pink dahlia

The 1st time after surgery I used a straw for 3 tiny sips of hubbys margarita. Everthing came back up in the restaurant bathroom and the parking lot, it was about as bad as you can imagine. I didn't use a straw again for a very long time, now I use one every morning in my homemade smoothie with no problems.

Well, I'll put it this way. Before being banded I went on Weight Watchers for 1 solid year. I found it to be a perfect program for me to follow. I lost a whopping 12 lbs in that year and fought for every pound. Granted , I didn't exercise as much as I should of ( 4 kids at home, no time or money for ME), but 12 pounds ??? 7 months after being banded I had lost 50 lbs, and yes had time and money for me ( a YMCA membership) to include exercise 4-5 times a week. The band dimmed my appetite a huge amount, so by the time I had protien and veggies/fruit I wasn't as hungry for much junk food. There is NO way I could of done this without the band. It's been a win win from day 1.

I don't feel guilty about anything, as it's everything in moderation. But my "must haves ?" Hot tea in the morning with Splenda and creamer, or a Keurig Chai Latte.....mmmmmmmmmm. My other must haves would be anything "ice creamy" like WW ice cream or frozen yogurt, and most chocolate , like milk chocolate, white chocolate , MnM's, Snickers etc

Loved the Professors story of the beer that came back up ! Its not the first time I've heard alcohol reacting like that, so as much as you want a beer your body may say otherwise. My story ? About 2 months banded, 3 tiny sips of a margarita, through a straw, ( no straws allowed ! ) plus a few tiny bites of mexican food. Uhhhhoooohhhhhhhhh !!!!!! Half came up in the restaurant bathroom, the rest horribly in the parking lot. Not.pretty.at.all. So if you are going to try a beer, or pizza, my suggestion would be to try it t home first. Good luck !!!

Had a piece of pizza the other night ( pepperoni ), but I only have it occasionally. Can't stand beer and most alcohol, so Im no help there. Don't think of WLS as a food funeral, instead think of it as a funeral for your fat ! A couple of my favorite foods were General Tso's chicken with sweet and sour sauce, and broccoli salad. I can't get either one of those down since being banded, and while I miss them occasionally, I Don't miss the misery of being obese. You'll soon find out what you can and can't eat, but more importantly you'll find out what you CAN do . Good luck !!!

Honestly, if im at the gym I don't judge someone (small, medium, or large ) because they're working out in one way or they're a "newbie". What really impresses me are those that keep trying and dont give up ! Im 3 months into Pilates classes, and when I cant do what others are doing, I just modify and /or rest until I can continue. You're doing your best and working hard, so be proud of yourself for taking care of yourself !

I was banded just over 3 years ago at age 54. I didnt look at anything besides the band because I didn't want my insides rerouted. From surgery day to now, it has been very easy without a single complication. No more sleep apnea, digestive problems or anything else. I look and feel better than I have in years. Yes , I have to choose my food a little more carefully, eat slower, chew well etc but the 5% n inconvenience of being banded is NOTHING like the 100% inconvenience of being obese. Best decision ever ! Good luck !!

All of the above , Amen ! Its a strange journey, thats for sure , but a journey Im SO glad I took. Finding myself again continues to be fun, and knowing for the most part I fit into "normal" just about everywhere is a reeeeeaaaalllyyyy good feeling !!! And after awhile, people forget that you were ever heavy, again part of the fun journey !!!!

Allray, just my 2 cents worth, people DO look at you differently but in a "friendlier " way. I know its weird to think about, but Ive noticed that people approach me with a better, nicer attitude since loosing weight. I also pay much more attention to my appearance, making sure I have on nice clothes, and am well groomed. Never sloppy, or shabby or an "I give up attitude. " Because I send out the message that I respect and care for myself, people respond the same. ( And trust me, it ain't all bad ! ) You will be out of the shadows, so the more you send a message of self respect, the more respect you'll get from others. Good luck !!

Were you wearing something that rubbed against the incision alot during the hike ? A waistband, a backpack etc ? You might want to put some ice on it and give it some time to calm down. If it's not better in a few days , i would call your Dr.

Wow !!! BIG difference !!! Much thinner in the face ! Great job ! Keep it up !!!

I rarely eat fast food but sometimes it's unavoidable, so I like Wendy's chili, the McDonalds bacon ranch chicken salad, or a Taco Time beef taco salad. If only a cheeseburger or sandwich is available I just eat the meat, no bread.

I have several favorites, but one that jumps out is The Pioneer Woman's Crash Potatoes. Oven baked with a little olive oil , seasonings and sea salt, they are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and utterly addictive !

My mom had colon cancer years ago, and with treatment went on to live many more years. Cancers are far more treatable now than they were even 10 years ago, so dont think this is the end. Hope things go well for both of you , keep us posted frequently ! We will send out support often !! Hugs !!

Oooooh, now Im really ticked off for you !! Yes, write a letter NOW ! They can't fix a problem if they're not aware of it. Send copies to her bosses and you will get results or at least the nurse will be talked to about her unprofessional behavior. This is unacceptable , and I think you'll regret it later if you don't address the problem NOW. Sending you big hugs !! Go get em tiger !!!

You're so cute !!! Everytime I see your picture and then that you're 5 ft tall and weigh 113 lbs, the 1st thought that always comes to mind is "She's so tiny !!!! " Well, that picture of your cute legs confirms it ! Congrats !!

WOW !!! You look amazing !! Finding workouts or exercises that I liked enough to stick to were a huge help for me in losing weight after my WLS. So glad that you found things you like too . Congratulations !! And way to go on the 5k too !!

Belvita breakfast biscuits, turkey jerky, Wheat Thins with peanut butter or some light cream cheese, celery or sliced apple. Sometimes one if those little tuna packs that comes with tuna, crackers and mayo. Aldo, if you like nuts but want something a little different, try Somersaults ! Crunchy baked sunflower seed nuggets, so good ! Google them for nutrition info and where to find them. (Im having some right now !)

Great job ! Congratulations ! I can only hope that I can achieve arm muscles too someday !! Thanks for being such an amazing inspiration !!!

Although my ultimate weight goal was 140, (Im 163lbs right now) more importantly I wanted to be the healthy, strong well built girl I used to be. I was a healthy 125 lbs my young adult life, but that would more than likely be too light now. My sleep apnea is long gone, I can shop in any store and find cute size 10s. Today, after 3 months of Pilates classes , I was able to do a move that impossible 3 months ago. Before my foot injury last summer I ran an exhilarating 2 miles without stopping. I get daily nice looks and compliments from people who think I look attractive, and I think with figuring out an attractive hairstyle and proper makeup I look better now at 56 than did in my slimmer 20 's. If I never get to 140 lbs I will still be VERY happy !!

Look at it this way, in the 7 weeks or so since your surgery, you've lost 12 lbs which is about 1 lb and a little more each week. My Dr. said 1-2 lbs per week is a healthy average. So it sounds like you're right on target. Congratulations ! Sounds like you're making good progress, keep it up !!!

Eeeekkk ! Sorry to hear of your delay , but as you know blood cell counts are mucho important during surgery !!! Im glad your team is doing everything they can to make to make sure you have a healthy before , during and after WLS journey. Keep us updated, you'll get lots of support here !! Good luck !!!

Saw this sign today.............. " You can't make everyone happy, you're not a jar of Nutella !!" So for those that are getting no support, or very little, or even some negitive smack talk, about WLS, or anything else, quit worrying about every one else's opinion. Make YOURSELF happy. That is all.

I can't speak for others, but im not so sure you can or will be able to lift a baby or anything for a few weeks after surgery. Maybe ask somebody to help you after your hubby returns to work ?? My hubby stayed home for 2 days too, then I was on my own and there was NO way I could of taken care of a baby too. It was all I could do to get off the couch by myself and needed a few days to recover and rest from surgery. Hope this helps, good luck !!!

Well, ALL of you are just plain awesome. Congratulations! ! Keep up the good work !!!!!