Julie norton

Some Targets carry " better than beef". And meatless meatloaf. Both made with soy. They agree with me and are a great source of protein. I also think beans are a great source, tho I think they need to be paired with rice to be a complete protein... If I remember nutrition 101...

Yes I feel successful. I am a size 10-12 and was not that size in high school. I eat well and work out and try the amount of water.... Some days are better than others .... But all days are better than my 250+ days. We all need to feel " normal". Whatever that is to us[emoji171] How about you ginger? Do you feel successful?

About 6 weeks after my lap band, in 2006, I had my Dr give me a fill. I went back about every 5 weeks, though it was 3 hours each way. This was the only times I weighed. Just a personal preference This went on for about9 months. I have since changed to a closer Dr, and he is the only one to do a fill. His nurse will do an emergency unfill if he is unavailable , but the fills are always him. This is still one of the only places I choose to weigh in with a dr scale..... My clothes tell me... But many others still weigh themselves a lot. Just a difference in personalities I think.

No steak or chicken breast has worked for me. Kale is apparently a no go also. Pasta has also never stayed with me. Says the Italian girl.... Spaghetti squash is substituted. Fish seems to be my friend Lately.... Better than beef (target) seems to fill in for some items and my band has ok'd it.... I learn and just go on. Food just doesn't have that ugly hard grasp on me after all these years. Thankfully [emoji93]

My fills do not hurt. He injects a bit of numbing solution in my port first. And a touch of tenderness the next day. I'm cautious to stay on a light soft liquid diet for about 1-2 days after, Depending how I feel , I proceed slowly.... For me, once I'm irritated in my stoma, it takes a day or so of liquids to stop the instant rejection of food. My doctor always cautioned that people advanced too fast and kept irritating their band..... With bad results. I listened..... After about 10 times!!

What a wonderful,Inspiring thread. Some new. Some veterans. Seems like many of us want to change our lives for the healthiest selves we can be. All I can add is it is work.... Daily. I happen to fight my demons off in the grocery store. If it is not available at home, I most likely won't be going out Others use support groups, therapy, undergo plastic surgery... These are some of the proven ways WLS patients can help their long term results. I certainly did all of them and am thrilled almost 9 1/2 years out to be successful and very healthy. I wish luck to every person whose life has been determined by obesity and feels like they are ready to change. Truly change. Sadly, I'm aware WLS does not work for everyone.

I agree that bmi can often be just a guideline and not the Mecca some believe it to be . As long as you are healthy and happy with your weight loss, consider yourself lucky. Those scales cannot be right !! I ( I only weighed at the doctors office and was pleased as time went on.) Still pleased 9 years later.... Feel successful with weight loss instead of that yo-yo Problem I had for years! Good luck and please keep posting. Lots of us care and want success for others!

My hint is to be patient and work the program. It works even if the scale is frustrating. Sometimes clothing feels looser and the scale stays the same. You have done great and congratulations on 44 lbs. This may be the first time weight stays off and you continue doing the program. Keep updating... The community ( and me) cares!

Well....dangermouse it truly is going to be up to you. Yes most likely you will get a golden year of opportunity to lose weight and change your eating habits. Then , again .. That will be up to you and your commitment to really want to change your lifestyle. I think it is hard, but so worth it! The weight did not come back on for me after surgery nine years ago.... And it took 2 years for me and my band to figure each other out. But I would do it again. I'm just reminding all of us that it is a daily reality[emoji177] Protein, water. Exercise. Repeat. Please keep us updated! Best of luck!

Some good ideas from a caring group above. Also Hoping you are able to follow band guidelines: protein, water, perhaps a walk. Time can be your friend with a band. This is long term, change your habits slowly-type surgery, imho . Try to forget the old rules of up and down weight loss and remember you are trying to change your future. Even a couple of pounds down a month is the right direction. Maybe a dr visit and fill are ahead? Wishing you progress. You can do this! You took a big step with surgery and it is to try and navigate food in a different way and hopefully change some patterns.

Nice to see some familiar faces around. Seems we all need each other to read and reply about our latest loss... Or sigh.... Gain. Most of us are familiar with both sides of that coin No matter what WLS you had. Or when. It is comforting to me to be around like minded people So I'm saying thanks.

Welcome to the other side of surgery! These boards have lots of nice people and much advice. Most of all. Please do what your dr says And take all our personal advice however you like. You are at the start of a very exciting time when you lose weight and it does NOT return ! That being said, I predict you will feel great when you start your downhill loss.... Please keep posting and let us veterans know how you are.

There do seem to be some people that the band does not seem to work for.... I'm sure for all kinds of reasons I'm grateful to read about happy banding stories. I'm 9 + years out and although she can be a bi*ch at times, I'm happy with my decision. It truly changed my life. From Size 22 to size 12.... Size 10 in a great month . And only 10 lb yo-yo at any given time . It was not the losing weight , but rather the huge regains that used to have me feel unsuccessful before surgery. I think I feel better at 60+ than I did at 40! A whole different way to live. It is nice to have a group of like minded people on this forum I just know I'm gonna try everyday. No 100% here.... But I'm gonna try

Great job taking a step towards health. Making the appts was a great way to Start... Coming here can be helpful for me when I need a swift kick in the ass. Nut seem to have good hints and strategies...good luck. I just have not found one that clicks for me. Seems like the same 10 lbs come and go each year ( thankfully right now they are away) and I still have to remind myself to drink enough Water daily.... I would have guessed it would be second nature by now. Ha! I'd be wrong. Glad to see we are all trying to be a good healthy weight, no matter where we are in this WLS voyage. Congrats on your achievements !

I find amy to be shockingly funny many times. I think she says and does things that others do not dare to do . I don't believe she is plus sized. I think she is shorter than the norm and America gets complacent with perky boobs, hair extensions , long lanky legs ( which is not Amy style at all)fake nails and all the Hollywood crap we are accustomed to seeing. Ya. She can be crude at times.... But I think men would get away with her schtick...ie train wreck

It is so welcoming to respond to the new posters. I think it makes me feel less alone at this process. Just knowing others have had or haven't had certain problems is reassuring to me. I find there are some new items that I only know about from being on these boards... Gastric balloon for instance... Never have seen articles in the paper about it but learned a little here.

No, but please keep us veterans updated. I am also in my 9th year... And though I try not to,,, it is on my mind that the band does fail for many!! Please post results! Thanks Jewels

I'm just happy for you. We all deserve that butterfly in the stomach feeling again... Or even just once! Revel in every moment right now. My thing is to not overthink it ... But have a blast debating someone intelligent ....Who discusses fairly. ( sign of maturity)! Dance, take rides,have fun!! [emoji171][emoji171][emoji171]warmly

Seems like many of us evolve into a goal weight. I am not negating those who reach it and stay there. Brava! Personally, a healthy --close , but lower than high school weight ----feels wonderful for me. I could put on my boxing gloves and FIGHT another 10 lbs or so, but I am weary of decades of fighting MYSELF. And the internal scale fight... You know, the daily or weekly Am I good enough? NO MORE So I shall stay content , happy, healthy.... (Still monitoring myself) imperfect but fabulous me. I truly am not trying to boast... Just happy about 9 years of the authentic me. Some of the most healthy of my life! Thank you for listening. This is my real life

I'm of the number 3 mode. I'm mindful shopping.... I cannot have super tempting (for me) food here and not last very long fighting it. I don't want the struggle that I had for years.... This is the new normal for years. And I try to not set myself up for failure. Not saying I'm 100% successful..... Just really most of the time and I am content with that

This is a great community. They have a lot of great tips and support no matter what kind of WLS you decide. Congratulations on your determination with or without familial support. Please know many care and keep posting!

My band can be frustrating also. I have come to peace with it.', even if it bothers me some days. I just baby it for a day or two and I seem to get decent results. It is not always my choice what to have....it may have to be a protein drink.... Or a protein bar.... For me, it IS better than being 250 lbs on a good day. I get that others have a really rough time and it does not work for them. I will support anyone's personal decision to have or not have WLS. Just know that many of us find it difficult also.

Best of luck. My best hint is to practice a smooth roll out of bed. You willNOT be able to sit up for a bit... (OR use stomach muscles to help upright yourself) I rolled into one elbow and pushed my upper body upright Just a small hint. It may hurt a bit in the beginning, but I'm hoping you'll be so pleased by 1 month out. !!!

Thank you for bringing this procedure up. I'm truly interested in following the success rates post op.... Wondering how many have been done thus far.... Time may tell ... And I'll be listening[emoji93]

I'm with Liz the walker I'm a bit worried long term with my band. I'm encouraged by seeing long termers, but certainly see enough issues with others to be concerned. Not willing to go back to 250+ Ever in my lifetime again.!! I have been reading of the new endoscopic sleeve for low bmi's... Could hold some promise... Outpatient... Minimal invasion. Cheaper than other options... Hmmmm Just glad to feel lucky after 9+ years to still have my band. I will say on some days she is a fickle bi*tch.... And I just have learned not to cross her on those days[emoji171]