Chancie

hi Beaglemama.. You're right when you say we're all different..No one can prepare you for what will actually take place, just give you experiences of their own. I kinda put it outta my mind, did not focus on "what if" Yes, there are risks with all surgeries, but I KNEW I would die if I did NOT have this done. I couldn't even walk to the mailbox with out being winded and hurting. I knew I wouldn't be able to work, afraid more of losing my job and my life than the surgery. It's natural to have fears, but I truely believe this surgery saved my life, and it was worth it all..... I wish you the best and if you have any questons, plese feel free to message me.

Stoongal.. Would be VERY interrested in any recipes you have!! The lentil soup sounds great, I'm off work for 3 days and I'm gonna try to cook alot of meals and freeze my last day off so I can start getting on a "better" at work eating plan. They changed my schedule, i work 3 days on and 3 off, 12- 14 hours a day, so I kinda got off schedule with eating. Am at a stall and i think it's because I'm NOT eating, skipping meals!

Hey Steph...... I'm interrested in the tops, I'm still in a 1X .......My problem area is my belly, and I'm 5'8" so I know the pants are a definite no. But I have to wear shite or any shade of blue top to work, so i don't buy clothes for when I'm not working and if you have tops( or sweaters ) that you think might fit me... I'm interrested! Message me!

Wooooooo HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Glad you got your date... and FAST TOOOOO!! Keep us posted!! Things will be fine.....You'll be happy with your choice!!

Nope...... I've never heard of it, but after having the surgery and when you start losing weight and you're able to do more, I imagine it SEEMS like your metabolism speeds up because you are eating less calories and everyone I've talked to are DOING more physically...... But if it does.. I'm all for it too!!!

Glad you're doing ok! What an awful thing to happen on the way to the hospital!! But........ it all worked out, thats whats important! Glad you and the family are ok!

1) Weekend plans? I worked all weekend....... today ( Sunday ) Is my "Friday" 2) Beatles: I never Listened to them growing up....... but listen to them more now, and can remember EXACTLY what I was doing when John Lennon died......and it touched me........ I appreciate him more now... 3) Name something positive that happened to you this week. Ran into one of my sons friends mom at work.... she had to take a "double take"... didn't even reconize me!!! 4) Do you like your job? It has it's good days and bad days, but overall.... I LOVE IT.

Steph- That is my thoughts exactly! WHY am I sabotaging myself? There is no support group here close to me... but since I am now on a different schedule at work, I should be able to go to Nashville at least twice a month...... am working on that, and am also trying to find a therapist....... I KNOW I am not "normal", I cannot eat like "normal" people........ But now since i have lost weight- I think at times I am....... and I am putting the chocolate in my mouth without even REALIZING it...... A girl at work is a Chocolate Junkie- ALWAYS has it out.... and I catch myself picking up a piece without any thought behind it! THATS why I stayed away from all the other things that I know I am addicted to. I haven't had bread since Dec. prior to my surgery. I stay away from carbs... bread, pasta, rice etc. My weaknesses........I never dreamed chocolate would effect me this way! I did finnaly break my platuea....... lost 4 pounds! Down 146 to date!!! So maybe that will give me motivation!

Cousins?? Uncles?? LMAO!! All kidding aside........ it really is great to have such good support so close!! You're a very lucky girl!!!

Nope- no suggestions- but am glad he/she is talking to you! LOL Just LISTEN! heheheeee

WTG Mac! I gotta tell you- for some reason I thought you were alot Younger- and was amazed when I was looking thru your album- TOTALLY AMAZING! Your the same age as me- or maybe a year older- and I am so impressed with you! And wish I had your will power! How do you do it?????? I will NEVER want to run LOL- but I need to find something that will keep me interrested- even the walking is starting to fade- need to find somehting I like!

I'm the "BAD" one here:cursing:.......I spend MORE on groceries now!!:bored0: I even bought a freezer- mine had gone out last year- I get online and find all kinds of good "healthy" recipes- oh- that sounds good- buy the stuff and hardley cook it LOL I don't buy "junk" but if I want to cook- I know I have the good stuff here! As for the qquestion about how much people eat- I'm more amazed at how much I USE TO EAT:eek: It was nothing for me to be on my day off- stay up until all hours and cook a steak- baked potatoe tons of sour cream- and still want more! I could eat two whoopers and think nothing of it! I LOVE MY SLEEEEEEEEEEEEVE!!!!!!:lol0:

My case was a bit different- I was off work from Oct- March. Had surgery in Feb. so when I went back people noticed a little bit ( hadnt dropped alot of weight- but had been gone for 6 months. ) As soon as I bought clothes that FIT- THEN they started complimenting! Clothes DO make a difference- but being overweight- I think all of us fall into that "baggy=better" I NEVER would wear anything like a tee shirt that was tight! Now I wear blouses that are pleated to give more of a shape- insteal of baggy! Have to wear more "dressy/Professional " clothes for work- and once I started wear pants that fit- everyone started comment on my bum ( or lack of it! ) LOL Now if I can only lose this belly!!!:lol0:

I take effexor TF too- but was also told not to open them- or anything that was time released. I was able to swallow pills early! ( Thank Goodness!! ) I was one of those that vomited all the time right after surgery- and opening the pills YUCK! Instantly sick- so I figured I wasn;t getting them in correctly anyway- and Doc said if I can swallow them- go head! I also started taking the vitamin for hair and nails- big green pills / no problems!! And they are BIG! BUT THEY ARE WORKING- starting to get all kinds of new hair growth :lol0:)

Welcome to the VST! I'm a sleeve gal:thumbup: /so I can't comment on any thing about the band- just to say I am very happy with my decision! I just popped in to say welcome and to also say G'luck to you!

First off- Welcome to the boards Charitymarroquin! And I have to commend you on the wonderful things you are doing!! There's a special place in heaven for people like you!! I think you will be very happy with your decision to be sleeved and not banded- I never even thought the band was an option for me- #1 I had too much weight to lose #2 didn't want a foreign object in me#3 didn't want "fills" #4 wanted a PERMANENT option.#5 did alot of research and found more complaints with the band than any of the other surgeries. The price you will be paying is EXCELLENT!! and it's wonderful that your mother will help you in this journey! At the end of your post- your stated that you have a date- but it sounds like you really havn't made up your mind? Only you can decide what you need to do- I hope you find the answer you are looking for! Keep us posted and again- welcome!

Hi Claire- Welcome to the boards! I just want to shed a little light on something-I had ALOT of weight to lose -almost 200 pounds- so I am going to lose faster than someone who only has 100 to lose. I lost most of my weight in the first months- because you can't maintain 350 pounds on only 3-500 calories a day. But now that I am farther out- my weight loss has slowed down- my calories have increase- but I also need to exercise more to help move things along ( somehthing I am still so bad at! ) Your boyfriend probably fell into my catagory- so of course he's gonna lose much more and faster- Just work on following the "rules"- drink your fluids- eat your protein FIRST- work on exercise and it will all come together! G'Luck- but don't compare! You are you! And like everyone said- we are all different!

Will be thinking of your today ! Can't wait to hear how you're doing!!

Welcome cattster!! Glad to have you with us!! I think you'll LOVE your sleeve- havn't talked to anyone yet who doesn't. Keep us posted on how you're doing! Gongrats on your surgery date!

Thats so cool that you both have each other to help in this journey! You know what he's going thru and visea versa! Yep........ a Keeper!! ( he got any brothers?? LOL ):lol0:

I dunno....... I'm a weak person, addictive personality...... I stayed away from EVERYTHING........ until I was 6 months out... then I had CHOCOLATE......I never use to like chocolate, well... i liked it but my big butt came from meat and tators! But a few in here know, I'm 7 months out and having issues with chocolate, I can eat a whole bag and not get sick, but if I eat too much "real food" GOOD for me food.... I get sick.... So in my case, I have to stay away from it, I'm weak. :glare: I just wish I never picked up the first piece!! I'm still struggleing with it....... good days and bad, but I really want it out of my life!

great Idea!! I gave most of my REALLY big clothes to a friend, but I have a few 22, 18 and 16 pants that I moved into my spare bedroom closet. Lots of shirts, button ups all colors........... just message me if your interested! I changed sizes so quickly ... that they are hardly worn!

Welcome home Judy!! Glad you checked in with us! Get your rest!! I'm sure everything went fine... but keep us posted on your progress! Sleep well!!!

I just cleaned out my closet again for the 3rd time!!!! I had bought a sewing machine on clearance for 40 bucks thinking I could at least take in some pants, but the damn thing don't work!!!:001_tt1: So anyway, there was a friend of mine who has someone working for her that is big and not much money so I did my good deed and gave her 5 large boxes of clothes!! ya'll weren't as big as me... so I have dropped many sizes, and I'm glad i peeked in here because now I have to go to the recycle thread.... I have size 22, 18, and 16 I just moved to my spare bedroom closet. I am in a SIZE 14!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!! Anyone interested...... message me!!

OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so IN vegas!! ALL FOR IT!! I have 2 tats.... and I definitly want one when I'm at goal... I kinda want a reminder... I was thinking of something with my starting weight numbers in it... and what ever 'symbol" we decide... so it will be a reminder.... Geezeeee.... My heavist weight was 373.... but I started this journey at 354.... what would ya'll do? The butterfly does represent change, and who doesn;t love a butterfly>>? I dunno..... but am gonna get one!!