Positive people unite! This thread is being created for the sole use of positive people to give positive reinforcement to others in the group that we care about. We know that we may disagree on some issues but we will offer constructive criticism, objective suggestions, we will always give kind support even when delivering the occasional (but necessary) kick in the pants.

((((((((BOBBIE))))))))) :mad2::frown::woot: Of course I remember you!!!! So happy to hear you are still alive and kickin and that you are getting fixed up

Great to hear from you Bobbie! We missed you! Pop on and check in when you can. I hope the band issues get worked out. The job situation sounds much brighter.

Welcome bacK Bobbie! With the new job you will be right back on track!

Hang in there Stacie and you have every right to vent!

Melody you will find what works. Stay encouraged.

Okay I got a letter yesterday. My surgeon is leaving! I will see him for the last time on November 11. I looked up new surgeons/bariatric centers that insurance will approve now--new rule that they must be on the list. My current doctor was not because of him using a smaller hospital he does his surgeries is not approved, so it works out for the best--now if I ever had to (God forbid) have revision or corrective surgeries, I could get approved. Most importantly Phil can get a proper fill and we can be friends again:)

Bobbie!!!! Welcome home honey!!!

I hit 91 pounds this morning, 203...so close to the 100's I can almost taste it! I also got called a hottie...which was a very nice thing...even considering the source was kind of a dork, I'll still take it. And this morning I put on my sexy black boots for the first time this season only to discover the calves are gapingly huge. I mean HUGE...I wore 'em anyway but doubt I will again. I hadn't thought about my boots not fitting any more. Kinda sad cause I LOVED 'em and they're only a year old, but worth it, oh so worth it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bobbie!!!! Welcome home honey!!!

I hit 91 pounds this morning, 203...so close to the 100's I can almost taste it! I also got called a hottie...which was a very nice thing...even considering the source was kind of a dork, I'll still take it. And this morning I put on my sexy black boots for the first time this season only to discover the calves are gapingly huge. I mean HUGE...I wore 'em anyway but doubt I will again. I hadn't thought about my boots not fitting any more. Kinda sad cause I LOVED 'em and they're only a year old, but worth it, oh so worth it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Way to go hot mama! Go out and get some sexy boots. I went to the nutritionist got to get focussed to reach my goal.

Christie! You are a hottie with a naughty body! Woohoo! Even with my loss my calves are too big for boots. I blame it on genetics, thanks Mom!

Bobbie! Welcome back! The gain must feel devastating, but you are back with medical care now, keep focused on that.

Christie: Zipline? You're more courageous than I am. Rollercoasters are about my limit. Have fun! The boots are a great NSV moment, but a bit of bummer...unless you enjoy the excuse to buy a new pair.

Bobbie: Good to see you again! Sorry to hear about the 15 pounds, but glad to hear about the jobs!

Melody

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Good morning, bandsters. Well it was until I read a post from a 'troll' who apparently is paranoid and thinks I have nothing better to do than follow her around and disagree with her.

On the bright side of the morning, my new diet seems to be working. In 5 days I've lost 6 pounds. Now *that* is more like it! This is the type of loss I used to get on Atkins, but for some reason wasn't working this time. After hanging around on some Optimal Diet lists though, I now understand why. Did you know that if you eat too much protein, it can create the same problem carbs do...increased blood glucose levels? Not necessarily a problem for everyone, but can be for diabetics. So now I not only am watching my daily carbs, I'm watching my daily protein.

In the space of 5 days, not only have I lost 6 pounds, but I'm now only taking my Lantus in the morning. I've had to discontinue my insulin at meals because my blood sugars are running around 100! Amazing!

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Edited November 8, 201015 yr by ElfiePoo

I don't know if this is going to work, but thought since I'm now down at the same weight as I was in September when the 'new' picture was taken, that I'd post my before and 'in progress' pic.

The pic on the left is me at 330 (which I have *never* showed to anyone before). The one on the right is me at 225. Still have a long way to go but I'm still thrilled at the 'lesser' me! I wish I had one standing, but I still love this one because I can see the loss of weight in my face, neck, legs and arms...not to mention the width of my torso! I'm posting this on my refrigerator as motivation.

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Edited November 8, 201015 yr by ElfiePoo

There are the crocs too!

Thanks for posting pics Melody. I don't do facebook so I keep picturing you as the little elf lounging on a leaf.

Yes, I too see the changes. Your legs, your torso, your face and neck.......wow!

I'm a bit freaked out still about posting pics. It's a head issue. I have a really bad before pic, but no after pics.

Edited November 8, 201015 yr by Humming Bird

There are the crocs too!

Thanks for posting pics Melody. I don't do facebook so I keep picturing you as the little elf lounging on a leaf.

Yes, I too see the changes. Your legs, your torso, your face and neck.......wow!

I'm a bit freaked out still about posting pics. It's a head issue. I have a really bad before pic, but no after pics.

HB...my husband's nickname for me from the day we met has been "Elf" only he addresses everything to me as W.L. Elf...as in 'World's Largest'...which I will still be at 130 pounds. It'd have to be one large leaf for me to 'lounge' on.

You know what...the really horrible before pics make the 'after' pics look even better!

I've always had a thing about posting my picture but finally realized that if someone isn't going to like me...or think less of me...because of what I look like...stuff 'em. When we went to Disney, I even put on a swimsuit and went to the pool...saggy elephant thighs and all.

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Melody-- Pictures! I know that is a big emotional step for you. I'm glad you are feeling good enough to share these with us. And they are wonderful! BTW, how do you find time to diet when you spend so much time following WB. around disputing everything she says?

Christie-- Girl, just buy some new boots for those skinny calves!

Shammah-- Did your nut say anything interesting that will help us too? I am self pay so I don't have that resource so I mooch off of everyone else, so please share.

Bobbie! Its great to hear from you, I see you some on facebook but we want to hear from you here too. I really limit what I say on facebook since my son and his friends are on my page, I feel like we can say so much more on here.

Stacie-- I'm really pulling for you on the whole band position thing, it will work out one way or another. I have faith, there is always an answer we just have to look harder to find it sometimes.

Elcee-- I'm glad were friends on facebook, I love seeing your posts, its refreshing to have a non-American view of things too.

Even though I have not been posting I have been reading every day. I have been struggling in my personal life and it is coming to a head, I think today will be the day that hard decisions will be made, please keep me in your thoughts today.

BTW, how do you find time to diet when you spend so much time following WB. around disputing everything she says?

Bahahaha...thank you for putting this in the proper perspective for me.

I have been struggling in my personal life and it is coming to a head, I think today will be the day that hard decisions will be made, please keep me in your thoughts today.

Oh Leigha, I am so sorry you even have to deal with this. Just remember that you are a strong woman and can handle this no matter what the decision is. {{Leigha}}

I just have to say that every time folks refer to their nutritionist as a 'nut', it gives me a giggle.

Melody

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Hey Leigha--I cannot say my NUT offered much that has not been heard before. She put me at 1600 calories a day, 400 calories per mean and 100-150 calories if I need to snack. She did say, however, that if I need to snack, that I definitely need a fill (DUH). She said to keep a balance of whole-grain carbs if bread, or fruits and veggies--no more than 90-100 net carbs a day, around 30 carbs with each meal. Then gave me a bunch of meal and snack suggestions that were quick and easy and high in protein--same spill, log every calorie, eat protein first, no drinking and eating at same time, blah, blah like I just got my band. I just went to her because it is free and to make me accountable. Of course exercise 5 days. Not to drink my meals, etc same stuff!

After all that, I still had my shake for breakfast:). I have to grocery shop to start her plan, so will try her way end of this week.

I was trying to tell her how drastically the new job changed me life and wanted to hear help how to get deal with new job and focus on me. It is hard to focus on me when you run a school. With the band, you have to be frankly selfish and be about you--not as easy to do now. She was not helpful in that aspect, so I just said, hey I need to sit down, and plan for myself. I decided one, to cook up a bunch of food and freeze it, break out the crock pot, and bring a bunch of my protein stuff at school. Exercise I took care of when I joined the gym close to the school so I can just leave and go straight there--now I just need to make sure I schedule that. (I explained to her that I had a death and had been out of town and soon as we got back in town, mom has been in hospital--just got out yesterday and had messed up my exercise routine the past few weeks--she just looked at me as if I was just making excuses:mad:)