AnneGG’s Posts
    Post Date 5/18/12 8:40 pm
    Topic: RE: Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

     You look simply stunning! Thanks for the inspiration...
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/18/12 8:34 pm
    Topic: RE: I Don't Have To Hide Anymore......

    I am truly delighted to not be embarrassed and withdrawn anymore! I will never be a social butterfly, but I can certainly hold my own with anyone now. It feels great.

    You handled a tough situation with grace and dignity, Heidi. And congrats on your new clothes and shoes!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/18/12 1:34 pm
    Topic: RE: What do you wish you would have known before surgery?

    I wish I had known what a bear maintenance would be- everything I had a hard time with pre-op with diet and exercise and self management. Get lots of support and help for this, because surgery truly doesn't work on our brains. And start practicing now.

    I'm endlessly grateful that losing weight was so easy though it did take lots of work. That has made it easier to keep it off. And I keep focused on one day at a time now, and remind myself of what it was like to be heavy. Don't ever want to go back there!!!

    I love being a lot healthier and more self confident.

    As for sleeve versus bypass, I totally think that depends on the individual and what will work best for you. I had severe GERD and have Barrett's Esophagus, so the sleeve wouldn't have worked for me even if my insurance would have paid for it. I never considered the DS as an option because of the extensiveness of the surgery, and I had a hard enough time accepting the RNY.

    Good luck with your choice!

    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/18/12 1:13 pm
    Topic: RE: Lots of vitamin info -- very very long

    I use the CVS generic equivalent of Centrum that I buy on 2 for 1 sale. Then I add iron and a bunch of others.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/18/12 1:10 pm
    Topic: RE: Lots of vitamin info -- very very long

     Most useful post- thanks!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/18/12 10:32 am
    Topic: RE: Feeling unappreciated today.

    Amazing how oblivious people, including me, and especially our families, can be! Damn! We need a re-wiring, and not just for weight issues!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 6:02 pm
    Topic: RE: Vivian Prouty

    Amen! Vivian, you add a lot!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 3:28 pm
    Last Edit: 5/16/12 4:08 pm
    Topic: RE: Bariatric Surgery = increased likelihood of ALCOHOLISM.

    I would love to think that life being about choices means it's simple and black and white, but I don't think it is that simple.

    Addiction is a disease, and it needs managing. The behavior patterns behind any of the addictions are so similar, and they don't involve the part of the brain that is evolved.

    I think managing oneself is crucial.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 3:02 pm
    Topic: RE: Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

    I love this thread! It is so far from blowing rainbows and unicorns and so about the positive reality of us transforming ourselves and our lives! That takes ongoing enormous courage, strength, and perseverance!

    Yay, us!!!!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 2:53 pm
    Topic: RE: Is It Really So Hard?????

    Giving back is what I appreciate about you- you say it like it is.

    Standing for what's right is one of my ways of giving back, and sometimes that meant reading some not so choice stuff. I don't think people were being responsible for their impact, just like you are pointing out in your post about not posting in response to hard work and giving encouragement. And I sure would rather silence than negative comments. But encouragement and empowerment, now, that's the best!

    Besides, I like to know what's going on. Sometimes that means feeling bad. I work hard at not letting my feelings run the show, though.

    Thanks for what you give here, Heidi- it's a lot.

    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 11:36 am
    Topic: RE: Bariatric Surgery = increased likelihood of ALCOHOLISM.

     What your article says- the pyloric valve isn't there, so the alcohol dumps directly into the jejunum and is absorbed differently and more directly.

    I know I feel the effects of ETOH much more quickly than I did pre-op. Burns off more quickly, too, which could lead to wanting more and more.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 11:28 am
    Topic: RE: Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

     Helps to get some perspective, doesn't it? Keep on truckin', OK?
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 11:25 am
    Topic: RE: Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

     You look so awesome!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 11:25 am
    Topic: RE: Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

     Chris, what a hunk! Your daughter must be so proud of you...
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 11:20 am
    Topic: RE: Is It Really So Hard?????

    Not saying it is supposed to make you feel good to have no one post, that's for sure. Guess a part of me is still reacting to the crap I got for positive posts- it hurt a lot.

    I'm doing my best to keep posting anyway- I figure it's like eating right and exercising no matter what I feel like. It's good practice.

    But you're right- it helps a lot to be acknowledged for hard work!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 9:38 am
    Topic: RE: I need help

    I'm sorry you have had such a tough time.

    I find for me support and relearning habits is such an essential part of this process for weight loss and keeping it off. Any chance of finding a good eating disorders therapist? Or Overeaters Anonymous?
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 9:27 am
    Topic: RE: Making room for the positive

    Oh, I feel for you! And I sure acknowlege you for how you are managing, hurt feelings and all. It's hard enough, this journey, without what others can say and do.

    I also have a hard time dealing with the feelings- no matter how positive we are, the feelings are still there, and they sure can hurt and discombobulate our insides. I wish there was an "off switch" for both our thoughts and our feelings sometimes.

    Keep up your marvelous work! Don't let the negative drag you down!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 9:18 am
    Topic: RE: Bariatric Surgery = increased likelihood of ALCOHOLISM.

    Cross addiction only makes sense unless a person does the necessary work with themselves. I know the battle I am doing with myself every day just to manage life straight on without my comforting habits.

    And it is a wake-up call to see how much more common alcoholism is with gastric bypass versus other forms of Bariatric surgery.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 9:03 am
    Topic: RE: So So Happy...Hard work Paying off!!

    Way to go! "When you're headed in the right direction, all you have to do is keep on going!"
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 8:58 am
    Topic: RE: Veterans! Lets Paint a Picture for our Newbies!

    You have done so amazing!

    For me, the top 5 things:
    1) Much improved health- I take care of myself now.
    2) I like living in my shoes a lot more- increased self confidence and ease.
    3) Shopping in petite departments, and shopping small petite sizes.
    4) I do have to work hard on maintenance- I knew it would be hard but not this hard. It's everything I hated pre- op- diet and exercise. But I'm doing it, and damn proud of myself!
    5) I'm experiencing so much more in my life- putting myself out there with gusto!

    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/16/12 8:39 am
    Topic: RE: Is It Really So Hard?????

     Well, at least "no comment" is better than crappy comments. 
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/11/12 5:36 am
    Topic: RE: Terrific video!

    I had the same response. What a working, perspirational as well as inspirational video! I am so moved by his dedication and commitment!
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/11/12 5:23 am
    Topic: RE: This is probably posted somewhere else....

    Relationships lasting mostly depends on the quality of the relationship, and only you and your boyfriend can answer that one. If it's a relationship in which a stressor will break it apart, I wouldn't want it anyway, because life is full of stressors, and I wouldn't want to live on eggshells.

    I also wouldn't want a lapband. Maintaining weight loss is hard enough with an RNY or DS, let alone the complications from a lapband.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/9/12 5:30 am
    Topic: RE: 5 years ago

    Congratulations, especially for the work you do with maintaining! Thanks for your inspiration.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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    Post Date 5/9/12 2:08 am
    Topic: RE: Would you?

    I originally wanted the band, even went into surgery for it, but they couldn't place it because of my huge hiatal hernia. So I ended up with my RNY, which I am so grateful for even though maintenance is a ***** I am grateful I di not get the band.
    Anne
    "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

    "Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have  never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay

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