DivaStyleCoach

Yay! :crying: Hopefully I'll have good news to report soon!

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes...you guys have such awesome hubbies!:wink2: I can't wait until I'm banded and have stories like this to tell...though I must say, my DH is wonderful - he likes to make love with the lights on and everything, and he makes me feel really beautiful. I can't wait until I think I'm as beautiful as he thinks I am... He's more interested (right now) in me being healthier. He says he wants me to live forever...what a sweetie! I can't wait until my belly is flat, my arms and legs are tight and muscular, and my butt is lifted and round instead of semi-round!:crying:

Go Jaime, Go Jaime! *waving hands in the air*:crying::wink2:

Hey Ladies, I'm currently wearing a 40JJ (or occasionally a 42H from Lane Bryant). I buy most of my bras from Bravissimo (www.bravissimo.com) - they are overseas, but had pretty bras in my size - what a revelation!:crying: I hope they don't go too far...I am, like one of the other posters, bigger around (width of breast) than long. They don't hang too far right now, but I would HATE to lose a lot of fullness and have them start hanging. I've been a every-single-day bra wearer since my teens. I had the dreaded double-boob for a while (boob sticking out above the cup) when stores didn't carry anything but DD as their largest size - I hit that landmark in high school. I stuffed myself into DD's for quite a while, and only after visiting a professional fitter did I realize I didn't have to stuff the girls into a smaller package any more. I love underwires - they support me like nothing else. The only thing I've found that supports me better is my leather dress, which I wear braless, because it's got steel boning in the torso - but I digress... I will measure quite often as I reach landmarks in my weight loss - I still have some smaller cup sizes (I kept one or two) and will move to those when I need to. I hate the 'uniboob' look - sports bras have NEVER worked for me. I also stopped wearing the 'minimizer' bras - they seem to compress you and move you to the side - I don't need any more padding under my arms :wink2: I've never tried two bras at a time - even during exercise class - but I could see how perhaps wearing one 'normal' bra and a sports bra (over the top) with no distinctive cups could help keep bouncing at bay... I will say that if you go to a fitter, try to find one that is NOT associated with a particular store - some of them try to fit you into what the store carries, which may or may not be the actual size you need. Also remember - if you go down a band size, the cup gets smaller too - at one of Oprah's bra interventions, many many women were told to get a smaller band size and a larger cup size!

I absolutely :wink2: this forum! I will make sure I ask my doc (I'm sure he's gotten the question before) and I'll talk to hubby as well. We're pretty *ahem* experimental, so it'll be a new challenge finding positions to get into without affecting the port. Guess I'd better tell him to ramp up his bench pressing again so he can hold himself up...:crying: And work on his flexibility:tt1:

My .02 worth... My DH is 46, I'm 45, and he's always been good for 2x per session. First go round, he concentrates on me so that he never worries if I am satisfied.:crying: Occasionally if I'm not feeling frisky, I'll take care of him first, which gets me in the mood, and then we go again. Intercourse can be anywhere from 5 - 20 minutes, depending on position and speed, but if I'm giving him oral, it's a little shorter (depending on my technique). I've noticed that the second time around, he can definately last longer...means we both have to keep up the aerobics so we can keep our endurance up!:wink2:

I don't think you are being too conservative...it would have been better if "Halloween Night" had been held on a night OTHER THAN "Private School night"...how stupid are they to schedule them together?:crying: Just taking this from an economic perspective...it would seem to me that "Private School Night" would include primarily families. Forgive me if this seems biased, but aren't private schools usually for those in the middle-to-high income strata? The kind of folks you want buying season tickets to ball games at your stadium, bringing their kids, and spending money on food as well as tickets? :wink2: DOH! Have "Halloween Night" on a different night than one where you are pretty much GUARANTEED to get families and children JUST IN CASE what happened to you happens to someone else. I personally would have done what you did - mentioned it to a manager. They could have inquired of the ladies in question if they could adjust their costumes to be more covered up.

Exceedingly odd...I get diarrhea during my period, but never constipation. My cramps had leveled off and dwindled before I had my first fibroid tumor complication (it passed spontaneosly) but now they are back. Seems no matter what I eat before my TOM, I'm always getting diarrhea...makes me dread it. :crying:

SNT - I'm ROFLMBAO right now - "honorary black girl" - Girlfriend, you are too funny!:wink2::tongue: I checked out Pandora - looks interesting. I'm a big fan of Internet radio - I listen to WBLS every morning because they have Steve Harvey on...he and his crew are SO FUNNY! They play mostly R&B, some oldies and a sprinkling of gospel throughout the day. Then at 2 pm, I get my gossip fix on with Wendy Williams...talk about outrageous! That's another thing I'll have to add to my 'achievement' list - I want to go to a live taping of Wendy's new tv show! Heck, I'd like to go to a taping of Oprah, and let's throw a few food network shows in there for my DD... But I digress...:crying: I just noticed that you are scheduled for your band surgery! Wahoo! You go girl! Hopefully I'll be able to join you as an October bandster!

Gloucester, I had to laugh - my dog is the same way! He's a bull mastiff mutt - mostly mastiff, but mixed with something else that keeps him short instead of really tall like mastiff can be. He's a solid 100 pounds, but he jumps around like a puppy when he sees the leash because he LOVES to walk! :crying: Hanging on to him is a major workout for the arms - I can definately relate! He's my early morning walk buddy - and because of him, I NEVER miss a day...after all, he can't take days off from pooping, so I HAVE to take him out - no matter what the weather... He even loves to play in the snow - crazy dog!:wink2:

Woo Hoo! *doing the happy dance for April* YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!:crying::wink2:

Mornin' BBK and Friends, I just voted for you again, girlfriend...you're now only 1% behind that naked woman... Let's get out there and vote, people! We can help put BBK back in her rightful place as the "woman at the top" of this vote!:crying:

Mornin' SNT! No offense, my sister - I am wary of that as well. I have read that addictive personality traits can run in a family - my dad (God rest his soul) had a gambling issue when I was a child. He passed away when I was 9, and I didn't hear the real deal until I was an adult. That is part of the reason I don't gamble - I'm afraid that it may be true, and if it is, I don't want to wake up that side of me... I could very easily get into trouble by shopping too much...I read stories about women who have ruined their finances and their families with shopping addictions - one woman had run up 15K worth of credit card bills that her hubby didn't find out about until they went to buy a house and couldn't get a mortgage because of the debt. :tt2: That must have been a tough ride home... I'll keep the shopping under control for now :wink2: and just keep putting the money I would have spent away in a seperate account so that when the time is right, I'll be able to literally shop 'til I drop! :tongue: I will shop a little as I move along (just because I love to be well-dressed) but the BIG trip can wait until I reach goal :crying: Thanks for your concern - I totally appreciate the spirit in which your message was intended...it's part of the reason I :w00t: this board!!!

Mornin' Luluc, Thank you so much! :wink2: You are one of the bandsters that truly inspire me as well - I've read a lot of your posts, and you are SERIOUS about your journey...I hope to continue my level of dedication. You and the rest of the veterans on the site have taught me so much...I KNOW I'm going to be successful! Changing the subject just a bit - I saw you're in the midst of a farmhouse remodel...what year house? I live in an 1850's Greek Revival home and love it so much. The house was "condemned" when I found it - because it used to be rental property and the heating plant failed. It took me quite a while to find the owner, but my family and I eventually got the house for a SONG - then spent about 4 months doing essential renovations before school started. The work continues (redecorating, mostly) and my first efforts at decorating are now ready to be re-done :tongue: Have fun and keep inspiring us newbies!:crying:

I am definately leaning toward implants. For all those ladies who feel ginormous...I currently wear a 42JJ - that means the boobies are more than 10" larger (circumference) than my body. It's not so bad because I'm nearly 6' tall and broad-shouldered. :tongue2: Bravissimo.com is wonderful - pricey, yes, but they were the only store I found when I began my journey to find the right bra size that had what I needed. When most people think a DDD is a "large" cup size, that doesn't mean much to me! I also didn't want to wear ugly bras - and Bravissimo has some of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen. The Lane Bryant Cacique bras are great - now if they would go above a H cup, I'd be thrilled!:thumbup: I do NOT want to go down to a C...maybe a DD, because that's what I was in high school before I got so much heavier. Most likely, I will have to find a specialist - I tend to get keloids (raised, puffy scars) and I need someone who can handle that, plus has operated on African-Americans. A lot of the sites I see don't have any pictures that look like me - that's important to me. I pray that they won't get too flat and saggy with the weight loss, but I'm not so sure that won't happen. I will definately be working out throughout my journey, so hopefully I can minimize the need for surgery. Good luck to all!:thumbup:

Oh this is a fun thread...I'm sure as heck gonna go home and try this tonight!:tongue2: I would imagine putting his "important" parts over the ball, then lying back over the top of it so that his head is somewhat supported, but laying back. He'll be able to look behind him. He might not be able to look you in the eye unless he's got strong abs and can hold his head up, or you help him hold it up. Ball sizes have to do with weight capacity, so check the manufacturer's website on that - different companies have different capacities. I know at the gym I go to, the white ball (the largest) is the one I use because I'm still 260 lbs. My hubby is 310 - tall, broad shouldered, deep chest, bit of a belly. I love woman on top because he's so big I can't breathe if he lays on me for very long...we also love side-by-side (facing each other, more space between our heads than between our hips), and loving from behind (one of my personal favorites). I've never had a problem getting on top because my weight is primarily in my belly and breasts, not so much my legs. My legs have always been strong, and since I've been walking so much, they are even stronger. Squats are the bomb for building leg strength - start with just one or two, do half-squats - put a chair beneath you, go down until your bottom touches the chair, then back up. That's probably the distance you'll have to travel to reach your lover, anyway...do a few more each week and you'll be surprised at how quickly your body will respond. Because I am not a doctor, take this advice with a grain (okay, a pound) of salt...I can only report what worked for me... Good luck to you all

This is an interesting thread...had to revive it! My dad was heavy - typical apple shape with all his weight in his upper body and abdomen. He left us - stroke at age 65. My mom was heavy - another apple shape, though part of her ab issues were because she had fibroid tumors and had to have a hysterectomy. She was never able to flatten her abs after that, no matter how many situps she did. My older brother is heavy - apple shaped as well. My sister was the same way - and heart ailments took her from us. My other brother was headed toward the apple shape - he died at age 36 because of medication-induced heart trouble. And then there's me - tall like my dad, built like my paternal grandmother (broad shoulders, tall, heavy bustline, apple-shaped weight distribution). My DH's family is similar, but the women run more pear-shaped. The guys are all tall and thin - DH is heavier because he powerlifts, but he's starting to get a tummy. His dad had one too, but not a big one. My DD is definately apple-shaped. Most of her weight is above the thigh, though her legs are getting bigger too. I am worried about her - she outweighed me earlier in the summer, but the extra activity of school has trimmed her down somewhat. I warned my son and DIL (Daughter in Law) about the health issues in our family before they had children. DIL is short and heavy - apple shaped - and I worry about my grandchild. DS (Darling Son) is tall, thin and muscular - much as I was before I turned 10, but he's held onto it really well. He's a natural athlete and hyperactive to boot, so he's constantly moving and that keeps the weight off. He may have a challenge when he slows down, but I pray that does not happen. Genetics MAY be in his favor - his natural father was pretty lean, as are most of the men in that family and even the women don't get very big. My family history is against me, but I'm not going to just give in...I'll be fighting 'till the day I die!

Hey Luv2Teech7, Nope, that wasn't me...my meeting was in Connecticut:lol: I think we HAVE to plan out our lives post-Banding...it's definately part of my personality - I'm a planner. A motivational speaker I heard once called it "Dreambuilding". Someone with a biblical background might say it's Faith - seeing things that are not as though they were. I like to just call it positive thinking. If we spend our mental energy thinking about good things instead of bad, we'll attract more good things to us. I need a goal to work toward to slow down my Extreme Shopping...I want so much to buy new clothes (I am definately a shopaholic) and it's hard not to buy the new cute things I see. I tell myself it's okay to buy a few things at each stage (I love to dress well) but I won't get my full-on-intensive-Olympic-level-shop on until I get to my goal weight (155 lbs) or my goal size (not sure if that will be an 8 or a 10). My DH is already remarking about the dresses I wear now - I usually have to pin the neckline because I'm full-busted (very!) and most things I buy leave way too much explosed for ME, let alone for business attire. I completely agree with you that I've found WAAAY more support on the LBT website than in the support group. But then, I'm a fighter, so I may just go back and hold it down for all us banded girls and guys out there...who knows, maybe I'll be the one that helps someone else decide to stay who really needs the group environment?

Just had to add to this one...since I'm a relative newbie and missed it the first time around! Get off the diabetes and high blood pressure meds - just flush 'em down the dang toilet and never take them again! Be small enough for DH to pick me up and not worry about straining his back during our "play" sessions... To set a good example for DD - even if she doesn't get the surgery, she can work with me on food issues and exercise and maybe not have to undergo surgery at all (she's under 18) Like some of you, be able to wear clothes that are short, tight, body-fitting and "whore" it up a little - just to make DH hot and other men jealous. To go to my next high school reunion looking extremely HOT and give all those who used to be hot (and nasty to those of us who weren't) pause for cause... To give away all my "big" clothes - and having "big" mean anything over a size 12! To wear body-enhancing clothes to work out at the gym so I can truly see my body posture and body position and know I'm doing all the movements correctly To buy a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress (an original) and know that it will fit me forever because I've got the tools to keep my weight under control for the rest of my life To wear a very fitted leather dress that enhances every single curve To wear a two-piece swimsuit - not a string bikini, because I think my scars may not allow that, but just wearing a two-piece because I can! I could go on for quite a while...thanks for this!

Hoping this is NOT your case, but... I started having heavier periods in my late 30's and early 40's (I'm now 45). I thought nothing of it until it got to the point where I would stand up from a sitting position and would get a "flood" that ruined my clothes. I went to my gynecologist and they did an ultrasound. Turns out I had a fibroid tumor. They run in my family - my mom had to have a hysterectomy because of them, and my sister was headed down the same road, but other health problems took her from us early. It "spontaneously" passed with no trouble - and now I'm very attentive to my periods, their duration and quantity. I hope that is NOT your situation, but it's worth checking into - especially if there is any family history of it. Good luck...

This has been quite interesting to read, ladies... I haven't been banded yet, but because of the shape my tummy is now (I have a little apron) I think PS is in my future. Hopefully they've made advanced in preventing keloids (raised, puffy scars) since my other major surgery on my abdomen left me with a thick, ropy-looking scar vertically down the middle of my tummy. It's in the way - I can't even get to my belly-button any more! It's a pain to keep clean, and sometimes it hurts and itches at the same time :thumbup: Any surgeon I went to for plastic surgery would have to have tons of experience with African-Americans (we seem to keloid more than some others) and potentially with keloid removal / treatment in case something bad DID happen. I'm looking into a breast lift / augmentation when all is said and done - right now I'm a 42JJ (depending on the manufacturer) - good thing I'm nearly 6 feet tall and broad-shouldered, otherwise I'd be in back trouble!:frown: I learn so much on this forum, and powder Room is definately my favorite group!

Checking in, Everyone... Let's see - I think I talked about my weekend already. So Monday, I had to skip the gym because DD had a phone interview with a Culinary school and they wanted us parental-types there as well. I was happy for her, but a little PO'ed because I HATE missing my workouts:cursing: Yesterday was a combo day - I work my entire body 4 days / week, with various exercises. Mostly upper body one day, mostly lower body the next, but with some other exercises thrown in for variety. It was a lower body day, and I spent 1 hour in the gym - all weights. I do my walking in the morning with the dog, my lunch hour at work, and the afternoon walk to the train station. If I get all my walks in, it's about 3.5 miles per day - and I definately plan to continue through the winter. I've got to get some good flat-soled boots with decent traction. Because I'll be wearing them to work, they need to look reasonably business-like, but comfort is the priority. Nice to see so many others working out so regularly - I got a thumbs-up from the trainer at the gym yesterday. She noticed that I'm pretty regular with my attendance and complimented me on it. :thumbup:

Wow - yet one more time you experienced ladies on the forums have saved this newbie some trial and heartache... Now I know I've got to keep my Water intake up before, during and after surgery, and that I may have a distinctive 'flavor' to me after the procedure... Knowing in advance is half the battle - thanks ladies!

Hey Everyone, I looked on Wal-mart's web site and found a series of products called Bella B Tummy Honey. One of the products is a stretch mark fading cream, which can be found at the following link: Walmart.com: Bella B Tummy Honey Stretch Mark Fading Cream: Health & Safety It's not exactly cheap at about $22 per tube, but I'm going to give it a try, because I've had enough of my darn stretch marks! Will report my results in a couple of weeks, or when I see a significant change. Note - one of the users posted a review and said more than one tube would be necessary, but she was pleased with the fading to date. It didn't say in the posting, but I'll also include any skin tone changes I notice (I'm African-American). My skin can be sensitive, so if it works for me, I'm hoping it will work for others...

Okay, I'm officially jealous... Because of my tendency to keloid (raised puffy scars) I don't dare have my ears pierced again, let alone any other part of my anatomy. I had pierced ears in high school and ended up having to have cosmetic surgery to remove the keloids...they were as big as dome earrings...*sigh* My kinky side really wants to try this, but I'm afraid of the potential for scarring...perhaps when I reach my goal weight I'll think about it again. Until then, ladies - enjoy!:embaressed_smile: