Sparklingbeauty53

I think this is a hard one for everyone to answer. I am finding my coping mechanisms as I write this. I want to say exercise but I haven't found what works for me yet. I am only eating Protein when I feel the need to cope with food. Today I wasn't sure if I was head hungry or hungry so I ate an egg. I also calm myself with bathing. If I am stressed that helps tremendously but you can't bathe all the time. I know someone who transferred her addiction to food to exercise, someone else who cleans. I don't know what will work for me but I think it is an ongoing learning process and will always be. I hope this helps.

I love the entire me! What a wonderful quote enjoy the time.!

I don't know about that high of a divorce rate. Scary really. I hope my marriage flourishes with my new found body and me. I was fat when we married but admittedly have gotten fatter as the years have gone on. I pray this makes the marriage stronger but reading that makes me think. I working on the new me and the new marriage! He has been supportive thus far and I pray this continues!

Thanks ladies! It is amazing not using a cane anymore and taking the stairs, etc. I am so happy for both of you. I do exercise more easily now too. I am grateful for this opportunity and for the weight loss. I don't want to sound in any way ungrateful. My co morbidities were just the no symptom types!

Welcome! Good luck Vicki! Sorry I can't give advice to you-from experience but what if you went down to 1200 calories?

I get it and understand completely but it is scary. More scary to be cut open though and go through what you have already so this is just a piece of cake. (pun intended) Think of the the thrill once you do it! It will be a "high" moment! I am proud of you and you can do it.

I hear this all the time. What do they mean? I am the same person I was before. I feel fine and I always have. I don't feel any diffferent really. My health has improved, my diabetes has normalized, I no longer need insullin or tons of meds but I didn't have any physical ailments that have improved per se. What am I susposed to say-oh yes I feel much better? I don't. I know in my head I am healthier and I love that but it doesn't make me feel better physically. I never know how to answer that. Can anyone else relate?

Funny how we can all be so different. I call myself Sparklingbeauty53, not because I am stuck up or anything but I am known for my sparkle. I believe we can and should look beautiful at any age and any size. To be sure we all have our grunch looks (who works out looking great?) but I believe every woman should have a touch of sparkle. Not your ugly sequin christmas sweaters but just a touch to make them feel better about themselfves. Since I have lost weight (albeit just beginning) I feel that even not wearing sparkle I look better and I guess it is because I feel I look better. The sparkle is just a bonus! I did keep some old pants and a shirt for the photos down the road...thanks for that advice LilMissDiva Irene!

I am losing my hair. I was forwarned and all but it is freaking me out nonetheless. Day after day gobs on my comb. I have fine hair so I believe I will need a wig soon. Everyone tells me it looks ok now. I have unwanted hair in other places so I was hesitant to take the Biotin but my endocrinologist said it will work only for the hair on my head? I don't know. I have spent so many years waxing in areas I don't want heavy growth in. What is a girl to do?

I am cleaning house. Literally. I took three days to clean out drawers and my closet and I can say everything in my drawers and closet fit me. What a great feeling to get rid of the big stuff never to fall back on it. I am cleaning my craft room out. I want to be able to go in and craft and play on the computer, have a "ME" room again instead of a room accumulating stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am a clean person who doesn't have clutter except in those two areas but I figured while I was cleanong out my body I would expand to cleaning out the other 2 areas that needed it. It is refreshing! Next I am going to clean out my purse and then train for a 5 k! I have never done that before in my life-I have walked some but never run one so that is next. I love the new me that is emerging and even surprising myself!

I didn't have a sleeve. The advice here seems insightful and great. Just remember it is all good! Any change involves sacrafices. These sacrafices will be temporary and the new you will be a miracle! Enjoy the journey!

When I was a kid I swore at the dentist that removed a tooth-words my mother didn't know I knew and at the last edg and dilation I had for a stricture I asked strangers in the elevator if they were there for the party, and they said yes, if I wanted them to be, and I told them yes they were lucky because I was there and I was the life of the party. Not my normal self and my daughter said it was embarrassing. Oh well.

Something tells me he wasn't Prince Charming prior to the surgery either! You have to teach people how to treat you. Did you do everything for him in the past? He hasn't stepped up to the plate because he never had to. Set him straight right now and tell him he has no choice. This is a partnership not one sided. If he can't help now then he might as well start packing his bags because you need him now more than ever. Things need to change and now is the time for him to step up to his change as you are doing yours! Good Luck!

Feeling good about myself. All of me-the inside and the outside-the entire package instead of beating myself up inside. I want to be free from my horrible, shameful thoughts I put in my own head. I believe this will give me freedom from anxiety and panic attacks.

COLLEEN C COLLEEN #5 SAYS IT ALL! LOVE IT! THAT IS GOING IN MY ART JOURNAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed these posts too,. . great advice!

I am at a stall too but I just think perhaps I am losing inches instead? We sure didn't put it on overnight and we sure need time to take it off. I just keep plugging at it. At least we are not seeing the numbers going up!!!!! I am going to ramp up the exercise too.

Welcome! It seems like a long wait but it does and will happen for you. Let the system work! When I got the call I got off the phone and screamed! No one was home to hear it but me but hey I was excited!

I never had any desire for that but it is a funny thought. What about more variety in your intake-different crystal light drinks, jellos etc to help?

Beautiful new chapters ladies. Enjoy your journey and follow the rules!

I have been heavy all my life. Who will I be after I lose a whole bunch? I don't know but I do think about it. I am not a risk taker so that won't be my gig-no jumping out of planes, but I might try more things and be a little adventurous. Not sure what though.

Any excuse to have more jewelry and sparkle! Love the ideas. Thanks ladies...I am aiming for a 5 k...just beginning!

I don't know the answer but I am wondering if those expensive firming creams for faces/necks would be worth it? I am using Jergens firming lotion everywhere in case it works but I am thinking something just for faces for my neck??? I don't know.

o2bskinny o2ownthat dress! gorgeous dress and gorgeous woman and gorgeous taste in dresses! That would be my goal dress if I owned it. You rock and you rock that outfit. Oh boy marvelous!!!!!

It is such a joy to see what everyone is dreaming of! A smaller wedding dress is quite a goal!