Hi

It has always been that way.  Yes, it is more difficult with a little pain but it only lasts for a minute or so.  It is like giving blood when the vein can't be found.  My doc does not use any pain meds and I like that - only one stick.  It is not a big issue.

I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Pictures show I wasn't really until around age 8, coincidentally that is when my father was in an accident that left him disabled, and major changes happened in my life. Food became my friend because my parents were busy dealing with all of that. Unfortunately, that friendship has been a lifelong one. The band is slowly helping me break that, although the breakup has been a hard one.
I've given away a ton of clothes, and have started going through the boxes of clothes I saved for "when I lose weight". Finally wearing some of them, but the style is a little out of date. Thank goodness jeans stay pretty much the same! I've got nice work clothes I need to get to the consignment shop in Minot. Can't just give those away.

I can relate to having family emotional issues.  My father died in WWII when I was 3 mo. old and my mother remarried when I was 11.  When my parents were dating, they would give me a comic, a bottle of pepsi and a big can of potato chips to eat.  Go figure.  My mother was very controlling and she taught graduate dietitics as her job.  She had many many comments and suggestions on my weight which only led to my lack of self confidence since I didn't think she was accepting me as I was.  I am over all that - thank goodness.  The real kicker is that I was not really fat.  Pictures show that I was pretty normal but not thin.

Hi girls,
I am also seeing michael schmit.  Well, i havent seen him yet.  I have my first appointment on 9/28, and i am so overly excited.  Its so nice to see people from the area and to chat with them.  I look forward to getting to know ya'll more. 

I also have been overweight my whole life.  I have struggled several times to loose weight and have succeeded but it never last long and it just makes things harder for me not to mention sadder.  I want to get healthy and love myself totally.  I cant wait to see myself thin!!

I can remember how excited I was.  I hope you love the band as much as I do.  Maybe during the next year, we can all meet some time some where. 

I am so excited because I will get measured and weighed tonight.  I got a personal trainer which I just love.  I haven't weighed myself for a month so I am anxious to see the results.

Please let us know when you are scheduled for surgery.

Believe me you will know when I get scheduled for surgery.  shoot you may even hear me shooting for joy!!!  I am still hoping that insurance will cover me.  I had some times during the last 3 years where I would loose weight and dropped below 40 bmi.  Prayer works though so thats what I am doing.

You have not weighed in a month.  You do have will power, LOL. I am sure you are excited about getting weighed/measured.  Tell us all how it goes.

I got weighed last night at the gym and I lost 9 pounds in August.  The measurements were all over the place some higher and some lower so she said don't count them.  She thinks she made a mistake when she first measured me. 

I know weight 206.5 at night with shoes and clothes on.  So in my mind I would be about 205 in the morning stark naked.  I am so jazzed about getting under 200 this month. 

i would be excited too, to get under 200 lbs.  All my dieting/exercise i have done 200 has always been the point i could not cross. 
Congrats!! 9 lbs in August, and almost going below 200.  Job well done..i must say

So, whats your total weight loss?

Sorry this is late - I have been sick with pneumonia.  But, I am on the mend now. 

I have lost about 50 pounds - it is hard to say exactly because I have two initial weights - go figure!!  I still want to lose at least 50 more.  It is my understanding that you can get a tummy tuck (of sorts) if you lose over 100 pounds.  I would like to weigh between 135 and 145. 

What are your goals?