gowalking

Same here. Two people who are no longer on this site come to mind first and foremost. Carolina Girl and Missy (MIS73) They were my go to peeps as I could identify with both of them and their advice and support was priceless. I didn't know anyone who could give me the help and support I needed out in the 'real' world. But here in the virtual world, I found what and who I needed. It's why I am still here. I feel obligated to pay it forward.

I went through this as well. It will eventually stop. Folks will get used to your 'new look' and the interest, good or bad will start to fade. Just wait it out and understand that people are curious, some are jealous, and others are totally inappropriate. Smehow you need to figure out those who might be truly interested in changing their lives as well and are looking for information. Those are the ones you pay attention to.

I agree with Dub. I know this hurts and you have every right to feel bad and sad. While feeling this way though, focus on yourself. Not just related to the weight loss, but to improving other areas of your life. Do something you want to do and didn't because he didn't want to. Make some new friends. Go out for coffee after the gym with some of the girls you've said hi to. Meet new people, do new things. I'm telling you...take advantage of this opportunity. And yes...it's fine to think of it as an opportunity to be totally selfish and into yourself.

It's OK if you text her and just re-iterate that you had a nice time. Don't mention going out again. If she texts you back, then you can discuss making plans. I always followed up with a text if I had a nice time on a date. This way, he knew I was interested. If he called/texted me back, likely we went out again. If not...then I know he's not interested. It only looks desperate if you text and say, 'why didn't you text me like you said you would?'

Actually going today. I have no idea what I'm going to talk about it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Actually...let her talk. This way you don't have to over think it, and most women enjoy talking about themselves anyway. Don't just sit there, but take your cues from her and what she talks about.

...and I am going to have the conversation with the NP next week to discuss having my first fill. I am struggling and have been for a while now. When I talked to my therapist last night, she helped me realize that I'm hungry. It's not stress eating...it's not head hunger...it's real hunger. I ate dinner last night and as often happens, was hungry soon after. I had a hard boiled egg instead of crap (as she suggested) and it filled me up without the guilt. All I know is that I'm not necessarily looking to get back down to 112 lbs. which was my lowest weight, but I'm finding myself in the 121-124 lb. range and that's just not acceptable. I guess this means I won't be a 'fill virgin' for much longer...

If you think you are in the right frame of mind to take it off and keep it off, I say go for it. If you can't maintain the weight loss, that's when you reconsider surgery. You need to be sure you want to do this...or so desperate that you have no choice. I was the latter. I was likely only weeks or months from being wheelchair bound due to joint degeneration and at 267 lbs, not a good candidate for hip replacement surgery. If co-morbidities are not impacting you...or only minimally...again, you may be able to wait this out and see what happens. Good luck with whatever you choose.

My answers below: 1. What behaviors / skills did you develop to compensate for being fat? Was totally the funny fat girl. I made fun of myself and used the word 'fat' so that I knew I had said it first. I was loud and probably obnoxious at times. I still am funny and outgoing..and a bit outrageous at times, but have been able to tone alot of it down now. No need to deflect the painful words or the fact that I hated what I looked like the way I used to. 2. Do you think you'll change (and how) when you're thin? See above.

I had to have a revision because the port stuck out and was bothering me...and looked funny. The surgeon replaced it with a lower profile and tucked it behind the abdominal muscle to hide it better. I've always had good restriction even with no fills.

Ah...close but no cigar, Laurie. I go to the McBurney Y across town.

Not that I'm aware of.

Went for my year two follow up since the hip replacements this morning and NYU has a system that tracks all your appointments and test results, etc. in a single system. They use both a photo and a palm print to confirm you in the system and today, the woman at the desk looks long and hard at my photo (taken prior to WLS) and asks me if I'd like a new picture taken. I was pleased as punch and put a big smile on my face as an updated picture is now part of my data profile. Next on the list...my driver's licence and my passport. I always get that hard stare from the male TSA agents...and the comments from the female agents about how I look great now. Not that I mind the comments but I'd like to move past the stares and comments now that I'm nearly three years post banded. Have a great weekend everybody!

OK...this is probably TMI, but since we're already TMI, you might find this amusing. My BF has his own term for 'going to lady town'. He calls it 'praying at the temple'. I'm sorry if some think this is sacrilegious, but I find that I like that he calls it that. It's just another way to reach euphoria in my opinion.

That was me! Yes, I try to understand.. my mom says the same thing.. 50+ age men have serious issues.. she also is very active and lost a lot of weight, and a lot of them men her age aren't interested in working out.. she doesn't want to be with someone who wants to only go out to eat all the time either, cause she doesn't want to gain weight back.. My Mom's problem (not really problem) is that she is looking for THE ONE, and gets SO emotionally invested when she finds a reasonably attractive guy who has a job, etc.. She also has some personality issues (that she is going to therapy for) but she isn't outgoing.. doesn't have a very positive attitude, etc.. She has no idea who to casually date around to find a guy worth it. But I get that its hard. I just feel so bad for her because it is depressing her. I'm 57 and spent the last 20 years focusing on myself, my family, and my friends. When I decided to jump back into the dating pool, I made sure I didn't look for the ONE, or look for someone to complete me. When you do that, if you don't find someone, yes...depression and feelings of unworthiness can set in. Your mom has to value herself more than anything or anyone else. Then, and only then, can she find someone who compliments her...and not 'completes' her...which is a dumb movie quote anyway...and not real life. PS: I am currently with someone I met five months ago who is fitting that bill just as I had hoped. I enjoy his company immensely but if things don't work between us, I'll cry (maybe) and get back up and go on because I still have a great and full life. That's what mom has to realize.

Hi my Florida Friends. I'll be down for Thanksgiving. If you plan on a meet up during the holiday period, I'll be in the area till December 2nd and would love to get together. Liz

LOVE THIS POST!!

Great news!

NSV for sure!

Thanks! I tell ya......food is tremendous part of our culture, our family history and even a source of braggin rights: Uncle Gene's BBQ Sauce, Grandma Clyde's Carrot Cake.....etc. I can think back to a lot of big family moments and tell you what was being served. It took me a while, but I now see how I can still be a part of all the fun times: family gatherings, going out with friends, tailgating at ball games, etc. Just because I"m focused on losing weight and getting healthy I"m not being limited. It's the opposite, in fact, the healthier I become the more fun stuff I can do. The OP sort of scared me in that it appeared she was also thinking along those lines....struggling needlessly. She'll be able to better do all her many roles and activities with her new body. My son and his family moved to Columbia more than ten years ago. I visit often from NYC and also learned about sweet tea and buffets after church. We went to a place a couple of years back that served pig several different ways and of course it was all delish. But even in The South, one can be healthy. My son was probably around 350 lbs. when they moved down and he lost at least 100 lbs. shortly after the move. He's still about the same size even after all these years. I'm incredibly proud of him.

Did you call the surgeon's office and ask them? I suspect it's just swelling, but I'm not a doctor obviously. I'd be interested in finding out if your experience is normal.

Not a big fan of yogurt and never ate it. Still managed to lose 150 lbs. and with the help of Biotin and Protein powder, didn't lose all my hair either.

Me thinks maybe a troll at work....or he just didn't like the responses he was getting.

I introduced my boyfriend to fresh veggies dipped in hummus rather than ranch dip or creamy italian...or the classic onion and sour cream with chips or pretzels. He's good with the new option and that one change alone saves tons of calories..and is healthier to boot.

Aww...sorry Joe. Well...not really, but I'm gonna be gracious...after all, the baseball gods giveth and the baseball gods taketh away

Sorry...can't help myself. I know it's a little blurred but that's my Empire State Building lit up in blue and orange after The Metsies beat LA last night. Go Mets!!