gowalking

It sounds like fear of the unknown is part of your issue. I was myself terrified of having to give up all the comfort that food provided. The only reason I went ahead with the lapband was because I was heading towards life in a wheelchair and I couldn't work if I was that disabled. I needed to keep my job so I had no choice. Let me asssure you that you will feel so much better once the excess weight is off. So much so in fact, that you will not miss the food as much as you think you will. Stay with the therapy (I'm also in therapy) and work on your issues. But don't let fear rule you. My life is 1,000 percent better than it was two years ago. There are times I wish I could pig out...but then I get up and walk around. Every step I take, I say a thank you that I can walk again and that helps me to deal with everything else. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

How much you want to bet that while she was vocal with her thoughts, plenty of other people think just like her but know enough to keep it to themselves.

Most men are clueless about gifts. Good idea to regift and let others partake.

I was on the plane to Florida and sitting in the window seat. Needed to get past two people to get to the bathroom and both of them just tucked in their legs and I got past them! Neither of them had to get up. Imagine that huh?

Oh..one more thing. I was on Fifth Avenue yesterday and while waiting for the bus, took this picture of Tiffany's. I should have walked instead of taking the bus because Harry Winston's was also decked out magnificently. You guys should really see this town at Christmas. It's beyond words. Anyway, here's the one pic I took. Enjoy.

Arlene...I have to admit that your family stories highlight my day. I read them and feel so glad that it's just not my screwed up family out there...lol! I have one DIL I have to walk on eggshells around and another who puts on a puss if/when I do something wrong. And as mothers of sons know, you have to get along with the DIL so you can see the son and grandchildren when you want. The only revenge I get is that my younger DIL is having a boy so she will see eventually what it's like. I too am so very grateful for the friends I've made on this site. To not have to explain stuff and know that you all understand is so comforting. Even the therapist can't quite get some of what I tell her about being a fat girl in a thin body...or how freeing it feels to fit everywhere now. Or how I am still a control freak about how/what I eat. I'll never be free of the food demon and I know it. I'll have to be vigilant the rest of my life and do whatever I have to in order to make sure I don't put myself in harm's way..be in situational or someone toxic in my life. I know that you guys understand exactly what I'm talking about.

Thanks sweetie. What a wonderful thing when you fit in the world again. You'll get there too. Congrats on your upcoming surgery.

Showing up in our lives. I love that phrase. I'm having some issues with the two men I've been dating and the urge to turn to food is strong. But I don't...and will deal with these guys as I need to rather than eat to distraction as I would have done in the old days. Thanks goodness for my band..and my therapist. Glad I'm heading to Florida to focus on dad and to help mom. Driving them to the doctor tomorrow as a matter of fact. I'm also looking forward to the nice weather and swimming laps in a warm pool. I love the feeling of speed as I slice through the Water. And no...I'm not a fast swimmer but I feel fast and that's what counts.

Oh gosh...no latkes tonight, OK? Let that tummy settle down.. Enjoy!

I just saw the comment Jim and posted my own. I reiterated that one can't bash a surgery without clarifying why. Then I also used my own situation to note that I am a success. For the life of me, I can't understand why people who suffer the same issues are so devisive on what surgery one chooses. Who cares which surgery it is...as long as it's what the person wants and is comfortable with...and is successful with. I know...sorry...we're just preaching to the choir. Time for me to go offline as well. Heading out to an exhibit later this afternoon and then going for a foot massage. Tomorrow I head to Florida to help mom take care of dad. He had heart surgery a week ago and is doing great. Sis and brother are there now and I take over starting Wednesday when sis heads back home. So wonderful to be able to be healthy enough to take care of a family member instead of having them take care of me. That's what this is all about...living our lives.

Here here! Everyone is entitled to their opinions but you can't say the band scares you and not clarify why. I too have been very successful and have had zero issues with it and eat everything I ate before except junk and fast food..because I make the choice not to and not because I can't eat it. Good luck with the whatever surgery you decide on suzy.

Oh gosh. I'm so sorry and like the poster above says, keep fighting for your quality of life. Everyone deserves it.

Happy Chanukah Arlene.

Yes you will. And when you do whatever it is that you wouldn't have been able to before, the sense of accomplishment will be overwhelming. Good things are coming your way and I'm thrilled for you.

Ha ha...someone shorter than me. Yes...I want folks who are considering lapband to see that it's possible. My own PCP told me I'd only lose 40 lbs. with the band now I weigh less than she does. You're doing amazingly well so far. 82 lbs. is quite an accomplishment. I bet you feel much better already and you're not far from onederland either.

Update: I saw the surgeon today. She is beyond pleased at how well I'm doing. So funny that when I first met her, she was 'all business' but now she's personal and personable. I got a big hug from her when she walked into the exam room. Then she told me when she looked at my chart that I weighed eight pounds less than her. I was amazed because let me tell you....she is one skinny bitch for sure.

OK, at least he knew his behavior was problematic. Nothing wrong though with reminding him at another appointment that he won't get the truth from his patients if he yells at them. There is a big difference between being a straight shooter and being a bully. Good for you for standing up for yourself.

You need to have a sit down with this moron and remind him that he has no right no matter what, to treat you that way. If that were me, I'd look for another doctor but I understand it's not that easy. Talk to him and let him know that you will not accept behavior like that. I had to do something similar with my dentist. He appologized and we were much better after that.

Thank you. Here's another NSV of sorts. I went solo and opted to do so. I don't feel funny if I'm not with a guy because I know that no one is thinking I can't find someone to go with. Unbelievable how different everything is now.

Doesn't matter to me that we're in the midst of the holiday season. I know I won't overeat at functions because I hardly ever did even when I was obese. I'm a 'secret' eater. I don't/didn't eat to excess while out in the public. I certainly didn't want to bring even more negative attention to myself by having people see me eat everything in sight. No....I hid that. I couldn't hide the weight gain obviously, but I hid the consumption. I'd go out to dinner, eat 'normally' and then finish my leftovers as soon as I got home....oh and keep eating while I was at it. I've already been to several holiday functions since Thanksgiving and haven't gained an ounce. Why not? Not because I'm limiting my food intake at said functions but because I'm watching what I'm eating at home. I eat my usual portions and partake of my usual healthy choices. I haven't changed any of that during this period and it's why I'm finding success. Not everyone suffers from the same triggers so we need to identify what they are and have plans to eliminate or minimize the danger. For me, it's not eating out at an Italian restaurant with friends/family. It's making a pot of spaghetti in my house where no one can see me scarf it all down. So I use a small pot...cook up a small amount, and portion it right away into 1/4 cup amounts. Then I freeze the containers and pull out one when I have a meatball dinner or something else where I want Pasta on the side. By controlling the amount, I control the overeating. Even with the surgery, this is still so much of a mind game and for me, I have to prepare at all times so I don't 'go rogue'. Hope this give folks some insight into ways to try to be successful.

If you need or want to lose the weight and as you say, without surgery you won't be able to then your decision is made and just know that doubts are pretty common as this is truly a lifetime change if you want to be successful.

I've got a regular followup with my bariatric surgeon tomorrow. The last time I was there was about six or seven months ago. I'm going to be one of those people in the waiting room who I used to look at and think, 'why the heck is that skinny thing sitting here? Obviously he/she doesn't need WLS'. Now I know why there are thin people waiting to see the doctor(s).

Don't worry about how you are feeling. I'm also a widow and I can tell you it takes a long time before holidays, birthdays, and other important dates are not as painful as it is for you right now. You are very fragile at the moment so treat yourself as kindly as possible and don't worry about anything, or anyone other than yourself. Please also think about talking to a therapist or going to a support group. It helped me alot. Take care of yourself don't hesitate to PM me if you need to. Liz

Congratulations. Your success is spectacular. You look like you dropped 20 years along with the 126 lbs. So very very happy for you.

I love reading success stories from those who are banded a few years. I'm almost two years out and I am beyond thrilled with my success. It's still a mindset nearly every day to make good choices but with the band, it's a battle I think I can win.