FLORIDAYS

absolutely not. Carbonation for a bandster can lead to band slippage... It expands your stomach and Why would you risk it? My dr made me promise pre op that I would give up carbonation.

I am very flattered by your kind words thank you so much . this type of flattery is still very foreign to me and it's weird to hear .. I am NOT proud of it but I did not do any form of exercise ...correction I still haven't done any form of exercise ...I did start walking about 6-8 months ago ...a few times a week ..I have just recently gotten a treadmill which I need to start using .I am still thinking like a fat girl and have concerns that I won't be successful at it but I am going to try . as for my arms ...you will see that I don't have sleeveless on as I do have flab under my arms I guess it's not awful but I am conscious of it .

My dr forbids carbonation of any kind. So its off my list of things I think about. I will have wine instead.... but rarely

i am 5'9"..... so taller than you... I lost 215 lbs. The extra skin isnt horrible. Its there and my body isnt tight like a 20 year old... but its not hanging to my knees. I am getting a tummy tuck tho... but if I had to I could live with it.

Thats awesome! Great job CG!!

I just scheduled mine for December. I am 2 lbs from goal and 12 lbs from my stretch goal. My Dr said it depends on how much skin you have but mine wouldnt be 5-6 lbs he didnt think.

I waitied because the jeweler said doing it more then once wasnt good for the metal and stones.... SO I wore my wedding rings on my middle finger for 4-5 months.... I just got them sized a few months ago since I am maintaining. I went from a size 11 to size 7. You can get ring gaurds... or yarn works too.

You should be SO proud of yourself. congrats!

Just start. Before you eat anything today... trash all the junk food in your house. Get out your phone ap and set it up to start counting calories. Dust off the food scale and measuring cups and weigh, measure and track the calories of everything you put in your mouth. I used 1000 as my number but your Dr may suggest something different for you. After you do that call the Dr. You may need a fill so make an appointment. Its really that easy. But I am going to give you a little hint.... dont do this for the wow factor of others. do it for the wow factor for yourself. Best wishes for success!

I am past that point in my life but I have a friend who was banded by my same Dr and he told her it was best to wait until she was at goal. But I would most certainly consult your OBGYN and bariatric Dr.

gummy vitamins and chewable vitamin c

I a i am with Mis... you need to have a discussion with your surgeon so he knows his patients are getting this type of treatment. However whether you try the carb cycling or something else... you are ultimatley in control. I would get back to basics. If you arent losing doing what you are doing you are welcome to try what I did. I used 1000 as a focus calorie count but I was all about portion control. Usually 3 oz of Protein, 1/2 c veggies /salad and 1/4 c of startch at every meal. I also did 2 Snacks. Usually fruit or veggie in the AM... usually lo sodium V-8 juice since I am not much of an eat before noon bandster and in the afternoon or evening a sweet treet like sugar free popsicle, skinny cok ice cream or 1/4 c pop corn or chex mix for the crunch factor. I did that for 22 months and lost well. Maybe it would work for you. I do believe you need the support of the NUT but I only met with mine once... granted she was avaiable for more visits but I was doing well so didnt feel the need. She had given me the above instruction and I made it work. I hope you find the support you need.

Having been on this forum for 2 years now I have read many posts and participated in numerous threads. At first I sought help as I was learning about the banding process. People were wonderful about answering what seems now as basic questions. I also enjoyed the conversations of like minded people who were going through or had been through what I was embarking on. Now that I have lived with my band almost 2 years and been rather successful I have alot to offer others in the way of motivation, tips and support when I see questions or conversations which I feel I can help out with. In turn I too still have questions about different subjects and appreciate the answers when I post them. That said... this is a public forum with people from all walks of life... some of whom may not be similar to mine. But when I post a question and read the opinions and answers I appreciate them at face value and respect that someone took the time to provide me with an answer...even if it isnt something I want to hear. If I didnt want opinions I wouldnt post a question. And in turn if I dont respond to a thread its because I have nothing to offer that has not been said or in some case because I just really have nothing noteworthy to say or maybe I feel someone is just whining and I havent the time or energy to reply. I am discussing this because recently I have received a few personal messages which have been from people saying I am too cut and dry, too black and white, or the best one was.... Just because you are thin now doesnt mean you are all that. That one actually cracked me up because yes I am very proud of my accomplishment but now its time for me to give back and help others... and if someone thinks that is self absorbing... I have no time in my life for their insecurity. In a nutshell... I think it would be wise for people to remember that if you ask a question about your band, diet or eating habits... expect an answer. In fact expect lots of answers from people which will be to the point and based on their own personal experience. It may open your eyes to something which will help you. Or you may choose to ignore it.... But If you do not want an answer...do not ask the question.

So wonderful!!! I am happy for you!

Welcome! Best wishes on your journey

I am having a tt and breast lift w no implants on 12/18.... I share your excitement!

You can always come on here if you don't find the person you are looking for in your area. There are some lovely experienced bandsters willing to answer questions and if you stick around you will find it to be a great source of inspiration. Safe travels

Great job...what a nice way to start the holiday season!

I didn't lose slowly but I don't think it was lightening fast either. I have averaged a monthly 10 lb loss. But I worked hard at it... I tracked every calorie I ate and never went over 1000 for a day. I also measured my portions and made sure to use a scale. This all worked for me... Maybe try to incorporate some of mine or others suggestions to get you on track even before you are in the green zone...

How nice you have been banded together and are sharing the journey. Personally my dr wanted me not to drop below 1000 calories... But there were times early on that I had a hard time eating that amount... But as I learned to live with the band I would tweak it every once in a while to move the scales... But overall I did 1000 calories a day because I felt good with that number. I would check with the dr to be sure but I would think 1000 - 1200 calories might suit you both

It's always a few bad apples that ruin it for others... But there is so much positive information posted I find it to be valuable, inspirational and a constant reminder to keep my band in the forefront of my day. I confess I don't coddle. Some people on here are wonderful about it so I will leave it to them.... I know sometimes thats what people want to hear. I on the other hand shoot straight...will tell you what I did to be successful with my band and if you want to use my suggestions that's great. If you don't that's fine too... I think there is room for everyone.

I dont have any scars that you can see.... mine were pretty non visable by 5 months

I have been where you are. I was appalled at myself for having let my weight get so out of control that I needed to think about surgery. In fact I remember 5 years ago my PCP mentioned the band to me... I was at 295!! I poo poo'd the idea thinking it was only for desperate people. Fast forward 5 years I was 377 and decided maybe I was one of those desperate people! I found this site when I was considering the lap band 2 years ago. It was a wonderful source of information and aided me in making a solid decision to get banded. While I knew the choice to succed was mine alone I became active in the forums I found out it was a great way to keep my band on the forefront of my mind. Best wishes as you consider your options.

Huge difference! COngrats!

I am older and live in Tampa.... but at least its the same state! If you have any questions I would be happy to help.