KeepCalm

@@laguerr13 I am the same way - I know my 'issues' and I know I shouldn't let various things that are said about me bother me - for example it was recently and quite often stated by a close family member that they can not for the life of them understand why guys are attracted to me at all - it is very hard for them to understand why a good looking - - would give me the time of day let alone be in any kind of relationship with me since they could easily find a hotter, and more beautiful woman. I think it hurts more and puts me on the defense because I know my friends look beyond what they see to me - and that this family member says that I'm unworthy because of my weight. that all being said - MY #1 reason for doing this and trying to live healthier is not so I look better (though I know I will ) but because my dad died at 53 yo from a massive heart attack brought on because of all his complications due to being 400+ - and I did not want to die and leave my ruggies (nieces and nephews) not knowing who I was or what I could have taught them. Its hard to just brush off the idiots. LOL though a lot of these posts made me giggle at work - thank you so much for that

I really like this idea, and I'll work on one starting for myself

hopefully - I'll find out today how soon my surgery revision will be

I've been reading a lot of the posts here about the trouble y'all have with Protein drinks and fluids. The protein drinks can they be made with anything other then Water - example 1%/skim milk or almond milk - I really really hate them made with water, and I do NOT like crystal light, or any of those kinda drink mixes - I don't like the aftertaste. I drink protein now because I have the lapband atm and I'm going to the sleeve. Thank you for any advice...

I've been doing a lot of research on realself.com - I've found some pretty decent doctors there, and there are usually pricing along with the patient's reviews. There are a lot of people on there discussing how much pain they've been in or not in depending on who they went to and what was done. I'm just getting prepared for after I get my sleeve done - I go on the 21st to find out more information and how soon I can expect it to be done. On plasticsurgery.com they have some really interesting 3D animations on how the surgeries are preformed.

Most of the people I'm around today - didn't know me before I had my first surgery for the lapband 8 years ago - so they still see me as being overweight. Those like my family, and the friends I had in PA before moving to Texas really notice it and comment on it. They are all supportive - those that I've made down here though, just kinda go - oh you're going to the gym... have you lost any weight? and when I tell them they just nod their heads and go well I'm sure if you work harder you'll lose more. Makes me miss my friends up north more