gowalking

Please keep posting. Am enjoying reading of your trip and the many many nsv's too. I can't wait till I am able to go to Europe as well. Not there yet, but soon I hope.

Jersey Mike's!! Sorry that I'm not a hot guy but I so recognized what you wrote...lol. I lived in Middlesex County for 18 years before moving back to NY. Though I can tell you there is a Jersey Mike's in midtown.

Hey Erin. I see that you want to lose half your body weight. If you are that much overweight, you can't listen to friends who tell you that you don't need WLS. There are many reasons people tell us not to get this surgery and sometimes it's not because they have our best interests at heart. I lost half my body weight and I needed this surgery to do it. I followed the rules, ate around 1,000 calories a day but did not work out because I had mobility issues. Today I'm much better and I exercise in the pool. Here's my before and after pics so you can see what WLS will help you to accomplish...as long as you do your part. It's a tool, you still have a lot of work you have to do as well. Good luck with your decision. and remember...it's your decision and no one else's.

I so appreciate the levity tmf. You don't see it on this forum, but I have a great sense of humor as well. Thanks again.

I do see a therapist shel. I have no problem with people who don't know me when I was heavy. I enjoy the normalcy as much as anyone else. It's the folks who knew me before and just don't recognize me at all now that makes me uncomfortable. And Jim...I am very happy and healthy. I just think I need this part of the process overwith.

Natalie...I had both hips replaced and have chronic back pain along with arthritic knees. I take Water exercise classes at the Y. It's the best thing out there for folks who can't exercise in the traditional way. There is a disabled gentleman who is in a wheelchair that attends the classes. He told me he gets a price break from the Y because of his disability. If you have a Y near you, might I suggest you check that possibility out?

Hang in there Bee...all you want will come your way soon enough. I take up alot less space these days. I fit anywhere...and I mean anywhere. Restaurant booths, theater seats, airplane seats, subway/bus seats....etc, etc. Last year on our family cruise, I couldn't get off the ship, I was so large and in so much joint pain. This year, my son and I are doing the sub and snorkle reef dive excursion. I may even do the zipline if I get up the nerve. I still can't believe it but yes, I know I can zipline and not worry about taking the whole thing down with me...or even worse, have them tell me I can't do it because I'm too heavy. I can't say it enough...I got my life back my friend, and so will you. Bless you and please keep us posted.

So, I went for a follow up at my orthopedic surgeon this morning. The nurse calls me in and is pleasant but not that friendly which surprises me as she is usually very warm and fuzzy. Then she pulls up my chart, looks at my picture, and realizes who I am. Only then does she become herself again. She didn't even know who I was till she saw my chart. Then the surgeon walked in and he's a very direct person so all he did was look at me and say that I got skinny. No fuss, no muss. I guess I do look skinny compared to what I used to look like. This is happening alot lately...an awful lot. So much so that I wonder just how freaking fat was I? Obviously very fat since no one seems to recognize me. It happens all the time at work. It happened again when I got on the elevator yesterday. A woman I've known for more than three years got in a couple of floors down from me and I said hello and she said hello and we started to chat when I realized she had no idea who I was. It happened the day before when I was at a training with a colleague and again...I saw her on the elevator and she told me until I started talking, she didn't know who I was. It's great that folks are telling me how wonderful I look but there is something very off putting when no one knows who you are. I don't recognize the person looking back at me in the mirror and obviously no one else does either. I realize it's not just the weight loss. I'm off the cane, I'm out of glasses, I have a new hair style, and I'm wearing makeup. I guess I am a new person. But it's really gotten me wondering just who I am. Have I changed on the inside as the outside has changed? If so, is it a good change or not? I don't have the answer...it's why I'm in therapy. I need to get to know this new me. I don't know...maybe I just need this part of it to be done with and have the person I am now be the one everyone gets used to and no longer compares against the old version of me. OK...sorry for the long and rambling post but I can't be the only one who is going through this. Anyone else out there going through the same experiences?

And I'm so happy for you. This post made me grin from ear to ear. Sending out a big ole hug to you. This is a great NSV!!

I won't lie to you. The pre-op and post-op diets suck big time. But you just have to do it. It's as simple as that. I doesn't last forever and you just have to put your big girl panties on and follow the rules. If you do...and continue to follow the rules, you will do well and be successful. I was so terrified of what my life would be like after being banded and now I can't imagine life without it. I had no life before. I was morbidly obese and quickly losing my mobility. Now I'm normal. I fit anywhere. My forum name is gowalking because that was my hope. Well guess what? I can walk again. It's a friggin' miracle to me. No more cane, no more having to struggle to walk one lousy block. I wore a size 26/28 pants. Today I'm a size 10. I love to shop again. It's fun instead of something to fear. I exercise...I talk to people again. I love my life and this band made it all possible. Do you think I care that I had to do liquids for a few weeks? I didn't. And neither will you in a year. Good luck honey...you will be fine...I promise. Oh...and I attached my before and after pic so you can see what the band did for me.

Every doctor seems to have his or her own protocol regarding alcohol, carbonation, and caffeine. I don't drink soda. I used to drink a ton of it and now I just don't. You get used to it. My doctor has no issue with alcohol and caffeine in moderation. I stay away from cocktails..too much sugar/calories. I drink a glass or two of white wine when I'm out to dinner. And yes..the smaller you are, the more you will feel the effects so be aware of that. I also drink coffee but again, in moderation. Two cups max. And I mean cups....not mugs. Here's the whole point of this my friend. Nothing...and I mean nothing tastes as good as thin or normal feels. I know you can see my ticker but take a look at my before and after pics. Amazing..huh? Yes...those are both pictures of me.

That article is me. I have lost half my body weight and I have always been honest on this forum. I see a therapist because I don't recognize myself in the mirror. I find I resent compliments at times. They just remind me of how big I was. I'm tired of hearing people say that that they didn't realize it was me. (I was out of the office for several weeks on medical leave). I know I have issues and I'm working on dealing with them so I don't become one of those folks who starts a topic saying they have 'fallen off the wagon.' I don't mind when I know I'm having a NSV but I'd just as soon people get used to what I look like now and leave it alone. Oh, and I also go to a physical therapist as well. Just like the article mentioned, I had very limited mobility and there is alot of damage even with all the weight off. I have no muscle strength and my balance is still poor. Just goes to show you that while my ticker says I've reached goal, that's just a number. I'm still very much on this journey.

Hey Princess (and you are), I've been very upfront on this forum about my struggles. I see a therapist to help me deal with the internal issues I'm going through. I've lost half my size and when I look in the mirror, I have no idea who's looking back. Just the other day, one of my doctors said I was half a Liz. It was meant as a compliment but I heard it differently. Like what was wrong with the whole Liz. And then I wondered what else was half of me. What else was less? Could it be my compassion? My strength? My reserve? See what I mean? This is so much more than a weight loss journey. It's a life changing journey in every sense of the word. Again...it's why I stay on this site and post. People need to be encouraged but they also need to know the challenges as well. Great to have you here and again, best of luck...I know you'll do great.

Great start mocca. That's alot of weight to drop in the beginning. I'm sure you've heard alot of it already...eat smart, eat slow, small bites, etc. Can I give you a little different advice? Because you've already lost a great deal of weight, try not to weigh yourself too often. It might feel like you are failing (which you are not) once the weight loss slows down. Find NSVs instead of checking your numbers. That's the best thing you can do because there are alot more of those even if the scale isn't moving. Good luck and keep us posted!

what a great thread and great responses. you are all kind and thoughful ladies and it reminds me why I am so glad I found this site back when I was pre-banded and scared to death of what my future held.

Look at you, rockin' them red heels. Good for you beautiful lady!

Oh cool. I never met Dr. Fielding but Mrs. Dr. Fielding did my procedure. She looks good on TV...lol.

All I can do is add to the list of congratulations. You are doing so well and I too am so glad to have gotten to know you. I enjoy reading your posts and am enjoying following your progress.

Good for you my friend. Taking action is what it's all about. My niece is in Cincy as is one of my preferred vendors. Hoping to get there sooner or later to check out your fair city. Support is so important and it's good that you are going to a group and are here on this forum as well. I know for a fact that I wouldn't have been so successful without these good people on the site helping me out.

Many of you know of my journey from very limited mobility, joint pain, and morbid obesity to a nearly normal life. Things are still new for me and I'm continuing to find amazement when I can do or participate in normal activities. I know alot of you run, do strenuous exercise, etc. I'm not there yet and I may never be. But I know that right now my version of a 5K is when I can step over the tub to get into the shower. When I can move comfortably in the small half bath in the kid's vacation home. When I can climb up onto the picnic table to take a picture with my son on Mother's Day. When I can get in and out of their Suburban. When I can simply walk and keep up in Walmart. When I can shop for clothes and change in and out without sweating like it was 100 degrees in the store. I'm not being dramatic here people. I'm telling the truth. I've been reborn. I've gotten my life back and I will be grateful for the rest of my life to have this tool I've been given. I can't believe how many years I wasted eating to excess and watching my world shrink as I got heavier and sicker. I try to justify it by saying I'd never appreciate what I have now if I didn't hit bottom first. Maybe...I don't know, all I see is how much time I wasted. Ugh. OK, on to a more positive thought process. I just wanted to say again that I'll always be grateful for the caring and support I get on this site. You've all been a part of my success and I thank you for that. Have a great Tuesday everyone!

You're beautiful. You shine, you really do. Wonderful job. Congrats.

I also have a pretty swimsuit with a skirt and cannot wear it for Water exercise. So I put on a regular suit and just suck it up knowing my flabby tummy and thighs and scars from hip replacement surgery are out there for everyone to see. I just do my best to not think about it....

You can get a UTI from alot of things including not drinking enough Water, or even wearing synthetic underwear. You may have to bite the bullet and go to the doctor if it continues just to find out the root cause of these multiple events. Good luck dear. I hope you get some relief.

Hi Janey: I've always been a hairy beast...LOL! I started getting the facial hair waxed oh...about a year or so ago and I've noticed that it's much lighter than it used to be. So much so that I've stopped with the daily tweezing ritual. You might want to check out the cost and see if it's do-able for you.

great pics and I just love the dress you have on. The pic of you alone is so south florida..lol. I was whining earlier this week and I went down a size - wearing size 12 dress. : : Me & my mom today Happy Mother's Day!