Surgeon TestimonialBeryl L. Harberg, M.D.Dr. Harberg was very straight forward at our initial visit. He repeated many life changing habits that would take place after surgery. I felt that he was very knowledgeable and I trusted him. After the surgery he was very strict and stern about his post op directives. I am very pleased with him. He helped save my life.
Update: I am sad to announce that my surgeon has decided to end his practice due to a personal illness. I am deeply saddened by this news because he has assisted so many in saving their lives now he must attempt to save his own! Prayers and love to you Dr. Beryl L. Harberg. May God truly be with you!
Member Interests
- Dogs - Sampson and Simon...White , red-nosed 1yr old Pits
- Teaching - 11 years........Mathematics Rule
- Christianity - My lifeline........literally!
- Jazz - Najee, Kenny, Whalum, Boni, Dave
- WLS in your 30's - At 35.
Latest Surgery Support Comments
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Hey, I just want to
say thankyou for the
kind and warm words
that you posted on
my support page.
Gurl your looking
good keep doing what
you do.
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Thank you so much
for taking the time
out and blessing me
with your kind
words.I read your
journey and I am so
happy for you. I
can't wait 13 more
days and I too will
be walking on the
losing side.May the
Lord bless you in
all things that your
pure heart may
desire. Stay safe
and I wish you many
blessing to be sent
from above.
True love will make
you feel light, even
When the weight of
the world is on
your
Shoulders.
Those times when you
feel alone, true
love will be
there to comfort
you.
True love lets you
know that you're
not alone in the
world.
True love will
encourage you and
become your
strength,
When you no longer
can be strong.
True love is honest
and trustworthy.
True love will never
Judge you.
True love is there
to teach you in the
trails of life.
True love is GOD'S
unconditional love.
True love is loving
God first, because
Then and only then
can love be real.
Love is an
expression from
GOD.
And he is real.
Copyright ©2006
Vivene Z
Jones-Pruitt
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Jcatt......... The Transformation!
Negative Calories on July 14, 2008 1:00 pm
The idea of a negative-calorie diet may sound strange, but it's actually a real phenomenon that does facilitate weight loss. That's because these diets are so rich in foods so low in calories that the body expends more calories digesting a food then than that food itself contains.
For example, the body burns 80 calories digesting a 25-calorie piece of broccoli, leaving you with negative 55 calories! To enjoy the benefits, nosh on negative-calorie foods like asparagus, apples, carrots, cucumbers, onions, oranges, papaya, pineapple, spinach and zucchini.
This entire list includes fruits, veggies and meats. Entire list of over 100 negative calorie foods remember that these foods alone cause the body to recognize starvation and this shuts down fat burning process so you must provide the protein and some fat, preferably keep a minimum of 1,500 calories and then kick in the exercises.
These foods burn more calories when eaten than they provide. That is why you see them in most diets. A good diet must provide many of these and a good protein source some fats i.e. from nuts and dairy. Don't forget some exercise preferably in the morning to jump start your metabolism each day and keep it burning for up to 8 hours. Much hugs, kisses and affection also go a long way towards making the diet a success or at least makes the diet more bearable...haha and serves as a behavorial dessert to just going to the gym.
asparagus
beet
broccoli
green cabbage
carrot
cauliflower
celery root
celery chicory
hot chili peppers
cucumber
dandelion
endive
garden
watercress
garlic
green beans
zucchini
apple
cranberries
grapefruit
lemon
mango
orange
pineapple
raspberries
strawberries
tangerine
lamb's lettuce
lettuce
onion
papaya
radishes
spinach
turnip
Vegetables:
Artichokes
Asparagus
Green beans
String beans
Beets
Beet greens
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Chinese cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Celery
Chervil
Chicory
Chives
Squash
Tomato (fresh/canned)
Corn (cob/canned)
Cucumbers
Dandelion greens
Dill pickles
Eggplant
Endive
Garlic
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard greens
Okra
Onions
Parsley leaves
Turnips
Watercress
Parsnips (raw/boiled)
Peas
Peppers (green/red)
Pickles (sour/sweet)
Pumpkin
Radishes
Rappini
Red cabbage
Rhubarb
Rutabagas
Sauerkraut
Salsify
Scallions
Shallots
Sorrel
Spinach
Fruits:
Apples
Apricots
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Cranberries
Currants
Damson plum
Figs
Fruit salad (fresh/canned)
Grapefruit
Grapes
Honeydew melon
Huckleberries
Kiwi
Kumquats
Lemons
Limes
Loganberries
Mangoes
Muskmelons
Nectarines
Oranges
Papaya
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Pomegranates
Prunes
Quince
Raspberries
Strawberries
Tangerines
Watermelon
Meat:
Abalone
Bass (fresh water/sea)
Buffalo fish
Catfish
Clams (cooked)
Cod Steaks
Crab
Crayfish
Flounder
Frog legs
Mussels
Oysters (half shell)
Shrimp
Terrapin
Trout
Tuna
1 comment | Click here to leave a comment.
5 day pouch test on July 12, 2008 6:57 am
http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html This is extremely helpful if you think you have destroyed your pouch!
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Good info from another board! WLS Mistakes on July 9, 2008 7:30 pm
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
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Me, Myself, & God on June 20, 2008 6:36 am
Summer 2008. I am thinking about how far God has brought me. I am grateful for my blessings. Losing weight has afforded me many opportunities. I am more confident. I take on challenges now. I am a new me. I feel that I was destined for this route for some strange reason to build others as I build myself. I am not controlled by anything now...and I mean anything. It's just me and God. I beleive he has great things for me. I am pregnant with faith and waiting on delivery! I am happy, blessed, and satisfied!
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 Archive
My Story
I started at 255 pounds in 2005. On June 28, 2005, Dr. Beryl Harberg changed my life. I had an open vbg and today 12-02-06 I weigh 165. I went from a size 22 to a size 8. I am so blessed. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to live and not just exist!
Catt
            

100 reasons to have WLS:
To feel good about ourselves. DONE
To have GREAT sex! :) DONE
So we won't think people are laughing or talking about us. DONE
To buy clothes in a normal store and actually get clothes with some style to them that fit correctly. DONE
To have more energy! DONE
To be able to tie your shoes/paint toenails. DONE
To be able to sit on a floor and get up gracefully. DONE
To wear a bathing suit. DONE SUMMER 2007
To cross your legs or sit Indian style. DONE
To fit into an airline/theatre/bus/whatever seat without spilling over and without having to see "that look" from the person who has to sit beside you. DONE AMERICAN AIRLINES SEPTEMBER 2006
So our ankles won't swell. DONE
To fit into a booth at any restaurant. DONE
To not need an extension to a seat belt on an airplane and to have the tray table not balance on our bellies. DONE
To not worry about being decapitated in our cars with our seat belts on if we should be in an accident. DONE
To not turn beet red after moderate exertion. DONE
To be able to pick something up off the floor. DONE
Panty Hose that fit! DONE, THANK GOD
To go to an amusement park and ride the rides. DONE, 6 FLAGS ARLINGTON, TEXAS JULY 2006
To be able to sit in any chair without worry of breakage. DONE
To not have to apologize when caught in a narrow aisle and have someone need to get by. DONE
To go dancing, sky diving, bungee jumping....
To be able to go horseback riding or ride a bike. DONE
To not worry about rashes and sweating.
To not have to listen to "caring" people ask why you don't diet or worse still... "gee youhave such a pretty face". DONE
To not worry about spilling food, sauces or gravy down the front of your blouse/dress/shirt when eating. DONE
To not have to think up some excuse for not doing something because you know your weight will impede you. DONE
To not have your belly hit the steering wheel and to be able to fit comfortably in the driver's seat. DONE
To have a bra fit comfortably and to be able to buy underwear at Victoria's Secret rather than at "Tubby the Underwear Guy". DONE
To not have to worry about the weight limit of step stools, ladders, motorcycle, exercise equipment, etc. DONE
To not get stuck in a turn style. DONE, sometimes I forget and still turn sideways!
To not wake up feeling achy in the back..or to have ache free legs and feet. DONE
So the bathroom scale won't creak and groan when you step on it. DONE
To be able to leave the tablecloth on the table at a restaurant instead of dragging it with you when you get up. DONE
So you won't look the other way when you see yourself in a monitor where they have security cameras. DONE, I stare in amazement now!
To never be embarrassed about your size. DONE
To not count tying shoes as daily exercise. DONE
To not have to wait for the handicap stall when there are plenty of other stalls available. DONE, BUT I STILL LIKE EM.
To not be more out of shape than seniors. DONE
To not break toilet seat when leaning to one side. DONE
To be able to put on wedding rings again. DONE. IT ACTUALLY ROTATES
To try to make a double chin and fail! DONE
Buy clothing bargains to fit the next year ... and they do! DONE, DONE, DONE
Not to have to worry about plastic zippers or having your pants bust open. DONE
Normal waistbands rather than elastic! DONE, I NEVER BUY ELASTIC WAIST ANYTHING!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!
To wear knee socks correctly instead of worn like slouches!
To look good in a tee shirt! DONE
To try on slacks or jeans and have the pant leg actually fit over leg! DONE
To be able to get close to sink and not come away with a wet belly! DONE
To get out of a stuffed chair GRACEFULLY and not look down to see if the chair has come up with you! DONE
To not worry if the hairdresser's smock will fit! DONE...THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE TOO!
To not be self-conscious about eating in front of others! DONE
To not be afraid to ask which hairstyle suits your face. DONE
To not have people checking you out after looking in your grocery cart. DONE
To not feel (and look) like a sausage in stirrup pants. DONE
To have your friends NOT be embarrassed to be seen with you. DONE
To get promotions/hired or close that sale. DONE
Pants that stay up because your waist is smaller than your butt! DONE
No more boobs! (this is for the guys!)
Wearing shorts or tank tops without fear of arrest or grossing out others! DONE
To not have the fear of being rejected. DONE
To successfully flirt! DONE
To not worry about how to get in and out of the back seat in a two door car! DONE
One size fits all and it fits you! DONE
To have a lap. DONE
To not have the car you are ride in slant in your direction. DONE
To be able to use toilet paper as it was meant to be used and not to have to invent ways to "get the job done". DONE
To not have to watch TV news reports on fat people in hopes that you haven't been caught on camera! DONE
To be able to get between cars in a parking lot without wiping the dust off with your belly and your butt. DONE
No more heat rashes and chafing in the upper thighs. DONE
So that the cloth in the thigh area doesn't wear away long before the rest of the slacks do! DONE
To meet a friend online and not be horrified to have to send a picture of yourself. DONE
To not take fat references and fat jokes personally. DONE
To know you can go anywhere because wherever you sit you CAN be comfortable and look at ease. DONE
To shop at the mall and not have your back ache from lugging your huge butt and stomach around! DONE
To be able to stand still, carrying nothing and still look poised. DONE
To be able to cross your arms across your chest without them resting on your stomach! DONE
To have your feet get smaller. DONE, NO MORE WIDE WIDTHS!!!!
Using your mouth to taste and chew food rather than as just a route to get the food from your lips to your stomach. DONE
Blood pressure returns to normal. ALWAYS BEEN NORMAL
To avoid other health complications from being overweight. DOING
To be able to borrow a co-worker's jacket for an important meeting. DONE, A SKINNY GUY FROM CANADA
To meet someone for the first time and their eyes don't pop out of their head with amazement...because they never knew you're fat! DONE, AND LOVE IT
To see your reflection in a mirror or store window without turning away! DONE
To wear a watch with a regular length watch band. DONE, HAVE TO GET LINKS TAKEN OUT!
To look in the mirror when getting your hair cut without thinking you have the biggest face in the world.
To not mind getting your picture taken. DONE, PURCHASED A NEW CAMERA
To not avoid going to the doctor because you have to get "weighed" in. DONE, LOOK FORWARD TO IT
To wake up each morning feeling energized and ready to go. DONE
To not even worry about squeezing into small spaces. DONE
To not have to enter an elevator and check the weight limit. DONE
To look in your closet and have problems deciding which stylish outfit to work since you have so many that look good and fit well. DONE, EVERYDAY, IT IS EXCITING AND FUN!!
To not have to lie perfectly still in bed at night for fear of breaking the bed! DONE
To buy tie shoes instead of slip ons! DONE, 4,5, AND 6 INCH HEELS
To be able to walk any distance without looking for a bench to sit on. DONE, 4.3 MILES DAILY
To look forward to shopping and just trying on clothes! DONE, DONE, AND GONNA DO IT TODAY!
To be able to drive by any fast food place without salivating! DONE, THIS IS THE MOST REWARDING ONE, FOOD DOES NOT CONTROL ME ANY MORE!!!! THIS IS WHAT I AM MOST HAPPY ABOUT!
To be able to shop at the same store for food instead of having to remember where you shopped last night for the junk food so you can avoid that store for a few days! NEVER WAS AN ISSUE
To not feel lower than low when an innocent child remarks about your size! DONE, WAS VERY PAINFUL WHEN IT DID OCCUR!
To not constantly be thinking of where your next morsel of food is coming from. DONE, THANK GOD. I USED TO THINK ABOUT FOOD CONSTANTLY!
And the 100th reason to lose 100 pounds.....
I'M WORTH IT! HECK YEAH!
-- Author Of List Unknown
DONE
I was approved for surgery in about 8 days. I was so excited. I felt that this was finally my chance.
My date is June 28, 2005.

My reasons for having WLS!!!!!!!!
My WLS Journey:

6-28-05 had surgery. I was 255 lbs.
I lost 9 pounds in 4 days. I Left the hospital at 246.
I tried to drink Boost but realized that I was Lactose intolerant.
Therefore I really didn't eat much of anything. String cheese worked well and did not hurt like crazy. At first everthing I put in my mouth hurted. So, I resulted in just drinking even after my 2 week liquid phase. My sister (a 6 year vbg veteran) kept telling me to eat or my skin would start hanging!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Eventually I started eating a little more. I am still steering clear of many meats. They still hurt. On the other hand sliders are not the best for me. Cheese puffs are great but I limit my intake.
Today is 9-13- 05 and I am at 213.4 I have lost 42 since 6-28-05.
I am happy, energetic and blessed. BYE-BYE Lane Bryant!!!!!!!!!
I just bought my first pair of jeans from the GAP. YEAH!! Size 16. Great!!!!!!
Bye for now.
Today is October 16, 2005
As of today I have lost 53 lbs. I feel great and I have a new past time.......SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so blessed that God has allowed me to experience this weight loss adventure. I am only expecting for things to get better.
Catt
TODAY IS DECEMBER 5, 2005
I AM IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BIG TIME. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL AND ALL PRAISES GO TO GOD. JUNE 28, 2005 I WEIGHED A MISERABLE 255 POUNDS (SIZE 22-24 CLOTHES). TODAY I WEIGH 190 POUNDS (SIZE 12 AND 14 CLOTHES DEPENDING ON THE DESIGNER). I FEEL SO BLESSED. I LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND WINDOWS ALL OF THE TIME BECAUSE I AM SO PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENT I'VE BEEN GRANTED. I HAVE BEEFED UP MY EXERCISE. BILLY'S BOOTCAMP IS THE BOMB!!!!!!!!. RESULTS ARE ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY. I STILL AM NOT ABLE TO EAT MUCH AND RESTRAUNTS MAKE ME NERVOUS. WHEN I ENTER A RESTRAUNT I BEGIN TO CLAM UP WITH ANXIETY. EVEN IF I CHOOSE A DISH THAT SHOULD GO DOWN, IT DOESN'T BECAUSE THE ATMOSPHERE MAKES ME NERVOUS. MY HUSBAND THINKS THAT I AM IGNORING HIM AT RESTRAUNTS. I FINALLY EXPLAINED TO HIM THIS PAST FRIDAY MY FEELINGS ABOUT RESTRAUNTS AND THAT I AM NOT INTENTIONALLY IGNORING HIM ITS JUST THAT I AM TRYING LIKE CRAZY TO LISTEN TO MY POUCH, ENJOY THE DINING EXPERIENCE, AND KEEP FROM BARFING. ALL OF THAT TAKES CONCENTRATION. HE APOLOGIZED FOR ALWAYS GETTING UPSET WHEN WE DINE OUT.
TO ALL SEEKING SURGERY, IT IS WORTH IT!!! SIZE 12 NON-STRETCH JEANS ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN A DOUBLE MEAT WHATABURGER WITH CHEESE AND BACON AND EXTRA MAYO. ( I USED TO BE ABLE TO EAT THIS WITH SUPER SIZE FRIES OR ONION RINGS WITH A JUMBO COKE. I HAVEN'T HAD ONE IN A YEAR, MY LAST MEAL LIKE THIS WAS DECEMBER 2004)
KEEP THE FAITH, AND MAKE THOSE DARN INSURANCE COMPANIES GIVE YOU ALL WHAT YOU HAVE PAID FOR ALL OF THESE YEARS, A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE.

12-21-05
Hello All
I am 6 months out from my VBG in June. I am doing well. From 255 to 188. That is an accomplishment. I have been a bit frightened lately. It seem the the awful full feeling after meals have toned down a lot. I still feel full fast, but if I want to put something else in my mouth it is now possible to do so when at one time I wasn't able to. But, to God be the Glory, because He is still in control. He knows that I can't go back to the way I was and I am depending on Him. I have beefed up my exercise and I am determined to be at 150 by March 27 (my birthday).
To all seeking surgery, don't give up. I wish this blessing that I have on all overweight people. I am 6 months out and I still can't believe that I am where I am. If anyone has any questions e-mail me. I am 6 months out and my best friend (my sister) is 6 years out.We will answer any of your questions to the best of our abilities. She has kept it off that long and still going strong. We are all family in this weight loss thing. I need support and I am willing to give support as well.
Keep the faith.
Catt
12-29-05
Hello All
I am ready for the new year. I am still around 186-189 pounds depending on the day. I am one who really watch what I eat. I have not really indulged in over 6 months. I feel that I should be further down, but, I am still grateful. I could be where I was this time last year. I am going to renew my gym membership for the new year and get to my goal of 150 by the end of March.
Catt

Getting there.....thank God!
Sunday 1-15-06 I am no longer considered obese.Thank You God!
I have been visiting the memorial page..........I am sooooo blessed.
Catt
Friday March 3, 2006
I am 175 pounds, alive and High kicking. I am still dealing with the fat lady inside but I have no regrets.
Keep ya head up!
Catt
"I feel so lovely!!!" Not vain....just happy!
March 12,2006

At the Houston Zoo........I am so BLESSED!
Meet my support system....my best friend and my coach....my sister Lisa. Lisa is the WLS Queen. She is seven years out from her vbg and remains to keep the 150 pounds off!

My other support person is my husband, Johnny. He has been with me throughout this journey. He has even lost 37 pounds in the process of assisting me. He is awesome!

God never ceases to amaze. OH family I would have never dreamed of ever getting to this point physically. My God is an awsome God. He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and might!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!My god is and awesome God!

March 14, 2006
I feel I need to add a copy of the plateau buster diet to my page for future uses. It really works.
#1 - Do this for 10 days to break a plateau
#2 - Drink 2 quarts of water a day
#3 - You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamins/minerals supplements each day
#4 - You may consume up to 3 oz of the following high protein foods, 5x a day
beef
pork
chicken
turkey
lamb
fish
eggs
low fat cheese
cottage cheese
plain yogurt or artificially sweetened (?)
peanut butter
beans/legumes
You may also have:
sugar free popsicles
tea or coffee
sugar free soda
sugar free jello
broths/bullion (sp?)
crystal light drinks
#5 - If it's not on the list, you can't have it for 10 days!!!!
#6 - Keep a food diary and try to get up to 30 mins of exercise daily

03-30-06
Hello Family.
Lately I have been upset and feeling like BLAH about my progress. I think I snack too much. Even though I do healthy snacks I feel that it is too much.I realized last night that I am GREEDY. I am always wanting something in my mouth and I am going to have to get that under control if I plan not to ever be obese again.The wls took care of the stomach but it did not do a thing for my mind or my mouth. I am always having a taste for something and always trying to satisfy that taste whether I am hungry or not. SO....... I am plateau busting now and I am in some serious ketosis. So if I get down 10 pounds in 10 days I am through. No more diets just balanced meals and low carbing not no carbing! I think I need a nutritionist and a psycologist to help me with this food thing.
This emotional roller coaster is a trip. People are always complimenting me on how good I look but I am not there yet. I have to do this for me and omit what everyone says. This is a personal thing and I must deal with it as such.
Catt
Here's a message I posted on BAF message boards......it says it all!
I was born RSLG, but lately everyone refers to me as skinny, beautiful, georgeous, sexy, ect. I am a teacher, even the principal calls me "lovely Lady". How do I take this after 35 years of being obese and ignored. Anything I ask for I get it. I never have to open a door.People smile at me and the compliments are endless. People are really really kind to me ...........but yall I just can't forget the countless times that I was slighted because I was fat. One of my saddest memories recalls the time when I was getting married. A woman's wedding and all its preparations are to be special.....not mine. I was a fat bride and no one allowed me to forget that. My mom, sisters , sister-n-law and I went to a Bridal extravaganza at the convention center in Houston. I was all excited about the ice sculptures and so on. BUT...throughout the exhibit vendors would automatically go to my sister n law (who was beautiful and thin) and refer to her as the bride in our group. They soured when they realized that I was the bride. I remember my beautician ( who wanted marriage so desperately) asked me "How you get some one to marry your fat ass?" I was floored. Then after my wedding even one of my aunts said, "That was a very nice wedding but Shonda is fat and he is too." Floored again. Cruel, cruel cruel! I could go on forever with the fat pain....it would take days for me to go through my high school and college years.
I am not having an old pity party but I cannot forget where I came from and I never want to be that shallow regardless of how thin I get.
I want us all here at OH to vow not to let our weight loss go to our heads and forget about those who are living the struggles we left behind before wls.
Yes the compliments and attention are flattering....but when you look at the big picture....what does it mean........since you lost weight........now you are worth being treated like a normal human being!!!
This scenario is worse than the Bush administration!
Love,
Catt
Today I weighed and I am at 172. It took forever. Trying to get to the 160s. I realize that omega 3 fatty acids are great for weight loss. I am going to try it for a while. Any way.....I have an appointment with a ps in 2 days. I am hoping for a tt to complete my transformation. If he can do something about my breast, that will be a bonus. I am just concentrating on an approval.
OH family let's continue to support one another throughout all of our journeys.
Peace and Happiness Catt

This picture is mid April 2006......I am so blessed!
Praises be to God!!!!!!!!!!!
June 15, 2006
Blessed...that's who I am. I am about 13 days shy a year from my vbg. I was 255 pounds. I am now 166-169. I am in a size 8 and some sixes. I am so happy. I still want to lose about 25 more pounds...but if I don't I can live like this. I saw the Tyra show today and I saw where Carnie Wilson went up to a 12 from a 8. She is still inspiring. I am aware of the risks of weight regain...but I will trust in God on this and evertything. He did not bring me this far to leave me. Be blessed.
Catt
June 22, 2006
Hello,
I am content today. I have been home every day this month and I have been holding the eating down. I am still at about 168 pounds from 255. I have no complaints. I am often very critical of my body and want to be perfect. But, I know that there was only one perfect one and I need to keep that on mind. I realize that eating snow crabs will 1. allow you to eat more than what you are used to & 2. bring the weight off like crazy. So I guess I'll keep doing it.
I am often at awe when I think about how far I have come. I have been obese 35 of my 36 years on this earth. Its taking a toll on me. I wake up every morning thinking about my journey. I probably could write a book. I need to make my 1 yr appt with my surgeon to see if he is pleased. I know that I am. I don't know what the future holds but as for right now......I'll just enjoy the ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Catt
Photos

280 appx.
Miserable |
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173
I feel much better now. Only about 20 pounds to go! |
Member Interests:
Dogs - Sampson and Simon...White , red-nosed 1yr old Pits
Teaching - 11 years........Mathematics Rule
Christianity - My lifeline........literally!
Jazz - Najee, Kenny, Whalum, Boni, Dave
WLS in your 30's - At 35.
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Beryl L. Harberg, M.D.
Dr. Harberg was very straight forward at our initial visit. He repeated many life changing habits that would take place after surgery. I felt that he was very knowledgeable and I trusted him. After the surgery he was very strict and stern about his post op directives. I am very pleased with him. He helped save my
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