simmer for only 15 mins. Pour into a blender for about 30 seconds until super creamy.

I am 11 days away and I can tell you my anxiety level is a little on the high side right now. I won't back down because I know I have to do this! I just think its normal to feel this way and I am trying to just stay focused and keep my mind busy. Doing a lot of reading, spending time with family. I went to the movies yesterday with my daughter and saw Snow White and the Huntsman. Spending time today with the hubby watching movies. We just have to stay really focused and know we are doing the right thing

I am super proud of you! I don't know you personally and couldn't be happier for you. You are one of my favorite people on here (you know that). You have been more than helpful and always always respond back to me with any questions I might have. Keep up the good work my friend, you deserve this soooo much -Patty

OHH that is priceless!!!!! hysterical

I agree with the poster above. Ultimately it will be your final decision on which type of surgery to have. I too have over 150 pounds to lose and chose the lapband because if I work really hard at it I know I can get that weight off of me. I really don't want to drop a ton of weight all at once because of fear of either getting sick or my skin sagging too quick. I wan't to try and combat this in a timely manner so maybe I could have exercised some of the skin back to its form (not all), but some. Best of luck with your decision

whooohoooooooooo! keep us posted

congrats!!! I think you are doing marvelous!

OHH I am so sorry to hear about this! what horrible news! I really hate some of these insurance rules. I wish you only the best, keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing hon

Hi Nikki, hang in there girlie! I am not banded yet but honestly I know the hunger feeling oh so well. I am trying to lose as much weight as I can before the surgery. I have 1 small meal a day and the rest I drink broth with protein powder in it to jump start my weight loss. I am sooo hungry, my belly is growling. I don't know if its in my head or what. I drank so much water. I am about to eat another sugar free ice pop and hope that helps.

Don't forget to share any interesting recipes from that book!!! LOL

when is your next appt?

Keep us posted on your progress! You are going to do just fine, can't wait to read your update!!

Great news!!

Congratulations!!!!!

Its very normal! We wouldn't be normal if we didn't worry or have concerns. Keep us posted on your progress!!

You have done such a marvelous job with your weight loss - I am sorry about your slippage, nobody wants to go through that. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Another inspiration to add on to the many on here

Hi Peggy! Thank you so much for sharing. I love reading all the success stories it really makes my day

Oh, I saw this months ago he did a very good job explaning why its important not to drink when you have just eaten your food.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Congrats that is good news

Hi Jason, I think you came to the right place to have all your questions answered. Best of luck to you and keep us all posted on your progress! -Patty

@JME, I fully agree with the poster above. You need to go speak with a bariatric surgeon, ask tons of questions. Do a lot of research on what surgeries you are thinking of having. It really is a personal choice when it comes to weight loss surgery. I am the same weight as you and I am a woman!!! I am happily married and my husband married me at 280 and I have only gained since. I can't live like this anymore, I can't move around freely, the struggling just to do simple things like walk, bend, is so difficult. You came to the right place to start, stick around and read and ask as many questions, there are so many supportive people on this site. You will learn so much! Keep us all posted on your progress, -Patty

@Maeg1014, The most information and knowledge you will receive is by reading reading and more reading. You can find so much on the lap band surgery by just googling 'lap band'. You can visit youtube.com as well. This site is the best as far as I am concerned, best for the support you are going to need before, during, and after. You may even find several lap band buddies along the way (that is always a plus). Make sure you know everything about he lap band before hand. Search seminars in your area on bariatric surgery. Start scouting for a surgeon and do background search on them! Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress along the way