gowalking

I don't know that narcissism is quite the right term to use because it implies that it's an obsession and I don't think most of us are obsessed..I think it's more an awareness that we are improving in the looks department as we lose the weight regardless of the reason why. That in turn makes us want to further improve by making ourselves now more attractive and that's why we are now wearing makeup again, getting haircuts, buying prettier clothing, etc..

Nah....they say mid 70's. I'm not swimming outdoors till it's alot hotter. The alcohol though....hmmmm...I think that might work just fine... See ya tomorrow!

Lisa....I read your post waiting to get PT. I cracked up in the waiting room and everyone stared at the crazy lady reading her phone and cackling away....thanks alot.... Now they all think I'm nuts.... Are we having mud slides tomorrow??

Follow weight watchers basically same as enjoythetime does. It worked great for both of us.

Swear to God....this city gal has alot of luck at Kohl's and JC Penney of all places...

That shirt you are wearing says it all....absofreakinglutelyamazing!! Our stories are very similar...I guess I really do have to be more understanding when people don't recognize me. You have truly undergone a transformation and I have to presume it's the same for me. Mazel Tov and Congratulations my friend. You are inspiring.

I agree with Ziggy. That was pure D jealousy. She wants you to get heavy again. That wasn't insensitity...she knew what she was saying. Can you tell I'm in therapy....LOL!!

I feel the same way. You all had a part in my success...each and every one of you. Can't wait to meet you in person readysetgo. I do hope to see you on the 14th.

Have you been to a seminar? You should go to one just to have the chance to hear the answers to your questions. If you don't go to a seminar, ask your surgeon to explain the process to you. I can tell you a few things. Firstly, the doctors all seem to have their own pre-op requirements so only your doctor can tell you whether you will be on a diet, and for what length of time. Surgery hurts. Some people have more pain and discomfort and some have alot less. Again...it's very individualized. Make sure the doctor tells you what to expect so you don't get scared by anything. The biggest issue with post-op is the gas they fill you up with. Some people have alot of discomfort till that gas dissipates. The only thing you can feel is your port. It feels like something hard just under your skin. Be aware that as you lose weight, it becomes more pronounced. You can't feel the band that's around your stomach. I can't tell you anything about fills as I haven't had any. Again....research, research, research. That's the key. The more knowledge you have, the more empowered you are. Good luck and keep us posted.

Oh boy Jim....this made me grin from ear to ear! Mazel Tov! You've truly made it once you get the 'you're too thin' comments. Take it from one who knows....agree with them. It stops them dead in their tracks. LOL!!

Guess who bashed my band. It was my primary doctor. She wanted me to be sleeved or have bypass. Why you say? Because none of her banded patients ever lost more than 40 lbs. Well I needed to lose at least 100 lbs. and I got banded anyway. I wanted less invasive and that's what I had. And guess what....I've lost 126 lbs. and....I am now smaller than the doctor. Sweeeet!!

Hey Lumpy....just be aware that the sodium count on the crab is through the roof. I remember when I looked at that info because I also thought the steamed crab would be a good choice and it was calorie wise. But it's really high in sodium so don't be surprised if you have Water weight gain. For me, I find the fish...grilled...is a better choice. It's why when I'm eating out in Jersey, I now go to Bonefish Grill more than Red Lobster.

I'm going to start this process soon. I see my bariatric surgeon in July and will ask her for some references. I need my turkey neck fixed, the breasts, tummy, thighs...hell I need everything from the knees up tightened. Not sure of course what I can get done because of the cost and time off from work. I'm so unhappy with all this loose skin but I guess there's no way around it when you lose half your size. I'm just sorry I let myself get so big to begin with. Looking forward to hearing of your progress.

I've been going to Water exercise classes for about six months now. Well, I made a friend there. She's a very nice lady and we get along nicely. So, last night we walked out together and we had been discussing some discomfort I have in the hip area. Most of you know that I've gone through major surgery to replace the hip joints and while I am doing unbelievably better, I still have some residual issues that cause me pain. Anyway, like I said, we were walking and Barbara says to me that she also has aches and pains and it worries her because she sees someone like me who is thin and still has issues and she is bigger than me so it worries her. I hesitated...thinking what do I tell her? I really didn't want to give her the 'I was morbidly obese' story. Not because I'm embarrased, but because I'm done with the fat me. I buried her even though she still lives in my head (and I'm working on getting her out of there as well). I finally decided to tell her that I lost weight to better my chances of success when I had the hips replaced. I didn't go into details..and didn't tell her I'm half my size. But I'd like to know how the rest of you handle situations where you have lost a significant amount of weight and you have met people who didn't know you before. I'm not talking about romantic relationships....that's for another thread. I'm just talking about people who you've gotten to know post weight loss. People see me now and just assume this is the way I've always looked. I like that....it tells me that I've moved on and am leaving the fat me behind. But what do I do when my size does come up in conversation as it did last night? Anybody else out there who went through something similar and have some advice on how to handle this?

I was wondering when you would start bandsters #6... I loved the post. This is not complicated....rare cases aside, if you want to succeed at this, you will. Folks like you and me, with serious co-morbidities and the other issues surrounding being morbidly obese know this. We are the poster children for following the rules and finding success. Have a great day my friend. October will be here before you know it....can't wait to give you a big ole' hug!

Welcome back! Your story resonates with me because I'm at that point where I've done extremely well and I fear having issues as you did and getting off track and finding myself gaining it back for whatever reason. I've not had any physical problems but I will take your story to heart and make sure if anything does happen, that I have a lapband doctor to confer with. I'm really glad that I go to a bariatric group. This way, if my surgeon is not available, there are several others who are.

Spectacular. Great job! Feels amazing, right?

Congratulations. Eating out is another big step in the eating normal process post WLS. This was one of my concerns prior to getting banded. I live in NYC and no one cooks here. We bring in or eat out. How was I supposed to still be able to do this? Well....nearly a year and a half later, I can tell you that just as you did...eat smart, choose healthy, don't overeat, I've had no real issues with eating out and I've done extremely well in terms of weight loss. Dining out is not something to fear but something to embrace especially when we stay in control. Nothing better to me than walking away from the table not stuffed to the gills and feeling uncomfortable and guilty. It's very empowering to know you had a good dinner but did not overindulge.

Welcome home! Thanks again for the wonderful posts. I really enjoyed reading them. Four pounds is nothing and you're right....you'll take it off in no time. Good job!!

I know what you are feeling enjoythetime. When I go to Florida to visit the folks, it's mostly dining out and more extravagant breakfasts, etc. But I know this and I do what I can. I watch my portions, I try my best to make good choices, and I have things in the house that are better for me. 100 calorie ice cream...SF pudding/jello, lo-fat cheese wedges, etc. It helps to have those items available when the rest of the family is nibbling on chips and nuts and finishing off breakfast with coffee cake. I know that when I get home from these jaunts, I'll go back to my regular eating and whatever I've gained will go away in a week or two. I was pleasantly surprised that when I got home on Sunday, I only gained a pound. Not bad at all especially as I know that I'll take it off by the time next Sunday rolls around. I suspect like me, you have issues with feeling not in control. Hence the nibbling. I'm more comfortable when I can control what I eat so I understand when we feel like we don't have that control. Heck...this whole thing is about control and I get such a high when I walk away from food because it means I'm in control. Anyway....sorry for the rant. Just know that you are so not alone in how you're feeling.

Hey Sharon.....look at all the new friends you've made. I hope the support you are seeing on this forum helps to soften the blow. Wishing you nothing but great success!

Excellent post my friend. Alex should pin it.

I thought the dryer was shrinking my clothes. Turns out I was just fat.

My daughter has lived with her redneck husband, 2 sons and a nephew for the last 8 years. She had to move her gal cave out to the RV trailer so she could get away from all the potty humor, cup o cheese fart jokes and Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mummie, Mother(you get it?)Oh, I get it all right. I lived with three men....my late husband and my two sons. My 'gal cave' was the tub. They all knew that when mom was in the tub, no one could bother me. It saved my sanity.

He did a good job Alex. Too bad Shimmy didn't include coffee with the other examples he noted in his project. I wonder myself how much damage I'm doing when I add the creamer. (I have to add half and half to my coffee...milk just doesn't cut it for me). And....just how many calories are actually in a cup of coffee...or tea for that matter? Something to ponder....lol.