Jen B.

I've lost 46 lbs since my surgery without any difficulty and chose to have my first fill this week before the holidays to make sure I don't regain any weight.

I also graduated in 2001 with my BSN but I guess that teaching methods depends on the instructor's discretion.

When I went to nursing school we did have to perform assessments on each other including breast assessments and I was the only overweight girl in my class. What that class consisted of you and your partner in a hospital gown and panties with the clinical instructor learning how to perform a proper assessment. I must admit the first time It was strange to be exposed for assessments but as you progress through the class your comfort level increased and you realize that when your working in a clinical setting you don't really see it as a fellow student but rather as a body to learn how to perform an assessment. Please, don't drop out of nursing school because of this. I totally love what I do and I would have missed one of the best things in my life if I had quit nursing school due to my personal reservations. Good luck with school.

I can't eat pizza at all. I had tried just eating the cheese and toppings only but that made me very sick. That's ok though the trade off in lbs. lost has been more than fair.

My mom was very supportive but was a bit upset and hurt that I didn't tell her until after my surgery was done. I must admit though that she has now turned into the food police and watches everything I eat when I visit. She thought it would be best not to tell my father because he may not be able to handle the news. My brother was upset with my choice to have surgery, he also didn't know until he picked me up at the surgery center. Only 3 of my friends know and they have been very supportive. I have not told other people in my life know because it has already caused a few issues with only a handful of people knowing.

I finally made it into the 200's and I am totally thrilled because I can't even say how long it has been since I've seen that number. Now I'm starting to think this band thing may just work.

Dr. spivak placed my port 3in from by bra band. It has not caused any discomfort there eventhough I'm large chested. I am not sure which type of port I have but you can feel it when you press down on the area. As far as his reason to place the port there was because it is least likely to cause discomfort according to whan he told me. I would however recomend that when you go to the office wear the bra us usually would normally wear everyday that way he will have an idea of where to place the port and prevent it from being in the way of your bra band.

I have attended curves for awhile but really did not start losing weight until I started walking 4 days a week. I still go to curves for machines to work the various muscle groups 3 times a week, but to be honest I don't know if it makes a difference but at least it is a form of activity.

I drink CarbWatchers Lean Body high protein MRP shake dutch chocolate ice cream flavor from Labrada. It has 42g of protein and tastes good. Whan I usually do is mix half a package with 8oz skim milk for breakfast and the other half for dinner and have regular food for lunch. That way I make sure I at least get my full 60g of protein/day. Doing this combined with 64oz of water pretty much keeps me full all day and away from snacking. You can puchase the shakes at labrada.com.

I don't drink during my meal but I do drink before and usually take two small sips after my meal. This does not seem to have slowed my wt loss or caused me to be hungry any sooner.

Has anyone tried water aerobics? If so how did you like it and did it aid in your wt loss? I currently walk and go to Curves, which I enjoy, but I was looking for other things to try.

I went out of town for the weekend and for the first time in years I was able to walk around non-stop for 2 days, go to the movies and walk all the way up the stairs to the top row without running short of breath and comfortably take my seat. What made this even better I saved money on not buying any popcorn and coke. I know it is a small accomplishment but still required a celebration happy dance. :banana