maziemommy

I think that this site helps people to express themselves as, "whole" people, who have something in common....not just, express about what we share, that was or will be, surgically inplanted. I have learned, far more, by seeing both sides of the coin (so to speak). ...Some days I just don't feel like being sickening sweet, when I am feeling like crap or going through alot, I want honest replies. I want to share my true opinions. And, I want to hear peoples true personalities, not fake nice and keep the "bad" stuff under wraps! That's not fair to the learning aspect. I have given and received, what I believe, to be genuine compliments and support. I THINK THAT REALITY IS A BALANCE OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE- it's just not realistic other wise- I wouldn't want to fear rejection for posting real situations I need to know about, or need help with! LBT is my fave!!!

tatoos--off topic but, interesting ......I have only one--I can see how addicting it is though--mine has a story/significant "reason" or meaning....... DO YOU CHOOSE "randomly" or other????? Please fill me in if it's not too personal.....what's it look like and why??????

:star::star: :teeth: :hug::thumb:cheer up Julie, I think you get five stars in my book---just the way you are!!! smiles...hug.....and thumbs up....to you!

Julie...my heart goes out to you! I too feel fat but, a "350# fat" --- not an "under 200# fat"! I DO think that the "feeling" is just as disheartening though. I hope that for you, this is a temporary, out of the ordinary, thought. You say you feel "like you should wait, 40 more lbs.,before tackling this beast" .... how much is your goal weight? I thought you only wanted to lose about 20 more. If you waited another 40#, how long/short would you expect that to take?? And, could waiting that long/short keep you from having any additional/multiple surgery? Maybe your thoughts, that are negative, come from nerves???? PLEASE continue to share your thoughts as you experience this journey. I can not tell you, how much I admire you, for sharing your experience and your success with all of us. You have already accomplished what I once believed, to be the impossible/miracle. I hope these changes have influenced your life in an extremely positive way overall. I'm almost sure all roads have lots of bumps along the way, but few road blocks.

Watch the fine print on all loans for your surgery!!!! I had the option of a refinance, home equity loan or capitalonehealthcare. My doc. gave me info on capitalone......you go online and select "cosmetic" to apply. They offer (through some doctors) a temporary 0% = 18 months are 0% if paid off...you have 48 months to pay BUT...if you are not paid off in the first 18 months...you owe 19.99% for ALL/EVERY BIT of the original loan amount!!!!!!! A home equity (if you have a home and equity) is a higher intest rate than a refinance--but usually is shorter term. I hope to pay off the 0% interst loan in the first 18 months...and if I think I can't.......before the 18 months, I'll then do home equityloan to pay the rest of it off!!! That means...I get ZERO INTEREST for probably 17 months, and then pay off anything left from that first loan, with home equity at less than 10% for however much longer I need (don't cut the 18 month deadline too close or it may cost you a bundle). I would rather pay another 18 -19 months at 10%, than all a full 36 months at 19.99% if it takes three years to pay!! YOU may be able to pay it sooner or later than my example?????? If it will take a long time for you to pay, and you don't want the hassel-capitalone also offers a plain " low" interest plan.........they can let you know in minutes if you are accepted. These are only a few ideas...the possibilities are endless...depending on your circumstances.

Speaking of flaunting........I went to a training today (all day). I almost got in there late, so to not be dragging myself across others, I sat, at a near to the door seat. AND wouldn't you know it......in they hauled...and placed right next to me....bagels, pastries, coffee, sodas, cream cheese (6 kinds):omg:,FLAUNTING IT, and being on my "one small meal daily" pre-op diet..........IF, I have one, that's IT for the whole day,RIGHT? OK I was strong.......enough....to .....last ..........45minutes .......next ......... to ......the ......freshly ...... baked ........yummy.....smelling .....delightful .....looking ....steamy ....warm...you get the idea, after watching everyone enjoy them like there was no Tomarrow, I did panic, as if there would never be another bread item on earth!!!!!!:cry But, that is all I did consume for solids. Not a very sensible choice--but, I didn't completely blow it.:rolleyes

JulieNYC----thank you for your honesty,that is what makes this so great (honest experiences).....and I think I could never do nudes, myself... I am glad you added your dad's thoughts, and yours, about a 200# weight loss just being more than a body can recover from.... It gives me a realistic expectation.... I kept hearing people (who, I think were trying to say something supportive/positive) saying "at your age your skin should bounce back just fine".... I am 34 almost 35--I don't think that is young!!for one....and two--200# is huge to recover from......I would have LOVED the idea, that this would be the case, but it did not sound realistic to me---I'm glad to have that cleared up!! (I actually need to lose 202# but, who's counting?) YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY BABY!!!!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donna---:clap2:

OK I cheated alittle today on my pre-op diet---anyone heard of something bad comming from alittle cheating???? other than guilt???? Please give me some ideas to keep me strong....staying out of the kitchen is not an option because of my 17 month old DD, Mazie. I have to care for her and that means, feed her. Next week I'm on all liquids/ no meals..I need advice...other than surgery coming quickly, I have much stress...DH who is usually in town for work is out of state.....real estate deal getting close to closing(with no agent to help me),..... Refinance of rental house not gone through yet......self pay.........fence was crushed by a branch, and now tiny dogs gets out, while I'm alone with baby.....blah blah blah....sniffle sniffle ya' know... when it rains it poors... Please offer me some tips to NOT CHEAT ANYMORE! SEND ME STRENGTH!

WOW two new guys----welcome---- Pat---- I think, the guys think about not coming back, from surgery more than the ladies....My DH is worried about that with me.....and, I'm not so much! But, normal none the less!! Like everything in life there can be complications. Am I reading that right 1 and 1 and 3? Twins??? Sounds like a hand full anyway! Dave-----good luck to you on the 5th. I'm in pre-op diet hell!!!! Anyone cheat alittle and have a problem because of it????? I'm losing weight but, should have a small sensible meal once daily----the rest liquids!!!!!!! Does it get easier on all liquids??????---which I must do next week. SEND ME STRENGTH!

Julie--My thoughts are with you as the date grows near. I am sure you know you are in good hands. I am wishing you the greatest success and recovery from PS. I am amazed and inspired by your weightloss so far, and PS may help you look and feel like your true self--right? Keep on coming back to us with updates, as we are hanging...on...a...thread............no pun intended! One quick personal question...are you willing to post pre-PS pics? I would be interested in seeing what life could offer, with your kind of weight loss success for me, if I'm unable to have PS. It may be a good comparison since our stats are similar. YOU ARE INSPIRING!!!

Forgot to mention I'm down 16# and date is not until 4-2-07!! Trying hard not to cheat pre-op diet!

I went to our local "Healthy Weight Supermarket" (I think it's on line too) that was started by a bariatric doc. named Brenda Wells. They have a Protein pudding dry mix and recipe----Resees' meal replacment shake???----- You blend 1 chocolate protein/pudding envelope with, 1 cup Water, 1 tsp. low fat Peanut Butter, 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese then add 1 cup ice and re-blend!!!!!! It helped me tremendously when I really wanted to "cheat and eat"! I felt like I was starving ya' know....then remembered this and after I felt full and it was not cheating!!! It will be great for post op too!!

LapBandit--all I have to say is amazing!!!!!!!!You should be proud!!!

I'm trying to keep my mouth shut----you know with this pre-op diet (open mouth = food in & closed mouth = no food)....but I need some credit..... please please put me down for 4-2-07 surgery date! THANKS Tracy!!

Does the pre-op diet get easier as time goes? I had to put my self to bed for an hour, just to avoid taking frustrations out on DH. I'm allowed one small, sensible meal per day-week 1, (all liquids week 2). Dinner time gets earlier every day!! mon. 7:15p.m. tues. 6;05 p.m. tomarrow......maybe NOON!!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL IN APRIL.......AND MARCH!!!!

Come to think of it I'll probly be on mine too. I'm sure it is nothin' but a thing.

GO TEAM GO !!!!! I've heard that if you don't have anything nice to say...don't say anything at all.......well, pre-op diet should keep my mouth shut for a while!!!!!!! But how's everyone else doing on it?

My surgeon does by-pass and LB. Only one time ever, he had to convert to open, on a by-pass and never on lap band.

CRAZY is that how it feels? I,m so proud of your accomplishment so far. I think it would be a great comparison because of our similar stats. I hear people say ....at your age, sagging skin etc... won't be a problem. I think since you seem very similar in age and weight, (and having surgery) maybe that's not true. Do you think if you waited another year you skin would shape to your body? PERHAPS people are just trying to find something positive to say. Maybe your Dad knows more about what can happen at our age than the average person....what does he say? You are so brave and lucky to have Dad there to help!

AWSOME -- SPYDR -- show us more as you go.....awsome.....thank you -- you are an inspiration!

We will all be watching....and waiting! I hope you will have the courage that spydr had...and show us all kinds of pics......please please PLEASE!!!! I know it is a very personal thing and very difficult for some to share! I am 350# plus and 34 (almost 35) years old. I hope to be a BIG loser in a year. I don't have any help with expenses for PS (or lap-band), so I need to be very informed to make a good choice. I don't know how old you are ....but a picture is worth 1,000 words or more. I think we would all love to your experience, and journey with you. If you are unable to "show" us your experience, I do understand. I will be rootin' for you all the way!!! Wishing you a safe, sucessful, surgery and recovery....you have done wonderful so far......congratulations!!!!

If there is any good advice for calming the nerves at this point, I'll take it too!! I would try the bubble bath but--(I have bad luck) I would just get a Urinary Tract Infection!!!

Donna-in my thoughts and prayers as well. Wishing you well in surgery, recovery, and weightloss!

My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you and your individual needs!