I Can and I Will

Hey Bernadette, Had my surgery on August 5 and my position was eliminated 2 weeks after...I work in Human Resources...LOL. I loved my job, wasn't looking and was blessed to find one that was "better for me". During my month out...what a test...couldn't eat my stress and had to deal with life on "life's terms"....all that to say my love...YOU define what is going to be good. You will survive because you are resilient....you have 50 wonderful years under your belt...as best as possible, begin to visualize the blessings ahead! The blessings you will be more ready to see because you are not so focused on the day to day grind. During my time down...I started losing weight, negative behaviors, stress, anxiety and started gaining a healthy perspective about food, my capabilities, confidence and desire of what life I need versus want...simplicity. I would absolutley say GO BACK TO SCHOOL! There are government monies to go do what you want to do;-) I'll concentrate on sending to vibes to you and all of us because we are resilient:-)

I don't particulary watch "carbs"; however, I'll have some type of bread or steel cut oatmeal in the AM and try and focus on putting "healthy" things in my body (protien, Fiber, non-processed foods). One caution I'd like to throw out is...watch your thinking about carbs...learn about the balanced approach because something that has carbs can also be high in fiber and protien which are good for you and kinda counter each other (Beans or legumes as an example). There is a balance...in ALL MY DIET books, TAPES, VIDEOS :lol0:(I'm laughing as I type that)...the 2 books I found to be helpful about nutrition were Dr. Phil's book (the book makes sense, it just has his name on it...not really a fan) and YOU on a diet by Memet Oz (Dr. OZ).:thumbup1: Balance, portion control and excersize are key....balance all three:-):lol0:

Hey another suggestion for humus...we have a store here called Publix and they sell miniture sweet peppers (red,yellow and orange) by Pero Family Farms (Parallels H-Sphere) THEY ARE DELICIOUS WITH HUMAS or if you want to get creative, create some type of dip with greek yogurt....they are really really good. I also end up dicing them, some onion and saute them, then add a can of black beans or black bean soup...yummy for those still on mushies....Keep up all the good work ladies and gentlemen....you all are doing GREAT!

I'm 4 months out and last night had to be one of the scariest nights. Went to a friends for dinner...ate a bit to much (Pasta and scallops) very very small portion; :confused1:however, my stomach started hurting so bad I couldn't stay still, couldn't throw up...was in tears...it really ached and hurt for about 20 minutes... I'm assuming I ate to much; however, I have never had such pain and emotion... Caro

Hey Everyone...just wanted to give you all an update...had emergency GALLBLADDER surgery this past Wednesday:blushing:...All is well. Remember to check with your doctors...love this discussion board; however, forgot to discuss this issue with my doctor because it only happened once or twice...LOL...my poor staff at work had to drive me to the emergency room on Tuesday and Wednesday had surgery, Thursday went back in because there was "something" in my bile duct. All went well...I go for a follow-up next week and will ask if there was anything I could have done differently... During my hospital stay this time I had some of the same nurses that I had for my surgery and many of them remembered me and were so sweet;-)...it's amazing what people remember:001_wub: by the way...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FOLKS!

I was just thinking about resolutions in the past few days and the "i'm gonna lose weight" automatically popped in...since getting sleeved, I said I wanted to be down to 200lb by December 31...I"m three pounds over and you know what...I DON'T CARE! It has made me realize that the goals/resolutions I have set have always focused on things that have been challenges in my life...weight, money etc....:blush:SO this year...it's simply to keep a loving positive attitude towards myself and in my day to day...keep it simple and focus on adding new things to my life versus getting rid of things in my life...does that make sense? HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Thanks for continuing to share your thoughts, dreams and aspirations...:thumbup:..just imagine all of us on this road, arm in arm singing "we're off to see the wizard!".....on the mend in 2010!

Congratulations! What an awesome way to start the new year!!!! Truly, think about all the "new year's resolutions" we've all made and in 2010...you have a tool to help you be successful. I was just sitting here reflecting on "how I didn't hit 200 lbs" by the end of the year...by 3 lbs mind you and it hit me..."WAIT A MINUTE SISTER! WHO CARES...I am on a steady stream of losing weight and getting healthy...quit putting the stinking thinking pressure on your self"....SO AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ROAD TO A NEW VERSION OF YOU;-) Please continue to share your journey and welcome to ours!

DeeDee...you look great! I just looked and posted my before and current pictures...it's amazing we carry all this weight and truly have NO IDEA how we look because we stopped taking pictures. Thanks for sharing with us...I'm looking forward to seeing all the other transformations...I so appreciate this board....many many many beautiful people inside and out!

Shontel, Haven't had the experience my friend; however, I'm glad you caught it early and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers...

we were eating small scallops (about the size of a dime) and I had about 8-10 with about 5 strands of spagetti... drmedhat...thank you so much for sharing your info...makes more sense...when you put the word "spasm" to the pain...thanks!

Thanks Tiff...I was freaking out because I hadn't read anything like that....Merry Christmas!

Our issue is called mindless eating:tongue_smilie: I struggle almost every day...I'm trying to be PRESENT before, during and after I eat. I'm finding that I can only eat 4-5 bites and depending on what it is..5 is one bite to many. :drool: I'm still trying to get on some type of rhythm of drinking and eating seperately because I'm not getting my Water in or when I do, I'm not eating... I've noticed over the past month I have stopped taking my B12, Calcium and Vitamin...need to get back on the deal! I'm struggling for sure....:thumbup:

I'm 3 months out...it will get better:thumbup1: I was having terrible heart burn from eating, taking the vitamines, drinking...etc...eventually, it stopped...Your intake right now is very limited...3-4 bites was challenging initially for me...soups were very good. I would get a small cup and sip it...maybe 4 oz. String cheese was also very very good and easy. Hang in there...it really will get easier.

I still get hunger symptoms; however, it's more about not getting all my liquids in...after I take a few sips of liquid...I'm good. The only time I burp is when I eat to fast or don't chew enough....

Hey Sweetie333! I had my surgery August 5 so I"m just past 3 months and have lost 54 pounds. First month was about 25lbs and I've done about 10 lbs/month. It sounds like you and I are about the same size and have the same goals....I"m 5'7 and want to get to 145. Plan sounds good AND be prepared to not let your perception get in the way. My experience on this journey so far has been very positive;however, the weight loss is quick to begin and will slow down based on how much you have to loose. I periodically panic if I think I am stalling or haven't lost enough; however, it's averaging out to about 10lb a month.:thumbup: It's amazing that it's only been 3 months for me and some of my panic is that it isn't happening quick enough because sometimes it seems like it has been longer than just 3 months...tracking it is so helpful because it gently reminds me of the process!!!! I started in a tight 20 and now I'm in an 18...I'm thinking I should have been in a 22;-) Congratulations to you for joining us LOSERS:thumbup: Look forward to hearing about your journey! :001_tt2:

Hey Beautiful...ditto ditto ditto to what has already been shared. Each day I have to remind myself to just continue creating new healthy habits. Try and let go of "the scale" and focus on your new life so that you do not stress over the "weight". That is part of our old self...THE scale...aaaahhh! Healing is first...then getting on a healthy routine. One of the things that really really helped me is to go through this discussion board and read. It will help you prepare mentally for what is happening. Your feelings right now are true for you and the same feelings were true for others...welcome to a new NORMAL;-) Seriously...this is a great group of folks with lots of experience and support.. Welcome to a new you!:001_unsure: Caro

I buy these quiches that are really good. They are called Nancy's and for others are a single serving but end up being 4 servings for me. I keep cottage cheese in the house in case I need something quick and easy. I"ve found that using whole wheat 6 inch tortillas and making little mini pizzas. I bought pesto sauce, put left over chicken, sauteed mushrooms and onions with fresh parm...delicious. Again, most people can eat the whole thing, depending on how I feel I cut it up into four pieces and can eat two (maybe). Finally, I buy small watermelon and eat it through the week...nice treat and helps with my Water. Have to be careful because of of the sugar; however, it helps. Soups are also really really good. I get Pacific tomatoe Soup and then put 1 string cheese in it to amp up the protien. Hope this is helpful:thumbup: