debbieperez55

Ok, not just the low rise pants, I am from the 60-70's so we wore hip huggers, but how about those stupid THONGS. I have spent most of my adult life picking my undies out of my butt, I don't want to have some damn string up my bum on purpose. And, since we are on clothes, when did it become okay to show your undies. It's the fashion to show the triangle and sides of your thong????? Consignment will have something nice for Christmas. A lot of people get dressed up and some never want to wear the same thing twice. I have something I have to wear before it doesn't fit. I wore it once to a Christmas Party. It was years ago, and I am I think twenty pounds lighter than I was when I wore it, but I is nice. I had spent $150.00 on a Christmas Party outfit I wore once, that I just gave away, a Velvet Jacket and Skirt. But it was from my highest weight and that was over 70 pounds ago. That day I was lucky to find anything that fit I was so large. I would have paid anything so I was not embarrased at the party. I wish we had consignment. My Walmart pants were not such a terrific idea after all. Live and learn. But I am not spending a lot of money right now. Let me know what you find. Soon we will have to post before and after pics. Yeah like I take pictures of myself! :cursing: Take Care Debbie

You know normally that is me. This is the fist time I didn't trash them, but I know I thought seriously about doing it. I did toss some, I am missing some stuff, I think, but it was SO LONG AGO - who can remember. Yeah, those waists are a pain in the tushie. I love Cords..... Oh and those damn Walmart pants - they shrunk, in the length, in the rise (now hip huggers), but not in the waist and legs. So they are big except they are low and short...... Good Grief! And now, all the small tops that were snug I swear just a month ago are huge. AND - Has anyone seen my boobs! I use to have boobs. Someone must have stollen them in my sleep, or perhaps they are hiding in my turkey arms! I should be so lucky to get some biceps! Stupid boobs! :smile2: Why can't the but disappear so quickly!!!!!

Teri, just remember, stress can cause physical changes. Stress eating can cause Water retention, salty foods.... PMS, I remember that, PMS can add LOTS. So if that 4 pounds is there next week, that is a gain, if not it is just part of everything you have on your place right now. How is your son? Were you able to take him home yet? Debbie

You know the worse thing is that I stick to the damn diet. If I would just eat a bunch a crap............ Yeah right. I just wish that my Dr would listen when I say how bad it is. And don't tell me to drink more Water. Next time I am going to hand him a copy of the Diet the Surgeon gave me. For now, Colace and suppositories will get me by. I am just so afraid to try the fiber therapy. Oh and by the way, I drink 64 ounces of just water a day. Since I can't drink and eat I have given up my Snacks so I can drink the DAMN water. I am just so frustrated :biggrin: But I am loosing so that is the only plus.

I cannot believe we have lost that much. We are such a small group.

Thank you all so much for being understanding. Yes I know I have to get over my phobia, but it is kind of deep. The dreaded "closet" of a changing room and then the shame that the biggest size didn't fit. When that happened at Lane Giant, I started going to the Avenue. But it is VERY embarrassing. I do agree about the bras. My Mom and I cut my straps and made them tighter, that has lasted a month but now the girls are hanging low. I was told that they would look like two wet tube socks hanging from your shoulders. I laughed, yeah right. So I am going to this place near here, Wizzard of Bras, they fit you. I think I would like a nice PADDED one. Hey, it's not fair. God give you nice boobs to compensate for your weight, right. So what does he take away first!!!!!! I will try used to find a used clothes store, but I did go to Walmart, but you are all right. I need to take in 4 sizes, and take one of the smallest I think possible and try them all on. Also, I think I will take someone with me. Thank you so much. Thank goodness I didn't throw away my "skinny" clothes. Almost 8 years old and now they too are getting big. Oh Well. :biggrin: Debbie

Moms - dont you love them............... :thumbup: Hey, 30 pounds is a lot. You should be very proud of your progress. And yes, this is not gastric bypass and slow is better. You know, I bet your cholestrol and blood panels are better than they were before. Now that is something to "crow" about :wink2: Debbie

Okay, I am weird, I hate to shop for clothes. It has always been painful, nothing fit, and I always felt humilitated. Once I begun to loose a lot I went out and bought a couple things. I refused to go into the little hot sweaty try on room, so I guessed. My pants were too big, but much small than what I was wearing. Shirts, I tried them on over my clothes. I guessed with undies. How are you suppose to know!?!?!?!? Well - I am buying the wrong sizes. My daughter bought me some undies, okay I am dumb, I have no idea what size I wear. THEY FIT. Two sizes smaller than I just purchased. I cannot believe it. She also bought me two tops which I was sure would not fit, would be WAY TOO TIGHT. They fit, smaller size than I bought when I went out. In fact, on shirt is a little big, but it will work for a month or so. The shirts I bought, good grief! I am having trouble with my body image. How do you do this? I am so afraid I will go in the the size will be the same as it use to be. Undies, what do you do about that. Before I kept gaining weight. It was easy, just buy two sizes higher, you know, you stretch out your jeans until the seams bust and then you just get two sizes or so bigger. Usually they fit. Same for undies. Didn't have to worry. Now, are these sizes for real???!!!??? I am serious. Help me, I can't wear an 18-20, that is too small. This is so stupid, but serious too. I have lost 50 pounds, but my clothes were from the beginning of the year and I have lost almost 70 from that, I lost almost 20 pounds before I saw the Surgeon from nerves. Just any help would be nice. I know I should accept that the size fits, but I just don't believe it and I just can't face the stores. Debbie :thumbup:

Thank you all so much - We had a fantastic time. My food was very controlled and I believe I have lost weight. I even went out to dinner at the Outback Steakhouse with Hubby. We shared a dinner. I got a very small portion of the steak and steamed veggies. I savored EVERY BITE. I have to say, it was the BEST steak I have ever had in my life. I hate to admit this, but I couldn't eat all my steak, aprox 1 1/2 ounce, so I licked it. I just wanted a little more flavor, not food. I cut the steak in tiny bits and ate slowly. My hubby is a SLOW eater and I finished way after him. I was so proud. Also - We went to Vegas in July. I almost had a stroke or heart attack with all the walking. At on Hotel, they gave me two waters. I was winded and walking was very difficult. I walked miles this time. I even led, would have walked faster but the crowds were horrific. I loved it, and we walked everywhere, even to dinner. I cannot believe the difference. I am so happy and thankful for all of you for your help. Debbie

Teri, I hope all is well with Matthew now. I am so sorry to hear he was critical, but relieved to hear he became stable. I truely hope that he is much much better now and that he is home and that you are able to relax. What a Thanksgiving. Not only the stress of the "day" but with a critically sick child too. Teri, my heart goes out to you. Funny about that band. I thought stress would cause us to go back to our pre band eating pattern, but I have noticed that my stress causes me the most restriction. Sounds like you too. I reverted to liquids and this past weekend we were in Vegas. I was so scared. I did fantastic! My husband and I even went out to dinner and I had my first STEAK. We shared a dinner. I told the waitress that I had just had surgery and that I couldnt eat very much. She was very understanding and she has had other customers with the same issues. Hubby had Steak and Fried and I had a tiny portion of the steak with steamed veggies. I aLmost ate too much, the steamed veggies were devine. Teri, I licked the steak and swished my broccoli in the juice. It was heaven. I ate very slowly and savored EVERY bite. I hope you are doing better. Hang in there. To make it through the stress you encountered the last few days is a feat in itself. Teri, you are doing fantastic. Keep your chin up! Oh and SMILE - Debbie great big bear hug :thumbup:

I was almost floored when my Dr matter of factly told me that it's going to happen. It's a learning experience. When you get the icky feeling - getting stuck - just go to liquids for a few days. Seems they expect us to BLOW IT. You know, the 25 sets of eyes, that unnerves me. My Mom will say things, meaning to help, but last night I wanted to KILL :grouphug:. But then she sweetly said, aren't you glad you have me here to help. OY. Her heart is in the right place, but sometimes. Teri - good luck with Thanksgiving. I feel like puking myself. I am so nervous. I think I will take a protien drink, just in case. Take Care Debbie

I know what you mean, when I went to the pharmacy it was with the intention of getting the Milk Of Mag - :grouphug: too bad there isn't a face of someone puking - I am at my end too. Enema's, give me a break. And to top it off I have my Mom nagging me, if it was only as simple. I refuse to break my Drs program REFUSE. I wish coffee was the trigger for me. It use to be dairy products. NOT ANYMORE. THIS SUCKS:cry_smile: My colon is going to seize :grouphug: But as soon a I find SOMETHING I will let you know. Hang in there Debbie

Teri, So the twisted port, it is okay now? Will it go back to normal? If they revise it, that means they go back in? I still look like I have a third boob. I swear I thought it would be hidden. Even so where the swelling is turns out the port is lower. If I try I can even feel it. But I do worry, which is why no sit ups. Teri, really, my stomach hangs so low anyway, will it really do any good. I have a Turkey Neck - gobble gobble gobble Hanging Turkey Arms Hanging tummy But my but and thighs are getting firm from walking. Hey I am over 50, I don't need a tight butt, I would like a less saggy neck though. Everyone tries to be helpful and they say, Oh you can take care of that. WHAT ANOTHER SURGERY. No way, I guess I will come to love the extra skin. Don't they have that squishy undies that sucks you in??? Besides, as down as I might get, when I see as I was told by my Band Buddy - two wet tube socks hanging from your chest, I remember my real reason for the band. To get healthy. I just have to keep my eye on the ball - a healthy heart. Sorry for being down, bad day, terrible day, shitty day, you pick the word. Debbie:blush:

Last night I bought some suppositories. YUCK. But I am so afraid. I started haveing pain in my right side, no appendix, and I just don't want it to become as big a problem as last time. I am afraid of Miralax. The pharmacist said it is Fiber and Benefiber was fiber but it created more problems that it solved. I don't want a bowel obstruction or impaction so I am trying to really be careful, but once a week is not cutting it. I even eat baby prunes. The pharmacist even suggested that nasty liquid in that little bottle they give you to clean you out, but to only take 1/4 a bottle. I will have to speak to my Dr, obviously it is not the Water - I drink 64 ounces a day!

Can you believe how FANTASTIC everyone is doing. Who would have thought it would be like this. Debbie

Kiz, Funny you mention fish. I have gone out and gotten fish a few times. I have shared and one place gave me alacart and a small portion. It was great. Two meals. I love fish and it seems to love me. I have High Fiber Oatmeal, I didn't think about the coffee maker for the hot Water. I always use milk for the extra Calcium, but that is a fantastic idea. I am also taking cottage cheese and my applesause for a quick meal. I have all my stuff to take and some protien drink with 30 grams of protien I got at costco for emergencies. I am always prepared no matter where I go. I figure I have to, no one is watching out for me except me. Thank you all so much for your input. Debbie

I know that every Doctor is different, boy did we find that out on our phases. My Doctor allows snacks. If you don't need it, you don't eat it. And I cannot believe I am saying this, but usually I don't need it. BUT - he said that he would rather we eat a snack than blow it at the next meal. Yes, when you are REALLY hungry you eat faster and make poor choices. No the snacks cannot be empty calorie, sugar free Jello for instance, needs to be protien or Calcium product. Just what my Dr does. Good luck, glad you got your sencond fill. And you are right, swallow wrong and PAIN I learned that the hard way too. Debbie

I may have to try apricots. Canned or Fresh. I had to quit the Benefiber, it made CONCRETE and I was so close to an obstruction. Now I freak out, all the time. I cannot describe to you how bad it was, but trust me, one more day and I would have been in the hospital. Miralax, I have heard is good, who knows. I am going to have to try something. I take 3 colace a day. AND YES I drink Water. Two liters a day aprox. Isn't that enough. Oh how I long for the IBS days. I have never had constipation in my life. Good Grief.................

Thank you all so much. Teri, we must be soul sisters. A lot of what you write could have come from me. Hang in there, Thanksgiving will be fine. At first I was SO FREAKED OUT, then I relaxed, made a plan and will eat some of my Daughter's turkey, very slow. She is even going to make me my own baked sweet potato. And frankly, I don't care who I offend. For once in my life, once I think I am full, I am taking a walk and leaving the food (and dishes) to the others. I have done clean up duty all my life and I am well aware of my "picking" tendancy in regards to that damn Turkey carcass. Jack, so nice to hear from an "experienced" bandster. I try so hard to take small bites and eat slow. Nothing has touched my lips that is not on my Drs instruction sheet. But with liquids, sometimes I blow it and I notice my sip might be too big. I am so glad you were able to explain about the weird spasm thing. But, no sugar and no carbination, just diluted crystal light. Also, thanks for the explanition for my "restricted days". I love those days, today I am having one. As I have said before, weekends are the hardest for me, weekdays I have a schedule and work to do. Weekends have no structure. I finally broke my plateau today and it feels good to see a downward trend again :laugh: Debbie

I am going to Vegas for a few days and I am scared. I have some staples, protien drink, canned chicken (in Water - tuna might be too hard to work with and stinky), canned fruit and I will bring some other foods. I want to be prepared and make sure there is something I can eat, I am not totally on regular food yet, and I don't want to make a mistake - like GETTING STUCK. HELP - please......... Debbie

I am just going to be blunt. And YES I was addicted to Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke since I was 16, way back in the Cyclamate days. (I know I didn't spell that correctly-must be my age) In the end, Carbonation will stretch your pouch. That can cause slipage or errosion. Do you really want to take that chance after all you have been through? If you need something sweet, get a bottle of water, a single crystal light, and drink away. If you need the bubbles, Well, we are all Adults and we have made bad choices before. I guess that is why we ending up needing the bands in the first place.

It is so weird. I am finally figuring out my body. Yesterday I was so restricted I could barely eat. I felt the connstiction from the morning until late afternoon. It started right after I drank some Water, yes it was not a sip, I gulped in error. It was like a spasm and then just stayed. Today, no problems. I am eating fine and even having my allowed Snacks. But I have noticed that some days are different than others and I really think it is because some days are just more restrictive. Do any of you have this? Actually I think I would like more of those days and perhaps I will speak to my Dr about another fill. Let me know, thanks Debbie

Depends on what you count, but the Dr counts what I weighed in his office at the first visit. So for me - 46 pounds Since the begining of the year, my highest (once I decided to get the band I got constant diarreah and lost almost twenty pounds) so that is 65 pounds. 65 pounds of fat from my Liver - liver panel is back to normal - no more FATTY LIVER 65 pounds from my coronary arteries - my cholestrol is normal 65 pounds worth of my life back. I may have saggy skin, my turkey arms are ready to flap, and my turkey neck if ready to gobble, but my legs and tushies are getting firmer and I feel fantastic and I love to walk. Must be those endorphins!

I am so glad I read your post. I am doing FANTASTIC but I too fluctuate. I have started skipping the scale every day. Right now I am at a standstill. It happened 10 pounds ago, I was stuck and then dropped 10 pounds in two weeks. Now I have been at my current weight, and yes I can say it now, 222 for a week. But I dropped more inches, in my boobs mostly But I have lost 9 inches in my butt in total. Now that is worth celebrating Good luck on your second fill. You will do great! Debbie

Teri, Congrats on the milestone. I am there with you. I hit 222. I got down that low on Weight Watchers 10 or so years ago and never saw under 230 again. I even weigh less than when I married my hubby. You are doing so great! You should be VERY proud of your accomplishment. Debbie