DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

"This comes from the fat ass secret code book. (Don't tell anyone I let you in on it.)"

Seriously, I almost spit my water on my screen laughing.

Congratulations on your weight loss and NSV's!

LOL a bear? Dear Lord, I freak out if we see a fox. I think I'd cry if I saw a bear!

I have problems with the extreme temp days, too. Heat makes MS go into an immediate flare. It's actually kinda weird. I can be just fine, walk outside into the heat, and be instantly a mess. Dizzy, weak, and every single MS symptom I have is suddenly increased tenfold. But, the minute I go back into the A/C, I'm almost instantly fine. Extreme cold makes me really sore- my muscles spasm really bad and my whole body just aches.

In fact, we just hit a heat wave here. It totally sucks because I'm now house bound because of it.

These are extremely wise, honest words.

When I finally get to my goal weight I plan on giving myself the same 5 pound threshold. I think that's the mistake a lot of people make- they hit goal then get too relaxed. "oh it's only a 7 pound gain, no biggie" and "I'm still only 11 pounds from goal". Before they know it, they're now 40 pounds above goal and are going "I don't get it, I didn't change anything, how did I gain?!"

I hope others read this blog post. It's excellent!

I just saw this post- thank you so much for the kind words! <3

But like I tell others all the time about my weight loss- it's heck of a lot easier to dump the weight when you start at 400+ pounds. Weight seriously just melts off when you're that morbidly obese. These days, I'm lucky to lose 6-8 pounds a month. It's really all relative to how much you have to lose and how big you were when you started.

You will definitely get there!!

I've never been a fan of exercise, either. In fact I historically avoid it like the plague lol. Like you, I much prefer to actually "do" something. For instance, mowing the lawn is my job and I actually (oddly) enjoy it. The cool part is, according to my pedometer, I walk almost 2 miles when I mow it, too. I also do all the weeding, hedge trimming, etc.

I think that's why my main form of exercise has always been walking. I actually enjoy walking. I live in a really awesome spot for it too so that helps a lot. There's a lot of wooded paths and beautiful scenery. Because I enjoy it it's never a chore and I never feel like "ugh, I have to go walk a couple miles now". I look forward to my daily 2+ mile walks and get bummed when I can't for some reason.

Perhaps that's what you need to find- something you truly enjoy doing?

I've only had the MRI's. He said I likely didn't need the spinal tap because of all of the results from the MRI's. I went in initially on Monday and came out with a diagnosis by Thursday. He's insisting on me getting a second opinion which I'm fine with. I want so badly to believe it's some kind of vitamin deficiency or lyme disease. As much as I believe a spinal tap will hurt, I'd rather have it to be sure.

Honestly? I'm no doctor, and spinal taps aren't fun, but I'd insist on one. As you wisely stated, there are many other diseases and illnesses that can mimic MS. Lyme Disease is a common one and unlike MS, it's 100% curable.

I think the second opinion is a great idea, btw. I know this is hard but it's really good you're taking such a pro-active approach.

That was seriously an awesome blog. I can't tell you how many times I've felt exactly what you're feeling now. I see all these commercials and half are for food (because we need more junk food like we need a hole in the head) and the other half are for the diet I supposedly need to undo all the junk food damage. But wait...there's more! I can buy a nifty cami that will make me look 3 sizes slimmer, but then I *really* need the hair removal cream because I can't been seen looking like a bush woman. Oh and then? I should seriously invest some of those videos that will teach me to exercise and look like I'm a stripper doing a lap dance at the same time, because you know, there's a good chance my boyfriend will buy that beer that shows the woman that looks like a rejected porn star falling all over the guy because he's drinking *that* beer. I need to look like a rejected porn star apparently.

Seriously, really excellent blog post. I hope more read it because you totally nailed it.

I am so sorry you're going through this. I also have MS.

The best advice I can give you is to get on a disease modifying drug (often referred to as a DMD) ASAP. This is really important because they slow progression of the disease and the sooner you get on one the better your prognosis will be.

Yes, there are 4 types of MS. Relapse/Remitting (RRMS), Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive, and Progressive Relapsing. The majority of people start off RRMS (which is what I still am, too). In fact, that is another reason the DMD's are so important, to keep people from turning from RRMS to Secondary Progressive.

May I ask, did you have both an MRI and a spinal tap to be diagnosed?

Excellent point. I had a staph infection after a hernia repair surgery last August and blood clots after a tummy tuck last month. Both should've been simple surgeries yet both had complications. It happens and it's the risk we take anytime we go into surgery.

But... like you..I've had zero complications with my band.

I definitely have those moments. I see my family going to town a big, fatty bowl of pasta or mowing a giant cheeseburger and I have these moments of "ugh I wish I could just have an hour to eat normal".

...but then I remember that's how I got to over 400 pounds... and suddenly that dripping burger doesn't look so appetizing anymore.

You're doing so great!

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I love this post and I'm so proud of you!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a glass of wine, especially when you're counting the calories. I am a very firm believer that to be successful with any weight loss it has to be about moderation not deprivation. You are simply enjoying what you love in moderation.

In December, I flew to Washington State (I'm in Michigan) and then drove back across the country with my boyfriend. Like you, I got stuck a lot. I also found myself relying on premade protein shakes a lot because of it. It's definitely a challenge to travel with the band because so much is out of your control as far as food choices.

I think a big part of my stuck problem was my nerves. I was so nervous about what to eat and getting stuck I think that stress alone made the band tighten up. Then of course once you're stuck your stomach swells so then it's like this nasty cycle of eating and getting stuck.

The good news is, within 24 hours of getting home and back into my comfort zone I was fine again.

I hope your vacation was great despite the eating challenges

Once I can eat normally again I'm totally trying this! Thanks for sharing!

Excellent post. I could comment on everything you wrote (in total agreement) but I won't get long winded and say only this- anyone who claims they are "perfect", that weight loss is easy, and they never become impatient or frustrated- IS LYING.

I have lost a lot of weight and I do exactly as my doctor and NUT advise 90% of the time, but that other 10%? I'm totally going off the path. And frustration? Dear Lord, I have been trying to lose this one stink'n pound for a week now. ONE STUPID POUND! You'd think after losing 199 just 1 more would be easy peasy, right? Pffft, stupid thing is clinging on for dear life AND invited a half pound friend over!

...and that is just my most recent frustration. There have been many before it and I'm sure there will be many after.

Keep doing what you're doing because you're doing so very great

LOL that's too cute!

I'm so sorry for your loss

You know, as awful as your current situation is, the silver lining is it's showing you how strong and committed you really are to getting healthy. You took responsibility for a little relapse into old habits but now you're right back in the game!

You're going to great, I have no doubts.

Please don't listen to the idiot troll Awanda, she/he/it is hitting every thread on here talking complete BS.

Overcoming emotional eating and grazing is hard. I know that's something I've always struggled with too. I find distracting myself helps. I know this is going to sound weird, but night is my hardest time, so I've kinda "trained" my brain. Every night I brush my teeth and take a hot bath when I feel the urge to graze. Now, it's like a signal to my brain "oh it's bath and clean teeth time, we're done eating for the night". I know it sounds weird but it's worked.

I also find keep safe food around for when I just have to have something. I really like both dill pickles and cucumbers. Both are zero calories, so when I need something I grab one.

Hang in there.

You are doing beautifully Jim. So proud of you!!

Wow that's a very interesting article!! I actually do tend to eat bananas if I need an afternoon snack, after reading that I may have to start having a half an apple instead. I also find it interesting that brown pasta, apples, and oranges have more satiety than beef!

Thanks for sharing

You are doing simply amazing, you should be so proud of yourself!

Congratulations on your success!!

Awwww you're an amazing lady and it makes me SO happy to see you succeeding so brilliantly!!!!

WOW!! I'm glad you're following up with your surgeon.