Julie norton

For some of us, a small amount of alcohol goes a long way. 2 drinks has become my personal limit. Often just one before dinner But I love that I get to change my attitude just a bit. Since being widowed last year, I rarely find myself out at night.. But it is a nice treat to be civilized and have a cocktail with a small dinner for me????

Interesting topic Glad to see an open discussion about a very prevalent herb that not only has been around for centuries, but seems to be making legal inroads in the us. Seems like some tolerate it and others are anti .. I would think appetite stimulation is not cohesive with WLS. Others report it is useful at bedtime to sleep I'm not here to judge anyone's preference on how to enjoy life on their own terms ( ok. I will judge how I really dislike methamphetamine and it's culture and poisons used) I Just like open discussions. That is why I like this forum so much

Good job. Being in the one hundred somethings seems like you fit in with most of America. That was comforting to me when I got there ... And it got better!!!????

So glad you got thru the first week. ????I am also recovering from plastics on march 10. Each day was better. All I can say is it is not for sissies. I thought I was strong having 2 large babies. Ha! Different pain. By Monday I hope to be ready for work Tuesday hope your recovery hoes smoothly also. Ps I was thankful for lidocaine pumps for the first 2 days!

I'm chiming in with some other long term bandsters. It has allowed me to go through almost 9 years of my life feeling like I fit in normally. ( whatever that is to each of us) No more worrying about when or what or where food will be be literally freed me from the mental merry go round that spun in my head daily. My life feels simplified and healthy and the gnawing hunger that drove everything is literally gone! It is a very personal choice, but you are embarking down a road that can save your life and give you back health and FUN! I felt too young to just let life wash over me. I hope you are happy with whatever choice you and your dr decide on????

Silicone scar pads were recommended by my doc yesterday. I bought new gel+ silicone pads off the internet and they feel cool and soothing on my 10 day old scar. About14 inches and I hope it fades. A bit pricey. We shall see

I like to read. Others suggestions I've heard are: walk, garden, library, rent DVD series, movie (yikes popcorn) volunteer, .... Often I think our world is so food oriented it is difficult to get away from. We have a hot /cold tub /sauna rental place about an hour away. No food allowed. When I can treat myself, I go there and when I can also throw in a massage.... It is wonderful and feels like I fill myself up with care! Good wishes????

May Best of luck figuring out a strategy. ???? It is a bit scary for some of us long term bandsters to read what can happen. One change of events can set off long term weight challenges. Gosh... I was naive enough to think my life would stay the same after 8+ years of banded living. Im thinking it must mess with your mind/ body image after all those years of considering those issues were laid to rest . Please keep us updated. I truly want to see how you resolve band issues. (You are like a canary in a coal mine) any of us could face this issue! And thank you for all your input Jewels

Great post Vegas! You seem to have the basics outlined well. Seems to me the protein, water, exercise, and to some, logging leads to a successful outcome for most WLS. In response to a food centered life, I believe the freedom from food prison Was a great outcome for me. No constant thinking of shopping. prepping, weight loss etc. Just enjoying life and after 8+ years the pattern for a "normal " size life is just a lifestyle. I find it so much easier to go thru life at my current size. Not perfect, just truly enjoyable???? Wishing all of us peace for our mind/ body connection. Jewels

Thanks also cowgirl Soo very happy that first week post op TT is over!!! . I must be somewhat better because I am thankful I was able to have it. Doc took off dressing today and I am now using new gel silicone gel sheeting for scar management under the ab binder. It was recommended on this site so thanks to whoever posted it????

One week out from TT. It was not an easy week... I'm very thankful I took 2 weeks off work. I'm also thankful for pain killers. Just for a point of reference.. I've had two 9 lb babies and this was difficult! Not being able to sleep on my sides has been hard as I do roll onto them and quickly roll back awake mid sleep Glad I did it and my doc was great, but really research. The pain level for me was high. Getting better daily I hope to post in a month or two how you just go on and forget.... But right now.....just know for some it will be a tough couple of weeks❤️????

Happy bandiversary! It works for us... Don't listen to all the negative chatter out there. Just enjoy not gaining weight back andovimg in this world at a smaller size????❤️

You are not alone with all the support and caring people on this site Good luck and keep going. And keep posting????

Congrats nick Keep posting and asking questions I think it really helps. We have lots of ideas and opinions. And laughs !

Thanks@@Bandista For the kind icy hope. Haha I should know what I'm getting into.... On the serious side I am Sorry for your loss. 90's look to be very challenging in health...???? I'm diggin the red size 10 pants tho... They will be out soon I'm sure And spring training is on⚾️⚾️⚾️so that is a positive thing in some peoples mind( Go SF Giants)

Ps. This TT is kicking my ass. I'm strong but even after a week. Oowie ! Next week a will diminish I hope. Nice to have a bit of down time to be here! No work for another week. So glad. Do not think I could have returned yet. Ya. Someday I'll laugh about it. But not today

Well count me in the group that cannot tolerate Chinese food. I've tried just chicken and snow peas and all sorts of light combos and my band says NO. So I stopped trying... After a few years. Took awhile to see that it simply doesn't agree with me

I am 5 days post op TT. Well the first day I posted after surgery I was feeling ok. Might have been the meds talking. Take care of yourself for at least a week ... Maybe a bit more. Thank goodness for good girlfriends!!???? My experience is day 2-3-4 were rough. I'm a strong person but this was not quite the same as I expected and I rested a lot. I continue to rest Pain has subsided, as has the back up in my body. (Another story) Just plan on compression garments,no stairs (1/day ok for me)or driving for a week. Prepare and gather friends. In a couple of days this will be in the rear view mirror for me. ... But not forgotten. Good luck to all the TT ahead????

How great to spread the good energy on going forward. ????really insightful Because what's left behind....didn't work We all have chapters yet to be written

Jfc Happy 60th???? glad you are healthy and 60's can be good. (From the little I've seen)

Thank you my board friends. It really helps to have some people to chat with. I'm growing quite fond of this board! Maybe it's the meds! Ha Good luck with dates Liz. Glad to see you so socially busy I'm down for a few days. Gotta not overdo things One huge self project this year for me TT .. Really never thought I would do that. But I'm 60 and widowed and I'm WORTH it. Change can be good!

I , too, was really apprehensive. I just wanted it And saved. And finally the day came???? SO HAPPY but it has only been 24 hrs. And the lidocaine pump was a fabulous new trick Once again. The worry before was worse than the procedure I'm not naive... We shall see this weekend. Bandage change w/ doc mañana. Dear friends for nurses. And you guys! I'm content

JWM Good question. Abdominalplasty. Don't think he did muscles because I didn't see that on the surgery paperwork .. And frankly, I feel too comfortable. Lying down mind you... Like I mentioned. It's the getting up that is difficult. And taking small steps. That wearable lidocaine pump gets an A+...thanks for asking .

OUCH Just got home at 1 today from surgery center... No more "extra lap" Lying down is ok. Getting up is a wicked bitch.... Just like WLS, there is a lot of relief from worry and anxiety already gone! I know ... The lidocaine will wear off, but they now have a pouch you wear with a slow drip to keep the area numb... Big owie on moving side to side or god forbid. Laughing Glad it is over !!

I truly do know how painful losing someone close is and I hope CG knows we are all thinking of her. I miss her funny, off the cuff remarks. It is a good day when I get a good laugh here. Hope she can return soon. Funny how I look here daily and find some bit of info about our banded life that helps me????