redheather

Well, it has finally happened...I have less than 100 pounds to lose until I am at my doc's "ideal" weight goal for me!!! I am completely ecstatic!! It will be 15 weeks on 9/10/8 and so far, I have lost 84 pounds!!!

This is, by far, the best decision I have made in my life!!!

If anyone out there is sitting on the fence, especially if you have health issues, seriously consider getting this done!! It has saved my life. My diabetes is basically gone, my sleep apnea is gone and I no longer hurt like I was tied to a whipping post at the end of every day.

I will not mislead anyone...it takes more than "work", it takes a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MINDSET!!! You have to let your past life go...forget your diet history, your bad habits and previous failures!! Focus on your new life...one filled with health and fun. Don't think of being on a diet ever again--but make wise food choices.

In all honesty, food holds no joy for me anymore...and I love it. My biggest fear was giving up this comfort blanket that I had so desperately clung to all of my life. But after several physically uncomfortable meals, I have let it go!!!

So, everybody out there--good luck!! I mean it sincerely...stay focused and remember that you have life waiting for you out there!!!

Well, it has finally happened...I have less than 100 pounds to lose until I am at my doc's "ideal" weight goal for me!!! I am completely ecstatic!! It will be 15 weeks on 9/10/8 and so far, I have lost 84 pounds!!!

This is, by far, the best decision I have made in my life!!!

If anyone out there is sitting on the fence, especially if you have health issues, seriously consider getting this done!! It has saved my life. My diabetes is basically gone, my sleep apnea is gone and I no longer hurt like I was tied to a whipping post at the end of every day.

I will not mislead anyone...it takes more than "work", it takes a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MINDSET!!! You have to let your past life go...forget your diet history, your bad habits and previous failures!! Focus on your new life...one filled with health and fun. Don't think of being on a diet ever again--but make wise food choices.

In all honesty, food holds no joy for me anymore...and I love it. My biggest fear was giving up this comfort blanket that I had so desperately clung to all of my life. But after several physically uncomfortable meals, I have let it go!!!

So, everybody out there--good luck!! I mean it sincerely...stay focused and remember that you have life waiting for you out there!!!

:thumbup:Thank you guys SOOO much for all of the encouragement!! You guys ROCK!!!

Forty-four pounds down!!! Five weeks tomorrow!!

That is quite a bit to say...but the real amazing facts are that I am now noticing a lot of changes in my body. Let me tell you about my recent discoveries!!

I can feel the contour of my bones in my arms and legs now. I can wrap my fingers around my wrists. I have collarbones. And, my favorite...I can cross my legs!!!

Unfortunately, I am going through a bit of body dysmorphic disorder. I have gotten a bit agorophobic (fear of being around people--in short). I also have gotten a bit cynnical of people commenting on my weight loss. I know that they are genuinely happy for me, but after hearing "how great" I look, I think "what was wrong with me before?"

I am dreading clothes shopping (which is imminent). I am so scared of gaining my lost weight back, that I do not want to get a smaller size. I think I will just go, buy the largest size without trying it on, and bring it home. Pretty self-defeating, huh?

I know that these are just temporary feelings and that I will get past them...until then, keep your fingers crossed for me.

I am still amazingly happy and know that this is the best decision I have ever made in my life, but I really do have to rely on my support structure to iron out the wrinkles.

Forty-four pounds down!!! Five weeks tomorrow!!

That is quite a bit to say...but the real amazing facts are that I am now noticing a lot of changes in my body. Let me tell you about my recent discoveries!!

I can feel the contour of my bones in my arms and legs now. I can wrap my fingers around my wrists. I have collarbones. And, my favorite...I can cross my legs!!!

Unfortunately, I am going through a bit of body dysmorphic disorder. I have gotten a bit agorophobic (fear of being around people--in short). I also have gotten a bit cynnical of people commenting on my weight loss. I know that they are genuinely happy for me, but after hearing "how great" I look, I think "what was wrong with me before?"

I am dreading clothes shopping (which is imminent). I am so scared of gaining my lost weight back, that I do not want to get a smaller size. I think I will just go, buy the largest size without trying it on, and bring it home. Pretty self-defeating, huh?

I know that these are just temporary feelings and that I will get past them...until then, keep your fingers crossed for me.

I am still amazingly happy and know that this is the best decision I have ever made in my life, but I really do have to rely on my support structure to iron out the wrinkles.

Well guys, I did it!!! I made my first goal today--to be under 300lbs. I weighed in at 298lbs...I did it!!! I am so thrilled!! I feel like I am a new woman today!!! So, what did I do? I gave myself a treat --unsweet tea from McDonald's. It seems insignifigant, but to me it is the greatest treat and the greatest accomplishment in my life at this moment.

Please don't get discouraged out there--I know I have just started my new life, but I know that if you look at the path you are on instead of the destination ahead...you get to enjoy the flowers that line it!!! Set little goals along the way to the big one!!! Good luck!!

Love yourselves!!! :thumbup:

Oh my heavens!! You are really being dragged over the coals!! Honey--I am sooooo sorry for your plight. Have you gone to the media??? You need to go on a hard core letter writing campaign to any and everyone you can!! Newspapers--local and national, bombard the news channels, contact the insurance commissioners, congressmen, etc!! And do NOT be afraid to name people by name!! Trust me, with a little noise--you will see things come to fruition!! You are so in my prayers, please don't give up hope. My journey took over 4 years!! :thumbup:

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Hi, Hargan!! I just received my band a little over a week ago, so I am not quite as far along as you are, but I have been doing soooo much research on this for over four years and have had several people tell me stories like yours. One of my good friends told me that when you hit a plateau like that, revert to the lo-carb type liquids OR add protein powder to your broth. This has always worked for her. Another thing I have been told is to step-up your exercise a tiny bit--UGH, I know. But one guy said that for a week or two, he will do five extra mins on the treadmill, or walk up and down his stairs 10-15 times in a row right before dinner. He said that is revvs up his metabolism and burns the calories he is about to ingest. If you can handle spicy food, start eating more of that as well. Good luck, and don't lose faith!!!

Did anyone know I had a hipbone??? If you did, why didn't you tell me???!!

I was lying there next to my friend the other day, just chatting and I had my arm laid along my side, when suddenly...I felt it...

MY HIP-FAT HAD ALREADY BEGUN TO DEFLATE!!

I jumped out of bed and ran, in tears, to my best friend. He, of course, was very concerned and inquired about my tears.

"I am NOT ready for this!!!"

Let me explain...

For over four years, I have been actively pursuing the lap-band. I have done an unlimited amount of research, spoken to almost 1,000 people (I am not exaggerating), sought advice from doctors in every field, etc, etc...I could not have been better prepared mentally, physically, or emotionally for my "new life". I was happy to adopt this new lifestyle, the new diet, my new health!!! But, through all of this, there was one thing I am just not prepared for...my new size.

I have ALWAYS been the fattest person I know. When I go to a bar, party, resturant, etc--I know how big I am and I also know that people know how big I am (I weighed 327 until yesterday). I learned to love my size--because it is the only body I have, and I use it as a defense. I know that guys won't approach me, people will gawk at me, and some will even avoid me. I feel powerful that I have this effect on people. They notice me...I don't notice them. And, for some reason, when I see a larger person, I feel a strange sense of "competition" with them.

But now, that is changing--even as I type!! Through all of my soul-searching, goal focusing, and preparation for this...I never entertained the thought that I will be getting thinner.

How ludicrous!! But, there it is, I never thought about how I will actually look.

I admit, I am scared...my defenses are going to be lowered and I am not sure how things will be without my "fat fort". I am just trying to be optimistic about my new self-acceptance, and I thank God for the wonderful support structure I have.

I have a lot of things to learn!!!

Wish me luck, guys...whoever thought weight-loss would make you skinny??:thumbup: