DivaStyleCoach

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:

Hey Ladies, My hubby is Aaron Lester - I call him Al most of the time in public... Big Al if I'm teasing him (he's a powerlifter, 6'3" tall and 310 lbs - YUM!):cool2: Hunny Bunny or Hun Bun when I'm feeling affectionate Baby Daddy is another teasing name - he doesn't like that one! When he's in trouble, he's Aaron Lester Ebenezer Chattanooga Mississippi...the longer his name gets, the more trouble he's in! This is fun - it's cute reading what others call their loved ones!:embaressed_smile:

Hey Ladies, powder Room Gone Wild is now officially my favorite spot on LBT:lol: I am MUCH more *ahem* intense in my 40's than I ever was in my 20's or 30's. I think a lot of it has to do with me being more confident - I know now that no matter what my size, I am, and will continue to be HOT!:embaressed_smile: I am much more adventurous now than ever before...some of that I can attribute to my DH, who is way more experimental than my previous hubby. He loves me the way I am, but encourages me through my band journey - he says he's gonna love the new me too, and wants the extra "benefits" of having an even hotter wife to play with. Things I do now would have scared the life out of me at 20-something or 30-something, and I have someone I love and trust to do it with. I think that's the key - you need to have a lot of trust for your partner and in your partner, and they in you, in order for your kinky side to show. Who wants to be rejected? Not me - and certainly not him!

BBK, I'm originally from Michigan and I feel your pain. Take a big hug, girlfriend *hugs* You have NOTHING to be ashamed of. Your photos are beautiful, tasteful and just plain gorgeous! You are not in control of what people do when they see your photos - there are pervs out there who get their jollies looking at pics of little kids fully dressed - you can't control that. I understand your anger and hurt at what your mom said...and kudos to you for NOT cutting her out of your life - many would have done exactly that and never said another word to her. You are the bigger (actually, thinner) person and should be incredibly proud of yourself for all the hard work you've done. Imagine the role model you are for your daughters - you took your life and your destiny into your OWN hands - you could have sat back and had a big pity party and done nothing! You fought, struggled and WON! You committed to something that you KNEW wasn't going to be a quick fix, and YOU DID IT!:embaressed_smile: You did the right thing, day after day, week after week, month after month. You set a goal and kept on working until you reached it...what's not to love about what you've accomplished? I only pray I have the strength of character and the stick-to-it-iveness to do what you've done...I am incredibly proud of you, sista, and I haven't even met you face to face! Hang in there - they say what doesn't kill you makes you strong, so you are without a doubt one of the strongest women on this board and in the lovely state of Michigan, indeed, in the entire US of A!

Eat2Live, Congrats again on your awesome results - what's the name of the stretch mark reducing lotion / creme you use? I've got a few of those that I KNOW will become more pronounced when I get my band and lose this weight (hurry up doctors!)...care to share?:embaressed_smile:

Hey PSJ71, My support group experience wasn't the best, but it is a required part of my pre-surgery activities, so... :cool2: The group I attended was made of of all bypass patients - everyone introduced themselves at the beginning, and there were NO banded patients - though the medical group does do bands. The concerns expressed, experiences, etc were all about gastric bypass, since that's who was at the meeting. I did hear a few negative comments about banding - mostly from people who had lost quite a bit of weight and said that they 'couldn't wait forever for it to work'. Having been on this site quite a bit, I translated in my head and knew that meant that they didn't think they could do the work required to make the band work for them. :embaressed_smile: *** personal opinion alert *** I did not personally like the look of the folks I saw - most were very soft, having lost a lot of weight very quickly. It's not the look I want, and I would prefer to lose the weight slower and incorporate a butt-ton of exercise so I don't need further surgery. I want to be slimmer, yes, for my health's sake, but would prefer the look of an athlete - muscular, powerful, strong - over slender and soft. *** end opinion alert *** I am also subject to keloids - raised, puffy scars that I feel are very unattractive - so minimizing surgery is another of my goals. I know of people who have had bypass surgery that are doing very well - my best girlfriend and her hubby are two of them - and because they both incorporated exercise into their routines, they look pretty good, but there's still the prospect of further surgery for them because of the speed at which they lost the weight. I'd rather go slower...but that's just me. I'm looking forward to being banded. I don't think I eat very badly, just way too much *quantity* and I KNOW the band will help me with that.

Checkin' in, ladies... Friday was a normal day - 1 mile walk with DH, DD and DDog at 5:30 am :cursing: Left work early because I had to drop DD off for a weekend retreat - walked 1 mile to train station (usual) Went to gym before going home, did 45 min combo free weights and machines Walked DDog in afternoon because DD is at her retreat - additional 1 mile Saturday - walked DDog in am, again at lunchtime (longer walk - about 2 miles) and went dancing with DH after work. Sunday - picnic with hubby's employer. Too rainy for most outside activites, but helped hubby load multiple coolers full of ice, many cases of soda, food, etc into the truck, unload at the picnic venue, then reload leftovers when picnic was over - WHEW! Monday am - usual walk with family and DDog so far this morning...looking forward to a lunchtime walk and evening workout.

Mornin' Kagoscuba! Thanks for the info - I plan to follow doc's orders, but I'm going to ask how much I can push it, based on how I feel. I love to walk, so it sounds like that's going to work in my favor. :cursing: You started back on weights 4 DAYS after surgery? You go, Iron Warrior! I hope I'm feeling as strong...I don't want to lose the progress I've made so far. I will also follow your advice to 'leave some in the tank' and work back up to pre-surgery levels. Noticed by the caption on your response that you're a Unitarian - well, hello sister! I'm a Unitarian-Universalist myself...nice to see another one of "us" on the boards!

Welcome David! Sounds like the discipline that served you so well as a Marine (Semper Fi! My older brother was a Marine) and an Army soldier (Hooah! My son was in the Army) will serve you well in this journey. You have proven that you know how to lose weight - you lost 30+ pounds BEFORE surgery! Congrats on taking the next step to improve your health. My hubby is retired Navy (21 years, Submarine force) and has picked up a little since his retirement 7 years ago, but he's working his off. Welcome to the site - I haven't been banded yet (waiting for the process to run its course) but I'm anxiously awaiting the tool I know will make the difference in my life. Good luck to you in your journey!:drool: