Debra

I did it! I joined Curves this morning. Paid for the whole year, even! (Make me go, please make me go!!!) I have fibromyalgia and my physical therapist said that I need to "sneak-up" on my muscles, so I figured the program of 30 seconds, switch, 30 seconds, switch would be just right for me. And it's convenient ... I'll drop the kids off at school, then go to Curves on my way home! I'm really excited! I know I'll have to take time off after my surgery. Anyone know how long? They will give me a medical extention on my year. I've decided to really make the most of the 2 months til surgery. I was in some crazy mindset that the more I ate now, the more weight I would lose later! Whattheheckwasthat!?!? So, I'm drinking my Propel and not eating fast-food and I'm slowly cleaning my house! I kept thinking "Oh, I can't wait for surgery" then it dawned on me ... I don't have to wait. The surgery is just part of this life long process, so I can begin RIGHT NOW! Well, if anyone has any words of wisdom on Curves or life in general ... I could use the extra push! Thanks for being here!

You are doing soooo great, Jennye! You are a big inspiration to us newbies!

Seanmama You didn't mention what your fill history is? I really don't have any words of wisdom, I'm still on the "wrong side of the band!" but I did want to drop a note just to support you and I am sure someone on this awesome board will be able to help you! I will say that being concerned with nutrition and not just weight loss is a great thing and once you've worked out this kink I know you will be very successful!

All Right! Good for you! From what I've read, yes, there is a good chance of some of it sneaking back between "when the healing stops and the first fill", so don't be too bummed out! But that's not a definate, either!! Meanwhile, you must feel great seeing the numbers drop like that! Awesome!

Ha! I see, BaileyMB, that you have started posting on Dr. Deol's site! Good ... somebody had to get us started! I'll be over there soon myself! Yeah, let's try to meet for sure on the 6th. Where is the Troy Community Center? Look for me; I'll be the heavy one! LOL! I had to have the Stress test 'cos both my parent's had heart disease, otherwise Dr. Cragg said he wouldn't have done it. It started w/ an IV of some radioactive stuff, then Xrays then waiting then tread mill (I lasted 4 minutes!) w/ more radioactive stuff, then more waiting, then more xrays. Then I had my appt. to go over results. They say there is not that much radiation ... HOWEVER ... there was a sign in the lab that said if you were planning to go to Canada you should get a note from them stating you had this test. They had quite a few patients getting DETAINED at the border 'cos their level of Radioacativity was too high!

Cynthia Welcome! And yes, you have a great testimonial! Thanks for sharing! Wow, I always thought tying the shoelaces to the side was just a "cute little quirk" of mine! Ya mean it's 'cos I'm fat!!!! LOL!

I had my stress test today -- I was there for 4 hours! But the heart is good and I have the go-ahead! Tomorrow I will get my TB test and then I will be done, done, done! And you are exactly right, it is appointment H*!! What's the latest on your lungs? Or is that yet another appointment!?! Don't fret, this fall we'll be hanging out at the group meetings, all done, being the voices of experience!!

Hi Kathy! Welcome aboard! This is a greaat place to be! It sounds like you have a very good attitude about your band. It really is a long-term, ongoing way of life!

That's awesome, Leo! You're a motivation!!

Welcome, AG This is a great board, you'll love it here! It sounds like you are doing awesome with your band! Good for you! Again, welcome!!

Awesome Al! Congrats! Glad you're feeling well! Yeah, this board is great, isn't it? I'm so glad I found it myself! Take care of yourself, now!

Joyce! Congrats! Having an actual surgery date makes it all very real, doesn't it! Good for you!

Kathy ---- How Exciting! I'm so happy for you! I'm glad you are feeling so good! Remember, this is your healing time! Take good care of yourself!

My Goodness, Jeanette! With all the things going on in your life right now just dealing with your upcoming lap-band, this is one thing you should not have to worry about! It is great that you spoke up to your mom and expressed how much you needed her support. It sounds like she responded well at first ... maybe she needs a refresher course! Show her the pics of you at 160 and let her know that that is your goal. Talk to her about HEALTH being your number one goal. Tell her your fears about feeling a failure and how you feel the need to please her so strongly. Her response certainly couldn't be any more hurtful than the things she's already said to you and maybe it will help. Sounds like you have an ally in your father, maybe he can help. Ya know, Dear Abby is always saying "Just cut out this article and show them" maybe you should print out your post and give it to your mom if you can't say it face to face. I hope this helps, if only to let you know that you have support and understanding right here! Best of luck to you!

Hi Al! All the best wishes for you! Hope to see a post from you soon!

Renata Thanks for the laugh! "Cowering under my left armpit!" HA!

Yeah!!!! You are awesome!!!! What great things you are doing for yourself and your loved ones!!! I quit about 15 years ago. What finally worked for me was when I GOT MAD! I got mad that I was wasting my money (at about $1.50 a pack, then!) I was making my clothes and hair and apartment smell, I was making myself ill... mostly I just got mad that something I had to pay for and didn't want in the first place had that much control over me! So, get mad, Chantel! And stay there! WooooooHooooooo!

Wow, Michelle! Talk about motivating pictures! Amazing!

Donali Wow! 90 pounds is phenomenal! Good for you! We are about the same frame (or used to be!), I'm 5'6" and weigh 265.5 at this point. Surgery is in June! Can't wait! Actually, when I went to see my surgeon, she said I was 5'51/4". I've always been 5'6"! I must be shrinking (somewhere, anyway!) Thanks for all the great posts! You really do your research and I appreciate your sharing here on the board!

Hi Darcy! I just wanted to say hello and welcome! This is a great place to be; lots of info and support!

Staci!! That is great! I just got my date (june 14th) and it just makes it all very real, doesn't it! :Bunny A little over a month for you! WooHoo!

WoooooHoooooo! Well, it looks like June 14th is my surgery date! I had hoped for April 12th while the kids are on vacation but it just didn't work out that way; so I have to wait until summer vacation. That's ok, I thought I'd be bummed out, but I'm just glad to have a date! I had prayed that if it was right, I would get that April date; didn't get it, so it wasn't right!! Big problem, thou ~ I've been eating like there's no tomorrow! I thought I had just a week until pre-surgury diet, now I have 2 months! OK, the buck (and the venison!) stops here! Is it true that Protein helps gear the body up for healing? I want to take advantage of these two months and do whatever I can to be as ready as possible. Anyone have any "I wish I had thought to do this before surgery" ideas? I know, I know, a pedicure is already on the list! Ha! Anyway, I really want to say that I love this board and I have found everyone to be sooo helpful and understanding. Everyone is very straight forward, telling it like it is, and not ENABLEING like some boards are! Thanks! Take care! Debra 265.5/130 June 14, 2004 Dr. Zoe Deol, MD

Hmmmm, I've heard of high cortisol being a sign of Cushings disease, but I've not heard of low cortisol. Try WebMD.com, they're usually pretty reliable! Debra

Ginger, I sure hope you are feeling better! What did your doctor recommend? Take care! Debra

Hi Greta! I'm a patient of Dr. Deol as well! I'm hoping to get my surgery date next week. I just added you to my buddy list! So exciting! I've heard only wonderful things about Dr. Deol and Troy Beaumont! Keep in touch and take care! Debra