Julie norton

Thank you kindle. Very moving words❤️ I wrote the quote in my journal I've kept since my beloved husband passed 11 months ago. It is poignant about not a place to stay. Sigh I believe it is an honor to be grieved... Someone truly loved and cared.

I only know one other person who has had WLS. She was not banded And she is happy also????

I'm also echoing above. When you can smile and laugh about a loved ones life, instead of focusing on grief, you have taken a big step. The tribute tattoo has very nice color and looks well done???? Grieving sure takes awhile for me personally ... I'm in the still missing phase but have committed to a hospice grief support group starting in 2 weeks. There is hope.

I enjoyed reading this thread more than many, many others . IT IS REAL We have gone through the portal to the other side. We all are different ages, sizes ,surgeries ... Yet there is total consensus on the value of our current lives vs the other side. I also truly enjoyed no infighting, (rare) which kinda turns me away from some threads... I know it gets heated and I like an educated discussion but..... We all agree NOT THE EASY WAY OUT! BTW. Thanks for the statistician..????that would be rog.

Nicely written mom, Congrats. Please keep us posted on your weight loss ride... I know it helps me as a veteran to hear fresh stories Good luck????

I thank those who post about sudden or long term problems with the band. It would appear things are going along ok for some of them for years and then big problems and weight gain. Frankly, this scares me. I've adjusted to banded life for over 8 years and am very compliant....but hear others are as well and then BOOM ... Their life changes. Maybe long term success with the band people just don't post often? I know there are many of us out in the world????just wanting to believe that I suppose

Recovery from TT .... Well it has been 5 weeks for me. Still one spot that aches, but in general , all good. Back to work and modified workouts (for another week) Shocked my pants don't fit.... I don't know what I expected ...but a flat stomach is nice. I am wearing my binder a lot. I find it oddly more comfortable . Scar is healing nicely. corners are lightening -middle still red. Probably more info than anyone needs????

Great pics Debbie. Thanks. And carnie Wilson. And zsalynn. And the lap band inventor! Quite a room and giveaways. Makes me want to go next year???????? What a great view also. San Diego is a Pretty town???? Thanks again

last year was another great one for SF. This year, with injuries we will see. Ragtag team somehow pulls through

Well. 5 wks out and yes on the numbness. Think it's just part of plastics. Same place cowgirl. And my belly button is the sorest spot left. Gotta wear binder more hours a day doc says. Ok. I'm compliant.

Ok. Ill chip in. Female, 60 , happily married half of my life.....widowed last year. Manage property and family trust. Banded in 06. Very thankful for the change in my life. Two grown boys- one getting married next month???????? And I dig the SF giants. ( world champions⚾️)

I guess we all get VIP treatment. Lovely???? we deserve it, right? Going to see " Book of Mormon" tomorrow .. Hoping for a good laugh. (After a horrid day yesterday ....as it was my first anniversary alone) On to comedy Jewels

I didn't tell many people... Just a handful.. Even my adult children . They knew I changed over the next year, but weren't overly curious..they knew I worked out frequently.... Even years later, my TT was explained as minor elective surgery. The boys are busy with their own lives and it has been over 8 years and we have all just grown accustomed to the lighter me.

Thanks@debbie3... Looks like a good time. Lots of greeting. I think that is carnie Wilson with you and also zsalynn From 600 lb life. How exciting for all. Tell us the best tips and products when you get a chance???? Thanks!

Hey Alex , Any thought of starting a "long term success with the band"Forum ? I'm finding it difficult to read band failure posts daily and not see the counter balance stories... Many of us are quite satisfied with our banded life long term... We just don't read about us much????

Size 10-12 feels just right for me. Nice staying the same size as clothes fit as long as I choose to wear them Yes I saved one giant pair of stretchy size 22. Just to never forget from whence I came????

Best of luck on your healthy new lifestyle. Keep us posted on your news????

I,too, can have trouble with the plumbing moving. If I drink smooth move tea at night, I often have relief. If not I move on to miralax... This seems to be the key for me???? Good luck.. It is vexing!

I, too am a social drinker... Being widowed last year lowered the frequency of my few outings. When I do imbibe, I notice I cannot tolerate much more than one drink...two would be a big night. And would be before dinner... Sheeech. One of the fun things left and we barely get to indulge... Still totally a great trade off????????

Congratulations on your decision to have a healthier life! I'm so proud of you... I think it is harder to jump into new ideas as we age. Best of luck... Lots if info and good people here????

Well.... my take on spelling ( as a former spelling bee coach) is you either "get it" or don't. Many educated people use spell check for a reason... I understand you can read more and practice your spelling, but for many it just doesn't come very easily. My father, who was a hard working successful man, could compute interest rates and payments in his head, yet never had a good grip on spelling. Just my take????

JWM You made me laugh out loud with your Easter miracle. Please don't add that you "rolled away the stone" Or I will probably pee my pants... Actually. That is one of the greatest parts of losing so much.... No more leakage. Hope everyone found their eggs????

Don't forget your workout clothes... The real stretchy ones will work for hikes and bikes and are forgiving of size. If they are mid calf I would think cooler for you in a hot climate. I would bring non melting protein bars.... Boxes of them with your protein powder. Best of luck on getting a date for surgery!

Well I ordered New Gel+ on line and like it. A bit spendy but recommended by doc

Good luck! Glad you are here. You will get all kinds of advice as everyone is a bit different in their banding process. food may come back up out of your pouch. It is not mixed with stomach acid and , to me, not at all similar to throwing up. It doesn't smell or wrench my stomach... More like spitting out something that doesn't taste good. Hope that helps your fear a bit. Hope you are as happy with your decision as many of us are????