Jim1967

You hit the nail on the head...at least for me. In 2003 at 393lbs I embarked on the low carb Atkins journey and I managed to drop 174lbs in 19 months. I was 219lbs and on top of the world and I felt so good I let my guard down and I gained it all back plus another 90. I am not going to get into the whole low carb debate but in short while I was determined and I have great will power it was not a way of life for me long term. That being said when I started this journey I was asked by my weight center to lose 24lbs preop. I managed to lose 38 and they were over the moon happy about it. My feeling was big deal... Again, no problem you want me to lose weight I can lose it. Again, not a lifestyle change but merely a diet. I have some pretty excellent will power when it comes to losing weight but long term it is always challenging. I have posted several times throughout this site that I have a fear of hitting goals because what if I slip back into bad habits like I did before? This is a lifestyle change so in theory that shouldn't happen but when the state of mind plays such a factor it is not easy but it is easy to be concerned. I think back about the Atkins days and compare it with now and I can tell you I have much more control with a lot less effort. I was depriving myself all those years ago and now my band helps me control portions and cravings. Sorry for rambling. I could write a whole blog on this stuff if the blogs were working

Everything you're feeling is normal and I had reservations even as I was being wheeled into OR. For me at my weight the fear of doing nothing far out weighed the the fear of doing something. I was a walking time bomb and needed some serious help. This by far is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I would not change a thing. I am a new man a proud one at that!!

Hi Jill and welcome aboard

Alex, I would pay if I could get ad free access to the site C'mon we'll call it premium access membership!!

I am not yet at goal but close. Perhaps, going back to basics for a bit might help you figure it out. Do you journal your intake? If not perhaps journaling for a while might help. I know when I over eat or as some say 'eat around the band' I get that really sick bloated feeling. That feeling which I do not enjoy serves two purposes. 1. It tells me my band is working and 2. My band is not happy with me. How do I know you ask? Because overeating now with the band is nothing like overeating without it. I simply cannot scarf down the food like I once did on a daily basis without batting an eye. If I ate now the way I did preop I would physically hurt myself. How many hours can you go in between meals before actually getting hungry? Another thought is when was the last time you saw your Doctor? Maybe you might need a little primer but at the very least he/she could check your current levels to make sure what you are supposed to have in the band coincides with what your records say. Good news is you've identified a problem before 6 pounds turned into 50 pounds.

I'll have Kelli take one when I get home.

Today's NSV is not only having to put a belt on to hold up these size 42 jeans but the belt being so long it wraps 1.5 times around my body LOL

My Friday song.... "Getting paid by the hour but older by the minute......"

Most of us go through this. I was sold on it and got a date and started reading the OH band bashing. Way I see it is the ones who are struggling whether the issues are legit or not are going to scream the loudest. For every successful bander there are 6 or more screaming it doesn't work and it's bad for you. Mean while there are plenty of successful people who just too busy enjoying their new lives and not posting much. I agree with Lisa that is good to hear about the good, bad and ugly but just remember this is an individual experience/journey and no two people are the same. Again. legitimate events could occur as with any type surgical procedure but your personal dedication to the process is a huge key in defining success.

WooHoo!! Congratulations

I like watching this show but I constantly remind myself that these people are only eat, sleeping and working out. No jobs, family or problems. Just focusing on the weight. I often times wonder how many actually keep it off and are they doing anything to actually address the reason they put on all that weight to begin with. I do tend to get a little tired of "I am fat because my parents didn't want me" or "I am fat because of this or fat because of that" I really hate it when people can't OWN their ****. My preference is to watch Chris Powell's Extreme Makeover Weight loss edition over the Biggest Loser but I do watch both. At least Chris seems to focus purely on the individual and not so much the numbers. Chris is also very active with his fans and reaches out on Twitter and Facebook. He actually comes off as caring for the person he is working with as oppose to being a slave driver who just screams and yells.

I am with you. I didn't want to be permanently altered and band was the only option for that. If anything happens to my band I hope it will be a scenario where it is replaceable. Erin, Hang in there. At least you are self aware of your upward spiral and is looking to do something about it. Weigh all your options and research the heck out of each and every procedure. It is such a personal decision to be made. At least you are catching it now rather then packing all the weight back on and a lot more. That would be rough and I lived through that and I still beat myself up about it from time to time. I wish you the best in what decision you make.

Wow these are all great!! Keep them coming... Crazy you mention seeing your collarbone. That's a good one. I have found myself poking and prodding my bony self as of late. It has been a long time since I have felt my own rib cage and my shoulders are quite bony. My Wife is not thrilled with the boniness as it affects her cuddling. LOL

My Wife had surgery on 9/16 and she has a lump as well and it is hard like a hernia. She is going to get it checked out. She has classic hernia symptoms. Hard as rock and hurts when you press on it.

Are you sure you were drooling and not Sliming Missy? LMAO!!

Title says it all...Just missing the ability to read and post blogs.

I used to feel bad about throwing food away but it has become part of life. I try to cook only what I plan to eat but sometimes the band has other ideas.

Yes, clothing is an issue. Just bought a pair of 42 jeans at the end of September and already too big for me. At least I am only spending $20 at Walmart and not $50 or $60 through a Big&Tall or Catalog store.

Congratulations!! I felt like a kid at Christmas when I got that call. Exciting times and I am sure it is feeling very real now.

Awesome. Clothes are the biggest pain at least for me. Being a guy and I live in t shirts and jeans. I just bought a pair of 42 Wranglers at the end of September and they are already too big...