NewLife'sGr8

Go get counseling

I've learned all those same things you have!
Surprisingly, I've become really good at not having a drink during meals. lol
Keeping a little something on hand in case I feel like I'm getting 'stuck' - albeit rarely- Is such a relief! I take a tiny little sip or two to help things along, as opposed to the inevitable purge if I don't.
Of course there's been times when the tiny little sip-trick just doesn't work.
This band-thing... It's a live-n-learn situation, for life!

one "like" wasn't enough... so....like, like, like, like, like!!!!

Yesterday, the only exercise I got in was moving tables and chairs for my groups fund raiser. Then I marched/danced around the room for awhile to the music. Well, I guess I did get some exercise in. It did not seem to be much, but any little bu\it helps! Karen..aka.kll724

I go to a CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) group 2-3 times a month. It is led by a therapist trained in CBT strategies. At each meeting, the group members take turns talking about the highs and lows happening in their everyday life. Then the therapist presents a new CBT strategy, models it, and the group discusses possible real life uses and application. During the next meeting, we start out with if anyone used the strategy and how it helped. Most strategies are tools to combat stress, depression, anxiety, and addiction (food or substances). The number one rule is that there is no victim talk allowed. Which is great because we get new people all the time that want to throw a pity party.
I use to see a psychologist but quit because I wasn't learning anything to help me or change my life. It was just me talking for a whole hour. It's great to get your feelings out and have someone listen, but it wasn't for me. I always struggled to think of enough things to talk about for a whole hour. Most of the time, I could predict the advice I would get before the session even began.
I like the group dynamic and the feedback I get from peers as well as learning strategies that have real life application. I've got a much better handle on anxiety and depression compared to five years ago and the knowledge and strategies I've learned in my CBT group will continually help me make better choices.

@@NewLife'sGr8. Well I know I won't do the plastic surgery route, but I'm really gonna try the squats. I still have 28 pounds to go and I'm so worried I'll be completely flat back there. For me, that would be so disappointing. Now my boobs went down, and I'm completely ok with that. I hated my overly large girls. Those I plan to get lifted, hopefully. Funny thing is I carry alot of fat in my calves. They are taking their time getting smaller, but my but is shrinking? SMH.

@ FineDiva
Yep. My former Jay-Lo butt deflated.
Bad timing. My butt was high & round, in the 1980's - 1990's when pencil straight was media-marketed as "desirable".
In the mid-late 2000's, way over-inflated.
Now that big round butts are in, mine went flat. Go figure.
*heads-up:
Partially my fault. I didn't keep squatting.
Good news: I'm told it's repairable- just get squatting again.
That, and a little plastic surgery.

Is it possible to find Plastic Surgeons of Excellence around the US and Mexico, who are willing to offer group-rate pricing (Perhaps deep discounts?) for Bariatric Pal's members, just like you've done with WL Surgeons?
IMHO, the Plastic Surgery component is just as important as WLS for becoming (psychologically) healthy to prevent body dysmorphia and obesity "relapse".

It's called EMDR therapy

While your on your pre-surg liquids, Allow yourself time to mourn the old, obese you, if that's what you need to do. The fact is: as a result of WLS, the old you will 'die' (in a sense). Go ahead and allow yourself a few tears. You are indeed, headed into unknown territory & that's scary!
Don't stuff it or it will show up in another, probably bad, way. Take it easy on yourself & maybe give yourself a nice little (non-food) reward (like a mani-pedi, or a massage) after the first, and then the second, week of fluid-only prep.
Then, rejoice in anticipation of the butterfly you'll become!
You've got this!

Hearing from you all has been so, so helpful. I have a supportive husband and a great surgeon and a delightful family Doctor who cannot wait to support me in the months to come... but there's nothing like hearing from other banders. Your experience and wisdom is so appreciated.
I start fluids tomorrow. I had "the last supper" tonight - and am feeling elated and joyful having just performed Messiah with Orchestra London and London Pro Musica Choir... the 3 hours of music immersion has sent me into an ecstatic place of bliss! A good set up for tomorrow's start on fluids.
And so - wish me luck, hang in here with me - I'll keep you posted on how things go!
And now to bed....

@@JustWatchMe You look amazing. Keep it up girl!

Woo hoo - this is all so helpful! I am so encouraged and inspired by your successes. Two weeks of fluids makes me anxious - actually had a cry last night sharing my nerves about this with my family. My eye is on the prize though - getting to my December 18th surgery date in the best shape possible.
Any pre-op advice for me? I'd love to hear from you!

So happy for you! That enthusiasm will carry you through. I kept waiting for my excitement to subside at some point, but even a year later I am just so thrilled with everything. Having the appetite monster off my back is such an amazing release. We have very similar stats. I used to be 5'7" and lost a half an inch, and I started at 252. Looked like Mrs. Winnie-the-Pooh. Your superb foods and Cabernet ring a familiar bell as well. I'm happy to report I can still have very yummy food, just in small portions and appropriate intervals. Wine, etc. not a problem for me. My advice is to pay attention to the pant sizes rather than the scale. When the scale wasn't shifting that was when I'd suddenly realize how differently my clothes were fitting. I went from 18L Lee jeans to a size 10L in the same brand. I was glad I started walking ahead of surgery as that gave me something to step right into, literally as soon as I was awake. When I felt like I needed to pee, i took that opportunity to go up and down the hall, a little further each time. At home it was laps around the driving circle. This kicked my body into healing mode, helped release any trapped gas from the surgery, and cemented the deal in my head. I do my part and my band helps me do it. Today I am a walker. I love showing up for myself now! Best wishes -- you are going to do beautifully.

What a good playlist Miss Mac.

Hope you find what you are looking for. best of luck. I found my motivation when I look at my 3 year old and newborn. I want to be there for them. take care.

I wanted to check in too! How's things RiskyGirl? I'm supposed to be excersising too for 30 mins a day prior to my surgery..have only done some walks at about 20 mins each. At least the dog seems to like it, if not me. Haha.

someone put rubbing alcohol in your Water bottle? that is attempted murder. call the police.

I hope all went well with your surgery:-)

I called my surgeon and talked to the anesthesiologist when she called me. They both said that they would check me in the morning and if by then my cold hasn't progressed to where I have a fever or chest congestion, then surgery can go forward.

Riskygirl2:
I hope you're getting as much as I am from your thread. Thank you for starting it. I know it's tough to get out of bed when we can't (in our minds). Baby steps. One foot in front of the other. One breath at a time.
This is a great place to find support anytime. Please keep us posted how you're doing.

LOL! That is so true!!! My stuff got pretty flat too with the exception of my butt & hips. A steamroller couldn't flatten those! LMBO

@@JustWatchMe You look amazing. Keep it up girl!

Funny. My fear is that my butt would completely disappear. It really is my fear.

I found out....about three months out and I can now wear an XL sweatshirt...but here's the real news...it hangs straight down past the cr*tch, so if I were 30 years younger I could put on leggings and wear it like a dress! Who knew deflated body equals clothes that hang straight down?