Lurkers: Show Yourselves!

Yes, you do, exercise to beat the band!!!! And we love ya for it! Kathy

Hi Lori, Yes, I excercise at least 4 days per week. However, my workout needs to increase and I am starting to do that. Hopefully that willl help. I really need to work on my eating.. and SABATOGE...nite time is the worst time for me. I think with the warmer weather coming, it will also help as I will be able to get out with my kids and run around alot more. I am the proud Mom to 3 year old triplets... so extra time for myself is really hard. Hugs Marla

Marla, I can eat 4 oz at a meal at this point in time. Honest! I don't think that is alot to eat at this point out from surgery. Sounds like you know what you need to do. I hope your visit to the support group tomorrow provides the inspiration you need. If not, come here and post. We'll help! Hugs, Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thanks! Yes, I know what to do... most overweight people do I think... we are professional dieters.... its about DOING it... I have such an addication to food..... and binge eating... I wish I could stop... I am working on it for sure in some sort of form. I do excercise...at least 4 days a week.... but I realize that I need to increast that as well. I don't know...your right... 4 oz of chicken is not alot... I guess I was just happier and used to 2 bits.. making me feel full... that does not happen. I can eat a nice size salad with chicken on it... with no problem. I do notice that it keeps me alot fuller then it would have pre-op... I am just trying to get used to this way of eating.... AND I need to STOP the sabatage! Many hugs! Marla

Remember, salad when chewed up compresses to virtually nothing so it may look like you ate alot when in fact...it is mostly water (if lots of lettuce) and compresses up to very little. It is more of a perspective thing. I swear something I think I can eat alot but when I step back and think about it...when minced finely...it takes up almost no space at all. Dense proteins are another story! Last night, I decided to have some pretzels. They were dipping pretzels so short and thick. A serving size according to the bag was 18 sticks for 23 carbs. Ouch! But, there was no way I could eat 18. I think I did half that and my belly said "enough". Sometimes I need reminders like that to let me know that the pouch is in charge and that I cannot overeat otherwise I'd probably feel crappy or may even throw up. Plus, I know that a year ago...I could have easily polished off 5-6 servings in one sitting. No doubt about it. Do you have access to a counselor that could help with the binge eating issues? Sometimes working that stuff out is hard to do on your own no matter how hard you tried. I worked on much of this years ago. It definitely helped. Of course, I had a huge appetite so I was able to keep my weight up nice and high without really bingeing and by just plain eating. I'm not saying that I never think of food during times of stress, boredom, anxiety, etc... but I think I'm better at it and think I recognize it before it happens and can stop and think before I do. Good luck to ya! Hugs again, Kathy

Hi, everyone! I haven't been posting much, either. Just reading about how well everyone is doing and looking for answers to the situations I get myself in: "Popcorn has given me gas. What can I take?" "How the heck do I get off of this plateau?"... stuff like that. I'm between 205 and 208 depending on how many carbs I've had. (lol) So, I've lost 105 pounds from the surgery, and 120 total. YAY! I really want to get below 200#, but my body is just so freaking comfortable here. I work out an average of 3 days a week, so I need to really up that to 5 days and quit whining about it. I had a big wow the other day: I went to Wal Mart to pick up a pair of their Levi's because my 16s were a bit baggy ($19! My jeans used to cost $39.50 from Lane Bryant! $19 is practically FREE!!!). My Mom told me to try a 14 and a 12 since they're stretch. The 14s fit perfectly, and I would have stopped there, but Mom reminded me that for jeans a "perfect" fit in the store is usually a baggy fit in life. Gotta love Moms, right? So I tried the 12s. They felt a tiny bit snug, but they got up my thighs, over my bootie and BUTTONED!!! My jaw was on the friggin' floor!!! 12s!!!!! YAYYYYY!!!! Yeah, I bought both pair. I guess I'm going through what everyone else is: fighting carbs... trying not to graze... identifying with anorexics ... changing my habits... doing well some days, and not-so-great on others... reminding myself that these changes are forever, and to quote Prince: "And that's a mighty long time, I'm here to tell you!" No one can be perfect forever, right? So, I'm off to a support group meeting and to the gym afterwards. All of you are doing great and have helped me (and other lurkers) in ways you can only imagine. Thank you!!! Tiffany S 328/313/205/???

Tiffany, Congratulations on the size 12s! Thanks for delurking. Nice to know who is out there going through the same things we all are. Kathy

Ken here! Seems like I have been lurking forever...... Approaching the 10 month mark on the 23rd.... Down from 373 to 229 Waist 56 to 38 Neck 22 to 17 Shirt 3X to Large About another 10 lbs and I will be at my Goal of 150 lbs.....and if it takes another 2 months thats OK.... I am now a clothes shopaholic...... Shopped at Casual Big & Tall for years.....now it's Men's Wear House and Ralph Lauren...........YES!!!!!! I am off all meds including 3 oral diabetic meds and 120 units of insulin daily. Readings are in the 90's and low 100's with no medication at all!!!! Best thing I ever did... Gotta go the Pizza Man is here.....just kidding LOL Ken

Howdy, Ken! Nice to feel the male presence around here once in a while. Rooster in the ol' henhouse, eh? LOL! You are doing fabulously! My husband Rich had the surgery in August of 2004 and I know he loves to go shopping now. He loves clothing. He loves not having to go to Casual Big & Tall or mail order. He loves buying off the rack! How was that pizza? Kathy

I have to say i do read everyone's almost every day but dont post because i feel that i really have nothing to had. ITs been tough on me something i would do all over again but this whole time i have worrieda bout streching my new tummy out. I have to say cathy i have read your post every time i see them and you have come a long ways you look great. LIke a diffrent person. I have lost 117 so far. some people tell me its over i wont lose anymore i wanted to get down to 140 but that is still a long way. I have been at 172 for about 3 months now. Guess this is were i am gonna stay. I would love to get into a 12 but im still in 16 and they are the strech ones Dont get me wrong i love the weight that i have lost and i look prety good but i wanted to make it down a little more. Hope you have a great day you all are looking great i must say. Tammy