vanishingvixen

(and a possible body lift, after I've kept the wait off for a year or more)...I will be on my super grind making jewelry (this of course, is in addition to my FT 9-5 job) check it out... especially for the ladies that are feeling EXTRA fine in their new bodies :thumbup:: www.ggxjewels.com Also - for those that have already had the surgery...what type of out of pocket expenses did you incur? I'm trying to build me a little LBS nest egg during my 6-9 month wait...

(and a possible body lift, after I've kept the wait off for a year or more)...I will be on my super grind making jewelry (this of course, is in addition to my FT 9-5 job) check it out... especially for the ladies that are feeling EXTRA fine in their new bodies : www.ggxjewels.com Also - for those that have already had the surgery...what type of out of pocket expenses did you incur? I'm trying to build me a little LBS nest egg during my 6-9 month wait...

I'm sure I'll have to be creative...but so far, so good. Posting the link, onmly b/c it's far too much work to have to cross-post everything from my main blog! http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/category/recipes/

I'm sure I'll have to be creative...but so far, so good. Posting the link, onmly b/c it's far too much work to have to cross-post everything from my main blog! http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/category/recipes/

Im still a newbie - and curious as to how many DC area Bandsters (newly or awaiting) there are around these parts. Thinking of starting a social group. Thoughts? Bueller? Bueller? *lol*

you SO ROCK. you just have no idea... *hugggggggggg* "Six months ago I was a selfish, miserable, negative, argumentative, pessimistic jerk with a huge chip on my shoulder feeding on others' misery." *mouth hanging wide open* Wouldnt have guessed it in a MILLION years. When I read your first reply to my post, I thought "wow, he must be the Ambassador of Good Will & Encouragement" *lol* I honestly think we ALL kinda feel like this about ourselves at some point. I know I do. That why I blog to get it out. Most of my anger & bad attitude real like humor...which somehow inspires others, so I roll with it! I think being out of shape and miserable with how big i had let myself get played a big part in my attitude, too. On the serious side, we are all here as a means of support for one another on the journey. Attitudes are definately contagious...so PLEASE keep doing waht you are doing. You're awesome.

I wish i liked cottage cheese... But, I am starting to research some other things to help me with that old pesky sweet tooth. Actually, the Slim Fast choco shake is excellent - put it in the freezer for about 30 mins so it gets really thick... But I def need to start getting used to the protein shakes & such for post-surgery...

“…I’m full but want a tasty treat…” *sigh* Undoubtedly, my "midnight feedings" – in which I pace in the kitchen & look for that special something to satisfy & sate (usually something sweet), usually between the hours of 11pm-1am – are the hardest part of this journey for me. I remember a time in the not too distant past that I would run the water in the kitchen to drown out the sound of my cabinet rummaging and cellophane paper wrap krinkling from the little debbie snack I’d try to sneak back into the bedroom. I should be ashamed *hangs head*:thumbup: I think its a step forward that I’m starting to notice my patterns and put an end to them. I’m sure there’s always a chance to relapse, but at least by not keeping the junk in the house anymore, my choices are limited. Of course, I will ALWAYS and FOREVER keep the obligatory chocolate candy bar stashed away “in case of emergency”…but even then, it’s just ONE bar, not an entire bag of mini’s Old habits die hard, its true. But new habits live in the light, to be nourished and cultivated into a way of life. I can do this. I. WILL. DO. THIS. *praying* “Jesus be an appetite suppresant” *then singing and channeling Carried Underwood* Jesus, take the wheel…

“…I’m full but want a tasty treat…” *sigh* Undoubtedly, my "midnight feedings" – in which I pace in the kitchen & look for that special something to satisfy & sate (usually something sweet), usually between the hours of 11pm-1am – are the hardest part of this journey for me. I remember a time in the not too distant past that I would run the water in the kitchen to drown out the sound of my cabinet rummaging and cellophane paper wrap krinkling from the little debbie snack I’d try to sneak back into the bedroom. I should be ashamed *hangs head* I think its a step forward that I’m starting to notice my patterns and put an end to them. I’m sure there’s always a chance to relapse, but at least by not keeping the junk in the house anymore, my choices are limited. Of course, I will ALWAYS and FOREVER keep the obligatory chocolate candy bar stashed away “in case of emergency”…but even then, it’s just ONE bar, not an entire bag of mini’s Old habits die hard, its true. But new habits live in the light, to be nourished and cultivated into a way of life. I can do this. I. WILL. DO. THIS. *praying* “Jesus be an appetite suppresant” *then singing and channeling Carried Underwood* Jesus, take the wheel…

Check it out here: http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/category/food-journal/ NOTE: What I'm eating may "seem" like alot - but TRUST - this is but a mere fraction of what I used to eat. I was given the advice to journal everything I eat, cut my portions & add water. (thanks @btrieger :thumbup:) I also check out my food choices on this site: http://caloriecount.about.com/

Check it out here: http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/category/food-journal/ NOTE: What I'm eating may "seem" like alot - but TRUST - this is but a mere fraction of what I used to eat. I was given the advice to journal everything I eat, cut my portions & add water. (thanks @btrieger ) I also check out my food choices on this site: http://caloriecount.about.com/

This is my daughter that everyone is giving me a hard time about. PISSES ME THE %*@! off!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has gone thru this. I'm still a new mom, so I guess I was unprepared. I experienced the same thing at the mall yesterday (diff mall). just walking thru the Mall engaging my daugther...and getting "The look": Fat Mommy / Fat Kid / look of disgust. (even tho I don't necessarily think she is fat...(she came out BIG @ almost 8lbs 3.5 weeks early! and her dad is 6+' tall) It just pisses me off that some folks are actually teaching their kids to discriminate. but I see that fat discrimination is in full effect. I can't WAIT to show those so-in-so's a thing or THREE! That reminds me - maybe I should censor my blogs here. *lol* Alot of folks seem to be on the same page with me. w What's the worst that can happen? *lol*

Being the Fat Mommy at the playground (with the cherubic angel faced albeit a lil chubby) is NO. FUN. It was a very rude awakening for me about how people look at fatties like myself. And even moreso at the kids of these fat parents - especially if they display one iota of being a little rounder than the other kids. My daughter is beautiful, outgoing, funny, loving, affectionate...but I caught the looks of other parents - at me, then her, then me again, then her again, then a shaking of the head or look of...pity. I mean, really?? I was the ONLY parent out in the play area running around with my child - yet they looked at me like I shoud be ashamed...for being fat, and for having the nerve to be seen in public running around with my lil chubby toddler. Now, in my defense - GiGi was in NYC being spoiled by Auntie and G'ma. She put on a few pounds BUT, that doesn't mean that she is destined to be a fat girl like her mother. I've seen a lot of chubby toddlers with SKINNY parents, and aint nobody giving THEM the gasface. *gasfacing the ppl that gave ME the gasface* I'm on this journey so that I can be healthy, and live longer and have the opportunity to enjoy playing with my growing child. Not only to mention, to teach her healthy eating & living habits. I'm overly concerned about her lot in life in terms of body type and (future) self image...which makes me super sensitive to things like what happened yesterday. I was litterally in tears when we left, and typing thru tear-filled eyes now. I'm on my way to a better life...and my not-even 2 year old daughter hopefully won't remember me as the Fat Mommy that everybody else sees...but as the woman who would do anything in the world for her. IDK...reality checks are the hardest to cash. This will only make me more determined to stay the course. And bring my entire family with me on the way. Today - I'm going to hold my head high as we venture to yet another mall. And I DARE a mofo to give me the Fat Mommy glare.

Being the Fat Mommy at the playground (with the cherubic angel faced albeit a lil chubby) is NO. FUN. It was a very rude awakening for me about how people look at fatties like myself. And even moreso at the kids of these fat parents - especially if they display one iota of being a little rounder than the other kids. My daughter is beautiful, outgoing, funny, loving, affectionate...but I caught the looks of other parents - at me, then her, then me again, then her again, then a shaking of the head or look of...pity. I mean, really?? I was the ONLY parent out in the play area running around with my child - yet they looked at me like I shoud be ashamed...for being fat, and for having the nerve to be seen in public running around with my lil chubby toddler. Now, in my defense - GiGi was in NYC being spoiled by Auntie and G'ma. She put on a few pounds BUT, that doesn't mean that she is destined to be a fat girl like her mother. I've seen a lot of chubby toddlers with SKINNY parents, and aint nobody giving THEM the gasface. *gasfacing the ppl that gave ME the gasface* I'm on this journey so that I can be healthy, and live longer and have the opportunity to enjoy playing with my growing child. Not only to mention, to teach her healthy eating & living habits. I'm overly concerned about her lot in life in terms of body type and (future) self image...which makes me super sensitive to things like what happened yesterday. I was litterally in tears when we left, and typing thru tear-filled eyes now. I'm on my way to a better life...and my not-even 2 year old daughter hopefully won't remember me as the Fat Mommy that everybody else sees...but as the woman who would do anything in the world for her. IDK...reality checks are the hardest to cash. This will only make me more determined to stay the course. And bring my entire family with me on the way. Today - I'm going to hold my head high as we venture to yet another mall. And I DARE a mofo to give me the Fat Mommy glare.

So as I'm re-reading my reply - it just really hit me where the 35+ lbs weightgain over the past 2yrs has come from :STRESS! Just not sure how to nasvigate around it totally...but I guess ill figure it out over the next couple of months...

Happy Saturday ALL! I sincerely appreciate the input & advice. Things are just hectic - and I'm wondering if i can manage it all. My toddler is wearing me out! *lol* That, and my jewelry biz is slowly but surely picking up momentum. I have 4 vendor events in the next month & a half (all decided on prior to me starting this journey) - which is stressful, but exciting. That also means I have to plan my new eating lifestyle into these events (in addition to, of course, creating all of the jewelry designs needed:blink:) then of course, work stuff. And family stuff. and me stuff. *smack forehead* BUT, I count it ALL joy. I'm going to enjoy the time i have to indeed do some-soul searching and thinking about my life in another year from now. I'm going to enjoy meeting new people traveling this same road, and I'm gonna blog till my heart is content. (im pretty censored here, but on my "real" weightloss blog, i cut loose at times *lol* (The Vanishing Vixen) All in all - im fully prepared to (and expect to) enjoy this journey. I jsut really have to take a moment to thank God for even getting me here. I've been in denial for so long, it's been unreal (as probably seen in my pics) *SMH*:w00t: *exhaling* Thanks again!! You'll definately be hearing alot more from me round these parts! P.S. if you are interested in checking out my jewelry biz that will help finance some of this journey - check it out! :smile2:GGX Home

I'm 35. Relatively young - I "guess" *lol* I just know for me, 75% of my weight is carried in my thighs. I've beared witness to what happens to those after a lot of weight loss. But I won't panic just yet. I am glad to hear that perhaps younger skin bounces back pretty well, but I have about 12 friends that have had WLS at some point. Everyones body recovered differently. I'm guessing part of it is genetics - and if that's the case, I MAY end up lucky. I think starting a piggy bank is a good idea. Does boob lifting come with the mid-body lift? How about a Beyonce thigh make-over? (I'm so serious) Alot my thoughts may seem vain, but I'm certain I'm not the only one with them. This is ABSOLUTELY about health. But again, personally knowing a significant amount of ppl who have transformed, and listening to their real-life concerns and insecurites about their "new" body just makes makes me mindful that ppl deal with a lot of emotional "stuff" post-weight loss too, and I want to be prepared...

*entering the room dancing to Destiny's Child singing "I don't think ya readdddy fa this jelllllyyyy"* Ok, so. I know that I have some concerns about my post-weight loss body. But realistically, looking at me bucket nayket now aint no picnic either :closedeyes: (maybe for my husband, bless him wittle heart). I know I can’t stand too much of my own self. Things jiggle and sag and weeble-wobble now. So, I’m not naïve enough to think that just because I lose some poundage, means that I’m gonna turn into Beyonce…Gee’once, maybe *smirk*, but I digress… ALTHOUGH, in my mind…I’ve fast-forwarded about a year or so. And I can actually SEE a smaller, more healthy me. :thumbup:I’ve never been there before. And mayhaps that was the problem. *shrug* What I do know, is my saggalicious, droopylicious self is STILL gonna revel in how far I’ve come & gone. Ill hook up the breasticles in a new LB balconette bra and make them shine like the stars they are. I’ll coax the SPANX that ill have to sweet talk into undertaking the monumental task of turning “flab into fab”. Buy a new figure-friendly LBD, and perhaps I may be able to throw on a pair of sexy high heels long enough to turn a few heads and strut the “Skank [Ho] Walk” I learned in my Urban Striptease workout (gotta love On Demand cable program. Exercise TV is awesomeness) *head nod* :rolleyes:Yup. I justttttt miiiight. Btw – my bosslady (who also has WLS and looks fabulous) said to *possibly* expect the ending or stressing of friendships/familial relationships and possible spousal jealousy. *exaggerated sigh* I really have been blessed in terms of my family & friends, so I don’t anticipate that area being an issue for me. But I guess any & everything is possible. Prayerfully those in my corner will stay there – even when I’m too high off my own supply *innocent grin* I know my tried & true peeps will chin-check me quick & without hesitation *lol* This whole experience is reminding me of when I was with-child. So excited and anticipatory. Wondering “when am I gonna see my baby bump” “when can I finally hold my baby”. All that stuff I worried everyone to death about…and then one day: bam – She was here! The only thing that’s different is that this experience will end with a REbirth…of self. Saggy. Jiggly. Jellified. So, yeah. I’m ready. But I’m not certain the world is.*pondering for a brief moment* NaHhhhh. I don’t think ANY one is ready fa THIS jelly. :tt1:

*entering the room dancing to Destiny's Child singing "I don't think ya readdddy fa this jelllllyyyy"* Ok, so. I know that I have some concerns about my post-weight loss body. But realistically, looking at me bucket nayket now aint no picnic either :thumbup: (maybe for my husband, bless him wittle heart). I know I can’t stand too much of my own self. Things jiggle and sag and weeble-wobble now. So, I’m not naïve enough to think that just because I lose some poundage, means that I’m gonna turn into Beyonce…Gee’once, maybe *smirk*, but I digress… ALTHOUGH, in my mind…I’ve fast-forwarded about a year or so. And I can actually SEE a smaller, more healthy me. :thumbup:I’ve never been there before. And mayhaps that was the problem. *shrug* What I do know, is my saggalicious, droopylicious self is STILL gonna revel in how far I’ve come & gone. Ill hook up the breasticles in a new LB balconette bra and make them shine like the stars they are. I’ll coax the SPANX that ill have to sweet talk into undertaking the monumental task of turning “flab into fab”. Buy a new figure-friendly LBD, and perhaps I may be able to throw on a pair of sexy high heels long enough to turn a few heads and strut the “Skank [Ho] Walk” I learned in my Urban Striptease workout (gotta love On Demand cable program. Exercise TV is awesomeness) *head nod* :rolleyes:Yup. I justttttt miiiight. Btw – my bosslady (who also has WLS and looks fabulous) said to *possibly* expect the ending or stressing of friendships/familial relationships and possible spousal jealousy. *exaggerated sigh* I really have been blessed in terms of my family & friends, so I don’t anticipate that area being an issue for me. But I guess any & everything is possible. Prayerfully those in my corner will stay there – even when I’m too high off my own supply *innocent grin* I know my tried & true peeps will chin-check me quick & without hesitation *lol* This whole experience is reminding me of when I was with-child. So excited and anticipatory. Wondering “when am I gonna see my baby bump” “when can I finally hold my baby”. All that stuff I worried everyone to death about…and then one day: bam – She was here! The only thing that’s different is that this experience will end with a REbirth…of self. Saggy. Jiggly. Jellified. So, yeah. I’m ready. But I’m not certain the world is.*pondering for a brief moment* NaHhhhh. I don’t think ANY one is ready fa THIS jelly.

I appreciate the feedback. There is lots more I have to say, but if I wrote EVERYthing I was really thinking they'd probably delete my account, so i'm working on couth *straightface then lol* My main blog allows me to cut loose, but here I try to act like a lady *ahem*. Writing is theraputic for me. And no doubt will be my biggest catalyst to stay the course...

ok, y'all are making me nervous... *biting nails* Although I've read alot of posts on this site and heard raving reviews about the lap band. I'm scared that it may not work for me. Or something. IDK...

I CANT WAIT until I put on my Geyonce *uh oh uh oh* dress. My birthday just passed, but next year? WOOT! Your posts remind me alot of... ME. *lol*

gotta laught to keep from crying sometimes *lol* This certain helps me feel my way thru and put things into perspective. Your words are encouring. Thanks!!