Today is THE Day... Bye, Bye Pannus!

Feb 29, 2012

I added this... For those of you wondering why someone would be getting a panniculectomy when they still weigh 302 pounds, I would like to have you read my blog from Nov - Dec 2011.  I started this journey at over 474 pounds, I am starting my second year after Roux-en-Y surgery.  I have lost 170 pounds in this last year.

First of all, to all those who have left me comments, I promise to write you all back, personally!  Probably should have just left my bed last night & jumped on my laptop, sigh.  Since 1:30 in the morning, I have been awake.  I actually did respond to some folks from my phone - not easy in the dark, and trying to be quiet.  My ride arrives in one hour, or less.  Maybe she isn't as giddy as me, but I feel like I could swim 4 miles and still drag my SCUBA gear over a rocky outcropping.  Yesterday, I was asked if my blood pressure was normally this high, I laughed, "Sorry, I am a little manic, I just had four days to get ready for the surgery I expected in a month from now..."

I have taken photos and will be loading them up some point after Friday.  My surgeon says as long as there aren't any complications, I am going home Friday.  I actually told him that I wanted to have a "weight pool," don't know what the prize will be, but I am taking guesses as to how much flesh he is going to remove.  Come to think of it, I am glad he was puzzling over it and not giving me a hard number - how could cheat... Anyhow, my guess is 23 pounds.  So, feel free to leave your guess in the comments - and let's have fun with this.

Okay, back to the nitty gritty of the process to remove my pannus and correction of my mons pubis.  If you aren't aware of the terms, the mons pubis is that fleshy pad over your vagina -- some of us have it worse than others, so when I load the photos, be prepared.  My friend and major supporter, Kari came with me to my pre-op exam.  Funny, the surgeon did not seem to remember how pronounced my mons pubis was (during the exam, the surgeon usually has you pull the panniculus - pannus - up, to view underneath).  So I addressed it right then and there, YANK!  My friend (poor Kari, bless her heart) was staring straight at something she had never seen before.  Yup, I can be totally naked without showing my va ja ja!  I got up on the table and made the doctor really get in there and realize how fleshy the mons pubis is, so he can be more aggressive than he initially stated in the beginning. 

I actually found surgical papers on the procedure I want, so he explained to him why I prefer the more aggressive repair, and he seems to agree with me.  If I am giving up my belly button - he asked again if I was all right with that, I said, "As long as you promise to take as much flesh as possible, I'll be happy to just get a tattoo!"  Friends who have received their panniculectomy usually have this odd notch where their hoo-ha has just been tugged up, almost making their hair line seem too close to their navels.  So, for those less faint of heart, I will be providing photos.  I told Kari it reminds me of the snout of a walrus, she just laughed, a little uncomfortably, but I get it.

Kari & I actually discussed the mons pubis on our drive home, yesterday.  "I now understand what you've been saying... I'll never complain about mine again..."  It's just what happens when you get really, really fat.

My ride should be here in a half hour - so please, happy thoughts!  Stay Positive!  Check my album for swimsuits!!!  Please leave a comment if there is a suit you can use, I promise to try to get back to you this weekend!

Brenda : )~


25 comments

One Day and Counting, Panniculectomy...

Feb 28, 2012

It's really odd, but I think I just realized a connection with "nesting" for pregnant women, and those who are about to "give birth" to their pannus...

Having thought I still had a month to go, I was pretty much more like the ant than the grasshopper, getting ready for Winter.  Then I get a phone call last Friday that I was being offered a sooner date - TOMORROW.  Considering that only left me with  two weekend days and two weekdays before surgery, I have been dashing about my home to get it ready -- but I promise NOT to bring home my swaddled pannus. 

My list was huge, but I have been slowly ticking off all my errands & chores.  I have only been sleeping 5 - 6 hours a night, which is more like the OLD me, before discovering the wonders of 8 full hours of sleep.  Getting up earlier leaves me with more time to do laundry, shop, clean, and of course take care of business.  I am on my second load of laundry, scrubbed my shower TWICE, made phone calls, and I am still trying to figure out what else I can get done before my pre-op appointment at 11:30am... It totally hit me, "I am worse than a woman preparing for labor!"  By the way, I do talk to myself often, so if you are just reading my blog for the first time, I swear it is a healthy thing to do.

I've jumped on Facebook to check my weight loss support group page - I still need to either cancel or secure a group leader for the meeting.  My thoughts are racing, I have another meeting on March 15, so I am wondering, "Will I be healed enough to attend?"  Then I thought, I need to keep checking on my "peeps" here on Obesity Help, so here I am.  Tap Tap Tap, I have one finger nail that is chipped, and it bugs me.  I actually clipped my toenails this morning, as I better do it while I still can bend to reach them!

Yesterday, I even called my surgeon's office, "No one scheduled my anesthesia appointment, what meds/supplements/vitamins am I supposed to suspend before surgery?!"  For the record, I was told my medications were fine, but stop all vitamins & supplements, especially vitamins E & K.  Good thing I knew the drill.  My appointment is at 11:30am today, but I am already doing a liquid diet -- I am probably going overboard, but I like being prepared.  I still have to take my photos for before, and I am going to have fresh sheets and pads in place so that my bed is post-op ready!

Okay, here is the emotional stuff: I have made notes to my loved ones, even wondered if I need to tell them where the money is hidden, you know, just in case.  I am probably more giddy than worried, but I like to be in control, even when I cannot be.  Rest assured, I looked up my surgeon, and even read the paper he published in 2008 about his study of 92 patients receiving panniculectomies, and following those patients over four years.  So, I know he knows what he is doing.  Part of me wonders what it will be like no longer having something I have known my entire adult life - and then some.  I had been planning this surgery since 1996, no kidding.  Long time coming, and it is finally here.  Part of me just wants to wake up tomorrow, the other part is tapping me on the shoulder, "I need more time to finish getting ready".

I have sent out swimsuits, and posted another suit that needs a new home.  I have been pretty good writing friends and thanking supporters.  What is left is to get the surgery and recover.  What size will I end up being after surgery?  How much will the flesh removed weigh?  Holy smokes, I will be well into the 200's for the first time in 15 years!  Is it that obvious that I am a little excited?  I wonder if they can use the skin for burn victims?  I better ask the surgeon, so I can have closure!

Well folks, just in case this is my last post for a few days, I am looking forward to sharing all the gory details!  Wishing my FUP a happier life without me!  Stay positive!

Brenda : )~

15 comments

Leap Day and My New Body...

Feb 24, 2012

Well folks, I beat the drum of positivity for a very good reason... If you have a positive outlook, good things happen.  It also works when you get handed less positive news -- you find something good within the news.

I have spent 15 months working hard since I had my weight loss surgery, even a lot longer if you consider before surgery effort, to finally see a glimmer of light ahead of me.  What is the glimmer, you may ask?  I had been given the surgical date of March 29, 2012 to receive my panniculectomy, only to receive a call today that I was moved up exactly one month.  If you do not know what a panniculectomy is, it is the removal of fatty tissue that hangs over your lap - the "fat apron" or pannus (panniculous is how many doctors refer to it).  It isn't a tummy tuck, as it only involves the flesh that hangs, but I have a pannus that hangs 42 centimeters, so I am happier than I have been in years.

Dealing with setbacks is just how life is.  I was feeling a little bummed over waiting from Dec 18 of 2011 until March of 2012, but I always reminded myself, "You've lived with your FUP (it's nickname) your entire adult life, what is an extra month or two?!"  So, I will say that by keeping a positive attitude, reminding the surgeon's scheduler that I am ready when they are, I actually got the call. 

The date I am getting surgery is very cool for me, as I love associating things.  I have a cool day to say, I will be FUP FREE!  Leap Day happens once every four years, how appropriate that I be scheduled for that day.  I have had this ugly, fleshy part of my body all my adult life.  Strangely, it is the only part of me I have never liked, and now it will be gone.  Move over Paunxatauney Phil, as Fup Free Day is coming!  If you haven't guessed it already, I will absolutely celebrate Leap Day from this year forward - it would be a shame not to.

As I love to say, if something is worth having, it is worth working for!  I am down 170 pounds, and I am now finally getting something I have been working towards since 1996 -- that is the first time I saw a Reconstructive Surgeon about getting a panniculectomy.  I will post before & after photos in a special album, so some will be clothed, some will be naked.  Please check back for the transformation!

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~
8 comments

Why Do I Love Support Groups?

Feb 23, 2012

I realize we all have a way of learning and working through our weight loss journey, but one great foundation for me is being active with Weight Loss Support Groups.  Whether you choose a group from your Bariatric Center, a non profit group like TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)  or OA (Overeaters Anonymous), or even an Obesity Help affiliated group like Puget Sound WLS Support (shameless plug for my group), attending will give you camaraderie and the support you need.  If you learn some new information, well that is a definite plus! 

My attending support group meetings is serious, as I go to four meetings a month, within three different groups.  I like to be able to share the ups and downs of this journey with others.  One of my favorite mottos (I guess I have a few Brenda-isms) is that I get support by giving support.  Last night I got to swap information, bounce some concerns I have off of people who understand this journey, and might have a perspective I overlooked - and vice versa.  The main topic and speaker last night was a hypnotherapist.  Lisa Crunick is a local therapist to the Seattle Area, but she does have a website: http://www.lisacrunick.com/  What I was happy to be able to do was meet with and talk with a potential therapist, in order to decide if this is a route I might want to take. 

Who hasn't wondered about the class downtown at the community center that offers weight loss through hypnosis?  Obviously, I wasn't completely sold on the idea, or I would have already tried it.  I liked the fact that Lisa explained that it isn't just for weight loss, she works with her patients to actually dig out what is causing a certain behavior.  She uses EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique (http://www.workingchronicles.com/2011/07/12/912/).  If I understood her correctly, she likes to get the conscious and subconscious mind working together to bring about change.  Okay, sounds simple, but I have a cluttered mind.

I was happy to actually meet this therapist, ask her some questions, pose my issues (both my mother and paternal grandmother tried to teach me self hypnosis and meditation when I was very young - it didn't work), just to see what she thought about working with me before I plunked down my hard earned cash.  In just a few minutes of chatting, she was able to identify how I think, which may not be too hard, as I usually say what I am thinking.  But what struck me is that she took time to ask me questions, and a little more about who I am outside of a weight loss surgery support group.  She even gave the whole group an introduction to EFT through pressure points on our body.  I admitted after that I was still having issues with my mind filling with unnecessary information, but I was ready to see what she could do with me in a one on one hour and a half session -- so I will be booking at least one appointment with her.  My promise is to share my outcome, as my main issue I want to deal with is Head Hunger.

Another support group meeting was with a fabulous nutritionist who actually offers classes in cooking - especially for certain medical reasons - diabetic, gastric bypass patients, gluten free, and so on.  I may never have found out about Robin Beeson (robinbeeson.com) this wholistic nutrition guru had I not attended that particular support group meeting.  I know how to cook, and for the most part in a very healthful manner, but to be able to pass on her information to folks who may not have these skills, it was worth the two hours I spent learning.

Over a week ago I got to meet Rose Cowan, who is a pretty fabulous woman.  She decided that she wasn't able to lose weight for herself, but she was willing to do whatever it took to keep the mother of her children alive.  Not only did we swap information about plastic and reconstructive surgery (she says she works for her surgeon to support her habit - she looks GREAT), we also got to hear how her life has been impacted by losing and keeping off her weight.  I always like to see how a person has done in the long term, so she is a great example of being able to set your path and follow it -- she did hers without surgery.

Not only do you get to meet great guests, but you also learn about nutrition, exercise, emotional coping, and share with others the "wow" moments.  When we went around the room last night, we were asked to just introduce ourselves, and say something about us.  Most liked to include weight lost so far, I didn't, I shared my resting heart rate - to which I am so proud of!  For those of you who haven't followed my journey, I did have another doctors office validate that my resting heart rate is now 52.  Not all our pride is measured on the scale, so don't ever dismiss those NSV (Non Scale Victories)!  In my particular support group, we offer group activities.  This month my group went bowling, and had a great time!  Exercise, camaraderie, that is what makes you willing to keep heading in the right direction on your journey.

Another benefit to support groups is clothing exchanges!  I want to give a big shout out to Tina Brown who donated swimsuits to my "pay it forward" with swimwear -- go check my photo albums -- all I ask is that you pay shipping.  When you are the largest person in a support group, you do get a lot more clothing options, so I haven't had to purchase many new things as I graduate into smaller clothing -- thanks to all the women who have shared with me!!!  I also love being able to give back, through sharing of clothing, samples of meal replacement protein drinks, or just ideas.  Isn't two hours of your life worth giving back to yourself?  I love me so much, I go four times a month!

If you ask how can I find a support group in my area?  I'm happy to tell you that you are on a great resource right here, ObesityHelp.com.  Go into the forums tab, and look for "go local", as there is a forum that anyone can post on -- asking or offering support groups or just to connect with local people.  If you aren't associated with a medical center, many of the local hospitals are HAPPY to have you attend, free of charge.  I know I have  brought seven different people to the Virginia Mason Center, as they did not have local surgeons.  Check on Craigslist, local newspapers still have announcement sections, or check specific groups (like TOPS or OA) online - as they will be happy to send you to a local group.

Being online is a great resource, but I have to tell you there is something special seeing the same folks month after month, and sharing the journey.  Last night one of the members in the group shared some personal issues about his journey.  He could not deal with the face looking back at him in the mirror.  I have seen him through his over 100 pound journey, and he even shaved off a beard he has had for decades.  His sharing with the group puts a face to the issue, and may help others with their acceptance of this stranger looking back at them from the mirror.  When reading posts online, you do not get to hear the emotion or even see it.  But being there, face to face, it helps you relate.

Through my very own group, I was able to refer a fellow member to my reconstructive surgeon.  The member was worried about hearing "No," but I assured her, she was giving herself the "NO" without even trying.  Well, she took my advice, and she is scheduled for a panniculectomy.  She may not have done this so soon, had she not been to a support group meeting, and had a face to face with someone in similar shoes as hers.  Support groups are for educating us, so be willing to share your journey, as you may be helping someone else through your support.

As always, Stay Positive!!!

Brenda : )~

0 comments

What Now?

Feb 21, 2012

I have friends who complain that they aren't losing weight, yet when I ask them the qualifying questions, they come back with answers like: I am not like you... I don't have the time to exercise... I have an idea what I am eating - I don't need a food journal...

Look, losing weight and getting healthy doesn't JUST happen, it takes work.  Sure, surgery will give you a great head start, but what happens when you are a year out, and you aren't losing weight like you did months ago?  I can answer this question: Food journal & MEASURE your food; EXERCISE DAILY; drink water; take supplements; learn how to read food labels - and if you do not cook for yourself, learn to cook -- in a healthful manner.

Frustration tends to start rearing its head when the scale stops dropping multiple pounds, but what you need to do is BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.  After talking with the nurse practitioner at my bariatric surgeons office, I admitted I wasn't food journaling, which is probably why I am barely losing weight.  Yup, even I get lazy, but I can also be honest with myself & figure out what I am doing wrong.  With smart phones, it is easy to find an APP you like & will use, just take them for a test drive.  Even a note pad will work.  The point is if you make this a daily activity, you are more likely to continue.  I have an APP on my phone that does the math for me - tells me how many calories I have left, what my protein intake is, and calculates calories burned through exercise.

For those of you who just cannot find an extra 30 minutes a day to exercise, you need to make your heart a higher priority.  Yup, I said it, if you love your heart, you will exercise at least 30 minutes a day.  With exercise you actually sleep better, and will walk taller when you are out in public.  I park at the furthest part of every parking lot for extra exercise, and I live in rainy Seattle.  I can take 20 flights of stairs at a time, because I kept pushing myself & did it daily.  It is easy to find a flight of stairs, so just start going up & down - you'll be surprised how hard a workout this can be!  Check Craigslist for a used exercise bike, and USE IT.  I find I like to listen to music and browse my emails while I ride.  I set up playlists for my bicycle rides, so I know how long I have peddled, and how long until I am done.  My heart rate is now a fabulous 52 when I am at rest, and it did not come from sitting around.  It has taken me years of swimming to be able to swim three miles a day.

Not everyone knows the basics of healthy cooking, which sort of surprises me.  Maybe it is the Fast Food Age, too many convenience foods in a heat and eat package, but there really are simple ways to improve your diet.  I have always been a picky eater, so I learned how to adapt & cook things for myself, so I could control what was in my foods.  I was 19 years old before I knew I could order a Big Mac with only lettuce and cheese (although I haven't had one in years, this is how I used to order it).  When you actually read the nutritional labels for Fast Food Restaurants, you will really be shocked.  If you do not know how to read labels, you can learn!  When I make my veggies, I use bouillon instead of butter.  I rarely ever use oils or fats in my kitchen, mainly because I am a picky eater (lucky for me!).  Learning how to prepare food will also shrink your monthly food bill, you can control what goes into your body.  Sorry if this sounds basic, but there are members in my support group who do not cook.  I will never, ever give up my pressure cooker, as it makes the leanest meats tender!

When is the last time you had your blood work taken & explained to you?  I take my supplements daily, without fail.  When I got a low/normal result on my Vitamin D level, I was shocked.  "How could this be?  My Calcium looks fine..." But knowing I was getting deficient in one area made me react and add more Vitamin D to my daily regime.  Blood tells what you really are doing, it will show if you sit on your butt & have a lousy diet, or if you are on top of things.  When you have a limited amount of food you can eat in a day -- either through restriction, or just from counting calories, you have to make up the deficiency somewhere.  One of the members in my support group told me she now has Osteoporosis.  This made me aware of staying on top of my supplements and asking for a bone density test.  Sure, the member had decent calcium levels in her blood, but she now has to worry about why her body had to leech the calcium out of her bones, when she could have just taken the right kind of calcium to prevent this whole mess.

Here is another piece of advice, staying positive doesn't just happen, it has to be worked at.  There are days I do not feel like doing the things I know I need to do, but in my goal to stay positive, I just do it.  Having a positive outlook makes this journey so much easier.  I have one friend who has a difficult time seeing the positive in life, so I bug her, constantly.  Get outside of your usual, find something you can be passionate about, and do it.  If you think the weight comes off easily, I am pretty sure you haven't been working at it very long.  This is for life - as in the rest of your life.  If you face the future with a positive outlook, you will be able to continue succeed, instead of stalling out.  Drink your water, take your supplements, and actually chart your food and calories, and you will succeed.

For those of you looking for a swimsuit - please check my photo album "Free Swimwear" - I have already swam 81 miles this year, with another 519 to go!  If you have a swimsuit you no longer fit in, please consider "paying it forward" to other OH Members - private message me if you want to help.

Brenda : )~
15 comments

My Heart Rate Kicks Chuck Norris' Butt!

Feb 08, 2012

Have you ever actually yelled out when you were told your resting heart rate?  Sheepishly, I have to raise my hand & say, "yes..."  I was going through the litany of questions always asked about my supplements, food portion size, the whole shabang, when I got to the blood pressure cuff portion of the pre exam. 

I really love chatting with all the medical staff at my surgeon's office, but one young guy always seems to make me smile a little bigger.  No, I am not in some weird stalker thing, I just really get along with him and we compare goofy websites & odd information.  Anyhow, he actually asks me before the cuff goes on, "So what's your number going to be?"  No one has ever asked me before, but I actually play this game in my head.  I said that I am pretty confident I know the number, tell him my Pawnxatony Phil Forecast, and damn if I didn't nail it!  My blood pressure is 108/72, which he adds, "dang, you have a strong beat that sounds so slow, what do you think you heart rate will be?"  I get a little embarrassed, and tell him that I am "keyed up, so it probably will be mid sixty but not higher than seventy-two.  Drum roll please... FIFTY-TWO beats a minute!

Sure I hollered, sitting there on the stupid paper covered table, I have an amazing resting heart rate, one that even Chuck Norris could find as being acceptable!  I told the medical assistant that it had probably been a decade since my heart rate was this low, and upon his high fiving me, I actually apologized for the hollering.  I guess this is sort of a NSV (Non Scale Victory) of a sort, I just know it is great to know my little blood pumper still loves me!!!!

For those of you who think it is just weight loss that gives you the incredible numbers, it is also the effort I put in each and everyday to exercise.  My age is finally to the point, I realize I am "no kid anymore," and that "grown ups" need to behave a certain way.  Between you and me, I tell folks the only reason I do not look my age is because I am immature -- I try to at my shoe size, not my age... Be like a child when you exercise -- do kids being active realize it is exercise?  NOPE!  I used to be willing to walk three miles to the muni pool in my hometown so I could swim from noon to six pm, then walk the three miles home.  Admittedly, I drive the nine miles to the aquatic center now, but I am looking forward to doing it by bicycle soon!

Chatting with folks at the beginning of their journey, I tell them that it does take work, but it is so worth it.  Another patient at my surgeon's office was talking to my favorite nurse (yup, I have a favorite nurse, but will never give a name, so as not to make anyone feel less loved), and I asked if she would mind my butting in.  I first apologized for listening in, but she was a hockey mom.  I told her how far I have come (did not blurt out my heart rate), and that one of my goals was to skate again.  She gave me an open invite to come to where she skates, and we both laughed about our love of hockey.  So many activities get set aside when we get fat, it starts to hurt when reminded of what we have lost. 

The good thing with losing stuff?  We get to search for it!  Hey, I like a challenge, so maybe I am weird?  There are so many positive thoughts that go through my head daily, and I love, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well!"  Face your journey with positivity, I promise it makes it easier.  Stop looking at, "I won't be able to have..."  "I'll have to..."  Look at 'I get to..."  I want to..."  I can..."  Pretty simple stuff, but it all adds up to making it another day.  Did you know that I celebrate every morning when I did not give into head hunger?  Yup, it is a little victory to start my day!

It isn't all about what it says on the scale, trust me!  I have been bouncing five pounds in both directions, but I still am lighter by close to 20 pounds since November.  It does get harder after a year, but "anything worth doing, is worth doing well!"

Stay positive!
Brenda : )~
8 comments

Just another day, and some more thoughts...

Feb 01, 2012

Well, it is another day of swimming, and I have folks to thank!!!  There are two new suits and one cover up offered by fellow members here on Obesity Help -- Thank you to Jillian & Elaine for spreading the love!  Check my album marked Free Swimwear if you would like to get a suit that was donated, or if you want to add a suit - you can send me the measurements & a photo -- or send the suit to me, and I will find it a new home!  The only thing I ask, is that the receiver pay the postage, so lets "pay this forward" and get folks in the water!!  I presently have ONE men's 6X listed, first dibs to a male member, but if no one claims it, I will be happy to send it to a female who would like swim trunks.

Miles swam this year are now 56, and I am loving it!  The King County Aquatic Center is getting a fresh coat of paint, as the Summer Olympic Trials will be held where I swim -- to think, I could be sharing water with REAL athletes!  The pool was full today, and I actually had a great conversation with a new swimmer.  See, you can be fat and swim in public, I do it five days a week.  If you cannot swim very far, that doesn't matter, getting exercise is what we all need.  http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/pools.aspx  If you want to see where I swim, I have added a link.

Being a firm believer in accountability, I am seeing my bariatric nurse practitioner on Tuesday.  She laughed that I am willing to come every three months, I just smile and tell her I am in this for the long haul... My weight loss is pretty much stalled, but I am actually seeing SMALLER swimsuits and other clothing that fits, maybe it is time to bring out the measuring tape?!  So, when you get angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed with stalls, plateaus, or even the up/down of a couple pesky pounds, do not just check the scale, get out the measuring tape.  I am 14 months out, and have already lost over 165 pounds.  It hasn't been easy, but anything worth doing is worth my effort!  When the scale stops going in the downward direction, you really need to look at a few things: Am  I getting enough exercise?  Am I keeping track of ALL my calories?  Do I get enough nutrition, protein, and WATER?  Trust me, I know how easy it is to think, "That looks like a cup..." until I pull out a measuring cup and see I am just kidding myself.  As we lose weight, our bodies do figure out ways to hang onto those calories, so you just may have to change things up - or just double check your calories/exercise/nutrition.

For those of you just considering surgery, I always tell folks to TRY EVERYTHING, FIRST.  Okay, surgery is serious business, and many of us can achieve success the non-surgical route, but you really have to be willing to make the lifetime changes -- same as those of us who have had surgery.  If you have food addiction issues, you really need to conquer them before you will ever succeed - whichever route you take.  I still deal with "Head Hunger," and wish I knew why I still have that stupid little voice calling me at night.  My usual way of confronting the voice - I go to sleep.  Ha ha, you cannot entice me with food while I sleep!  I have many friends who have yet to conquer the night eating, but I am working diligently to conquer mine.  So, what do you tell yourself when you give in?  How about, "Hey, that kind of sucks, but if you stop now, you won't have as much guilt to deal with later..."  Just putting off your "diet" for another day, since you've already "blown it" today is NEVER going to work.  Stop while you can, and work for turning it around, immediately.  If you have over eating issues, maybe consider looking into OA, it is a peer group with folks who understand what you are going through. I am also a BIG supporter of SUPPORT.  If you need to find a support group in your area, look in the forums here on OH in your region - I actually post occasionally in the WA Forum.

Oh and support is good for weight loss - the under garment type!  I am so loose and floppy, I make sure I have a good supporting bra & usually a body firming garment of some sort.  Look on eBay, Slimpressions, I even saw some great support under garments at Sam's Club - under $20 for two!  If you have less jiggle, you will be happier walking, even sitting.  Panty girdles, support hose, it all helps.  Trust me, not only does if physically feel better, you feel a little sexier -- well, I know I do...

What is keeping you from parking at the farthest end of the parking lot?  I laughed at all the fools, driving around in circles like sharks, I drove to the far end, grabbed a cart, and was pushing my way to the store entrance while some fools were still jockeying for the closest spot.  Take it in small steps, if you cannot cover too much ground, but get those steps in!  I am also making every effort to taking the stairs everywhere I go.  Yup, even with my janky leg, I slowly creep up those stairs, and stop when I need to.  No shame in taking a breather!!!  Just start somewhere, and build.  Taking the stairs, I am now up to 20 flights a day, no kidding!  My old goal was 10 flights a day, so I slowly doubled it.  Look into a cheap pedometer, you will enjoy watching the steps add up.

Okay, have I motivated you yet?  Let me know!  If you need support, I am usually here, and happy to offer an ear & even some positive words.  Check my swimwear album, and if you have shrunk out of a size, consider giving it to another OH member who is where you used to be!

Stay positive!
Brenda : )~
11 comments

Seattle/Tacoma Support Group Meetings...

Feb 01, 2012

For those of you looking for a support group that meets in the general area of Seattle - Tacoma Washington, this Saturday is the South Puget Sound Support Group Meeting in Covington, at the Library -- 3pm.  To find out more about SPS - http://spssupport.info/AboutUs.htm -- SPS is also on Facebook -- just ask to friend me -- Barbarian Brenda ([email protected]), and I will send you the invite to join the FB group.  SPS meets twice monthly, first Saturday of the month, and third Thursday of the month.

On Monday, February 13, CARE will be meeting at the Poodle Dog Restaurant in Fife, WA.  This meeting is usually the Second Tuesday of the month, but not so in February.  The guest speaker will be Rose Cowan.  Contact Tina Brown for more information about CARE: https://sites.google.com/site/mynewlifejourneycom/  Tina Brown also works with the Puget Sound Bariatric Group: http://pugetsoundbariatrics.com/

Virginia Mason offers group meetings in Federal Way and Seattle that does not exclude anyone. You will be welcomed in no matter what surgery or surgeon - this is SUPPORT.  Please check their schedule to see if any of the dates and/or locations work for you: https://www.virginiamason.org/workfiles/bariatrics/Support_Group.pdf  There are groups for VSG, RNY, Band, and anything in between.  I go to the Federal Way Group that meets fourth Wednesday of every month.

There are also groups who post on the WA Forum - so if you are looking for a certain area, that is a great place to find a group!

Brenda : )~
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