wow, i have been banded with plication for almost 2 yrs

and been on this forum for 2 yrs 4 months..where has the time gone?

i am happier today then i was when i started in Feb 2012...compared to

where i am now today..

the only (advice) i want to give is the following (take it or ignore it):

• call your doctor if you are hurting or concerned or need (assistance w/questions can i or should i eat/do/drink)
• i strongly advise anyone to do what THEIR doctor says, not mine or anyone elses..
• use common sense (you cant gain true weight overnight and you wont lose true weight overnight)
• eating more calories than you burn off will make you gain weight with or without any WLS
• reality is clothes sizes getting smaller is a accurate sign of losing weight (dont focus totally on the metal monster)
• you do not have to be at goal in six months...get there when you do...WLS has no expiration date

and last but not least

believe in yourself to give yourself credit..you know if you eat too much of the not so great food chioices out there

dont say the WLS did not stop you..you stop you.....YOU can control yourself..(you wont step out in front of a train would you??)

WLS will help you but it wont be the save all as that part is up to you and me

be well and all the best to you.

Lisa, I'm not much on roast turkey either. Or chicken. I still roast a chicken once a week for old times' sake, but I have about a bite and am done. Chicken thighs cooked French style with stock and veggies work very well for me and if I use turkey burger I add stock to that at the end as well -- breaks down any texture that might be an issue for me. I used to love a great big roast chicken leg but not anymore.

Speaking of 'back of the closet', this trip to Florida was spent mostly at a store called 'Arlene's Closet'. Not a real store...my mom (Arlene) held onto some very high quality outfits that she hasn't worn in many years as she no longer fits in them. She told me she gave away alot of stuff over the years but held onto a few choice items. I fit into all of them. In fact, some are a little big.

She gave me an outfit that I can wear for any formal occasion that she wore for my neice's Bat Mitzvah. I remember it and I know she spent like $500 for it. She also gave me a beautiful pair of black slacks and a fancy matching top that she used to wear open like a jacket but I can easily close. I'm wearing it to my company Christmas Party next Saturday. She also gave me two silk blouses. I've never worn real silk before. And she gave me a couple of sweaters that I'm sure cost an arm and a leg as well. They are the first 'fitted' sweaters I've worn in years. You know....short and clingy instead of big and bulky.

I've been giving her stuff for months that's too big for me and now she's giving me stuff that's too small for her. The difference is that I'm giving her 'throwaway' type of items because I didn't want to spend alot, and in return, I'm getting the better stuff...including the two full length minks and the mink jacket.

@@gowalking I love it!!! You will enjoy those Mink's in the city in the winter that is for SURE!!!

Arlene's Closet, lol.

TGIF Family!!!! Getting ready to head out of the office and get my acupuncture zen on!!! Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Thanks to all my bander friends who keep me sane daily. Luvya.

Hello my friends I hope you are all doing well. Tomorrow is the big day....I am off to Disney/Universal for 7 days. My reward for hitting the goal I set 2+ years ago. I already expect my first NSV when I sit down in that Plane without needing two seats or an armrest that lifts and.....and NO seatbelt extender!!!

Found some old jeans in the closet that was a blast from past and wanted to share.

.

Be well and talk to you all in about a week

Have a wonderful trip Jim.....you have earned this vacation that you planned for 2 years.???? Those jeans are a hoot! What a change in health and image you went through.Congrats

@@Jim1967 I posted under 300lbs later am I living a dream fact or reality , It looks like it's reality you are living now , so did you or have you got to your goal I can't remember , CONGRATS though , have a great time on the plane & your trip .

Enjoy every minute of your trip and the many NSV's. You certainly deserve it

The weather is AMAZING right now, I think you will enjoy that as much as Mickey!!

@@Jim1967 how an you leave NH when we're having this lovely weather, lol! Have a blast in FL. So happy for you. And a picture is worth a thousand words. You are amazing.

Well I got dressed up in a loose dress & went out dancing at a Alumni reunion for my High School so much fun I was dancing so much & talking to people that time got away from me before I knew it the place was closing .

What great fun! I'm guessing it is much different than if you had gone years ago ( or even if you would have gone) congrats on a fun reunion

Happy Monday everyone. It is snowing in Boston, which means Jim and Kelly most likely would have snow in NH, so they are lucky to be in FL.

I am watching Steve Harvey and they just had some women that asked, is this weird? and there were 2 therapists. This, I could never make up. The tall beautiful blonde said, I have been with my boyfriend for 7 years. He is the most gorgeous man you have ever seen and all women look at him. I don't trust him, so for the past 4 years every day when he leaves the house, I write my name at his private parts and take a picture. When he comes home I make sure it looks the same. He did cheat the first 3 years. Imagine going on national tv and saying this? They all said he could get around the name. She is stupid. I love dumb people. That is why we have comics because they don't need to make up shit, it comes out of people's mouths.

I hope you are all enjoying this time of the year.

Have a great day.

Arlene