Thats All Folks

You can TOTALLY do this!! And fyi- you are NOT failing!! You've managed to maintain your weight despite life handing you a big plate of stress and you've done it for months. That isn't failing, that's a huge accomplishment and something to be proud of.

Is it possible you're too tight? If you're taking small bites and chewing enough, you shouldn't be having all these problems.

I'm so glad your surgery went so smoothly and that your family is being so wonderful while you recover. I honestly believe you're going to do beautifully with the band. Oh btw, I was totally excited for tuna too!

Very cool! Btw, you totally rocked that pink shirt!

I have the same problem, Terry. I have one cheat day a month where I eat whatever I want and the next two days after are always hard. It's like it wakes up my hunger with a vengeance.

I'm the same way!

This is strictly my opinion, but I would definitely insist on an overnight stay at a hospital. My doctor insisted on a one night stay for pain control and he was right. The last thing I'd want to do is deal with a car ride so soon after that surgery. Plus, the hospital pain killers are so much better than anything you get by prescription.

I am so sorry you're still dealing with asshatery at work. I'm even more sorry to hear you're struggling so much. But really, considering all you've been dealing with? It think it's awesome you've managed to maintain your weight despite recent obstacles. I think that's a huge accomplishment. Please hang in there. We're with you in spirit and pulling for you! ((hugs))

Once again, I made the mistake of drinking coffee while reading your blog and almost nerfed it out my nose laughing. Thank you

Hahaha I wondered if you were her husband!! I didn't say anything out of respect for both of your privacy, but as I read her story I was going in the back of my mind "hmmm, I bet this is Jim's wife!" @Kelli, we're thrilled to have you with us!

Hunger is the body's natural response to needing fuel. Hunger will never totally go away but once you're past the post op diet and have adequate fluid in your band, it will be very well controlled and you'll be able to go long periods of time on little food. The post op diet is rough. The symptoms you're describing are pretty common especially on the liquid phase of it. It will get easier as you progress back to normal food but right now it's crucial you heal properly so you have to tough out the post op diet. Just remember, it's a temporary and brief bump in the road and will soon be behind you.

Our stories are very similar! Like you, I have been "the fat girl" my entire life. I can remember being as young as 5th grade and obsessed with how huge my thighs were. I remember being teased for being big all through junior high. I remember going shopping with my girlfriends in high school and being so ashamed because I couldn't wear anything at the "normal sized" shops they went to. I did date as a teen but my self esteem was always awful. When I hit college, like you I decided to own being a fat girl. I had more self confidence and I decided I didn't give a rip if someone did like me for me- fat and all. ...but then I had my first child at 21 years old...and got bigger and bigger. Over the years I ballooned up to over 400 pounds. Any self esteem I ever had was long gone and my health was seriously tanking fast. My best advice is to let go of that "fat girl" mentality. Too often we wear it like a suit of armor not a badge of courage. We're teased and tormented so severely we try to muster up all this false bravado to shield ourselves from being hurt yet again. It is simply wonderful you're doing this for your health- but you have to be ok with the fact there's nothing wrong with doing this to look good, too. You're not letting society or anyone else "win" by getting the Lap Band and losing weight. YOU are winning for taking control of your health so you can live a long, happy, healthy life with your husband. Best wishes to you

You look simply amazing. I think it's hysterical she actually got in a snit because she thought you were trying to dupe her.

This is just way too cool and too fun!! I love it!! Btw, I haven't been to Great America in decades. Next time I'm back in Chicago visiting family and friends I'm definitely going. You look wonderful too!

Happy Bandiversary!! Congratulations on your success, too!