B-52

My Dr. did not care what I ate on my pre-op diet...I simply had to loose X amount of weight or the surgery would be postponed.... just so happens the liquid shake route was the most efficient and fastest way to do....so if I ate, it was ok....but I better keep an eye on that scale.....

I have no loose skin....or very little that's noticeable.... Not sure exactly what did, or perhaps a combination of things..... I like to work out 5 times a week, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to burn stored fat as my energy source.... I have access to have a full body analysis done at my health club, and I have lost all possible body fat that is healthy.....(could care less about BMI's) I drink 32oz of Water from start to finish of my workouts....which consist of 3-5 mile runs, then weights and core training.... At then end of my workouts, I'll sit in the sauna (165 degrees) for 15 minutes, open the pores then take a soapy hot shower, then back in the sauna for another 15 minutes....after which I take a cold shower, or an ice plunge when available....to close the pores.... I also sit in a whirlpool, but I don't think that has anything to do with skin/muscle tone. I am also sure to always to use a good moisturizer....

Add ice cubes....

I started all my pre-op counseling, etc, over 5 years ago with Central Jersey Bariatrics....they had 2 locations, one in freehold, the other where your Dr.'s office is now on Beers street. I did all my testing, etc, at Bayshore Hospital, and was going to have my surgery there....but then they consolidated the 2 locations into one, Freehold, and eventually you current Dr. took over the location and that practice I suppose. I had my surgery at Centra State in Freehold, and that's where I go for all my follow up visits... Anyway, welcome to the club...there are many "Newbies" here to ready to give support to others going through the same early stages as you. There are many other NJ people here, and I believe there is a group started.....

How much weight (Body Fat) have you lost, and how much do you have to go..... I'm a Lap bander, Type 2, took daily injections plus oral meds....my blood levels where all over the place, totally out of control...as well as all my other blood values. everything was a mess.... As my weight went down, so did my need for insulin....presently I am at a normal weight and have a very low body fat%.. I get Lab work done every 4 months, and for over 2 years now everything is perfect right down the middle....I do not take any more insulin or meds for my Diabetes...I no longer see an Endo...just my PCP who orders the lab work.... Both my Brother and Sister died at a early age from the complications that come with diabetes....my sister was the worse, a textbook case as to what can go bad, Very Bad... with diabetes out of control...not very pretty. Sometimes when I don't feel like working out, I think of her....that gets me going.... BTW, they were both morbidly obese....and so was I...I started to develop signs of the the same complications...my PCP said loose weight or else!....I could not diet successfully, so as a last resort, I had this surgery.... I do not and never have counted calories, so I can't help you there...all I can say is because of my surgery, I eat very, very little...I exercise a lot, which together led me to 100% weight loss and very little body fat.... That is my experience with surgery and diabetes.

As a Lap Bander...my entire relationship with food has changed...it started out with my "tastes"...things that used to be my favorites suddenly had no appeal, and I found myself wanting to eat other new things entirely.... Then my appetite (hunger) started to wain entirely....until it got to the point that food in general has absolutely no interest to me....I can go out to a restaurant, stare at a menu and not see one thing I really would want to eat...I'll order something to be polite to those I'm with, but I'll be as the little kid that just plays with his food........same if I go to the grocery store...walked around and bought almost nothing.... I have to remind myself to eat, and if I'm busy that day, say being out all day running from place to place,...I'll forget to eat entirely for 24 hours....and when I realize it, I'll quickly have a Protein smoothie..... I always feel sorry for my wife when we are out....and it is usually her that will finally remind me we need to stop for something.... Funny, before this surgery I could not stop eating...a human vacuum cleaner....anything you put in front of me...anything you're not going to finish, I will for you......I could, and did, eat entire large pizzas all by myself every friday night....and wash it down with a couple of cokes, or beer.... Now, I find it difficult to get through a single slice, and seeing there is no nutritional value to speak of, I decided it was not worth the effort....so I have not had pizza in over 3-1/2 years.....same goes for a lot of other foods I'll never eat again....not worth the effort especially since it's not good for me in the first place.

I am currently at a 33" would like to get to a 32" so could have checked one of two categories...... Have to keep up with the crunches, but I still like my beer..... Started out as a 46" elastic-stretch waistband, and yes, I wore sweat pants....NEVER AGAIN....I am embarrassed to now know what normal weight people think about men who go around wearing sweat pants!

I hear this all the time....."So What if it is the easy way" What does it matter to anyone else? Only thing I care about is the end result for me... Should I suffer because it's too easy? People drive their cars to the store 6 blocks away...why don't you do it the natural way and walk? No...they'll drive because it's easy... People do things everyday, all day, because it's easy.....but when it comes to weight loss, Oh no...you're not allowed to take the easy way? The fact is I did do something to correct a serious medical condition....having surgery to make that correction was not an easy decision, knowing it would permanently make a physical un-natural change to my body, thus changing the way I eat for the rest of my life.... Best decision I ever made... Yet somehow I am "Cheating"?????.....WHO CARES! And why should others care? Let others think what they want....I did what was best for me and those around me....easy or not....other people can do what they want...if they want to, and are able to do it the "natural" way, then more power to them....I won't criticize their methods.....it's a free world I for one, am not afraid to admit I could not do it the "natural" way...tried and failed countless times and my health was suffering because of it.... Surgery was the last resort...I wish I did not have to go through this, but I did...I elected to take the easy way....and I cannot be happier.... It boggles my mind to think others can be against something that can do something so good for someone who really needs it...there's got to be a reason...jealousy? Spite?...or maybe it's something they wish they did but refuse to admit it.....Envy? So what if it's easy....I don't care! I could not be more happy and pleased with my decision.

I am now 62 years old....had one heart attack, resulting in Cardiac surgery..... Lost ALL my excess weight, have a very low body fat %...in the "Fit-Athletic" range.... My skin and muscle tone has tightened (no loose skin) I work out and run as much as possible...water and Protein daily.... Yes I'm a man and I treat myself to facials at the spa....wife and I buy packages for a discount.... I can now purchase and wear ANY clothes I wish, and can be as fashionable (or not) as I choose to be.... People - strangers...are just so much more friendly and sociable. (welcome to their club?) I have not looked or felt this good in over 20 years....I get compliments all the time, and not just from people who know I have lost weight. People who never knew I was fat.......I look at other men my age and I can't believe what I see.... My Cardiologist refers to me as Liam Neeson...who also happens to be the same age and does his own stunts in his movies... You can NEVER go wrong with turning your life around...only wish I did this a long time ago....

If you're getting stuck while eating, then you're not listening to your band...it's that simple...getting stuck, your band is shouting at you....either you're not changing your habits, or your band is too tight..... I have always looked to myself as the problem before I blamed the band for being too tight,....I think people get Fluid taken out prematurely when really it was because they're fighting change..... But getting fluid taken out will allow them to eat what they want when they want...Right? Then they're happy, Right?

Thing to remember, there IS a finish line, there IS a life AFTER..... Someone poked fun at the term "Journey"...I somewhat agree...won't use the term.... I can say, first hand experience...you have this surgery to correct a problem, something you could never do by yourself with dieting and will power...Heaven knows we tried.... In my case, you get the band properly adjusted, ....you develop and learn new habits, adopt a new lifestyle...Just as a bad lifestyle slowly made us fat, living a new lifestyle will slowly return us to a normal weight..... After which, everything becomes second nature, no reason to think about it or remind yourself what you need to do or what you should not do....you've lost ALL your excess weight, diet is no longer a word you need to worry about.... It truely becomes a New Life, taking it for granted just as you would if you had knee surgery 4 years ago..... I have set goals and they came and went, but my body kept going...my body determined what is the appropriate weight....something my Dr. would tell me and took a while to understand.... Having said that, I started to think it was me, and no longer the band that made the difference....last visit I had 1/2cc taken out (AMA) BIG MISTAKE....had that 1/2cc put back in 2 weeks later..... Chalk it up as a learning experience, a reminder it is the band working 24/7 behind the scenes, and not me.... even the office staff laughed at the "Experiment", but all agreed it did prove a point.... But I am back in the Groove...living the good life, never having to worry about dieting or gaining weight ever again...as long as I don't mess with the band..... There is a life after this surgery! There is Finish Line! This DOES WORK! When I was at the Dr,'s office last, he has a large poster on the wall, printed by the Realize Co., that says in big bold letters..."Learn to Listen to Your Band"....a mantra my Dr, has been saying to me since surgery... it is so true...for me, it is the key to everything.....and if I had to say anything to a lap band person, it would be the same..."Learn to Listen to Your Band!" One thing you will notice, there are not that many Successful Veterans on this website, it is mostly people just starting out.......all of the people I used to look up to and follow when first starting out are all long gone.... There are many reasons for this, (a few not very friendly).... But...do not think there are not people who are successful, just by reading all the negative stories here......they just have no reason to hang around here anymore..there is nothing for them here other than to be reminded what "Bandster Hell" was all about..........they have simply moved on with their new lives....but they are out there!

Drinking with meals is one of many general things you will have to learn for yourself....like crushing pills, some can some can't...or carbonated drinks... The band is adjustable and each individual responds differently.... early on, I was told to start to get used to not drinking with meals....to drink right up to a meal, then nothing during or 30-40 minutes after....I asked why, and like many "Rules" was basically told I will find out as I get closer to the Green Zone...that these "rules" will make sense sooner or later..... Sure enough, I did find out why....bottom line, it is not a question whether I am told I could or could not, it is that the way my band has been adjusted for the last 3+ years, I CANNOT drink while eating....it is IMPOSSIBLE without dire circumstances.... food is in my pouch, slowly passing through the band...there is just so much my pouch will/can hold.....IF I introduce Water, it will instantly increase the volume of what is there....it will have no where to go but right back up and out! Not to mention the pain....I would assume dilating-stretching my pouch.... As far as drinking after eating, I have to wait, and take small sips from time to time...until I can tell when it is safe to drink again....I have had food come back up 20 minutes after eating because I drank too soon.... Having said that...I do not have to crush my meds/pills, and I can drink carbonated beverages (carefully)...others cannot....so you see everyone has different tolerances to different things, and it will only be after time (mnths/years?) that you learn a lifestyle that best suits you and your weight loss..... But in the beginning, your best option is follow your Dr.'s guidelines, until you have those "A-Ha" moments...even then I tell my Dr. what I discovered....

Yes...certainly given time and rest.But more importantly, as TMF said, we all need to ask ourselves why this happened in the first place....are we ignoring the signals as to when to stop? Slow down? I know in my case, no matter how slow, carefully, or what foods I eat....I cannot drink with my meals. But the signals not to do so are clearly there for me and to ignore them, will have negative results. Some people can drink with no problem....so all must find what is true for them. There is a learning curve, and unfortunately I learned the hard way in many instances, but learn I did. But I still do stupid things....usually out of complacency.

Being able to eat larger portions than the band generally permits is my first sign the pouch has dilated - stretched...it is still the stomach and still has the same characteristics the stomach has of stretching and contracting depending upon the volume consumed. I'll be going along just fine then realize I just ate more than I usually do/can....some people will say their bands got looser...which is a misnomer...but describes the same thing. As general maintenance, having finished my weight loss.....l'll go all liquids for 2-3 days, about every 4-7 weeks....keeps my band tight (misnomer) actually gives my pouch a chance to return to normal after constant eating and drinking.... A Dr. will empty your band, as yours did, to accomplish the same thing.....give it a chance to re-set itself... You may have heard the Term "5 Day Pouch Test" which the title is illogical....but it is someones clever way of giving the pouch/band a rest, and allowing any stretching to return to normal... I have seen x-rays of dilated pouches....where they "mushroom" up and over the band....it is enough to make anyone go liquids from time to time.... My Dr. wishes he can get all his patients, who have finished with their weight loss, to follow this simple practice...to avoid getting totally un-filled....

Whenever I read posts like this, where people beat themselves up for being a failure, I have to ask myself "What about the Band" Is it working or is not doing what it should...and then I ask myself, why not? If I buy a car to get to work, to pay the bills,....and then the car will not start in the mornings, and I'm constantly late for work and loose my job, ....am I a failure? Only if I don't get the car fixed and tuned properly and get back to work..... I know a lot of people here have a lot of different approaches to Lap band surgery, but my feeling is/was, this is surgery...I have certain expectations and expect certain results....things I could not do myself prior to surgery....and if it did not perform, I asked my Dr, why....and there was always a good reason and solution.....

I rely on my phone all day receiving texts and e-mails in constant communication with updates on patients and other current information.....last thing I need when I'm in clinic is to have my phone vibrate with responses to threads I follow or post.... For that reason I have the "Notification" feature on this forum disabled.....and when I come back a day or two later to browse around, any threads I have been part of are buried and hard to find....

First, I'm a Lap Bander, if that makes any difference....coming up on 4 years since surgery.... I cannot live without coffee.... I had my first cup about 12 hours after surgery....I drink coffee the same as I ever did....which means all the time... Has never been an issue with my Dr.... But do not do as others do, but do as your Dr. directs you to do and follow his/hers treatment plan...

Depends upon how much restriction you have...the band is adjustable and everyone is slightly different depending upon where their band is set at.... I have been in the green for over 3 years now, and I have to take small swallows of water....thicker drinks even smaller. Sometimes, like after a good work out at the gym, I forget myself and take some large gulps....resulting in pain (pouch stretching) and it usually comes right back up, overflowing, and having no where to go.... Same with drinking with food...some people can, I find it impossible to do so without unpleasant consequences.... It is one of many things you have to find that suits yourself and no one else, as you find where you like to have your band adjusted for weight loss, hunger, portion sizes, etc.....

Had to log in in response to this one...going through it right now.... Been banded for 3 -1/2 years, have been in the green since 5 months after surgery, have been 100% successful for 2-1/2 years now. New lifestyle, new eating habits, all hunger, cravings and portion sizes under control, lost all possible excess weight and body fat.....all as a result of this Lap band surgery.... Been this way long enough, I started to forget I even had the surgery...everything became day to day,. Might as well have had knee replacement 3-1/2 years ago and have returned to my normal life. Or better yet, someone who has a pacemaker, and after 3 years forgets the pacemaker is even there.... Here's the pitfall...I started to think it was ME that was doing this, that I am in charge of all of this....it has become so easy and thoughtless for the past few years, I was starting to think the surgery perhaps was not even needed, I had the power and could have done it all the time. Just needed this surgery as a "Training" period, a tool to get me re-educated...that's all. So my last visit, against the PA and Dr.'s advice, I had 1/2cc removed....thinking if that went well, I would get another 1/2cc removed later...and so forth.... Well, 1/2 cc threw everything upside down, totally knocked out that perfect balance I have been enjoying, and it has been a disaster...I now know it is the band that is in charge, and not me...I now know, and had to remind myself the hard way perhaps, the reason I had this surgery in the first place. It has been 2 weeks and I have been struggling, fighting off hunger and eating everyday....started to gain weight after being rock steady for years....My Glucose #'s jumped a few digits.... Again, imagine someone having their pacemaker removed after 3-1/2 years because everything is so easy and good, they take it for granted......same thing...I forget just how much this device is doing in the background.... I finally get back in today to have that 1/2 cc replaced....it's been 2 weeks and I don't like it. So yes, I KNOW it is the lap band Surgery, and no matter how good, successful I may be, I had to be reminded it is not me doing the work....there was a reason I had this surgery. A real medical need! I learned my lesson the hard way!

Wall Township.......I grew up in Sayreville... I travel all over the state with my job, but mostly working north lately...

Ok, been a few weeks since I last logged in, do not really have anything to say lately, and very little in common to be honest... But I had an episode with the band recently (don't get that many anymore) I thought I should log in and share..... For those that do not know me, I have been banded for 3 -1/2 years, hit my Green Zone 4 months, 3 fills after surgery, lost all my excess weight and body fat, reversed all my co-morbidities, became a gym rat, vegetarian, blah, blah, blah.....I should also say I'm 62 years old, a heart attack ( and cardiac surgery) survivor, ....well, you get the picture. In other words I'm a veteran who had the band totally changed my life. Total success!!! Anyway, to the point. Went in for my 6 month regular visit last Tuesday....generally it takes about 5 minutes, in and out. I spend more time there schmoozing with the ladies in the office than the actual exam.... Walking into the building, I meet my surgeon on his way out, he was on call and had to leave. We talk for a few minutes, asks me why I'm there and was I experiencing any problems....I told him no, just the routine 6 month visit......however, I did tell him I was contemplating having a slight un-fill....say 1/2 cc....He looked at me and asked why on earth would I even think about such a thing....I am currently, nor ever have experienced any problems, complications....the band has led me to a life of normal weight, regained my health. I am one of his best patients....a textbook example of what the band can do....WHY fix something that isn't broke??? Why disrupt what I have had going for me all this time? He said it was his tratment plan to get his patients there, WHY would I want to un do it? He said he did not recommend it at all, and said I should reconsider....don't disrupt that perfect balance I have had all this time. Fast forward, I'm in the exam room with the PA, and we have the same conversation....she tells me I'm nuts,(she's also a colleague) and that she is reluctant to do it unless I can come up with a good reason...I have no reflux, no stuck/sliming episodes, no pain or discomfort....she tells me she knows 100's of patients who wished they had what I had....that perfect balance...that perfect adjustment. That total success with little or n o effort......Why would I want to tilt the apple cart? I did convince her to take a 1/2 cc out, promising I will come right back if I was not happy....(and some other negotiations) So she pulls the full 7cc's out, just as it was 3 years ago...no leaks or discoloration. She then puts back fresh saline, less the 1/2 cc. Well, I want to say...from first hand experience...there is that perfect balance...and with a1/2 cc taken out...., I lost it!!! Suddenly, my cravings came back...I want to snack all day long, all hours of the day and night....also, my head hunger returned. I see people eat disgusting things like pizza and cheeseburgers, and I desire to do the same....my portions are now all out of whack also. Before, it was impossible for me to over eat....no matter where I was or what I was doing. Parties, holiday dinners, vacation cruises...it did not matter.The band was always the band. But now....we were out to dinner last night, and my Wife commented I must have been starved because she could not remember the last time I ate so much....I looked at my plate and realized she was right....I could have continued right on eating...as though I never had the surgery in the first place....Very, very scary.....I don't like this. Fortunately....I still do not experience any hunger...that has remained the same, I did not loose that thankfully...so I can remind myself not to give in to the cravings, head hunger....I can remind myself to eat small portions, even weigh and measure if need be.......but what was once very easy and routine, has now suddenly became a constant chore again....constantly telling myself not to do this, not to do that....just like dieting! I also realize I am now walking that fine line....things such as stress, emotional experiences, or just a lapse in control, and I can be one of those who "Fell off the wagon" and need to "Get back on track"...could never understand that before, but now I do, and now it scares me that it could easily happen. I do not like this place, I want to go back to the way it was....where the band was in total control.... The Dr and PA where right....I should have just let thing be... So, Monday I will call and make an appointment to come in and have that 1/2 cc put back in...a week later....and face my good friend the PA......possibly the Dr also... But it was a learning experience....who would have thought that a 1/2cc can make such a big difference....there really is that "PERFECT" balance...that sweet spot, whatever you want to call it. I did learn my lesson... Ok, just had to log in and share something that has happened to me over the past week....so it's time to log out and go back in hibernation. If anything else significant should happen ( I really doubt it will) I will surely log back in and share. Otherwise I will when my 4 year anniversary comes around. Till then....

B-52, I haven't been online in a while but I remember your posts from when I first joined. You've always inspired me, and I love your attitude and "what do you mean this is hard?" POV. I hope to join the exercise obsession at some point. It's not out of the question, it's just out there in the distance if I want to jump in... Thanks......I don't log in and post as much as I used to either....by popular demand and to the delight of the "Experts" ......

Was lurking around this morning, saw your post and had to log in and comment.....EXCELLENT post...simple and positive... There are not enough posts like yours to counter all the negativity on this forum. It really is quite simple, isn't it...let the band do the work.... I am coming up on 4 years and still share the same things as you do....don't think about food all that much, or worry about eating all day long. (Hunger???) Still enjoy the things in life I have always enjoyed, well some things not all.......you should see the huge ice cream sundae I had last night! I don't diet anymore either...been set free from all that...it is after all a new life style....thanks to the band, and not me, I eat considerably less than I used to, so when I do I try to eat healthy...with the occasional treats. I read many posts over the years about peoples struggles, over analyzing everything, getting hung up on little things that make them miss the big picture.....and I wonder if they have even had surgery? I want to say "What about the band? Don't forget the band!" Again, love to read posts like yours...very refreshing. I wish there were more successful stories li/ke yours on this lap-band forum. Perhaps the only difference between you and I is that I HAVE become obsessed with exercising...but at my age it has become the fountain of youth....

I just realized, 3 years ago today I was banded....and it was just as cold and snowy outside.... Nothing unusual, went through the same as everyone else...6 month diet ( which I failed at like any other diet), all the hoops I had to jump through, clearances from cardiologist, pulmonary, psych, etc, . Went in for surgery at 7 am for prepping, wheeled in around 10am, home by 5 pm...became one with my lazy-boy recliner, a warm comforter and my pain meds for the next 24 hours....wife kept me supplied with broth and Water...(also had coffee...can't live without it) One week after surgery, had my post-op appointment with surgeon...check incisions, few questions, released to go back to gym, etc...also returned to work after 1 week.... 4 weeks after surgery went in for first fill....then had 2 more after that, all 4 weeks apart....have to say that this was the most difficult and hardest phase of this entire experience...the band was there, but not adjusted....I was as hungry as ever....I actually gained weight during this period...I was told I needed to count calories, measure portions, keep a journal, etc....all the same things I gave done over the last 30 years with every diet under the sun....I WAS FURIOUS! I did not need surgery, and all the prep work and anxiety, not to mention the $$..... Just to repeat what I tried and failed at for all those years...I thought surgery was going to be different.... Fortunately...my surgeon sat me down and explained the process, very thoroughly, and assured me that if this is what I really want, and willing to make the many small sacrifices and not retreat and back down, that it will work for me.... After 4 months and 3 good fills, it hit me like a storm....could not keep anything down, was getting stuck numerous times per day......called the Dr., he reminded me of our conversation and asked to hold out one more week....also made the point it was my old eating habits giving me the problems, not the band....he was right, I had to learn the hard way... Fast forward.....4 months to hit the green zone...then another 2 months, at least, to learn the lessons, apply the rules, learn new habits, give up certain foods, in order to find that harmony.....my groove. After that it just continued to get easier and easier.....and still is today.....I stopped counting calories and portion sizes, learned to live by the band...rely on it to set my portions-eating habits, and to relieve me of hunger and cravings.....food no longer interests me, and if am rarely hungry... Today, three years later, I have learned there us a life after lap band.....a life where I don't have to remind myself what I need to do or not do....all those rules and hard lessons have become a part of me...the new me.....living a new life day to day....the new normal... I have been at my goal at the 12 month mark, but living the new life my body simply continued to "level out" until it reached a normal body fat %..... We gradually went from normal to obese by living with bad habits, and we gradually return to normal by living everyday with new habits.... I go to the gym at least 5 days a week...even though I have lost the weight, it continues to "tone" the body and tighten any loose skin.... I have not gained, nor lost weight for almost 2 years now....I have no fear of ever gaining weight back, falling off the wagon, etc....only fear is medical complications and for that I perform certain maintenance routinely.... Absolutely the best thing I could have ever done for myself....reversed all my health problems, boosted my self confidence and social life.... Never had a single complication in 3 years with the band....I'm at the point where there is simply nothing left for me to do.... This thing does work!

Last night, I received a message asking for Prayers, that a friend had a Heart Attack around 9am, and was presently in ICU fighting for his life... First thing this morning, I found a e-mail waiting for me that he did not make it through the night.... This is becoming all too common....we have a Facebook "Memorial" page devoted to HS Alumni that keeps track of HS Alumni we have lost....the list is way too large.... Ironically, at 9am yesterday morning, I was having my annual stress test, having Cardiac issues of my own.....but in my case..(thanks to the Lap band) the Dr. and staff had me running my butt off trying to get my heart rate up.....they were even joking, referring me to "Liam Neeson", an actor the same age as me who does his own stunts and still kicks a** on the big screen..... I am 100% successful with this WLS, have lost all the weight that is possible.....have not lost or gained weight in 2 years now....have absolutely no issues at all....with hunger, cravings, stuck episodes, etc, etc...all of the things people here struggle with... So why did I log on here everyday? I'll be honest, I do not get any support or motivation...the complete opposite for that matter....every now and then there will be a post about slippage, erosion, falling off the wagon after 5 years....these I do pay close attention to, having never (and hoping never)to have experienced any of this.... So Why did I log on here everyday? Every 2 years I am required to attend a "Medical Ethics" course.....without getting into detail, giving medical advice in any form through the "Social Media" is a very hot topic, and the lawyers are finding ways.....so to keep it simple I always had the rule to NEVER tell another person here what they should or should not do, or what I may THINK is the answer to their complaint.... So what can someone, who has gone through this journey successfully do? Simple...all anyone can do.....and that is, when reading a particular subject, simply share my own true to life experiences within that same subject...tell my story, as it is and has transpired with this WLS....that's all anyone can do....and as people see, many people have different experiences...... But then a realized, that even telling one's own truthful experiences, is met here with hostility.... I suppose if I were to say "Woe is me, this is so hard, I hate this band, what a day to day struggle" then I would be accepted into the club....but it would not be the truth and disingenuous.... This forum has the reputation as being negative, and it's true for the veterans who are successful also.... So What's the Point??? Why do it? For these reasons, I feel is is time to stay away for while....I have done it here before and it helped....this forum is not very positive for successful veterans, and many have moved on and are long gone.... Like the title of this post...Life is too short, I have my new life, my renewed health...it would be nice to share my experiences with others, but if not....I still need to concentrate on the big picture.... So for now, not sure for how long, good luck and best wishes to all......