Sharpie

B so good to be reminded of how this thing works. There are plenty of comparisons between us and it can mess with your mind . I am one of those who lost a good amount at first then it slowed to a trickle but I weighed 198 when I started and I'm now 127. but it has take me 2 years. I have a goal of 115 but not worrying all the time about it. I have had 4 fills each one small and the last one 1 cc made me feel I was too tight, had some sliming and stuck episodes frequently but not because I was too tight It was because I had develop bad habits like eating too fast and eating crap I shouldn't be eating. so I've developed a new attitude and am eating slower and healthier. As much as I liked food before the band, I love being healthier and thinner better.

I was referred to my surgeon by my NPA. no problem with insurance.

I do not think you are boastful or bragging. You know you have to always be mindful of your eating. It's like a reformed alcoholic or drug addict, You will always have the tendency to eat, but with the band you can be in control. I have been banded for 2 years, Most everyone who knows me has seen me at my current weight and I have stopped getting compliments as much which is okay cause it does get uncomfortable at times. I still have to catch myself especially at night after my husband goes to bed , from eating while watching tv, it was a lifetime habit that had to be changed.

sacrifices: not being able to pig out on food that I love. However, I can honestly say I don't miss much of it. I love ice cream but I know it's addictive so I do have to be careful with ice cream. I have bought some skinny cow which Is pretty good. rewards: being healthy, no more diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol. being able to walk and shop with my granddaughters for hours. I used to sit in the middle of the mall while they shopped. being able to wear cute clothes. I can now wear skinny jeans and boots.. I also can ride my horse and enjoy every minute of it. life is so much better without the burden of being overweight. I am 68 years old and feel like I got a new life.

well Debbie you are 103 lbs smaller than you were. That is something to be proud of.. I am not what I call skinny either but i'm healthy and I can do things I couldn't do 2 years ago.

After 2 years people hardly comment on my weight anymore. I did tell anyone who asked that I had weight loss surgery to save my life . I had several people who actually admitted that they were considering having surgery but weren't sure it would work until they saw me. I am not ashamed that I chose lapband and if someone doesn't like it or has negative comments I just say well it was my choice and if you think it was the 'easy" way out you try it. Most of my family and friends were very positive and have stayed that way. There are a few who are also overweight who say I would never do that. Some have tried everything like I did but haven't reached that point where you have to do something that will work. I also don't sugar coat it, it's not easy and you have to still watch what you eat and exercise. I will say it's the best thing I have ever done and have been able to discontinue all meds.

wow that article by Kai is a eye opener. I quit watching biggest loser years ago. I think the article was on point about the degrading way they treat the contestants. I used to wonder why those poor women had to go on there in a sports bra and spandex pants.. They were really brave for doing that. I want every obese person to achieve success and become healthier and happier but I feel that show does not help the average person lose weight. Exercise is great and so is eating healthy but they take it to the extreme. In the real world none of us can exercise 8 hours a day. We have jobs, and kids and husbands and a life.

Liz so glad this was done for you all who are single. I think it could serve to have discussions about being single and advice as well as possible match ups.

Watched "My weight is killing me" last night, It is the story of two doctors, father and son who perform bariatric surgeries. They feature some of their patients and their struggles and successes. One of the guys who was 700 lbs developed blood clots but after they did a vent or something in his leg he improved. He ultimately lost 200 lbs and was able to get out of the bed and walk which was a big move for him . 2nd patient was a lady who had bypass, she started at 450? lost over 200 lbs but had huge bat wings and loose skin hanging down almost to her knees.. Sadly her insurance will not pay for skin removal. Not sure what she will do but it was sad. She works out and has been doing great with her diet , I am praying somehow she gets her surgery. last patient was a 17 year old boy who was already over 300 lbs. They decided to do lapband on him and after 30 days he had lost 35 lbs seems like he will do well, he has diabetes and high blood pressure so it was a decision by his parents and himself to have a healthier life. Pretty good show

I think temptation is my worst problem. I also think slow loss slows my motivation and temptation to eat the wrong food is justified by my lack of weight loss. (in my mind).

I had lapband and couldn't be happier. the lapband indeed diminishes your appetite. I have not had any problems. I did not want major surgery such as bypass, had a good friend die after bypass surgery . did not want to lose 80% of my stomach just in case I needed nutrition to survive cancer or anything. do your research and discuss all of your options before you have a major surgery. All weight loss surgeries come with risks. You have to chose which would be best for you. I am thankful I chose the band but it is not easy if you cannot comply with the rules.

I am 68 had lapband when I was 66 , absolutely no problems, I have been almost at goal for sometime. I had diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol before the band, could not walk without pain in my back, knees and feet. I only took a few days to recover from surgery. I do not have dumping syndrome, I only take a few vitamins a day my skin looks wonderful and I did not lose any of my hair.. so what is the upside of re-routing your intestines or losing 80% of your stomach forever?

I had Medicare and BC/BS Blue Options , Florida. both paid . I think it only took a few weeks to get approved.

is the flavored water carbonated? I know the ones I have seen are like seltzer or carbonated. also most of those have some artificial sweetners in them. Some people are sensitive to that . I hope you resolve the problem it's frustrating I am sure.

welcome. I think you will find a wealth of information here. There are many long time and successful bandsters here who are always willing to help you with questions and problems. I have had no problems with my band and I am close to my goal. But I always come here for information and inspiration. It is motivating for me to see everyone's success.

B52 always so descriptive. I also am cold all the time, Like Liz I wear silkies everyday. Losing "whale blubber" as B says will change your thermostat for sure. I was one of those women who was always hot, Had to have a fan on me all the time and slept without covers and as little clothes as possible Now it's silkies, heavy pj's, socks etc I also live in Florida but when it gets 25 deg in the mornings I am freezing. I guess it's the downside of losing weight but I am okay with it .

not sure I would have taken the wls route years ago but I was not obese until my 50's. after menopause and I quit smoking I gained 50 lbs fast never could get it off and just kept gaining until I got to 200 lbs .. Since I developed diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholsterol I made the decision and I am extremely happy I took the leap.

not braggy you should be proud of your accomplishment. In this economy if you get a raise you need to Celebrate. My business has been off since 2008. Enjoythetime, Thanks for the information, I think I will concentrate on increasing my Protein with less fat of course and not so much on calories. I know I won't overeat much because my band is pretty well adjusted. It's a learning experience everyday with the band. Some things I used to like to eat I can't and some things I thought I couldn't eat I can now eat. it's weird.

okay my banded veterans, I am perplexed. I am trying to stay around 1100 calories a day. somedays however I am short in the Protein dept so I'm not losing much at all. I am close to goal but would like to lose a little more than goal. yesterday while out with my granddaughter we ate at Red Robin , I had a half of a blta croissant, and a small cup of clam chowder. Then I made a Protein shake with vanilla Protein powder, silk almond milk and a few strawberries. My Breakfast was a egg and 1 piece of bacon.. so I went over or close to my 1100 calories but had good protein.. I lost 1.5 lbs? how does that happen? maybe I'm not eating enough protein ? I don't use Protein shakes much but Im thinking it might be good to get enough protein that way.

I don't like to complain about the weather especially to all of the Northern friends. It is cold here in Fla. too . It was 24 this morning and that is pretty cold for us. supposed to be 18 in the AM. yes I am pretty tired of having to wear layers of clothes but we don't have snow and ice to contend with and I can get out . Liz I am glad you are enjoying your dating life. It's great to have someone to share meals and conversation, etc. Please everyone in these really cold and snowy areas be careful. Have a wonderful weekend if you can.

I am sure there is money motivating the series . However that being said, I think it's good to show both sides of the obesity issue. They at least don't try to make everything rosy. The real truth on weight loss and obesity is shown. While many of us here are not 500 -600 lbs we all have our demons. I know I was 200 lbs and many people strive to get to that number but for me @ 5' tall I was obese. I watch and hope each person is successful. It also shows how people can fail if they don't follow the rules.

I think Whitney does have a good attitude. She is dancing and staying positive. I would love to see her get either wls or get on a good nutritional path. I love her Mother, Babs is hysterical. I think now that Whitney is faced with diabetes she may have to get serious about losing .

Liz I was wondering the same thing, surely they had to know beforehand that this woman was not stable She is whiney and full of excuses . Just like Penny, she has all the answers no matter what the Dr told her she was going to do it her way. So far it doesn't look like that is working for her. Sad to see and yes her poor son is the real victim.

I am officially addicted to 600 lb life .. watched last night, new episode I believe the lady was 673 lbs. She was unbelievable in her denial . Even after bypass surgery she refused to walk and her poor 21 year old son had to take care of her. She would not even go to physical therapy or have the therapist come to her. It was sad to see how she was her own worst enemy. I know we all sabotage ourselves in some way and I even do that too. I think Dr. Nowzaden (sp) gave up on her. I will be interested to see if there is a follow up.. Paula by the way is doing great. She has lost 350 lbs and has continued to exercise and eat well.

I find the whole foreign body argument ridiculous. so, my husband with his artificial knees and heart valve is doomed? just do your research and do what you feel is best for you. I had my lapband 2 years ago and have not had one bit of problem. I did not want to lose most of my stomach in case I need it for a serious illness such as Cancer. I did not want my intestines re-routed either. If my lapband fails I will hopefully have another option that I feel comfortable with.