Julie norton

I wish it only took me 3 years to understand this newer life and the habits that go with it! Sadly, for me, it took more years for it to sink into my hard head that these eating habits would stay the same.... For my life. And as long as my band will have me... Headed for my 10 year mark in December... Thinking I might have "gotten" it. It doesn't feel like a struggle daily anymore and for that, I am so thankful for WLS ! I am very aware that habits can resurface.... (Just read here long enough...)and I do not want to sound boastful....truly... I do stay vigilant about eating right and working out. And I Try every day on the water! And I read these boards for info and insight and laughs.... (Ha ha. Bacon in the first week) I know who I like to follow and who just seems to argue... I find it really interesting following the journey of who will "get it" and who might not ....

My opinion is it could not hurt to get some fluid out and let your band rest for a bit. Mine gets plenty irritated and the only solution for me is to go down to a low level fill--- (I am at a 1 if that helps... I have been filled over 3 before... )But when I get stuck and irritated... My best option is to let it rest . The longer I have it, the better my eating is... Even with a small restriction. Good luck on your journey.

I will miss your witty repartee and knowledgeable posts. Please come to the veterans site when you feel like communicating with those who will listen.

I'm tired of : do you eat? Do you enjoy food? OF COURSE! Just not three times a day in large amounts... I feel normal sized and like I eat "light" ....nothing crazy or overboard... Foodies in my family just don't get it... As they discuss what they ate , what they will eat next ... What the best----fill in the blank--- food they ever had. Etc. I just can't chime in as much.

I am very sorry for your loss. You might expect to be a bit numb for a while.... Do your best to have a few healthy options around..... Try to walk or do anything you like just to move a bit... Just know you will feel this deeply and ..... Since one of our coping mechanism is not there( overeating, mindlessly snacking, etc) you might find it coming in big waves of emotion. Hoping you can catch your breath inbetween. We are here to listen.

You are a great inspiration for many people. Remember, lots of people look without posting so they are seeing what is truly possible! WLS works! Congratulations... Keep working the program!!

Ok vets.... Happy Independence Day.....from ? A former life? A former weight? A different attitude toward food? A NEW you? Enjoy [emoji631][emoji631] I will say my life is vastly different from 9 1/2 years ago! I may have gotten the hang of this!!

Lisacaron Wishing the best for you and your digestive issues... Sounds like you have been through a lot lately and I am here to commiserate with you! I'm really hoping an empty band helps you figure out your allergies and stoma issues. I like how tough you are about keeping your band. Lots of others are not so strong, I think, as you are. I am fiercely protective of my band.... Even have it almost deflated now. I don't want irritation to flare up.... And like you, I'm not up to starting over. Hoping you also see results on your scale... You rightly should... Sometimes our bodies have a mind of their own. Jules

Good for you ... Taking care of ourselves can be a vexing issue. Then add controversy and it becomes harder to decide. Financial matters often make decisions harder. I'm guessing you will look and feel so much better.[emoji512] great birthday present.! I happened to give myself a TT for my 60th. Yeah , it felt a bit vain, but I adore the results.

I skip all the sage advice when someone is still preop And dispensing lots of info... From paperwork I'm guessing. Gotta be in those trenches for awhile... 18 months sounds good.

So glad I changed my life!!!

Well what do you know? I also can be quite good at cakes, brownies, cookies... I know my family always looked forward to my baking. Now, except for birthday requests, this baker has retired her skills. I'm just not strong enough to resist my own creations. Store bought? I can pass unless it is a fabulous bakery. Um, I don't go there.... They might miss me these days!

Sharpie I so get it. I feel like grief is not gonna be over.... We are gonna just learn to live a new way. It still feels new and I'm unsure about how to decide things. Bill and I always just worked it out ... Moving last week helped in some ways, yet so many decisions and so many memories to pack. Don't want to hijack this thread.... Just know we are thinking of you and hoping your family can surround you. And that you can catch your breath when the next wave of emotion comes.

I would like to be included in the play group. I'm headed for 10 years and I also get weary of " can I have pizza after 3 weeks?" Also" I haven't lost any weight in 3 days". Just a different mindset and goal.

It sure seems like there are both camps about lap bands. Pro and it works. Anti and it did not have success. As you might know, I'm firmly in the pro camp after 9+ years. I do see my doc regularly, and I do keep the saline level low. Personally, I get an irritation area if I keep my band tight, and I baby it by lowering the fluid level. I'm very afraid of not being able to keep my tool . It totally changed the trajectory of my life, and I adore it for that. Much of the maintenance is on me though... I do get that.

I thought. I'm really not that big. I eat fairly well. Perhaps a bit too much. But good quality food. I believed you had to eat right when hunger knocked. Ha. I have learned how little the body can get by on daily sometimes. I have learned it really is ok to be hungry for a couple of hours when you need to be , for a myriad of reasons. It all works out.

We are an honest and funny group. We can even discuss bodily functions .... Both ends seem to be big topics! I know I feel old when I'm concerned about how much or little I have to go... Reminds me of my darling Italian grandpa... That was his go- to topic. As I age, I understand him more [emoji171]

Yes erp! As hard as learning to lose with WLS, this maintenance program is difficult also. Most days go according to plan. And I do plan mostly.... Some days I'm just hungrier!!! Does anyone else have hungrier days?? It might be :yogurt and a protein bar along with my meatball and string cheese Or dense protein and extra protein milk. Or a premier protein.... (I still use those 9+ years out as old standbys) and good old chicken thighs and a sweet potato w/ a small vege. A salad with salmon or chicken is a favorite, if I can stop with the creamy dressing. YUM. Yes. Eating slowly, and not drinking, except for a wayward sip took some getting used to. We all have our challenges. And I wouldn't trade back for them for my 250 + life for money or fame[emoji93][emoji93]

It is kinda refreshing that every post doesn't need to be weight related. My cats adore a brand of catnip called Maui wowie . They paw the cupboard.... I laugh at them rolling in it.[emoji250][emoji250]

Good point Liz Debbie usually posts about summer bands and such. She has been quiet lately. I've grown fond of this group of veteran banders and hope not to lose any !

You seem to be doing well... With exercise and healthy food choices. Congratulations! So I say Trust the Process. It does work for many! Gotta have some faith that this was a huge step in reclaiming your life! Just keep being the great healthy version of your life and good things are coming your way The fills will truly help on hunger and portion size if the doc manages them right. Keep posting and let us know how you and your band are doing.

Please remember weight loss is a multi billion dollar industry. Advertising could get very clever and sometimes..... People are desperate to lose weight. I'm guessing some of us remember wanting to take off "X" pounds for some upcoming event. Sounds like it will make money to me. Sigh.

It may seem minor, but when I am at a concert, my peeve is the people that yell over the musician to chat about inane things. I seem to be located near them a lot. Had a fabulous time seeing Steely Dan Thursday, however Chatty Cathy next to me talked and called people on her phone. And yelled to them over the music. Sigh. She did move eventually. I was so happy to listen in peace and dance !!

Taking a break from moving by attending a wedding. Mother of bride is a florist and it smelled and looked spectacular!! 50 acres of redwoods and meadows and a train that circled around. Had a fabulous time. Needed it... Back to boxing up for the final time.

Sigh.... Yes old photos of the old us. I am moving after 34 years and going through hundreds of old photos. Like many of us, I did not know I was that round! There it is... In living color..., the old me from ten years and 100 pounds ago! Wow.. I am surprised how happy I look then. And I know I would not be happy now at that size. So WLS truly changed what my self image is and was.