Short and Chunky

Glad to here you are doing so well with that jogging thing Lmom1980...For some reason I still run out of breath too quickly for jogging so I am still walking - walking faster, but still walking. Sorry to hear about your feet and winter coming. I really don't have any suggestions for your feet except to massage them with peppermint lotion at bedtime - that really seems. to help sore tire feet - as for winter - I live in Florida so I have no excuse for not getting outside and hoofing my 3-4 miles each day. How do you like Zumba? I am looking for a class here that fits my schedule. I am afraid I will look FAT and stupid but I am willing to give it a shot. My weight loss is moving right along - down 64.5 pounds as of last night - only 51 more to go - woo hoo,....I feel great and have absolutely no problems with my surgery..Hope you are contiuing to do well and will make it throught the Thanksgiving Holidays (if you are in the US) with out any weight gain... Take care - Short and Still Slightly Chunky (Melinda)

I'm now down 58 pounds and seeing the Doctor on Friday. Feeling great and feeling like a new person. I now walk about 17-18 miles per week and think I am getting near the time that I might add a few weights. Still have cravings but I don't think that will ever change..I had my stomach fixed not my brain. I have learned that if the craving is soooo strong I can't handle it, I give in, have what I want but only a small piece, I throw the rest in the trash can (so I can't eat anymore) and move on - so far that is working for me. I hope all of you are having success and handling this new lifetyle with grace. The holidays are approaching and I am sure we will all be challenged with that one - we must hang together. Have a great week and think thin thoughts ! Melinda

When my Dad died in January I looked around and said he died too soon and it was because of his weight. I knew that if I did not do something and do it NOW, I was going to be in the same boat. I did some research and then began the 3-4 month journey it took to go through all the steps and to get approved. My surgery was 7/7/11 and I have not looked back since. I have lost 50 pounds and have 68 more to go. I walk 3 miles + each day and feel great. I have only had one issue (got sick on too much sugar - won't do that again) and that was my own stupid mistake. I had lapband and plication done at the same time - I know it is experimental but I knew I was only going through this once so make it count. My weight loss has now slowed a bit, but I understand that is normal and just keep on keeping on - it will pick up and continue again. I know this is just a tool and I am the one who really controls things. I am weak - that is why the surgery and I am an emotional eater but when I think of my Dad and his final months of life, I find the strength to keep on going. Sometimes, I feel like he is sitting on my shoulder making me keep up the good work and keeping me focused. Good luck to all of you in this same "Fat Boat". We have all taken a very big step. Some of our friends and family understand and agree with what we have done and some think we are NUTS - but we have done it and now we just move forward....Thanks for listening to this..I still have a great deal of pain in my heart to deal with, but as time goes on, the pain gets easier. My body is shrinking and the numbers on the scale are moving down - I can't ask for anything more.

I did my first 5K last month (a charity event) - I had to walk but finished in under an hour so I was proud. This crazy 5K was up and down the ramps of the Gator Bowl here in Jacksonville - thought I was going to die - but knew I was going to finish if it took all night. You guys are so inspirational and helpful - please keep positng. I was banded and plicated (yes, I had BOTH) on 7/7/11 and I have lost 50 pounds (I am 60 yrs old) Feel great and have had no issues except occasional shoulder pain. I am now doing 5K in approx 45 minutes so I am getting better. Planning on doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in October with co-workers. Hang in there guys ! we can do this together !!!!