CyclicalLoser

Separ, congratulations to you as well. And hello from a former Michigander!

Thank you all, it is such a fantastic feeling!

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

Separ, congratulations to you as well. And hello from a former Michigander!

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

Thank you all, it is such a fantastic feeling!

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

Thank you all, it is such a fantastic feeling!

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

I agree. The worse I felt, the more it hurt, the happier was (My first round of losing weight). When I went from 263 to 163, I felt terrible most of the time. When I would stand up, I would have to hold on to something because I would get very dizzy. When I went to the doctor, he (seriously) tested me for Meth, Cocaine and AIDS. When all tests came back negative ("Duh" was my response) he didn't know what to say/diagnose.
This time is different. I'm older. Being heavy hurts more, and now I have good friends who generally care about me and I'd like to retire with them and still be alive LOL.

In fall of 1997, I went on a particularly bad/embarrassing date. After a bit of humiliation, I realized that in order to impress the ladies, I needed to lose weight. I weighed 220 pounds at the time. I got down to 180, then worked my way up to around 263 by around 2004. I then went on a huge diet and got down to 163 towards the end of 2005. I then gained weight again and got up to around 290 around 2010 when I had my lap band. I was able to get down to 220 sometime in 2011, and that was the lowest I got with the band. I was 303 Late December of 2017. I had surgery in July, and was discharged ~ July 11th at 287#.
Today I weigh 219.6
This is the least I've weighted since the beginning of 2005 (Almost 14 years) and in a way a significant event in that I'm where I was in late 1997 (19 years ago).
I started this journey with a waist of 48" (Really 49 because it was a very tight 48). Today I'm wearing 40-42" depending on the brand. I went from 4X to XL shirt size.
I am still obese, and I'm not done with my journey, but this is the first of a series of goals.
Specifically, my next goal is 202 (I'll be officially overweight) Then 199 (Get rid of the infamous "2") Then 169 (Upper end of normal weight) Then 150 (Comfortable "Normal" BMI of 22.2) For those that know me, I'd like to consider myself as a humble person. I'm not posting this to get attaboy's or as a means to show off. I suppose it is just a big deal to me, and if nothing else, to encourage those just beginning the journey. When other people tell me what a great job I've done, I place emphasis on "Congratulate me when I've held the weight off" because as my history indicates, I'm halfway decent at losing weight, but absolutely horrible at keeping it off. I'm really trying to learn how to use my very-unforgiving pouch to permanently change my ways.

As my handle indicates, I've had many "victories". Back in 2005 I went from 263 to 153 over about a year of sub-1000 calories a day + (~900 calories a day of exercise). Naturally I felt pretty exhausted during the year. When I hit my lowest weight, I had two thoughts:
Wow, after losing 100 pounds, I'm still fat. (As I grabbed the ever-so-tiny "spare tire" around my waist) The other was "Now what?" (I'm goal-driven so as soon as a goal is reached, I have to find a new goal) This is stupid, but I'll say it anyway. I liked to run as fast as I could and jump as high as I could when I went out to get the mail. I felt like a sports car with my newfound lower center of gravity, and faster acceleration due to the huge mass reduction.
I don't consider myself one to enjoy clothes shopping, but the secret truth is that I did enjoy it.
Regarding still feeling fat, I've read that it takes the mind longer to "come around". I would not have believed it, but it was true. Unfortunately, I didn't stay the correct weight long enough for my brain to finally realize I was the body size and shape that God wanted me to be.
I have a ways to go, but I'm 80 pounds off my highest weight, and I will be ecstatic once my weight starts with a one

Well, it's the time of the year, where we get ready to put on our running shoes and fight for no-name TV's cook holiday dinners. I am blessed to live in California, and it is apple season here. Today I went apple picking and got some Red Delicious, Johnagold and Granny Smiths. I absolutely love apple pie. This is obviously not a great food to eat, at least when prepared as usual. I'm curious if others have no-dump recipes for Apple pies (Or to open this up more, anything you'd find on a Thanksgiving dinner). I know I could bake a pie with Spenda or Truvia, but I'm trying to figure out how to make a crust that would be low/no carb.

I had terrible Gerd, then I got the lap band. All of the gerd went away (Or so I thought). I woke up in the morning spending the first couple hours clearing my throat. The surgeon told me it was probably "silent GERD". Right after my revision surgery from the band to the RNY, the throat clearing was fixed.
I have a family member who was thinking about having bariatric surgery. They have GERD really bad, and the surgeon also recommended the RNY. He said that the sleeve is a high pressure setup which has a tendency to push up stomach acid. This is coming from a surgeon who does mostly sleeves, so I wouldn't say he was biased against sleeves in general.

I had terrible Gerd, then I got the lap band. All of the gerd went away (Or so I thought). I woke up in the morning spending the first couple hours clearing my throat. The surgeon told me it was probably "silent GERD". Right after my revision surgery from the band to the RNY, the throat clearing was fixed.
I have a family member who was thinking about having bariatric surgery. They have GERD really bad, and the surgeon also recommended the RNY. He said that the sleeve is a high pressure setup which has a tendency to push up stomach acid. This is coming from a surgeon who does mostly sleeves, so I wouldn't say he was biased against sleeves in general.