pink dahlia

gowalking no, you don't look like you have any regrets, but you do look adorable on your bike. Just sayin '.

Willow15, PB stands for Productive Burping. Sometimes you just have to burp to get food unstuck. As a reminder, my surgeon showed me the small size of the area where the food goes down. It's smaller than a penny ! See why chewing slowly and well is important ? All I can say is the lap band gave me my life back and im very grateful ! Hope all goes well with you! Good luck !!!

Choosehope, not only are you trying to get mentally healthy with therapy, you are choosing to get physically healthy with WLS too ! Good for you for putting yourself 1st ! We are about the same age ( im 57) , and it was always me in last place, very typical of being a Mom, everybody and everything else came 1st. Well, not anymore ! Tell Dads wife that youre finally putting yourself 1st, and that your health is more important than her negative, uninformed comments. Just because she' s your Dads wife "who makes him happy " doesn't give her the right to be a "know it all and judgemental" on your journey to be healthy. Stay strong ! You can do this ! Good luck !!!

Morethanthis ? I like the way you think. I couldn't of said it better myself. And for the record, God bless those people who were successful with Weight Watchers, because my body wouldn't even respond to a year of that program, 12 lbs was all I lost. Tell Miss know it all that she's lucky her body did respond to diet and exercise, not all people s metabolism is the same anymore than everyone's sleep pattern is the same, etc......... (which explains why Im awake and writing this at 4:30 in the morning...............sigh.........goodnight. ............)

Its funny how the ones that usually make the negative comments are the ones who are the least informed. Try asking the "Negative Nellies " how many Dr. visits/ WLS seminars/ psychological and/or Nutrition appointments they've gone to !! Probably zero !! All you'll get is dead silence, and that's when you just smile and walk away. (Dumbass !!!!) Sorry, I couldn't help myself...................In my almost 4 yrs if being banded , ive only 2 negative comments. One was from a lady who had been through several cancer surgeries and thought I was crazy to volunteer to go under the knife ( understandable ), and the 2nd was a few weeks ago when a customer commented to me about my weight loss. She said in kind if a derogatory way, "Oh, but, you didn't have SURGERY, did you ? " When I calmly said, "yes 4 years ago I had Lapband to help me get healthy again. " She closed her mouth real quick ! And she was a little, Philippino woman, small boned, 5 ft tall , 110 lbs soaking wet ! Obviously, she had never had a weight problem in her life !! So for those that do feel the need to make negative comments about your health, tell them to stuff it until they are more informed. That is all. Good luck !!

Stuff like that happens when you're awesome. Just sayin '. Congrats on your weight loss, and no , I won't go talk behind your back now. I'll tell it to your face . This weight loss has been an incredible journey, and like any journey, you're bound to hit some speed bumps. It's not a smooth ride all the way. Consider some of the people in your workplace are "speed bumps", so you just drive right over them , and enjoy that satisfing "thump!" as you roooooollllllll over them, because they are beneath you, literally and figuratively. Speedbumps honey, that's all they are. Just speedbumps. Have a good day !!!

As B-52 said, go see your Dr. ! Something is not right if you can eat that whole Subway sandwich . It has nothing to do with "willpower " , it has to do with your band, fill , etc. You may need help from your Dr, in the band dept, but you and you alone are in charge of eating slow, chewing well and exercising. If you're "frustrated " because of this problem, ask yourself what CAN you do about it, and then see your Dr. for what you CAN'T do about it. Good luck !!

No regrets . No pain meds after the 2nd day, no problems at all. If I do throw up or PB occasionally, usually it's because Ive eaten too fast or not chewed well. A hard habit to break. I started loosing weight right away, 1-2 lbs a week. I just followed the rules 95 % of the time and my body was very happy to let the weight go. Best decision ever !

You're not doing anything wrong. You have just been through surgery a month ago, your body may be trying to figure out if its being starved. If it thinks it is, it will hold on to the weight for survival purposes. Are you sure you're getting enough calories and nutrients ? Try joining Myfitnesspal.com. You enter what you eat daily and it gives you info on all your food. Its free and very helpful ! Don't forget your daily water and exercise too . Good luck !

Way to go ! I wish more Dr.s would recommend WLS to their patients as a possible cure for obesity. You would make a great role model, for anybody, but especially older women who have the hardest time with weight loss !!! Congratulations again !!!! Way to go !!!

I dont know if or when things will change for you, but as you said once " thats why Im in therapy !" I'm still so stinkin' thrilled with the weight loss, that some of the time I dont even think about what I used to weigh. But when I do, I consider it part of the journey to live my life. We've all had non weight related accidents or traumas in our past, and yes, im still affected by them daily, but I try to not dwell on them and move forward, heathy and happy. Being overweight may be one of your "traumas " that will always affect you. Consider loosing the weight as your badge of honor, and be proud of yourself and your journey !!!

Well, somebodys been in the awesome sauce !!!! Happy dance ? I think so ! ( By the way, so where are WE going on the cruise ? Just kidding !) Congratulations !!!!

Hi Jennifer, I' ll put my 2 cents in , im sure others will respond too as we are a very supportive group here. I didn't have a liquid pre op diet, so I cant advise you on that part other than its temporary. ( Its used to shrink your liver before surgery, my Dr, just asked me to try and lose 5 lbs before surgery. ) I know its VERY important, so just do your best and try different things to keep yourself full and reasonably happy. My Dr. never said no caffiene, but I dont drink coffee, only tea. Others have talked here many times about their daily coffee, im not sure why it would be forbidden. My lap band surgery and recovery was a breeze, from the moment I arrived at the hospital to home was 6.5 hrs. ? Very minimal pain, I was on pain meds for only 2 days (and I have a very low pain tolerance ) then it was only liquid Tylenol once , if that. I was tired and very sore the 1st 2 days, like a very bad pulled muscle, the 3rd and 4th days better and better, I went back to work on the 7th day, no problems since . The liquid and mushy stages are temporary NOT forever. You really dont have much appetite , as you are recovering from surgery. I started loosing weight right away, 1-2 lbs a week. It was very easy to stick to, no issues there. Later, "Bandster Hell" which is when your appetite reappears, but with no fill, you're hungry and can eat a fair amount , until you get the right amount of fill to get to the "green zone" . I still lost weight every week. (50 lbs the 1st 7 months ) I just stuck to the food rules, exercised 3 x a week, and left a little room daily for a small treat. Ice cream or something chocolatey. ( Occasionly I still get stuck , or PB, but its because I forget and dont chew well, my own fault 95 % of the time) What do I miss ? Raw broccoli, and Generals Tso's chicken from our deli. That's it. What dont I miss ? Being unhealthy, tired, looking older than I was, sleep apnea, no energy, size 18 clothes, hubby never said anything negitive but wasn't happy. Now ? Healthy, happy, energized, looking and feeling younger, very happy and proud hubby, size 10 clothes. Lapband gave me my life back, and im extremely grateful. Best. Decision. Ever. Good luck !!!

If this is any help, a therapist told me once that the reason they put the same question in again and again is that they want to see if you give the same answer each time. Also, maybe the " are you lying ?" question was to see if you were paying attention ? Interesting info. Hopefully your Psych Dr. understood your background ( childhood stress ) , and he has probably heard everything under the sun, so I wouldn't worry too much. My psych Dr. told me that they just wanted to make sure a potential patient had a realistic view of WLS, with a realistic weight goal, and they were'nt looking for a "miracle cure ." Sounds like you're doing just fine ! Good luck !!!

Wow ! 45 pounds !! That amazing , and you should be very proud of yourself ! Congratulations ! Keep it up !!!

Surgeon said protein 1st, fruits and veggies 2nd, carbs last. Eat healthy 95 % of the time, but have a little bit of a treat too. So , daily I have a cookie or a bit of WW ice cream. 2-3 x a week I might have a piece of cheese, or a small glass of 2 % milk. I don't like alcohol, soda pop, fried food, or salty stuff. Sweets are my trigger food, so I try and keep them to a minimum. Works for me , and it something I can live with for the rest of my life !

Thinside, I swear we're related. When I was banded 3.5 years ago, I was 53, wore "older lady " clothes, size 18, and at 5'3, 225 lbs it was' nt the look or style I was going for. I hadn't developed a "personal style " yet. Now, im 57 years young, still 5'3, but weigh 143 and wear size 10 pant, sometimes 8. I started buying smaller clothes at Goodwill, and still shop there monthly. Great prices, variety and a 7 day return policy. I wear jeans to work but always dress age appropriate, professional, and ive been told by many that I dress with great style ! Heres a few things that helped. 1. Try stuff on, as your body shrinks /changes you will see what does and doesn't look good on you. Keep a notebook in your purse, and take notes on items , color and fit that you do and dont like. After awhile, you'll notice a pattern. 2. I like Instyle magazine. No ads, no diets, just fashion, some reasonable, some not, but very helpful. 3. Pick someone who is built similar to you and see what looks good on her. It can be someone you know, or an actress, singer, movie star, etc. 4. I like a book called "Color me beautiful " by Beverly Jackson (?), it shows what colors bring out the best in you. Barnes and Noble, bookstore s, etc. Money well spent. 5. Try a cute blog , Google or on Pinterest.com called "Walking in grace and beauty ," classic, feminine outfits for over 40 women by Cyndi Spivey. Cute stuff from Target, Old Navy, etc ! 6. The right undies and bra makes a huge difference on how clothes fit, get yourself a bra fitting, or just try on some different styles. (Thankyou Victorias Secret push up bra !) Dont forget about looking at a new, updated hairstyle, color and / or makeup. Hopefully this helps some, remember when you look and feel confident, people really notice ! And yes, the men will look, compliment, flirt...............they just do. ( It's really kinda cute ! ) Good luck !!!

Bandista, glad to hear all us well with you ! Yes, im having a great summer too, enjoying the unusual hot Seattle are weather for months now. Im enjoying being healthy , and strong for gardening,walking, working out etc. My pants are too loose again, and I feel like a million bucks !!! So, no complaints here, except for someone who has a " name " like Pink Dahlia, you would think I could grow just 2 (!) this year . Major. Fail. Sigh......., maybe next year..................cue Charlie Brown whimper.............

First off, congratulations on the 10 lb weight loss ! I know its hard, but you stuck to the rules and you lost it !!! Great job ! My surgeon told me when I got somewhat close to my goal, the last 20 lbs would be on my stomach, and they would be the hardest to lose. Well, he was right. I was stuck at 160 for well over a year, but I was very happy in my new , healthy body. Then I joined a Pilates class early February, and my stomach is soooo much flatter, and my jeans are too loose !! Since you dont have time to go to a class , try googling for free exercise classes online. Pilates is working on your core, where women tend to "store " the fat . Good luck !

Way to go , Wonder Woman !!! Congratulations on reaching such a huge milestone !! Keep it up !!

Sorry, the above response was to joasaint, obviously I need to pay attention to detail more ! And he wasn't the one looking for an answer ! (Geesh ! I need to go find my meds ! ) To enjoythetime, and I say this with all due respect, you've lost159 (!) pounds , and you're asking about a tiny weight gain of 3-5 lbs ? Wow is all I can say! Congratulations on your weight loss ! Id consider a temporary 3-5 lb Weight gain as nothing to worry about, but thats just me. Congratulations again !

Eeeek ! Im not sure if I should answer or not, because I really don't have a problem with the scale. I weigh in the a.m., thats the weight I am that day. Period. I guess my question is why do you eat that much different on weekends ? I think thats more of the problem than the scale itself. I realize everyones different, with different eating habits, etc. But if your weekend eating habits are drastically different than your weekday eating, maybe you should address that , tone it down some, and see what shows up on the scale ? Just a thought. Good luck !

P.S. I forgot to mention, besides visiting an Aesthetician for skin care ( I ve never done it but would if necessary ) you might want to look at different makeup ( foundation ). I like that Revlon New Complexion Foundation is a creme makeup , (better for moisture ) it gives good coverage , non drying and has a SPF 15. Love it !

Thanks for sharing that story, I had no idea that was what any food pantry would give out ! Who could live on all that crap ? And we wonder why not only are we dealing with obesity as a nation, but is it also any wonder that our kids can't pay attention in school ? Can you say "sugar overload " ???