LaMonica

Thanks for posting...I gave a donation today...hope you reach your goal!

Tina - I am sorry to hear about your family...more sorry about your dog but at least Denali got the burial much deserved from you! So good to hear about the new man in your life...he sounds like an absolute sweetheart!! And if he's hot...that's icing on the cake! Do you have a donation website for your 3-Day walk? If so post it....not that I have much but every little bit helps and I would like to support you. I hope you have a good day today...

Tina - I am glad you had a somewhat smooth "anti-versary". I agree that some people may not know what to say if anything at all and they would rather keep quiet than possibly say something to hurt your feelings. Your friend calling and saying she was thinking about you was one of the sweetest things I could think of someone to do. Thanks for being an inspiration to keep up the good living even when those around you don't.....hope you're having a wonderful day!

Hey Tina and all of her "groupies" lol...I've been gone since right before the surgery so I'm back and am so happy about most of the updates! Tina - congrats on successful surgery, minus the drain issues...you look absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!! You did before, but I've heard from friends that loose skin and disappearing boobies is kinda sad so I'm happy that you're happy!!!!!1 I am still hoping I won't have any loose skin to worry about, but who knows...I gotta get the rest of my weight off first!!! I am sad about my boobies shrinking and drooping, but with student loans so high I don't know if I can afford PS! My hubbie was like "umm that would be a better investment, I wouldn't mind paying". Haha so we'll see. Can't wait to read your newest updates, I hope the summer goes okay for you work-wise, and I hope your boys are having a blast with a smoking mom who is sitting on top of the world!! :-)

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE ON OUR BANDIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My ticker is wrong....I made it into ONEderland but only because I had irritation and couldn't eat.....so I had an unfill in April and still haven't gotten all the Fluid back in yet. But everything is fine, no slips, and no more issues with eating! I am down about 70 pounds in 1 year and although I got depressed for a little while about getting sick and needing an unfill, I am not changing my ticker because I know soon I'll be back to 81 lbs gone and back to ONEderland!!! I have been gone from the forums for a while, mostly because I was ashamed of gaining 10lbs back, but I'm better now I think. I went to the gym today and did an hour on the treadmill and I hadn't been to the gym in months. So I'm getting back on track now that my life is less hectic and I wish all of you, including me, continued success!!!! Let's get sexi-ER!!!!!! :-)

I've missed a lot but soo happy to read such wonderful updates!!!!!!!!! 1 - My anniversary of finding out in Jan went by just fine, I had a wonderful birthday weekend and the thoughts have subsided. He and I are doing better, still not sure if it will last long term but I trust that God will do what is necessary to have His will pursued. 2 - WOOHOO!!! Tina's in love with Tina!!!! I know this is a difficult time, but it sounds like you made a very thorough and patient decision and your children are not suffering. Keep up the good work, and I definitely keep you in my prayers and send good vibes your way with spirit fingers!!! LOL 3 - Confidence is soooo sexy to men!!! And a pretty face and nice body just are icing on the cake! Don't be nervous about surgery, you have worked your a$$ off, literally lol, and this is just some quick clean up of that hard work. I am so excited for you!!!

This happened to me in December and I was forced to basically do a liquid diet while I was sick to keep from getting frustrated about not eating or something getting stuck. I called my DR's office and they said at night the drainage builds up, and since it is so thick it kind of fills the pouch up. They said hot liquids such as coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate can help to break it up. So in the morning I would drink hot chocolate, and sometimes it would help but now my restriction is more than it was before I got sick, but I can eat better just gotta chew chew chew and drink slowly.

Congrats everyone!!! I have had several "small" NSV's that I can share I guess... -Some of my tennis shoes (men sizes) that I used to wear were so tight because they don't come in wider widths...now some of them are super comfortable and don't squeeze my feet! -I recently had to buy new belts because my old belts were just too big!! And at surgery time I couldn't even tighten the first notch on the old belts! -I don't get out of breath when walking up and down stairs, walking to my car in a parking lot, or walking around for long times. -I can fit comfortably in a movie seat where the arms don't go up...I used to hate going to the movies because my sides would spill over onto the arm rests and hurt so bad! -I used to always have to buy extra links for my watches...but in my watch I got last year for my birthday I took out 2 links and it's still a little loose now!

So far I have lost 62 pounds...I have hit so many plateau's it is frustrating!!!!! But I am trying to incorporate more working out but my schedule is so packed and crazy it's really hard....but I have 40 more pounds before I get to my goal and depending on what my body looks like, I will maybe try to lose more. But I am over halfway there, and hopefully will make the 100 mark by the 1 year anniversary. Congratulations to us all for making progress, and good luck on getting to goal!

Hey Michelle!!!! This is SUCH a good question. Right now I'm about a 14 in bottoms, depends on 14 or 16 for the tops, but I'm still in the "fat chick" mentality of not wanting to go buy clothes but I really need them. I would like to know what stores are good places to go for nice clothes at a good price because hopefully I will need new ones in a couple months! My goal I think is to be able to buy stuff from stores like Buckle or just a regular department store without going to the "plus size" section. I have been plus size for so long I don't know where to get smaller clothes...

Tina I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found out about my husband's affair 1/22/08 and needless to say last year I felt much of what you felt....I feel that you HAVE made significant progress and have been an inspiration especially to me as it seemed I was walking with you through your journey. I feel like you do about 2009 and I am so excited and so happy about this year!!!!! I'm halfway to my goal weight, almost done with grad school, and will soon have a new job. My husband has made some progress (not as much as yours so give him a high 5 lol) but I know that whatever happens will be for my benefit. I think you WILL be able to get over it, the thoughts won't be as frequent, and your view of them won't be as sad as much as it will be insightful. Each day gets easier...it's a marathon not a sprint though. So I'm happy we're here for you and I'm happy you have been here for me to read your story!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with theninside...my husband at first was so critical!!! He would make comments about how I must think the surgery is magic...and I never took working out seriously before...how I probably would have been able to lose weight without spending all that money, blah blah blah! Insecurity at it's finest! You have to live for YOU and learn to control yourself. My hubby can eat whatever he wants whenever he wants to, and I just can't. But don't deprive yourself to make a point either. I eat ice cream, but maybe the REAL serving size of 1/2 cup instead of a whole pint like I used to. Or sugar free popsicles or other treats might satisfy your sweet tooth if that's what you like. Learn a new way to enjoy food, but don't allow him to taint you or get you off track. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Jodi!!!! I would like to lose at least another 50lbs which would get me to 100 total...and depending on what it looks like maybe lose some more LOL!!! I am no longer concerned with categories like Obese etc. as much as how I feel, how I look, and making sure my vitals and cholesterol/bp looks good! I also want to feel good in a swim suit and maybe take some professional pics on a beach or something. Also graduate from grad school (hopefully be done in May pray for me!!) and get a better job!

Good morning - I haven't been in the forums in a while but this is a good one to start back with. I was never small...always felt fat in my head. Family history of women being overweight, plus I was always a picky and non-healthy eater. Mom and Dad divorced when I was 8 and they never had a good relationship. Every boy/man I have ever dated or been with has cheated on me...including my current husband of 3 1/2 years. In school everyone else was always 'prettier' or 'smaller' or more popular. I never did anything to control my weight, and I gained a significant amount every year. When I was 14 I was sexually assaulted by a school "friend". When I was 16 I got pregnant from my boyfriend at the time and wanted to keep the baby, although I hadn't told my mother yet. After 2 months he "questioned his paternity" like an a$$hole. I didn't believe in abortion, but I wanted one so I didn't disappoint my mother. But that was they year they changed the law from age 16 to 18 so I had to tell her....and she made me have an abortion (didn't give me other options although I don't know if I would have decided different) on December 30, 2000 12 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I believe I was going to have a girl, and I named her and Celebrate what would have been her birthday every year. Graduated, went to college, did great, got married after I graduated, and then was the victim of adultery. I am still recovering, but know that anything is possible with God's help. My life hasn't been the worst, but by far not the best. I am glad to have a place like this to unravel the crazy thoughts in my mind. Thank you all for your support and I hope I can support you all the same.

The only thing I would say is be careful with doggystyle for a few weeks as you stretch your stomach muscles somewhat and a sharp pain can come out of nowhere...other than that try whatever you like and if it hurts move around! :-)

This means that you are either eating too fast, not chewing well enough, or eating too much. You really have to chew the food to liquid consistency to avoid blocking the passage through your band to your stomach. And it's not good to have to "vomit" to unblock the opening on a regular basis although it does happen from time to time. My suggestion would be to take smaller bites, chew twice as much as you think you should, and take a break between bites. Sometimes the blockage gets worse because we eat too fast before we realize the pain. Hope this helps!

Yes the desire to chew is crazy!!!! But you can make it...try to eat fruit when you can or something like that and you will get used to eating just to satisfy yourself and not a favorite pastime! I think it's so funny that I used to eat ALL DAY just because food tasted good. And now I eat and it tastes good, but I don't have to eat all day. Vent away we're here for you!

Well first let me say good job about letting them know about your concerns with only Optifast, but make sure to stick to the 1200 calorie plan!!!!! My pre-op was 14 days, 3 shakes per day, along with 2 meals with 4oz lean protein, and fruit. NO sugar, LOW fat, LOW carbs. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. But it was worth it, I lost 10 pounds, and it prepared me for life after the band. Now afterwards you can only do liquids/shakes for a couple of weeks most likely so yes it is a sacrifice, but it is well worth it. The alternative would be risking slippage or other internal problems, the diet is there for a reason. You can do it!

I agree - my mother had GB and she lost a lot of weight, but she didn't change her eating habits. She didn't work out. So she didn't lose as much as she could have. She is now working with a personal trainer and watches what she eats so she is getting better. She attempted to have the "band over bypass" surgery, but there was too much scar tissue around her smaller stomach that they couldn't do it. So she is having to work hard and she actually likes it because she is seeing results. With the band you HAVE to adjust your eating habits or nothing will happen. With GB most people aren't given dietary restrictions, just eat smaller portions.

I agree wait a few days. A lot of it is water weight, and also bloating and other fluid build up that packs the extra weight. So don't worry or get discouraged, just work out and relax and then you'll be happy to see the scale looking "normal" again. And congrats on your loss so far!

I had been stuck a few times eating peanut butter and wheat bread, but after a few moments it would go down. The first time I got stuck and actually vomited, was at Denny's. I had eaten hash browns before, as long as they were crunchy, and only a little bit. Well this time they were softer, but I figured it would be okay. Was I wrong!!! I ate a few bites, ate a bite of scrambled eggs, and chewed, and sat there. Unfortunately, my bite was kind of salty and instead of waiting, I drank some water - BIG mistake. Soft potatoes get puffy with water, and that's exactly what happened. My husband was like are you okay and I was like no it hurt soooo bad. I raised my arms and stretched, didn't work. I walked around, didn't work. About 5 mins later the sliming started - salivating to no end - and I went to the bathroom. Took a few seconds for it to come up, but it did and it hurt, but afterwards I felt so much better! Unfortunately although I was really hungry, I no longer had an appetite and just drank water. But I never want to feel that pain again!

I am so happy to hear everyone's stories!!! Brad congrats on getting a counseling appointment!! Tina congrats on getting stronger every day, and recognizing that your feelings are valid and vary at times but as long as you can identify them, you're all the better! I did see the movie Fireproof this weekend - about a marriage about to break up and how it was saved. It was very hard to watch as I am at a place where I need to "fireproof" my marriage, I cried, but I also cried tears of joy at the determination there was to get on the right track. I immediately thought of you Tina through the movie and had to come back and write about it. I encourage everyone to see it, be cautioned there is a strong Christian message - just in case that's not your thing - but even without that the movie is definitely worth it. Have a great week guys!!

I agree - go to bed, wake up, and start again! It's the long run progress that counts, so a mess up here and there isn't going to kill your progress!!

Try eating string cheese as a snack, high protein low calories. Do something physical, read, music, etc. something!! You have to fight that because it's all in your head. Also make sure you're getting enough protein at your meals and during the day. Also try drinking massive amounts of water...that helps me. They even have 70 calorie snacks now lol so I do those, but limit myself to 1 or 2 per day between meals. Snacks aren't a part of the plan, so do your best to work around it. Your body will thank you!

Congrats!!!! It will be here before you know it I know you are very excited! Keep us updated on your progress