Hi everyone who is having surgery in October 2014. We can start a new topic for those of us who have had surgery already.

This is the spot were we will all end up, were we'll share our stories and recovery. It will be a new dawn for so many of us. Let's stay close as united we will conquer anything that comes our way!

BEST WISHES GLADIATORS

Ooops didn't mean to hit POST yet...

School is still going well, I have A's in both classes. The nutrition class is pretty interesting. My teacher knows I've had the bypass surgery and said we talk about that at some point and asked if I'd like to share. I said, sure! She's already called me out a few times in regards to my high Protein diet. In general, the US eats excess protein, which leads to weight gain if people aren't active enough, or don't burn off what they don't need. But obviously my case is different. She always adds, "and you're under a Dr.'s care with your high protein diet, correct?" Yeps!!

I think I had mentioned before my knees were giving me issues. I've only been back to my "intense" workout class once since then. I really think I'm not quite ready for that class, unfortunately When I dread going....it can't be a good thing.

All I've done is walking lately. Need to get in some weights or something! I might end up going back to my other gym I'd been going to. Frustrating because I really wanted to be able to handle that intense class. Ugh... we're supposed to go tomorrow morning, we'll see what happens. Maybe if I try it once more, I'll make my decision for sure.

Okay--so a couple of "skinny person" issues I've come across. It's SO weird to have "skinny person" issues!! (sorry if I've already whined about these, LOL)

Shaving my arm pits!? I don't know how to explain it, but there's like a deep concave area that I just can't get the razor into, LOL!!!

Bleacher sitting....OMG, that tush padding came in a bit handy evidently!!! My butt bones literally feel bruised the next day after sitting at my son's football games!

I am FREEZING all of the time!!!! I am seriously going to die of coldness this winter I think....I think I'll have to move to a warm, beach island, for sure.

I was thinking I had another one, but I can't remember right now, LOL.

Ok, I'd better go get some work done!

I need to figure out how to make a picture thingy that shows a "Before and After" picture all in one?!

Isn't it great that we can all assess where we were, where we are and where we are going with a much better lens!

Beni - your insights are always spot on.

Amylynns - hope your rib feels better.... Glad it was a "fixable" problem.

Hey guess what guys? Found out on my bday!

Hey guess what guys? Found out on my bday!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday!

Hey guess what guys? Found out on my bday!

1) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2) good job!!

3) OMG SHUT UP!! congratulations!!

Hey, how is everyone doing? It's our anniversary month!!!! I did my first 5k this weekend, and as I was jogging, I said to my sister in law, "a year ago today, I wouldn't be able to do even half of this without stopping and gasping for life". It was a wonderful feeling! I have been going thru some really emotional times lately, and old habits are creeping up :-( I broke up for good with the guy I was with for 3 yrs, and I've been seeing a guy for the last 2 months, who is amazing all around, cute as hell , and encourages me to make the healthier choices. But I'm starting to miss the ex. I think it's a comfortability thing, or maybe not, who knows. But I do know that going thru this and all the Halloween candy in front of me everywhere I go, and pumpkin spice this and that, it's not a good mix.

Congratulations Bronx!!

Thank you ladies !

Congrats Bronx!!! Hot stuff!

Luna, I can relate! A few bad habits have crept up on me. I think it's all the changes I've been going through. Carbs are an old friend.... So is wine. We have come so far, I really hate it when I slip! The good news about the job is I walk to and from work - which is over 4 miles total. But, I need to get healthy eating routines.

Luna- I have a question for you. Your new guy sounds GREAT the way you describe him. Do you feel you don't deserve him? Just do an ego check! See if that's why you miss the old guy who didn't treat you as well.

Hi Everyone,

Loved all your posts can't believe it has been a year. As soon as I have a minute I will respond to some of your posts. Got to run

I am getting alot of attention. It is some what disturbing because I am not used to it. Just yesterday i went into the local library & was propositioned. The guy said you are so feminine i am hoping your not married so i can go home with you. Really! I told him well i am married see my ring. Geez Men dont care if your married. I have currently started counseling to learn how to not feel guilty for blossoming. My husband is attending with me because me living my new life has him scared to death. My husband & I this weekend in Albuquerque, NM at the Balloon festival. Anyone else running into these problems?

@@LisaCO

Absolutely running into these problems. The plumber was checking me out, imagine that. He was full on flirting too, OMG. I honestly did not know what to do. I regressed back to high school, the last time this was going on. My inner reaction was - you creep. But then, a part of me liked it. I am in no danger of going down that road but I could see how someone single could replace food with sex. It scares me a little because other women probably deal with this all their lives and have learned to cope. We on the other end are completely unprepared with the self confidence to handle it. When we were obese there was a little comfort in being invisible. That cloak is gone. Now we have to face the world in a new way. I don't think my husband knows how to handle it either. But then maybe he needs to because we were taken for granted for so long we became pieces of furniture. Like a comfortable recliner that is always there. We must take life in our own hands and carve a path in the full knowledge that we are "ALL THAT" and we deserve nothing but the best. As I put my foot forward everyday I want it to be to become better and make the world around me better. Nearly one year on, I am at a point were I think I can look towards being amazing become I am, I always was but I was lost in a sea of despair and self pity. I wouldn't even speak up because I felt I was the fat woman nobody cared about.

@@amylynns

I think your Breakfast doesn't sound that bad. My NUT tells me the key thing is not so much what you eat (as long as you are within the range of healthy food) but how you eat. Those of us that get in trouble are the ones who are not following these requirements. We have to eat 3 meals and they have to last a good portion of time. 20 to 25 minutes. I don't usually make it but I try. And then a couple Snacks. There have been days that I was more like 10 tiny snacks and no meals. NO GOOD. If I don't eat a proper meal, I am a little hungry two hours later.

I am so proud of you forgoing back to school and pursue your dream. This is it folks. Time to rock and roll!