TexasJeff

I've been banded for a little over 2 years. I highly suggest to use a timer when eating. Being 2 years out I'm able to eat anything. I know what foods go down easy and which ones I have problems with. As time goes by you'll realize you are able to eat a little more and a little more and then, a little more. Before you know it, you want to hit the buffet like back before surgery. Using the timer will limit food consumption.

Just wondering if your friends think you are a sissy because you got a lap band. I'm finding some friends of mine think I'm wasting my time going to the gym and eating anything but cheeseburgers, hot wings and drinking beer. I have a hunting buddy who insist on trying to feed me things I can't eat. I can eat dried deer steak and biscuits and gravy anymore. He laughs and tells me to MAN UP. I've explained many times I just physically cannot eat that stuff anymore. I pack my own food for the hunting trips but he just ignores me.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie secretly underwent lap-band stomach surgery in February amid concern from his family and friends over his weight. This was posted on Yahoo news.

My before and after pictures. Yes, that is me wearing my HS Lettermans jacket from 1984.

Got the FITBIT and I think it's great. I think this is a tool that should be given to each WLS person. It is truly a great tool to help in my fitness program.

@Dylan I too worked at a fast food restaurant in HS. I went to work at KFC at 14. I worked there until I was 27. I ate a high amount of carbs literally everyday. I would never let my kid work at a fast food restaurant.

First off I've been banded for almost 2 years. The first year was easy to lose weight. The 2nd year was the year that I learned I was dependent on the chemicals that are in our processes foods. During the 2nd year of my banding I really had to make myself learn about nutrition. A fat person is not just addicted to food, a person is addicted to chemicals. Have you ever heard a fat person say they love grilled chicken and a broccoli and carrots steamed. But, you've heard fat people say they could eat pizza or fried chicken everyday. I feel so bad when I see a obese child. I feel bad when I see parents poisoning their children with junk food.

4 days. I was sore but it was doable.

Today I drive by the hospital where I was banded .and had to stop in. It has been 18 months since surgery and I remember them telling me nobody comes back and show them the results if what they had a hand in on surgery day. Did they remember me??? NO!!!! But they did remember the guy in the picture. I believe they were genuine when they thanked me for coming by.

Thank you Stephanie.

If you physically could not have "relations" with your man for a extended length of time, would you allow your man to seek out a friend with benefits????

At my morning Spin Class at Golds Gym.

Today I ordered the Fitbit flex. I first went to amazon and it was on back order. Then went to FITBIT.com, back order Went to another site and it said it was available. I order and then after completion of order, shipping date, June 20th. Really??? I'm excited to get it mainly because the flex keeps track of your sleep. I want proof of what sleep I get for my employer. I am assuming this is a great tool because its on back order at every website I've been to.

You are well on your down the road to a amazing journey. I was where you are now. I'm 6' 2" and weighed 330. Today, 18 months post surgery, 220 and working on getting to ONEderland. Remember, WLS is a tool to kick start your way to a healthy new you. You have to learn how to cook and shop in a new way. Exercise and nutrition has to become a new part of your life.

And, get on YouTube and watch, FAT, SICK AND NEARLY DEAD full movie. Very interesting movie. I've incorporated juicing into my weight loss because I've been on a 6 month plateau. Listen to 550 am at 5:00 today. It's a show about juicing here in San Antonio.

Living in SA with all the great food has been a challenge, lol. It's always good to have someone to talk with when you have life changing decisions to make. Since you have started this journey now is the time to get busy with your change. Most insurance require a 6 month supervised weight loss program before insurance will pay. The scheme is during the 6 months you'll lose interest and decide not to have the surgery. So, if you start making your changes now the 6 months will fly by. If you have any questions or need a word of encouragement I'm here for you. I mentor another lady and when we can we hit the gym together. That doesn't happen to often because I have a insane work schedule.

I did not consult my primary at all. As a matter of fact, I didn't even seen primary for over a year after surgery. It's not that he's a bad guy or anything, it's I felt my care with Dr Cavasos office was all the care I needed at the time. When I finally did see the primary he came I. The office readings file and started talking without looking at me. He started rambling about needed more blood work for my diabetes, cholesterol and a couple others. I told him I'll pass on the bloodworm because I no longer am diabetic. That's when he finally looked up and saw me. His expression was priceless. He started asking all the questions and he was about to send me off. I had completely forgot why I was there. As walking out that's when I had to ask for my allergy medicine. Anyways, go to his website and look for a seminar date and go and decide wisely. Www.texasbariatric.com

I used Dr Cavasos on 9-20-11. I cannot say enough good things about him and his staff. I don't know how many patients he has but when I call the office they immediately call me by name. They have been more than accommodating to my needs for follow up appointments because I do not have a set work schedule. The reason I went to him was he trained under the surgeon that did the first laparoscopic procedure. I believe he trained/worked with him for 8 years. I would STRONGLY suggest you go to several info seminars before you decide. I've sent 3 co-workers and 1 co-workers wife to Dr Cavasos and they all agree it was the best decision they've made. BTW, I'm down 110 pounds.

My wife actually has me drive across town to Central Market to buy her Sabrett hot dogs, saurkraut and mustard when she wants that Jersey food. For her pizza urge we do Kennedy's Chicago Pizza. She gets the thin crust and says it compares to NYC style. I like Dough Neopolitan Pizza on Blanco. It's lap band size and super thin crust I can get down. I've been there twice in 18 months since being banded.

@Aeromech, does your wife complain when there is no kraut for her hot dog??? Or, do you have to drive 3/4 across town to get a "slice of pie"?? Or insist the Jersey Shore is the prettiest place on earth???

Throw the scale out the window. You already know what to eat and how much. Get your butt in gear and get moving. Exercise, Exercise and Exercise. Walk the dog, play ball with the kids, better yet, be a kid, go out and ride your bike.

The first step to a new you!!!

I'm married to a girl from Jersey so I'm used to bad English/grammar. Lol lol.

I think I would have just Kicked his ass and fired that rat bastard. Doctors forget they work for me. I pay his salary and if they are rude to me, there are plenty other doctors out there.

Me and Peanut Butter, fahgehtta about it. Love the stuff. Can't live without it. And yes, I'm down 120 lbs in 18 months.