SandeeD

So you do understand! Yes, it is VERY difficult and frustrating to explain to people who are not going through what we deal with. I always get, "You don't look like you weight that much." or "You only need to lose a few pounds." They don't SEE or FEEL my pain (i.e. permanent spinal nerve damage, hyperlordosis, arthritis, joint inflammation, hypertension, asthma, high cholesterol, etc.). In an effort to make you feel better, they seem to minimalize your issues. My sister, who only weighs a little less than I do, she gets it that my physical issues and chronic pain are exacerbated by the excess weight and she totally supports my decision. She'll be right there with me when I go for surgery. Again, I get very frustrated and angry because my body won't do what my brain tells it, but I know that I'm in for big changes soon!

Thanks so much Indigo, I really do appreciate your kind words! I'm so looking forward to waking up one fine morning and saying, I FEEL GOOD! I'm in pain at every moment, it just depends on what level of pain and that's not a way to live so I'm really looking forward to getting sleeved, but I'm just afraid to get too excited until I actually receive my surgery date. Yes, we do have the same stats and you are not THAT much older than me lady! lol

Funny thing is, I have bad back problems (nerve damage) and coupled with respiratory issues (asthma) I haven't felt this bad in a long time. In pain, hard to walk, sucking in cold air (can't breathe). I realized that I'm literally fighting for a healthier life and I'm telling you victory is mine!

Yup, McButterpants is right, the trick is to not look at the needle. Just look away and distract yourself, it helps a lot. It'll be over as soon as it starts. You're lucky if you're not like me with the nonexistent veins. I'm like a pin cushion by the time they find a vein, so I make it a habit of just telling them to just put it in the top of my hand. It's more uncomfortable, but it beats getting stuck multiple times and black/blue marks all over your arms.

YES, HE is able! Congratulations sis! So happy for you!

Make your own, it's better for you.

Thanks! I just registered.

Can I come visit? I've always wanted to travel to Greece:)

Same here!

Yup, even yogurt has salt and you have to count every bit of your salt intake. I went for my surgeon visit yesterday and I complained about water retention (causing swollen ankles, pain in my legs and bruises on my thighs - possible PAD). The nurse said that I have to watch out for the sodium hidden in regular foods. She said my daily sodium intake shouldn't be higher than 2,300 grams a day (she'd prefer that I keep it at 1,800 grams). She also agreed that it's hard because a lot of the foods that the NUT encourages us to eat is also high in sodium (i.e. cottage cheese). So, with that said, I'm just trying to keep track by reading labels (which I do anyway) and keeping the added salt to a minimum.

Teabody, I've been pulling my hair out with Obamacare since the open enrollment started on 10/1/14. I'm self employed so I pay for my own insurance out of pocket. I tried to enroll for an Obamacare program, but I made too much money for 2012 (they base your eligibility on your last tax returns). I bit the bullet and just upgraded from my old plan with Horizon (my previous plan doesn't cover bariatric surgery). I'm at the tail end of my preops, met with my surgeon's office yesterday and will probably be scheduled for surgery mid-February. So basically, I'm going to pay for my current expensive plan for two months, then reapply for an Obamacare subsidy plan before the 3/31/14 deadline for open enrollment (after I have my taxes done).

Hey, hey, hey Jerzygurl...leave the man alone! lol If he doesn't want the protein, he doesn't want the protein! lol

Hi Harlem, I messaged you, is it taken yet?

What a difference 7 weeks makes! You look fabulous!

There is nothing to fear but fear itself...

I live in Lindenwold, and my surgeon is Dr. Boynton of Surgical Specialists of NJ in Lumberton.

Hi Sandra, off topic but your name caught my attention because my name is Sandra and I'm from NJ too:)

Anew74, you absolutely have to decide that you are doing this for YOU and not anyone else. At the end of the day, no one is walking in our shoes and has to experience what we experience from being overweight. IT'S A PERSONAL CHOICE. If you have really made up your mind to do it for YOU, don't let other people's words shake you. Remember, everyone has their own demons, and don't let THEIR fears and insecurities become yours.

Gmanbat, I'm hoping just maybe I'm being overyly sensitive. I have to remind myself that most times other people's behavior has nothing to do with me, they're dealing with their own demons.

Thanks for being honest Bonnie, but it doesn't matter, you still look hella good!

Gurrrrrrlllllll, you look DAMN GOOD!!!! No offense, but your "girls" are looking good too! (no homo! lol), and that flat stomach! Woooo hoooo, hot damn! I'm telling you too off 10 years,,,you look gorgeous!, and that's not this glass of wine talking either! lol

Madam Reverie, you crack me up! lol There's not enough room for my "who could get it" list! lol

AMEN to that!!!!

Quick to tell you you're getting too skinny, but did they tell you when you were getting too fat??? smh lol

Awwww AngiD, I'm sorry. What happened, why couldn't they complete it?