Julie norton

I rely on quest bars for the times I need protein , but either not so hungry or at work and busy. They really satisfy me. I find them at GNC stores ... They are not cheap but I find they are worth it!

Thank you Alex for us vets still working our individual programs the best we can! I mentioned before that it is a bit scary to read of band removal and instant gains... All While watching food intake and exercising... Not over indulging on that thought, but I do believe it is real... Any studies known about this? Thank you in advance.

I, too, find the thought of a major regain quite scary. You do read on the boards about some who had blissful years with WLS ... Then a crisis or health change or band removal caused a huge change in weight... While they were watching their intake and exercising! I don't know about any of you, but I am NOT willing to go back to 249 lbs ever !I I eat well and exercise faithfully And just hope I am one if the lucky ones that can keep up my lifestyle . It has been over 8 1/2 years and I am still a bit fearful of what happens to us long term banders. I don't see any 15 year post surgery posts... But I want to read them! Any info on anyone past 10 years ? Alex and jack are the only posters I see with that much experience. I don't fester on this... But it is in my head.

Good luck on your break Sam . This is a very long term undertaking. We have years to go here, not weeks So plan for the future. See how this works and go on . Personally, I could not follow 2 hours a day of hard exercise for years. I am glad to see you are reconsidering where your strength will go!

Thanks Elizabeth , Interesting article. Not sure which side makes the better point in this whole thread... But I found it full of studies. We each seem to have our way of navigating our weight loss in the post years. It is the latter years that I find fascinating. There should be more studies coming our way on post WLS soon.

You VIP people are being fairly quiet. Could it be summer? Holidays? All is good here in California, except we are on Water rationing and most lawns here have died a peaceful death. Just wondering how June is going for everyone.????

Changes can happen gradually and you sound like you are trying hard. Old habits are hard to break and you are confronting a lot of issues... Ex-hubby, divorce,kids(love them so much, but not so much in my house anymore)Diet, exercise. Pat yourself on the back for doing such a good job... On life, and on raising caring thoughtful children!!!

I'm jumping on the bandwagon! I was 51 and it was the best decision for me. Now I'm 60 and feel great And yes there are inconveniences... Nothing compared to dragging around 100 extra lbs. though Go to a seminar if you need to see the ages of prospective clients. In my group they are all over in age... You can have a better life without the internal struggle. I always had it and finally The hunger monster is tamed for now. I am eased to be happy and healthy Good luck and keep posting!????

Just adding that a new vegan cheese is being developed and released to good reviews. I have not tried it yet but all write ups said you did not have to hide it in casserolesike the original. Just use it like ordinary dairy cheeses.... Sounds promising. Not sure of protein count?

Strangely enough, going out for fresh fish is a real treat for me! Sheesh! Never thought I would really say that. This week I made twice baked potatoes . I can have the broccoli and potato mixed up w/ some cheese and leave the skin ( too clogging for my band) I'm with Liz on the couple of bites of something yummy if I'm out. food just can't command my attention like it used to. Thankfully!

It is so nice to hear from people working their band successfully... You seem to have your mindset right, and look ... Already rewards coming your way. And they seem to keep coming if you do your part. Congrats!

I, too, was pleasantly surprised by the lipo done in the ladygarden. Now in my work out gear, things are seeming normal instead of protruding like they seemed before . Just a nice side benefit of a flat stomach at 60... What a wonderful thing to be able to reshape a few parts!! And I totally agree that the first 2 weeks of recovery were not easy or simple ... But so glad 12 weeks out

Truly amazing how we have adjusted our eyes to our stomach. Always heard your the other and served myself too much of ... Ok everything Now a very small amount is just fine Took me years and yet I still stumble occasionally ... So grateful for a procedure that changed my life in 2006. I am truly a different person in a different size than I was ... And I do love me now That was a long hard road????

Good job!!. Keep working the basics and COMPLY. It will get you where you want to go . I learned over the years to quit challenging my band. It is hard to not go back to bad habits, but since I don't like the consequences ....literally 8+ years.. I'm still learning. Sigh I still think occasionally I will have a Late snack ( head hunger when I'm tired) and it DOES NOT work out well So I learn again and keep trying. Happy and healthy with one hundred lbs gone. A whole new life... Best of luck!????

I am thankful everyday that I am able to feel like I am navigating this world from a " normal" size.. Whatever that is to each of us. Thrilled to not be obsessed about diets or calories .....or driven by hunger!!!! I am also thankful for feeling successful with my weight for over 8 years... I could not feel like that before WLS

I second Jamie's thoughts about 10 days off. I had TT w/ plication march 10. The first 2 weeks were no joke like she said. I was very glad for pain killers. Week 3 was better and I could walk outside and stand upright finally and went back to work part time. The 4 th week was way better and I resumed all except work outs.... You gotta wait 6 weeks for real work outs because if you get a micro tear it hurts for a long time and cannot be surgically fixed. Good luck! There is lots of info on plastics here... Tell us how it went and how you feel when you are up for it????

I, too, took a nice bike ride yesterday. Filled up the tires and off I went???? My ass is also sore and my quads. But in a good way.... I needed it. I've got to work on 5 lbs off this month... I have faith it will go. It is just slow since I am close to goal. I just relaxed and drank at my youngest sons wedding last week. Worth every bit! This week is on spot!!!!

Can't believe my boy will become a man tomorrow. We love her too???? ???????????? 8 years ago I did not know How happy I would to be a size 10 .....escorted down the aisle by my wonderful son. No worries how my dress hangs. Sequins. Mauve. Gorgeous. Floating. What a day !!! Just to not be self conscious is fabulous ... Some of you know his dad passed last year suddenly... So it is bittersweet he cannot be there mortally.. I've been at a counselor for a few years so I think I'm ready!!! Wish me luck my cyber friend community????❤️????????????

All the time and work was worth it! Fun and drinks and food. Oh my. Ok. Five lbs to get rid of Ps this is not the most flattering pic. But a friend had it. No professional photos yet. Loved how happy we are

Well... It's going on 8+ years and I am still learning to be MINDFUL when I eat. Slow down, put the fork down, take about 20 minutes to eat. I personally , was told to not drink with meals, so I am compliant, and wait about 1/2 hour after to have any liquid... Sounds like you are off to a nice start Best of luck and keep posting...

Canyon, I surely am hoping for good results for your husband. Please remember to take good care of yourself....truly.. Breathe deeply , drink lots of water and try to squeeze in anything that Moves your body. Especially women caregivers... We often put ourselves last... You need to be well to keep hubby comfortable no matter what level of care he is in???? Thinking positive thoughts for your family

Quinoa was very hard for me to digest. Too bad as it is so good for me. I found edamame Pasta which is tolerable in very small doses. Most pasta does not agree with me. Oh the changes we make to keep our hard won battles with weight!!

You are not alone in your restaurant "challenges". Even after many years, I got hungry and ate the beginning of my lunch too fast 2 days ago. Had to excuse myself twice. How embarrassing , but was w/ a friend.... I try to just have soup or fish if I am in a group. Like 52 said ... It is truly retraining our eating habits .....still making errors... Just few and far between Good luck and keep posting

I am 12 weeks out from TT and plication .I did not have drains, but the first week I needed meds. Getting up and down was difficult. I had friends come everyday and bring Soup or check on me. I also got a binder from the doc and used it faithfully for 10 weeks. Soooo happy with the results... Can't pinch a inch as the old saying goes . Please pm me if you have personal ? I had mons liposuctioned also. Thankfully. It was a great idea Good luck keep posting Also. Silicone scar strips work well. Off the internet. "New gel "

Debbie I think the haircut makes you look younger!!!! Just the kids teasing us we are old????