DivaStyleCoach

Hey Ladies, Just saw this on another thread...use a clear Protein drink (the poster used Isopure, I think) as the "water" in your Jello mixture. You can pick a flavor of Isopure / protein Water that is compatible with your jello, or you can use an unflavored jello... Haven't tried it yet, but I will try to get the materials and make up a batch this weekend for a test-drive. I'm hoping to be banded in October, and definately want to keep the protein level high!:crying:

Hi Green, To each her own, I guess...I've never been accused of being petite or delicate :crying: so being busty doesn't bother me... As to being more "chic" with a smaller bustline, on that one I'll have to respectfully disagree...I think that a woman's body size (or any part thereof) does not have to be the determining factor of her 'chicness'. As a trained Image Consultant, I have helped many women overcome societal prejudice about their size and the subsequent issues it raises with women's self-esteem. Sometimes I feel like an unpaid therapist... Though I would never wish ill on anyone, some of the women I've met and the stories they have told me of body intolerance among other WOMEN makes me particularly sensitive to assumptions and generalizations and the negative effects they can have. I've not had ANY problems with my back or shoulders - though I know there are women who have had issues because of a heavy bustline (I believe Dolly Parton had her implants reduced in size because of this). I preferred to build my musculature in the gym and then I didn't have to worry about how big my breasts were. I know that's not necessarily the answer for everyone, but it was (and continues to be) for me. I promised myself that when I got this surgery and lost the weight that I would not forget what it was like to be heavy...or to be full-busted and have to be subject to random comments from perfect strangers (which I've endured since age 16) about "what size bra you wear"... I'm sure you didn't mean any harm...but I guess you touched a nerve!

Hey Ditkadog1, You asked: I read through my insurance requirements for having the surgery covered (it's Health Alliance in case anyone has personal experience with them), and it says you have to be at a BMI of 40 or greater to even qualify for surgery. Then it has all these other hoops you have to jump through including losing 5% of your weight (which for me would be about 12 pounds). My BMI is just over 40 at this point and if I lose 12 pounds it drops to just over 39. Are they still going to approve me for the procedure? I would ask them this specific question, and then ask them to document in writing that you were at the BMI requirement BEFORE the pre-surgery diet. Ask for a copy, and keep it in your file of surgery info. Be prepared to produce it at any time...depending on your insurance company, you may have to prove you were at the required BMI before approval. I hope you don't have to jump through that particular hoop, but having read a LOT on the forum about insurance issues, I'd suggest you ask for written proof of EVERYTHING, just for your own protection and peace-of-mind.:crying:

BBK - the link didn't work for me - can you post it again? I want to make sure OUR poster girl wins!:crying:

Leslie - what? I'm not sure why that happened, unless somehow I don't have a setting correct in the system...will definately have to check that out! I'm mostly on at work (shhhh) and occasionally log on at home...maybe that is why? :crying: Nice to know we have something ELSE in common - I would LOVE to be at the number you're at right now...I think we also have a similar goal weight. How tall are you? My DH thinks I may be trying to go too low, since I'm nearly 6 feet tall...we'll see! Lulu - I'm ROFLMBO about the dogs - my DD and I walked him this morning and had to keep encouraging him forward so he wouldn't hit every car we passed! They bring so much fun and laughter into our lives...what would we ever do without them? Back to the gym tonight after work...will report tomorrow!

BBK - the inspiration just keeps on coming - your latest batch of photos are too cute! I am most definately going to do this when I reach my goal (or maybe before!)... Tee - I wish I lived closer to you - your photos are gorgeous! I've done some studio work (mostly products, some headshots) and your work is awesome. Love the props! :crying:

Good morning Ladies, Things are moving along for me - thought I'd post my experience for others to see as well... I started this journey at the encouragement of a sister friend and co-worker who had the bypass. Her hubby recently was bypassed and is doing very well. After doing my research, I decided against the bypass and looked into the band instead. I approached my PCP (Primary Care Physician) who said I would be a good candidate. My co-morbidities are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type II diabetes. After my PCP referred me, I got a package of information from the Bariatric Surgery group. I work for Yale University and am covered by their health plan, so things moved fairly fast. I was scheduled for a psych eval and a nutritionist appt this month (Sept) and took the pro-active step of attending a support group meeting before any of those appts had happened. Once the appts were completed, the Care Coordination office sent my paperwork over to the surgeon's office, and I'm now waiting for them to review my package and set up the appt with the surgeon. :crying: I'll keep reporting as things happen, but hopefully I'll be able to post soon that I am BANDED!

Hey Ladies, Shongra - GREAT tip on using Protein Water for mixing up the Jello - I am mos def gonna do that! Can't wait until I'm able to report that I'm banded...hopefully soon! MSV - don't worry about the haters, they just aren't going to be happy no matter what! Keep it real and stay strong, sistas!:crying:

Luluc - what is it with the boy dogs?!?!?!?!? Mine is the same way - would love to 'water' every bush, plant, street sign, etc, etc, etc as we go by. My 1 mile walk with him in the morning takes the same amount of time as it takes for me to walk 1.5 miles at work!!! :wub: Leslie - better late than never! Welcome to da crew...I can't run just yet - my weight and a tender knee keep me from doing that, plus the "girls" are so big they would knock me out if I tried it :thumbup: I find Wednesday to be a great "day off" because it give me some rest in the middle of my 4-day-a-week gym habit. I try to schedule teacher's conferences, etc on Wednesdays for that reason now. I really missed the gym when I wasn't going regularly, and now that I'm back into it, I CRAVE it when I can't go!:girl_hug:

Since I've got over 100 lbs to lose, I KNOW I'm going to have some changes in the bustline...I've said before, I'm a 42JJ, so now I'm considering what I'd like to drop "down" to...:girl_hug: Perhaps a DD or F, depending on what the rest of me looks like. Because I'm tall, I think I can carry more *ahem* junk up top than maybe a more petite woman could.:thumbup: Hubby says don't "add" anything, just lift and tighten what's there...now when the time comes, I'll just have to find a surgeon that specializes in tiny "seams"...because I keloid, that's super-important to me. Anyone know of any specialists out there? It never hurts to start early...

Checkin' in... Finally got my butt back to the gym yesterday - Routine 1 is my primarily upper body day. Went up in weight and sets for bench press, couple of others, then back to normal sets for the rest. Boy was I tired when I was done! Got all my walks in (dog, lunch, after work), so it was a good day. :girl_hug: Today is my normal day off from the gym, but me being the overachieving gal that I am, mapped out a new walking route and did 2 miles at lunchtime. Normally I walk 1.5 miles, but somehow that extra half-mile made a difference - I feel it in my butt and my thighs more today.:wub: No gym work tonight, but will walk to the train station, and start all over again tomorrow!:thumbup:

Globally Yours - I loooovvvveee Zumba!:wink: I initially took the classes at a gym I belonged to, but when I changed jobs, I couldn't make it to class any more, so I bought the DVD's as well. You do need a good-sized room to do it properly - I move a LOT during Zumba class! Check to see if there are any near you - the camaraderie in the classes was great for me, and a great instructor makes all the difference. There are different levels of classes and each instructor should tell you how to do a 'low intensity' version of the move as well. I will definately go back to them after surgery - right now my house is a mess so I don't have the room, but you've inspired me, so I am going home to clean out a spot for my Zumba practice!:rolleyes2: I worked up a GREAT sweat, had a lot of fun, listened to great music, had a great time...:drool:

Hi! Here's the link to the very helpful page with all of the abbreviations: Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - FAQ: Lap-band Abbreviations If the link doesn't work, you can also find it via the forum by going to the following: Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum > FAQ > LapBandTalk Forum Frequently Asked Questions Lap-band Abbreviations DH means Darling Husband - depending on your mood and whether or not you are mad at him...it can also mean Darn Husband or...fill in the blank!:confused: I'm hoping to have my doctor eval and my band date very soon...welcome to the forum!:wub:

Yay, Becky! Definately call your Doc about your restriction (or lack thereof), get lots of rest, and let the rest of us know how you are doing... Hopefully I'll be joining you shortly! :smile:

Hi GALapband, I've looked into the Butterfly bras, and unfortunately, they don't come in my size...they are sold at Ashley Stewart, and because they were endorsed by Jill Scott (I understand she helped to design them) I am definately going to try one on when / if I reach the range of cup sizes they are producing. The look of the design would appear to be targeted toward the woman who has an issue with 'back fat'...I have it, but again, they don't make the cups in my size. :smile:

Mornin' Everyone, Posted nearly a week ago, so here's my update: End of last week - got in only ONE additional gym workout! We just had a fireplace insert delivered, so I was picking up 'stuff' for the hubby on my way home from work. Installation is going well, but it's tough when you only have so much time...:smile: The weekend was busy as can be - Saturday was spent cleaning up the yard, working on cars, a major-league dump run to clean out the house (partially - still need to do another one) and packing up summer things. Still did the morning mile with the dog, spent the rest of the day hauling, lifting, bending (my thighs screamed mercy) and just plain moving.:confused: Sunday (supposed to be a day of rest) - church service in the morning, then drove to New Jersey for a pilot's association meeting. Traffic being what it was, we didn't get home until late - after 9 pm. :wink2: Yesterday, I got in an extra walk because the shuttle bus from the train station to my building didn't come, so I walked to my building. I was late for work, but the walk felt great! Did two additional walks (lunchtime and the evening walk to the station) but missed my gym workout because I left my bag at home :wink_smile: Today I made SURE I have my gym bag, so I'm back under the Iron tonight...

Hey DitkaDog, I'm also a Diet Coke fan, but I've switched over to decaf for every other one in order to 'wean' myself off of the caffeine prior to my surgery (which I hope will be scheduled soon). Caffeine is a diuretic (I'm sure you know this) and Water is so important for us both pre and post-surgery that we can't afford to have anything remove water from our systems. Start now to wean yourself down from the caffeine and when your surgery is scheduled, you'll be ready! You've taken a great, proactive step by scheduling the consult with your PCP, so take the next step and prepare. You'll be SO far ahead of the game by doing this...and stay on LBT - it's a great resource. I've just had my psych appts and nutritionist appts done, and waiting for the consult with my surgeon. Good luck to all!:smile:

I bow to your obvious superiority and physical attributes LOL I'm looking forward to trading in some of my older 'wired' bras - I do love the support the underwire gives, because non-wired bras (though I do wear them on the weekends) just don't give me the support I feel I need. I've always hated the 'boobs drop to the waist' look, so I wear really good bras - the one thing in my wardrobe I WON'T skimp on...I do get them on sale occasionally, but bargain bras just don't work. In a way, I'd like to see a LITTLE reduction in size, just because I think they'll be easier to hold up (and easier on the budget!) but not too much...:smile: Keep posting those stories, ladies - they are inspirational and laugh-inspiring all at the same time!:wink_smile:

Hi Kagoscuba, Unitarian-Universalist in CT checking in here... When I worked summers as a lifeguard, I was told that swimming was great for aerobic fitness, but not necessarily great for fat loss because the Water helped keep your "burn" rate low (temperature difference, plus you don't sweat as much in the water). What was your swimming routine, and how much of the other two did you do? I loved to swim, and got away from it for quite a while. My hubby was recently told he has arthritis in his knee, so he's looking into getting back into the water, and I'd love to go with him... Thanks in advance for the info!:cry_smile:

BBK - Just voted for you again - you have a slender lead - GO VOTE PEOPLE! Your latest batch of photos are gorgeous as always. I prefer the ones with you in that pretty black dress, and the one with your legs up make your legs look a mile long! You are such an inspiration - I plan to do one of these when I get to my goal, and I hope they turn out just as beautiful as yours!:cry_smile:

:cool2: :w00t: :tt2: ROFLMBO! (Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Bra Off in this case) Okay SNT - you're right... Maybe it's because I get those industrial-strength underwires that are really made of metal - I can't snap those things unless I'm in sub-zero temperatures :cry_smile: Now those new-fangled plastic / poly / "soft" underwires - I bet I could snap those in a New York minute! I know I'm showing my age with the 'dag' comment - guess you can't hide your *ahem* maturity even if you want to!

*taking notes* :cry_smile: Thanks a bunch, Curves, for the report - must get some Biotin and keep the Protein high after surgery!

Just had to add my experience to this thread...I did answer the poll - yes, I've considered suicide, but never made any serious plans to do away with myself. I've thought about it during big upheavals in my life - after the death of my father (I was 9); after the failure of my first marriage; recently when finding out about electronic infidelity in my current marriage, and at times throughout my life when I particularly felt the burden of carrying 100+ pounds that my body wasn't meant to carry. Each time what has stopped me is what I refer to as the 'fighting spirit'. Taking my life would mean that those I felt did me wrong WON - and sometimes that was ME who did me wrong by not controlling my eating better. I wasn't going to let the darkness take me - I felt I had a purpose for being here, and though I'm not clear on what that is yet, I'm still looking... Maybe not the best rationale, but hey, whatever keeps me here is what keeps me here. I find journaling helps me - I've had a diary in some form or another since I was 9, and though I've lost some of the oldest books, I still have quite a few. It's amazing how your thought process can change over the years. Now, I'm determined to live my life. Truly live it for me and for those I love...I have a daughter who needs me (though at 17 1/2, probably not for much longer), and a brand-new grandchild who is the apple of my eye. I'm involved in activities that I love, and I'm rebuilding the trust with my spouse. Life is good... Now when I get the band (finally!) I'll be able to rid myself of the excess weight that I believe is holding me back from truly reaching my potential and flying. Whether that means I fly away from my "former" life and move on, or stay here and work through it, I don't know. I only know that I refuse to leave this world until I am called home...and when it is my time to go, I'll leave with a smile. I feel for those who have attempted to take their own lives because of pain - I wish I could hug you and help you feel better. I understand those who mention taking their life because of illness or chronic disability - though I don't know if I could do it, I respect their right to end their lives the way THEY want. I regret that our society refused to admit that there ARE circumstances when people in their "right" minds choose to leave this world and refuses to allow them to be with their loved ones when they implement the choice. I wish it were different - but I wouldn't necessarily want to be the person that gave them "official permission" to do so...

SugarBean - you have awesome results! I'm going to work to ensure I have the same kind of results when I'm banded! Curves - fantastic - I'm hoping for similar results as well. Ladies - you are inspiring!:rolleyes2:

BlackCherry - don't take this the wrong way, but I'm sitting here laughing at the idea of 'snapping an underwire in half'! Dag, girl - what are you doing? :girl_hug::girl_hug: I hope I DON'T lose much in cup size - I don't care if the band size goes down...the place I order my bras - Bravissimo - has bigger cup bras in a band size 28! :sad: I don't think I'll EVER get that tiny, but if I did, it's nice to know SOMEONE makes a bra for that size back. I guess I'll have to take the wait-and-see approach...I'm hoping a rigorous exercise schedule and lots of pec work will help push the 'girls' up and keep them up! :rolleyes2: