This is hard to talk about, but how do you give support to others ...

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

when it's hard to give yourself support?? I'm struggling.. at least I feel that I am. Some days are better than others, these past few days have been the pits. All I'm thinking about is food.. sometimes I get something, sometimes I scold myself and I don't. I talked with Max tonight, told him how much I appreciate his support.. cried as I told him I feel like a failure.. that I am a food addict, that I hate thinking about food constantly..

I'm not totally sure why I created this thread, maybe just to put it out there.. I didn't do it to plead for sympathy, I do know that.. I guess I just needed to put it out there.. so that I can see it.. maybe learn to deal with it. Anyway.. there .. it's out there now.. not sure if I feel better, but it's in black and white.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

You are most definitely NOT a failure, sweet Donna Lou !!! But you probably are a food addict, as I suppose we all are. I've been struggling the past few days myself. So much so that I decided, too heck with it, I'm going to bed this afternoon to avoid the world. Then a good thing happened. I didn't have to think about food or feel guilty about what I was eating, because I was sleeping. I got up and ate a healthy dinner, and now I feel I've had a successful day. I see you supporting others all the time. I believe that's the best thing we can do. Passing on strength to others does help us to bolster our own ,,, Don't feel confident??? You have heard the expression fake it till you make it? For some reason our emotions often take us in the direction we lead them. Give yourself a hug from me !!! I'm sure the journey will even out for you again pretty soon ,,,

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Thinking, crying, going to bed.. Thank you from me to you. The hug felt good. G'night.

[MoOrLess]

I can't say it any better than Judy just did...but I DO know that we all feel this way - yes Donna, you are definitely not alone. I'm sorry we haven't been connecting up more often -- perhaps having one-on-one time in October (I know it doesn't help right now) will help all of us. It isn't easy being a bandster - nothing 'magical' happens - it IS head work - and we NEED one another on our rough days. Right now - it's your rough day - tomorrow may be mine (it sure was yesterday!)...

hugs and hope you get a peaceful night sleep...

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Good morning, Donna. I'm sending up a prayer that things will look brighter for you today and sending more hugs hoping to help you get your "grit" back. I have no wonderful words of wisdom to impart, cuz I can't tell you anything you don't already know ,, except maybe that I feel blessed to have you in my life. Take care of you and never give up. xoxoxo

[Patrick]

One HUGE thing Donna, you are not alone. We all struggle with food addiction. You were just brave enough to post it out there for all of us to see and recognize ourselves. You are a great support because you are real and believeable. We can trust you to to be honest with our feelings. That is the wonderful support that we get, and need, on this site. I would have never lost the weight that I have without recognizing that I am not alone in this. I am one of a whole bunch of great people whom I have come to love as family.
Donna, you hang in there, these feelings hit us all from time to time. Just live through it, keep in solid touch with all of us (since we are right there with you) and you will come out the other side of these urges with renewed vigor.

[Dieseldolly]

Donna, You are not a failure and like everyone said, we all are food addicts. I am so sorry you are going through this, but just remember you are not alone. We all are rooting for you. Hugs to you sweetie and you take care.

[chrispygal]

Oh Donna, I wish I could just give you a big hug! I understand what you feel. I honestly, honestly do. I had a horrible time last fall/winter, felt just how you did, and felt so helpless with my addiction (I know it's an addiction for me). I sought out special couselors in my area that deal with food addiction and compulsive eating disorders. Unfortunately there was a long waiting list, which I am still on. I have been doing better with my feelings and emotions, but it is hard to accept that this is so tough sometimes. Please don't feel like you are alone and even in our darkest times we can cheer on and support our friends, like you always do. I hope you're feeling better today. xoxoxo

[SpookyJulz]

Donna,
You are such a sweety and you are always right at the top of the list of supporters for everyone else. Why is it that we are so good at being a support for others but we just don't seem to hold the same regard for ourselves. I've been told that we have "love thy neighbor as thyself backwards." We should say "love yourself first, so that you are able to love others unconditionally."

Sometimes you just need to put it out there and realize that we are all in the same boat. You are not alone. Love ya!!

[SweetCori]

Donna, I hope you're feeling better today. You're a wonderful and sweet person and I know I'm glad to have "met" you on here, as I can see lots of others are! I can't add anymore to what anyone else has said. We all feel the same way you do. I know I don't always have the answers others who are going through this or thinking about getting the band want, but I try, even on my off days.

I still consider myself a newbie to all this banding stuff and you have ALWAYS made me feel better whenever I have felt frustrated. I just posted to the Michigan group back to you and now I see we should definitely meet up sooner than later so I can give you a great big hug (I'll make it big enough for everyone in b2g!) and personal thank you for the help you've given me.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

You guys have no idea how much you've helped me. I feel somewhat better today.. still struggling, but as I read all your posts, I cried like a baby.

I got up this morning, drank my coffee, sitting in my chair and just reflecting back on what I had posted last night. I knew I needed to get it down, somewhere, to put it out there so I could read it and really recognize it. I thought to myself that it was a start. I ate lunch (my usual of protein powder, sf pudding, Greek yogurt, ff cool whip, which really is filling).. then canned 4 1/2 qts of pickled beets. Then we got ready and we went to the birthday party for our neighbor and her brother. I knew there was going to be very good food there.. plus cake and all the other stuff.. I had a little of everything, but I knew I would. One of my neighbors (who also happened to have GBS) was there, and we talked. She asked how I was doing, I told her the same thing that I started this thread with. She listened, and we talked about feelings about food. She started out at 360 lbs and has lost over 177 lbs.. so she knows all the feelings like we all do. Then she asked me if I was still walking to the corner yet.. I told her no.. she put her hand on my knee and said.. "Donna.. you need to walk, even if it's just for peace of mind".. and she suggested at our support meeting this Wed, I need to talk about this there, (because I know she'll be there and if I don't say anything she will raise her hand for me, she's done it before.. lol). We had to come home early because Max has to work tonight, so before it got dark, I walked to the corner and back 2 times, I think that's about 1.5 miles.. and she was right.. it felt good to have peace of mind while walking.

I was going to answer each one of you individually, but then I thought I might just put all this into one post.. and thank you ALL for being here for me AND everyone here. I only wish I could feel a connection with some people in my immediate area (besides MarkB and his wife Carol).. like I feel on here.

You all honestly have become such a special part of my life. I don't know of another place that I can open up, feel so vulnerable, but never judged as I do here. Bless you all!!!

[Patrick]

You are really getting the hang of this, Donna, congratulations.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Thank you so much Patrick. And congrats on your weight loss this week.. great job!!

[kristina]

hey sweet lady. i am late..as usual lately..but i have to say you have been my biggest cheerleader from start to finish. i cant thank you enough. if there is any way i can help u...i want to. this may sounds nutts...but when i stop worrying about losing- i actually do. before i was working out..barely eating and never dropping a pound. now i eat what i want..not alot, obviously...i "work out" for fun...like today i swam for 4 hours..yesterday i rode my bike for 4 miles. cause i WANTED to not cause i had to..and i am losing weight. i want u to live.and be happy. and stop worrying about the weight loss..it will come..and it has. u have done amazing!!!! i just love u...ur a precious soul..and we are all so grateful to have u in our lives. :)

[newlifeat57]

Good morning Donna, It was good to talk to you last night.

I totally understand the feeling of being unworthy to give advice when we don't seem to take our own or others advice to achieve that success. However, I have realized, that the more I speak it out the better I get at following the rules. I'm not losing as fast as some, because there are a lot of factors that are at work here.....

Everyone of us, that have struggled with their weight for most of their lives, know what to do to achieve success. But do we do it? No... because..... imho.... I think the problem is that we expect it to happen pronto, yesterday, last week.....and guess what? It took many of us decades to get where we are and I believe it will take some of us a lot longer to "get" the message and the lessons that need to be learned through all the layers of garbage that we have cluttering up our brain.

We are a work in progress. This journey is made of today and only today. If you tell yourself that you are successful then you will believe it and be successful (That one is the hardest for me to do and believe). I know these may sound cliche, but they are true. Don't stop giving advice. You are passing on words of wisdom and I think the more we say it, the more we will believe it.

I like judy's saying... "Fake it till you make it!!"

love ya.....mean it!!!....big hugs

[MyGenesis]

Hey Donna;
Every day is a struggle and I imagine that it will always be that way. My husband is a recovering alcoholic...16 years now. Not a days goes by that he doesn't want a drink... I think that the path we are all on is not so dissimilar. Difference being that one can go "cold turkey" from alcohol but not from food. So our journey will always be about making the right choices not just turning totally away from our addiction and there in lies the struggle.

The beauty is that each day gives us a new opportunity to start again and to make it better that the last.

You are not a failure...we are ALL recovering food-aholics and this is our support group! We are all wrapping our arms around you and holding you up as you have done so many times for the rest of us... Smile in the knowledge that you have been there for others...You need to be there for you! (I prayed for you today...)
God Bless...

[Dieseldolly]

Donna, I am so glad you have someone close to talk too and get a big hug, from when you need it. Take one from her for all of us. Keep up on the walking, it is quiet time for me, and I love it. Take care of yourself and remember we are support team. Lean on all of us, I have learned so much from all of you, and you are all an inspiration.

[Patrick]

Donna, as I sit here tonight, I cannot thank you enough for this thread. We all are here with such a shared struggle, but we all understand it so much that we can offer each other support, not matter what our own individual lives are going through. I am struggling now, but not so different from the beginning of my journey, and your thread is a real morale booster. The support that we give each other does really help us to 'fake it until we make it'!!!!!!!!!!!!
It it not what we do each day, it is what we manage to accomplish over a year. Even a few pounds means that not only have we lost (never mine what our 'goals' are) but that we spent that amount of time without gaining. Just think about that for a victory chant!!!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[savannah smiles]

I have two whiney girls who need to get sent to bed so I just want to pop in quickly and say that I often have to remind myself that progress isn't linear. You rarely go from point A, to point B and so on. There's a lot of backtracking and sideroads that we have to take to get where we're going. ((hugs))

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Again.. this is going to be a blanket thank you to everyone.. I've learned a lot about myself these past few days. If anything I've learned that this is an ongoing thing (I put journey down, but that almost sounds like a vacation, and this is not a vacation). I need to really look into myself and really feel and understand where all this is coming from.

Kristina, I tend to 'over think and over analyze' things, to the point of exasperation. You would think that I'd realize this doesn't get me anywhere and stop it.. but I'm afraid that's my make up. I find that if I try to keep track of food, like each morsel that goes in my mouth, I do worse than better. I tried it both ways this week, and it seems that when I started counting calories or points, that's when my tailspin began... so I've decided no more .. do what Sandy (my NP) said.. eat when you're hungry, if you're not hungry.. don't eat.

Mel.. it's always good to talk to you.. I enjoy it. I know we talked about wanting results fast.. and that we're a work in progress, and when Max tells me that it took me 50 yrs to put it on, it's not going to come off fast.. for some reason that makes me feel worse. It's like almost hitting a brick wall when he tells me that, or even when the Dr tells me that.. I'm not sure why it bugs me so much.

Bonnie, thank you so much for your prayers. I've always said that food addiction is like being an alcoholic.. but I'm also not the first to think this. If I didn't have to eat to live, I'd be ok.. it's after I take that first bite of food that the whole day can spiral out of control. And it's just because I've made a choice of what food to eat.. I'm thinking about this long and hard. Congratulations to your husband.. I honestly mean that too.. having an addiction of any kind is 'hard'.. but that word 'hard' is over used I think.. but it's the only one I can think of. And I hope that didn't sound cocky, because it wasn't intended to be that way. :)

Mary.. I learn so much from so many people on here, and also from the lady I was talking about that had GBS too. The thing about what is so amazing about her is.. she is also my husband's cousin's wife. We had a falling out years ago.. things were said that hurt both sides. I never thought we'd have a connection again. But Max and I went to a seminar held by our Dr.. she was a speaker there, telling others what surgery she had, and how much she'd lost. She was surprised we were there, and we were surprised she was there. She told me that night if I needed any questions answered to give her a call.. so I called and asked her some questions about the Dr (we have the same Dr).. she told me she wouldn't have gone any place else, that he is amazing (and he is), and if I wanted to go to a support meeting to see what it was like I could ride along with her. That was the beginning of us getting a connection again. Who would have thought weight loss would heal 2 families? I feel blessed for this band in more ways than one.

Patrick.. each time I read one of your posts I smile. You've always been so positive with your support.. it's hard to imagine that you struggle too, but then again, look where we met online.. in a support group for lap band patients... if anything, this support group, is like no other. Thank you for your wise advice.. and your sense of humor.. even though I don't comment on some of the stuff you guys say.. I do get a kick out of it. :)

Thanks again everyone.. this part of my 'thing' (notice I didn't say journey) is far from over.

[PhotoNut]

Very wise words, Savannah. :)

Donna -- you know. :wink2: *hugs*

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Yep.. for sure Susan.. ;) Hugs!!!

[MoOrLess]

I have to tell you, Donna...the first thread I read tonight was this one - when I saw it was to page 3 already I wasn't surprised and it made me smile knowingly....YES we all have a food addiction - or we wouldn't be here and wouldn't be banded. :)

I love you dearly - you are always so REAL - and honest - and a wonderful, sincere friend to me and everyone else. I agree with you - I log my food at the end of the day most of the time now - otherwise I eat to meet the food intake goals lol...definitely NOT a good thing lol

You know the song, "We are family...." -- well we ARE! But I definitely know what you mean about needing more 'immediate' support -- hopefully you and Cori will get together soon -- and even if people are going to the support group mostly for GBS perhaps it would help if you want anyhow? And speak up at TOPS lol...that's what it's for!

Keep walking - it IS good for you - I'm thinking mostly because it makes you feel GOOD about yourself - and that then flows over into food choices, yes?

Love you dearly Donna....continued prayers. You are in my thoughts daily. Keep eating when you're hungry - and doing other stuff when you're not :)

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Thanks so much Mo for being here for me. Everyone here that I've come to know has a special place in my heart. I agree.. this is like family.. only a family that really understands each other.. kindred spirits in more ways than one even.

I do go to the support meetings each month Mo.. and to TOPS on Monday nights.. in fact tomorrow night I know I'll have a gain. I've already resigned myself to that fact.
There are 3 of us at TOPS that have had lap band surgery, one with bypass, and 3 others that haven't had anything done. The support is great, but you know how it is.. us lapbanders don't know what the bypasser feels, and visa versa, and the others don't understand us having surgery. What I was saying is, that I wished I felt more of a connection with people in my area (like I feel a connection with MarkB and Carol). Even some of the people that go to the support meetings are very friendly, but after the meeting they just go their separte ways.. and I tend stay in touch (not every day) with Mark and Carol for the most part. Which is good! :)

Love you dearly too Mo.. I was thinking .. 1 yr ago in August.. I was at my lowest weight of 185.. I remember how tiny you told me I was.. I so want to feel that again. Again, tomorrow if it's not raining.. I'll be out walking.

Hugs!!

[MoOrLess]

Thanks so much Mo for being here for me. Everyone here that I've come to know has a special place in my heart. I agree.. this is like family.. only a family that really understands each other.. kindred spirits in more ways than one even.

I do go to the support meetings each month Mo.. and to TOPS on Monday nights.. in fact tomorrow night I know I'll have a gain. I've already resigned myself to that fact.
There are 3 of us at TOPS that have had lap band surgery, one with bypass, and 3 others that haven't had anything done. The support is great, but you know how it is.. us lapbanders don't know what the bypasser feels, and visa versa, and the others don't understand us having surgery. What I was saying is, that I wished I felt more of a connection with people in my area (like I feel a connection with MarkB and Carol). Even some of the people that go to the support meetings are very friendly, but after the meeting they just go their separte ways.. and I tend stay in touch (not every day) with Mark and Carol for the most part. Which is good! :)

Love you dearly too Mo.. I was thinking .. 1 yr ago in August.. I was at my lowest weight of 185.. I remember how tiny you told me I was.. I so want to feel that again. Again, tomorrow if it's not raining.. I'll be out walking.

Hugs!!

wow...it's so enlightening...I was at my lowest then too -- hmmm what's up with us? lol....so we both have about 10ish lbs to lose to get back there...maybe when we get together in October we'll do just the opposite of our last visit - and start losing weight instead! lol....

we gotta laugh - some days - what else is there? lol

love you girlie! I know what you mean - I guess that's why I don't go to the support group through my surgeon's office -- I've been with folks here for about 4 years total now - and connecting with local people just never seemed to pan out...I'm glad you have Mark and Carol...at least you know someone REAL that you've connected with...in the meantime - we'll all have to keep connecting here (and you can call me girlie - don't ever hesitate)

[Dieseldolly]

Donna, you and so many others on this forum are such amazing inspirations to me, and you are the greatest supporters. Along with my food nazi Hubby. LOL I don't know if I would be as far as I am now if it wasn't for you all. I read these posts and know I am not the only one in the daily struggles of loving to eat, and trying to control it. Thank you all for the love and support I and all of us need. Donna, I am so glad you and her came to terms with the issues you had before. Life is too short for any conflicts like that. You take care and have a great week. Hugs to you

[Want_2_B_Free]

Donna-always the N.A.G.-this is a great thread. I cannot add anything new. It really does help to know that you are not alone. You have done and will continue to be a great loser. If for no other reason losing this weight will keep you playing on the ground with the grand babies. Now do that 50 lbs. heavier.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

You guys are amazing.. you know that??? Today it was very muggy out.. sun was shining but humidity was awful.. so I started up the Wii Fit... and did about 40 mins on that.. (in between our son calling for Max to haul wagons, and Max coming in to have me go outside and see his work in the yard).. I was trying awful hard to get 'perfect' on the step aerobics but it's hard to do when the phone keeps ringing.. BUT.. I do have to say I've beaten my old record by about 15 points!!! I was so happy!!! Also I took the body test and at first time it told me I was 40 yrs old.. I did all those exercises and it told me I was 22!! GOOOO Donna!!! lol (I think it was mistaken).. and it also said I've lost 2 lbs since the last time I used it.. which was 72 days ago .. yep.. it's been that long. So anyway.. I did exercise today.. I'm planning on keeping it up.. I do feel better after exercising.. and it does take depression away, and while I was exercising I thought about you all.. my online friends that are always here for me.. I thank you!! And MO!!! I know you in real life too!! I don't think I was dreaming when you came to stay with us for a few days last August. :)

I'm going to TOPS tonight.. I know I'll have a gain (like I said before), but I've decided to deal with it.. I'll be posting my weight on the challenge threads.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Went to TOPS tonight.. and the lady that leads us is having this same problem.. supporting us when she doesn't feel she's being a role model.. WOW.. this has been a mind blowing experience. Every one of those ladies (there are 5 of us) are feeling the same way.. we decided that she doesn't have to consider herself our 'leader'.. she can just be 'one of us'.. that we're not putting pressure on her (or us) to lose.. that we're going to support each other through all our times.. tonight was a good meeting.

I gained 1 lb.. which I thought it would be more. Going back to what worked for me in the past 2 weeks.. eating only when hungry.. not eating after 8 pm.. only I'm adding some exercise to it.. I'm not going to try to beat anyone's minutes.. I'm just going to add more exercise to have it be fun for me.

Maybe someday I'll get this right.

[MoOrLess]

You guys are amazing.. you know that??? Today it was very muggy out.. sun was shining but humidity was awful.. so I started up the Wii Fit... and did about 40 mins on that.. (in between our son calling for Max to haul wagons, and Max coming in to have me go outside and see his work in the yard).. I was trying awful hard to get 'perfect' on the step aerobics but it's hard to do when the phone keeps ringing.. BUT.. I do have to say I've beaten my old record by about 15 points!!! I was so happy!!! Also I took the body test and at first time it told me I was 40 yrs old.. I did all those exercises and it told me I was 22!! GOOOO Donna!!! lol (I think it was mistaken).. and it also said I've lost 2 lbs since the last time I used it.. which was 72 days ago .. yep.. it's been that long. So anyway.. I did exercise today.. I'm planning on keeping it up.. I do feel better after exercising.. and it does take depression away, and while I was exercising I thought about you all.. my online friends that are always here for me.. I thank you!! And MO!!! I know you in real life too!! I don't think I was dreaming when you came to stay with us for a few days last August. :)

I'm going to TOPS tonight.. I know I'll have a gain (like I said before), but I've decided to deal with it.. I'll be posting my weight on the challenge threads.

LOL I meant in real life - as in NEAR WHERE YOU LIVE silly....you're rockin' the exercise -- and you ARE "doing it" already --- we all just want everything to be PERFECT and life just isn't like that - and that's ok :)

[kristina]

good job on the wii sweet lady. i am afraid to get on mine. it may call me everything but a nice woman- its been so long since ive stepped on it. it may sign extra loud...or say kristina is it really you?...still my beating battery. yikes!

[Patrick]

ROFL, Kristina, my mind boggles at the mental pictures you have burned up there. lol

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Lol Kristina and Patrick.. but Patrick have you seen the messages you get on Wii Fit? I looked at the screen and it said.. "Well if it isn't Donna.. did you know it's been 72 days since you last used me".. or something in that order.. LOL .. and when ya step on it after it tells you it's ok.. it'll say.. "ohhhh".. or "thanks".. lol .. makes ya wanna smack the board for saying "ohhhh".. lol

Didn't get to do any Wii but I was pretty active today.. Ohhh I forgot I bought a Lily on clearance I need to plant too. Maybe I should do that before it gets dark.. be back later.. :)

[newlifeat57]

Donna, You're my hero. Look at you... getting on that Wii and actually dong 40 min.. I love it!!! I need to buy one or rent one to see if I would use it. right now it's difficult just to walk down my short flight of stairs....OK... it's only 5 steps.....LOL

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Got the plant planted, watered and everything put away.. skeeters left me alone too.. I'm a happy camper!! :)

Didn't get the Wii out today, but I did I've been active today. It didn't take me long to get lazy and out of the habit of moving. It was much easier to just sit.. I'm sure when your knee feels much better, you'll be on the go and doing things.. just think.. you have all new parts that are itching to be used :)

Mel.. you have no idea how much YOU mean to me! Big hugs!!!

[firefighter30603]

Donna I will tell you from a pre-banded perspective that it is good to know that the band is not a cure all, its not a magic bullet... the weight loss is still going to take work and we are still going to struggle. That being said it is so great to know that you and everyone here has been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, and are willing to share your journey and how it made you feel and what you did (or are doing) to get through those ruts and over those hurdles. Just remember, even when you feel like you aren't doing well, you are still helping someone!

And hey, if you ever need someone, PM me... I will listen!

So thank you, and everyone else here, for all the support and encouragement. I love you all (((HUGS!!!)))

[kristina]

gotta love crystal.

hey donna..u did nothing to calm my Wii fears! HA!

[Texasgal]

WOW! How did I miss this thread?

When one of us struggles we all feel it. Reading how others deal with "temptation" and "food addictions" helps us all, whether we are going through it now or later. It also lets us see that we can make it to the other side and feel happy again.

Feeling happy is the key to all of this really. We just want to be happy with ourselves and our lives. Having each other makes that happen/possible.

HUGS Donna, I am glad you have come through your struggles and on the mend. You are so loved and cared about because you are so loving and caring to us.

We will always be here, even if you just need to "send it out to the cosmos". Lots of times when we are struggling, just putting it down in writing helps a lot. It forces us to REALLY think about what it is that is bothering us and why. It declutters our feelings and sorts through what is "real" and just emotional. Emotional is just as real as "real" but lots of times emotional goes away when we talk/write em out.

Why do you think forums are so popular? We all need to be heard and posting does that for us in a big way.

Sending you love and hugs

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Again, thanks to everyone!!! Your responses are good for me to read. Right now I feel good.. but I have to get it through my 'one track mind head' that there will be days that I feel good, and think I can do anything, and there will be days that I just wanna hide. I guess it's the perfectionist in me.. things have to go right ALL the time, when in reality they won't.

Crystal.. when I first started coming to this site (I found it by googling weight loss support groups).. I knew immediately that this was the place to learn and get support. That there would be answers to my questions, and also a place I could bare my soul and people would understand and not judge. I'm so glad that you're here too, along with everyone else that's just beginning their path (I prefer that word compared to journey.. to me journey means a vacation.. and I hardly consider this a vacation).. or they're starting their path over again, that this is a safe haven for us. It's hard to believe that I am helping someone else, but then again, I looked for answers just like everyone else has, and they found someone here to help them too. It's like it's coming full circle.

Texasgal, putting it down out here instead of just privately I think helped me more to deal with my 'issue'. It did force me to look at it.. not only did I read it, but several hundred other people read it.. and when they responded to my thoughts, that helped me more than anyone could know. Sometimes I just read and don't post.. sometimes I don't feel I have anything supportive to say.. but that doesn't mean I don't care what happens to everyone. It's just the way I am. So if there comes a time that I don't post, it doesn't mean I'm not reading and learning.. I am.

Temptation is going to be here forever I'm afraid.. and for those time that I'm tempted, I need to let it go.. not beat myself up.. get on track again and deal with it. I had a moment just a while ago this afternoon.. I've already been thinking about not going to my support group meeting tonight because of the choice I made.. but that would be running away.. and I can't allow myself to do that. I need to be a mini support group for myself.. the sooner I learn this.. the better off I'll be.

I feel I can put things out here for others to read easier than to tell people at my support group meeting. I think it's because out 'here'.. you guys aren't right in the same room with me.. and I can discuss my inner thoughts easier. Also.. online there are no time limits.. at a support meeting it's 1 hour long, people have been at work all day, or not at home, and are anxious to get home.. so it might be a support meeting, but yet it's a fast support meeting. Ok now I'm rambling. Thanks for reading and being here for all of us.

[MoOrLess]

I just finished reading all of your latest posts....I came to say that today I was thinking about you Donna...about how we want life to always work "just so" -- MOST of us are like that, I think.

Earlier today I was thinking about how much I absolutely HATE that life seems to revolve around MY WEIGHT...really - there is a whole big world out there - I guess I feel resentful that other people walk around thinking about OTHER things - not....their...weight!!!!!

So...that's what was on my mind. I didn't resolve anything lol - but it definitely gave me something to ponder.

I'm definitely thankful for all of you and this site -- that's the other thing I was thinking about. Without the support of everyone here I would have failed completely at banded life...there is the "option" of seeing the nutritionist where I had my band done - but no real requirements (except the "one" prior to banding) and even that was minimal. So I appreciate all of the information, support, and encouragement that everyone gets here!

[Texasgal]

Mo, we enjoy you being part of this forum! You always have such good solid advice/experiences to give us. LOL it does seem like all we do is think about our weight at times. Especially now that we are banded. Perhaps we were not "thinking" about our weight enough while we were getting to the point of getting banded? NOT thinking and controlling is what got us here! I don't want to stay here, I want to think about what I put in my mouth now, where I will put in my body that will make it work better and how often I open my mouth to put food in it. THINKING about our weight is a good thing! We are staying in touch instead of burying our heads in the sand and becoming elephants! (ostriches bury their heads not elephants, I know that hehe)

Donna, I am glad you are feeling better today. Like you said, we all have our ups and downs. We LOVE the ups and HATE the downs but think of this, with no downs, how would we know we are up? hehe Our down times make us appreciate the up times!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I went to our support group meeting last night, our NP wasn't able to be there, so she called MarkB to run the meeting, he did a great job. I told the group about how I've been feeling, and most of them had the same feelings, like how easy it is to support other people and not ourselves. I really got a lot out of the meeting. Thanks Mark!!

Also today we met with our friend Gloria and her hubby Tim at Cracker Barrel. They drove up from Ohio, and we drove to Jackson, MI, it's 1/2 way for both of us. We had a great time, we sat outside and visited on the porch for a couple of hours, then we found our way to Cold Stone Creamery. Ya know.. it was good, but it honestly didn't taste any better than other ice cream I've had.. Max about had kittens when he found out how much 2 smalls were.. I told him it was a treat, we don't do this all the time. lol

The first one is of Gloria and myself.. the next one is of Max and I.

We had a great day.... with great friends!! :)

[newlifeat57]

Can't wait to see the pictures..... I'm, glad you had fun. Ice cream sounds refreshing right about now.....

[Mork]

Dear Donna,
Back to your original question of how do you give "Support". As being somewhat new to the boards, and going back through a lot of the older post, it is your kind words, the sharing of trials and tribulations, the willingness to share the struggles that we all share, and the ability to verbalize what a lot of us are feeling -but do not express very well. It is your ability to make someone smile, laugh, cry or "roll on the floor, laughing my plump but off". (I am not good with abrvievations). To me, support is not necessarily "atta girl" or "atta boy",(Which is encouragement that all of us need) but also "I am stuck, and I need help", and the huge out pouring of love and help from other members on the boards that helps me also. Because I can see myself where you are now. Just reading all of the responses to your post is "Support" for me.
So thank you, (indirectly) for your support

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Oh Mork (Kat), I got goosebumps when I read your post. Thank you so much for your compliment. I only can say how I feel, and there are times when words will not flow from my head to my finger tips, but on the days that they do I sure feel better when I can go back and read them. I guess another part of the support that is so hard, is to be able to be nice to other people and be so nasty to yourself. I'm afraid that might be more difficult for me to master.. but I will not give up learning and I hope that I can do it. At some point, all this has to come together.. as I've said before, if you weren't ready to face your issues before banding, if anything having a band makes you face your issues.

Good luck along your path.. and thank you again.

[Mork]

Donna, you are so welcome.
Why is it that it is so easy for us to be the "caretakers" of others but we fail to take care of ourselves? We make sure that everyone else is taken care of, but we do not look in the mirror and see that there is someone there looking back that needs help? You are right - having a band makes you face your issues.
Twelve years ago when I was going through a bad divorce, my very good friend gave me a journal that she had started with an inspirational poem. She had been through the same thing, and someone had given her a journal with an inspirational poem. My journal was to be used to write down anything that I found inspirational, happy, silly, or moving. I would cut clippings and paste in the journal, write things, copy parts of songs, prayers, cartoons (Maude) and just happy things people said to me. I would go back through that journal from time to time and laugh, cry and reflect. It got me through a very, very difficult time in my life. And then, another friend lost her mother after a very short illness. I gave her my journal - as I thought she needed it more than me at that point. Her favorite was The Prayer of St Frances.
Your words are to you what my journal was to me. Internal reflections. But we have to dig deep to bring them up. Sometimes we like what we bring up, and sometimes we do not. But you are bring them up, addressing them, and I bet you feel a lot better after!
And you have a whole B2G fleet (think of the Verizon commericals) behind you!!!!

[PhotoNut]

Donna is a blessing to many of us here on B2G. And she's also darling! Love the pics, Donna! Your smile always lights up my day. :)

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Bless your heart P'Nut! Thanks!!! :)

[MoOrLess]

I love the pictures Donna...and agree with everyone - you ARE the BEST!

You look happy - and at peace. And the one of you and Max - gosh he adores you so much - just look at him looking at you! My prayer for you is that one day you love yourself as much as Max loves you!!! :) It's not about WEIGHT - it's about who we are - on the inside! and that shines through your smiling face

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Kat.. when I think about this support site, it really is almost like the Verizon network isn't it? Good thinking.. :) I smiled when I read that.

Mo.. Ohhhh Mo.. you know what to say to make me smile. Thank you so much.. and I hope and pray that we all learn to love ourselves (meaning the ones that are bothered by not loving themselves). I think that's one of the hardest things to do. At least for me it is.

It was Gloria's idea for her to sit in the Ohio chair, and me in the MSU chair.. because last year when I was in Ohio, we went to a dueling piano bar and the piano players were dogging MSU and Michigan.. lol Leave it to her to think of this.. lol

[MoOrLess]

yep I noticed the chairs -- cracked up! Smiles bring more smiles....and you are always smiling! even in your posts :)

[chrispygal]

Love the pictures Donna! What a fun day! :)

[newlifeat57]

I love the pictures Donna...and agree with everyone - you ARE the BEST!

You look happy - and at peace. And the one of you and Max - gosh he adores you so much - just look at him looking at you! My prayer for you is that one day you love yourself as much as Max loves you!!! :) It's not about WEIGHT - it's about who we are - on the inside! and that shines through your smiling face

:whatshesaid: I don't know what else to say...... Mo said it all. *hugs*
Have a great weekend!


Oh yeah.... LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures. You are so cute!!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Thanks you guys.. we really did have a great day. Can't wait till Oct so we can have a great weekend! :) I could get used to this.

[Patrick]

Thanks for sharing the pics Donna, and for sharing your wonderful times. It make the rest of feel that we were there enjoying it with you.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

You're welcome Patrick.. I talked about you all with Gloria while we were together. She is very happy that I found this support group. Being a nurse she always checks up on me.. and last year she hadn't really known a lot about lap band surgery.. altho she has a g/f that had gastric bypass surgery and has lost almost 200 lbs. :) I've met this other lady.. she's doing great !!! She's so full of life now.. I think she had her surgery about 2 yrs ago. :)

[trudy]

Donna-
I feel for you. I have been addicted to food and trying to explain to people how hard it is to live with this addiction. It is horrible. People that are addicted to crack don't get offered crack all the time. People that smoke are not forced to look at cigaretted as they try to quit. At work, people don't bring in a dozen cigarettes and then make them feel guilty for not having one. It sucks but it is what it is. We will be offered our drug of choice (food) for the rest of our lives on a daily basis. All I can say is try to journal your feelings or write here on the web and we will all rally around you. We are a family of people addicted to food and we know what you are going through. Don't feel like a failure...you are not. You are a beautiful creation and you are NOT ALONE. We get it....we've been there....you will overcome this as well....we ALL will...someday.:thumb:

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Awww Trudy.. thanks so much for your kind words. I was talking with my hubby the other day along with a friend of ours, saying those exact same words.. about not putting beer in front of an alcoholic, or cigarettes in front of someone that's trying to quit.. they agreed.. I came right out and asked my hubby if he believes that I have an addiction to food.. he said "yes". I feel good about this because now I KNOW he gets me.

Welcome to B2G Trudy.. I'm glad you found us.. if you have any questions at all, don't be afraid to ask.. k? This is an amazing site, I learned so much from here, that by the time I had my surgery, that when I went to educational seminars, I knew everything they were telling me. I felt so empowered.

Thanks again!!

[MarkB]

I went to our support group meeting last night, our NP wasn't able to be there, so she called MarkB to run the meeting, he did a great job. I told the group about how I've been feeling, and most of them had the same feelings, like how easy it is to support other people and not ourselves. I really got a lot out of the meeting. Thanks Mark!!



Your welcome Donna. I enjoyed the meeting too. It kind of started off slow, but it developed well and I think several people learned some things. I am very grateful for people like you who bring up their thoughts and questions. I think that this question really helped out at the meeting.
I have been off this forum for a while, but I will check back in once in a while. I too am struggling with my band right now and plan on getting a fill in a week or so when I see Sandy or Dr. Tomita. I can eat way too much right now and it is very hard to control my eating like that.

I received a call from one of the women at the last meeting and their friend who just had the Lap Band put in on Tuesday was having trouble. He was having the same thing happen that happened to me, that when he drank the Diabetishield he got stomach cramps and other problems. I gave her Dr. T's cell phone number and said that for me I just gave up on the Diabetishield and just prepared the bullion soup instead. And as soon as I could I fixed some of the cheese soup, so I had some nutrition coming in.

Talk to you later.

[MoOrLess]

Hi Mark! Long time, no see -- we miss you around here and heaven knows we also need more GUYS around --- don't be gone so long next time. Hugs!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Yep, I agree Mo.. we've missed Mark on here. I also know how busy his life is at work and home.. so I'm hoping things slow down a little bit for him too.

I saw Sandy Wed Mark.. she did my fill, and I told her she's a lot more gentle then Dr Tomita.. (she was having a hard time finding the port) she told me "We're not done yet Babe".. lol She poked me 2 times, but honestly it wasn't that bad.. Dr Tomita came in just before I left and said that soon we'll just be seeing Sandy, but that he'd be around.

So now I have 6cc's in my 10cc band, and it's working great!!! So far no problems, except last night when I got too hungry and chewed too fast, then swallowed.. lesson learned for sure.

[redgrldj]

Donna I have a couple friends who don't care if they eat or not, they can't even begin to imagine what it is like to crave something.. I really think alot has to do with how we are raised... I was skinny til I moved out on my own and could eat whatever I wanted.. there were food restrictions in our house growing up.. I went nuts I think when the restricitons were lifted..

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I think it's how we're raised too Pattie. I was skinny until I got my tonsils out.. my Mom said I couldn't eat anything, because I always had a sore throat and was sick constantly. She told me it seemed good to see me eat after I got them out at 8 yrs old. After that I gained, gained, gained.. I would go to bed, come down and tell Mom I was hungry.. she told me to get a slice of bread and go to bed.. so I did, I'd take the crust off, and roll the white part into a dough ball and eat it.. I wish there were some kind of restriction at home, and I can't totally blame my Mom either.. I was the one that wanted to eat. She was a great cook and loved to bake and living at home was like living in a commercial for Betty Crocker. She made pastries (Kolachy), rich desserts, pies, cakes, .. well she could make anything and it tasted good. I have some friends too that never had a weight problem ... ever.. but they have other things they do that I don't do, like smoke, and drink.. so I guess everyone has their 'thing'.. I just wish I could get mine under control. I'm working on it.. one day at a time.

[redgrldj]

Donna.. I was just really thinking about you today and re-reading this.. Maybe if you read back through your personal thread and see what you are doing or what has been happening around you when you reach for those ummm goldfish.. it might give you some insight into what triggers your eating... I have certain foods that will set me off.. Major one is miracle whip I eat even a little and i crave sugery crabs like crazy... I am trying to figure out why I eat the way I do and I am looking for the triggers in my life..

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Pattie.. I so appreciate your thoughts on this.. and I'm thinking I need to go back and read that thread too. I know I'm addicted to carbs.. but I'm past the goldfish crackers now.. lol I'm on to other things.. like ice cream :( ... BUT.. I am handling this better with this fill. I got some 40 calorie fudgesicles and only eat 1 of those instead of dishing out ice cream because I tend to put more than 1/2 cup serving in a small bowl.. and I mean it's a small bowl.. it's suppose to hold 1/4 cup!!

I can't believe the food I ate tonight with this much fill. I had 3 oz of pork loin, 2 slices of tomato, and I cut the corn off the cob of sweet corn (the kernals were very small and tender). I'm full.. but I didn't slime or throw up either. But I am more open at night than during the day. For lunch I had about 1.5 oz of hamburg patty with mustard/ketchup for the lube. For a snack I had 1/4 c cottage cheese and 1 fudgesicle. I exercised for 50 mins today on my Wii Fit.. broke out in a sweat too .. I love the boxing.. go figure.. lol

Anyway.. I guess this is a learning experience. .one that will be a lifetime to figure out.

[redgrldj]

ughhh Ketchup is a big trigger for me.. the sugar sets me off.. I have switched to real mayo and am using blue cheese dressing instead of ranch.. I am trying to stay away from any trigger foods.. Peanut butter is a major trigger for alot of people too..

[newlifeat57]

So this is where the trigger foods talk is. I'm glad I found it.

I think I figured out my thing about p'nut butter.... I love l o v e LOVE the stuff. I don't eat the kind with added sugar and salt. I eat the plain stuff--grounded up 'nuts that all. I used to like it with honey..which I don't do, cause I don't buy honey anymore. I love it mixed with syrup....which I used to eat a lot of when I was a little girl, and I love it with jam/jelly. Now I eat it with jam or jelly (Sf or low sugar). I think that this is my comfort food.

My paternal g'mom used to put a big jar of skippy p'nut butter and a bottle of Karo syrup on the table at meal times and when you were finished with your meal you would seve yourself a spoonful of p'nut butter and mix in syrup and eat it as dessert. It was usually served with tortillas. It was a food that was prohibited in my home, but it was encouraged at g'mas house.

So I figured out last night that when I am feeling down I usually go to the jar of p'nut butter. go figure!! Yesterday was a trying day, cause I was hurting everywhere--new knee, old knee and other joints. Because of this, i don't do as much activity as I'd like to do, so I turn to my comfort food.

I need to find something else to do.... I brought out my looms... hopefully this will hold my interest. Can't wait to get back to work--work keeps me occcupied and out of trouble.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Aww Mel.. I'm glad you found this thread too. Actually Pattie and I just started talking about trigger foods, so you found us just at the beginning of it :) I've been thinking about ketchup and the sugar in it... maybe that could be a trigger food for me.. altho after I eat it, I don't have cravings for sugar. I know I crave crave crave carbs!! Over to Alice's today, we were (us women folk..lol) were talking diets (go figure).. and Betty said that she cut her carbs way down, meaning no bread, pasta or potatoes and her sugar went down and has stabilized. This is exactly what Alice's Dr in Florida had her do, and her sugar stabilized too. BUT .. I don't usually eat those things now that I have my band, but I do eat other sugar stuff.. I'm not diabetic so I don't have that to worry about, but I do have a band that I'm not working to the fullest extent.. so maybe I should start paying more attention to what I'm eating. (Now I'm really giving myself this lecture) So I need to honestly figure out WHY I want the sugar.. and WHAT makes me crave it. It sounds simple doesn't it?? I do know that just after my surgery, I didn't have ANY sugar for 3 months.. then I went to Ohio for my birthday.. the girls got a cake for me.. with the sickening sweet frosting.. I took ONE bite of that.. and I got the shakes.. I knew then and there I was in trouble. Soooooo I need to get a grip.. get my life back on track.. and work this band!!! Ok.. now I'm really talking to myself.

Does anyone know what is the smallest amount of carbs per day would be.. but still be healthy? I don't really want to count carbs, but it might be something that I'll have to do.

[redgrldj]

it depends on what you want to eat Betty.. 20 grams of slow acting carbs like vegies-starches is a ton of food.. I am doing aroun 30ish right now, and feel great... I can do up to 60/70 a day a lose weight.. But I am staying away from almost all processed foods right now..

[MoOrLess]

Donna, I know there are a LOT of posts about carbs -- and I know it seems to be a different number, depending on the person. But you might want to search this site and see what you come up with. The one thing I DO know - is that when I log my food on thedailyplate.com -- I can focus on just carbs -- or just protein -- or just calories -- and you know what, it balances OUT. Yep - so just pick one of those and the rest falls into place - try it, I think you'll be surprised :)

[SweetCori]

I buy low sugar ketchup to use but I rarely use ketchup. Just if I have a burger, but I can't get away from ketchup and relish on it! That's always been my fave.

I'm kind of going through what you started this thread about Donna. I forget what my friend's name is on here, but she's getting banded at the end of the month and I've been talking to her since she started talking to the doctors about getting the band. She is on her pre-op diet now. I am letting things stress me out and all I want to do is eat eat eat. I have slipped up a couple times in the past week which has made me feel terrible because I am trying to be there and supportive for my friend. But how can I when I am having issues of my own? I tell myself that I am eating sugar free or whatever, but it's still not great for you. I'm also home alone so that doesn't help. But I got my Wii yesterday so now I just have to figure out how to hook it up and stuff. And I plan on swimming today at some point as long as it stays sunny. I haven't done anything this week. My week off and I haven't even been working on my therapy I need. Which isn't good because I go back to therapy Tuesday.

[MoOrLess]

Hugs Cori -- but it's time to RE-GROUP lol...I know what you mean about stress and all...we all go through that. But you need to exercise sweetie - or else therapy is going to be double-hard when you go again. Find something to do that is relaxing - put on some music - pick up a good book - something you LOVE to do - sometimes changing things up a bit really brings the stress level down. Or then again , maybe you just needed a down week?!!! We all deserve some time off.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Big hugs to you Cori.. I totally get where you're coming from. Sometimes we have to take 'us' moments.. and there are times when I feel like posting on here, and times that I don't. I am just me.. trying to make my life better.. I think about what someone on here told me after I started this thread.. they said for me to take time for me.. that it's nice to give encouragement to others, but when it gets too much, back off a little bit.. and then when and if I feel like posting.. do it. It's not selfish, it's taking care of myself. I guess I can apply that to my real life too.. we're always so busy giving care to others, that the person that needs the care the most or the encouraging words the most is ourselves, and we put us last on the support list.

Take care Cori.. give yourself the gift of self support.. it's a great feeling to be able to do that.. I may have trouble doing this from time to time, but these past few weeks (since I started this thread) I've been giving myself support.. and I feel much better.

Big hugs and enjoy your Wii .. my sister just left here (after she locked her keys in the car and had to call her hubby) .. we played Wii Sports for 2 hours, bowling, golfing, baseball.. we had a great time.. my legs sure feel it. :) I also did Wii Fit for 30 mins, with 5 balance and 25 aerobics, then I put in the Wii Active and it kicked my hiney for 20 mins.. I couldn't finish the 30 min easy workout.. it kept telling me I wasn't running fast enough.. I was so out of breath!! lol I won't do both of those in the same day again.. lol

[SweetCori]

I haven't tried the Wii Fit yet, but two of my friends came over and we played Wii Sports for uh 5 hours lol We had a blast. I took the fitness test on there and I'm apparently 78 years old. But I will be practicing and getting better! I love it. I feel okay right now but beating myself up for my lack of doing anything this week. I did get my final grade for my 4th class that I was having problems staying focused on, and I got a 98.25%. I'm extremely shocked. I really felt like I struggled to figure out what to write about but apparently when I did write, I did a great job. Mom and Dad came home from their trip tonight instead of tomorrow and *oops* the housework isn't done. I'm a huge procrastinator, but I have been working on the kitchen and moving myself back to my bedroom upstairs.

I do think I need to get back to basics on my eating. I have been eating more than I should and not the best choices. Time to get my head back in the game. I start my next class Tuesday, boy did my week go by fast. I need to see Don again. Even though we've only seen each other in person the one time, we have talked almost everyday, 2 hours a couple days ago on the phone. It's nice. Things are progressing though. I think we're more than dating in a way, but not quite boyfriend/girlfriend. We shall see. I know I miss him and need to see him again. I hate this feeling! LOL I like a guy. I'm giddy. I'm scared. Ok, so I veered off track. Time to get CORI on track again. Re-group as Mo suggested and just get on track again. I can do it!

Thank you all for everything, you're all a great support. I don't know what I'd do without everyone. Big hugs!

[MoOrLess]

Sounds like things are going along well Cori- congrats on that awesome grade! Parents do tend to come home early -what is with that? lol After so many kids and experience I know better than to come home EARLY lol.....So glad you are feeling bitten by the love bug! It's such a great feeling and a wonderful time in life - I'm happy for you! Just keep your focus - and yep - regroup lol....you're doing awesome! You've lost more weight than I have - and I'm 2 yrs banded on Monday. Keep up the great job!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I just love love in the air :) We've been married 40 yrs.. so remember this time when he leaves his undies on the floor.. *giggle* :) Just teasin ya!!! lol

You're doing well Cori.. did you get a chance to read that email from Richard from Sparrow? I hope it helps you.. and again.. if you decide to come up this way, please let me know.. I'll come down and go with ya.. k?

[Tricia K.]

Donna, I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you. I hope you're doing better with your recent struggles. ((BIG HUGS))

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Thank you so much Tricia.. some days are better than others.. my NP Sandy and I have a deal that we have to exercise at least 30 mins a day, keep track and at our support meeting this coming Wed we have to show each other our workouts. I'm hoping there will be some sort of weight loss from this last fill. It will be 2 weeks ago that I had 1cc added, making it 6cc's in a 10cc band. Visually I think about this band being a little over 1/2 closed, so that should make a difference in my eating choices. I had tuna today.. ate it slow, had some home grown green beans, chewed them up well too.. so I'm trying to work it.. this exercise has got me going nuts tho. I finally get in the mood to exercise and no weights coming off...I rode my bike for 2 miles (granted not fast) but it was steady pedaling for 30 mins at least, got home and got all the weeds from my flower bed. You'd think that would work. After my fill (I weighed 198 pre-fill) in about 1 week I lost 5 lbs.. this morning I was 195. I'm thinking I'm gonna have to stop trying to figure it out.. and just live with it.. you've done so well Tricia.. can you give me some ideas what you did to be so successful? Please?

[SweetCori]

yeahyeah I like him lots. Not near love yet! I don't like that L word! LOL

Thanks Mo, I know I have lost almost half my weight but I have gained a few back due to no exercise and poor food choices. But I am getting back on track. I might have to call my surgeon for an adjustment. I was hoping I could wait until closer to my birthday but I may have to go sooner.

Yes, I got the email Donna, I am thinking about going to the September 10th meeting if I can figure out where to go specifically! LOL Lansing is a lot closer than Detroit, so maybe I can start meeting people like me. I know I have the forum here, but I think I really need to meet others and talk in person.

BTW, I went and had a drivers assessment to see if I should get hand controls or not, and the OT said I can go either way but as long as I drive carefully and cautiously (like EVERYONE should be doing!) and making a few adjustments due to a slight reaction time deficiency, I should be fine with regular driving. Losing weight and exercising is probably helping my legs get better. So yeah!!! I don't need to get hand controls! I'm so excited. I was so worried.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Well that's wonderful news Cori.. driving with any challenges are difficult I think. So many people just go so fast.. it scares me.. and to think some people actually TEXTING while driving REALLY scare me!!! I saw it for myself again last week.. and we weren't in the country.. it was city driving.. lots of traffic.

The building for the support meeting is on Michigan Ave .. Cori.. it's directly across from the hospital on the South side.. it's a big brick building. I'm sure if you emailed or called them they could give you directions to get you there. I could ask my daughter for directions too, if you could give me the roads you plan on using to come up. Private them to me if you'd like. I'll see what she says, she lives in Lansing, she knows all the roads.. lol

[MoOrLess]

hooray Cori - great news about no hand controls for driving!!! I am sure exercise and your awesome weight loss definitely made the difference!!! You go girl! You'll be where you need to be and want to be in due time. In the meantime, take a moment to stop and smell the roses -- and look in the mirror - and smile! You're doing a great job and I agree with Donna -- when we are dis-abled it makes things a lot more challenging but you're doing it!

[SweetCori]

I have always said I am handi-capable. And I believe I took my week off too literally. So! My cousin is coming over to swim with me and then I have therapy again at 3:30. So it's going to be 2 exercises today! But I am getting my head back in the game. I can do this!

Donna, look in the Michigan group for a Walk from Obesity in Lansing on October 4th. Maybe we can meet up there? I'm trying to get some of my family to do it with me.

[MoOrLess]

I like that Cori - "handi-capable" - indeed you are!!!!

[SweetCori]

Thank you Mo!