Sharpie

We have a nutritionists on staff at my Bariatric Center. She is by no means a snob about the "easy way". She totally understands the issues that chronically obese people face. This gal sounds like she needs a dose of maturity. I tell people about my surgery proudly and if they don't like it or make some asinine comment then I know they are not people I want around me. If everyone could do it on their own without help we would not have a obese nation. Food is everywhere and the portions in America are huge. There is no easy way. Not that I have ever found and believe me I've been looking for one for 30 years.

Having lapband surgery was the best decision I have ever made. My A1C was 8 and my blood pressure and cholesterol were high enough to need medication. My mobility was hampered . I was unable to clean my house, walk in the store or participate in anything but couch sitting. I have had zero complications, lots of energy and can pretty much eat what I want. You are not on a "diet". I attend monthly support meetings with weight loss patients from our surgical group. No matter which surgery you decide on, it's a step to save your life. At your age it's important to get the diabetes under control. I think the diabetes and health issues connected with it is what made me wake up. Good Luck and come back and let us know how you are doing.

come on Lori, you have lost a whole person. I know some days I think I sure would like to just say to hell with this weight thing and be "normal". The benefits of losing weight are so great compared to being obese. There are surgeries that will remove excess skin and while none of us want to go through more surgery, it might be an option for your bat wings and thighs. I have also gotten stalled since the first of the year, too many holidays, stress from husband's health issues, etc. but I am resolved to finish the job. You look great and maybe if you get into a support group it would help. Most bariatric centers have support groups . I'm not a good one to give advice on exercise but now that the weather is better here I hope to start a good walking program. I can walk at least a mile a day to the mailbox and back. (we live in the Country). I found that reading post from CG and TMF and some of the other regulars on here helps motivate me. Take care sweetie and get back your mojo.

I think over time, we get complacent. I have found myself falling back into bad habits. We become less vigilent about what and how much we are eating. I have lost enough weight to feel good and I think sometimes we get comfortable with that. I want to get to my goal this year for sure so I can start maintaining but I have to get back to the reality that I have a band for a reason and stop fooling myself into thinking I can eat badly and still lose weight. I try to come on here and read some post especially the success stories to get myself motivated and I have promised myself that I would get back to my support group meetings. Getting back on track is difficult but having surgery and doing all of the liquids, etc. was not easy either. Hang in there and keep talking to yourself about why you had your surgery.

Good Job.. The band does work if you work with it.

There are statistics that disprove your statement regarding lapband. There are failures in all weight loss surgeries. Some Doctors would rather do sleeve , more money for them, less trouble. The sleeve is relatively new and the long term results are not in yet.

post op constipation is normal. results of pain meds and anesthesia that shut down your muscles and prevents normal functions. I used milk of magnesia and it worked like a charm. However, in all cases contact your surgeon and ask them.

My BMI wasn't super high and I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes . My Primary Care PHysician recommended the Lapband. The sleeve was never a consideration for me. I would explore all options.

My Primary Care PHysician and Bariatric Surgeon recommended the Lapband.. Thank God they did. I have several people in my support group who were sleeved, they are having reflux and/or dumping . The leader of our group had bypass years ago and has lost 250 lbs but lives on Protein Shakes and vitamins.. not sure about your history or how much you want to lose or how fast you want to lose it.. al WLS have good and bad points. For me I did not want my stomach stapled off or re-arranged. My lapband is something that can be emptied should I need nutrition (in case of illness).. All options at your age are to be seriously considered.

Great Job .. You are a banded beauty

I have owned a pressure cooker for 40 years. when I worked and had to cook dinner each night I would pressure cook some meat or make a stew or chicken and dumplings in about 30 minutes. it will make your meats moist and tender. I can eat just about anything except real eggs scrambled and dry chicken.

oh thanks so much , I am so happy to pass along any information I can do fellow bandsters or any of the weight loss folks. We all need encouragement and advise from time to time. I know I try to visit the group each day . I still need motivation and some days when I get discouraged or depressed or just plain tired of the whole weight loss thing I visit my friends on here for their stories. I am so thankful that I made my decision to get my band and hope I can get to my goal in the next few months.

Let me say like my daddy used to say "you are built like a brick sh-- house".. what a inspiring transformation. I started coming on this site over a year ago right before my surgery. I loved reading posts from CG, Missy, TMF, B52 and all of those successful bandsters. I miss some of them. CG still posts now and again and I love her direct attitude, TMF is always funny and he has good advice. Missy and B52 have not been on for awhile. I appreciate everyone who tries to help others. Paying it forward. I am not what I consider a huge success but I am thrilled that I am 60 lbs lighter than last year. I have about 15 more lbs to go to get to my goal. My Surgeon is happy and says not to focus on the numbers but I know what size I want to be. You will maintain your new body I am sure.. Congratulations and God Bless you.

I never had to give up coffee.. I told my surgeon that would be a deal breaker. I don't have too much I can do anymore, eating, drinking , sex?..lol I wasn't about to give coffee up. good thing I had the lapband . Not sure if the rules are different for sleeve patients vs. band so I would suggest you discuss the coffee issue with your Surgeon.

Like I told my best friend.. I have lose skin and a small apron but I am not planning to be a swimsuit model anytime soon. I am healthier and happier than I have been for 20 years or more. I will be able to wear shorts and cute shirts and yes even a bathing suit but better yet I will be able to swim with my granddaughters and play games with them in the pool without running out of breath or energy. Have a great Summer everyone. ONward and Upward.

I think we have that "clean your plate" syndrome. I was raised by parents who did not like wasting food. We were punished for not cleaning our plates. I was told to sit at the table until I finished my plate. It was ingrained in me I know I catch myself now trying to finish my meal even though I am clearly getting signals to stop. I think I have thrown away more food in the past year than ever before in my life but I have lost 60 lbs so it's a win win for me. It's all a learning process and even though I am 67 I guess even old dogs can learn new tricks.

I found spanx or something like them. they are so comfortable compared to a girdle. Penny's has them and I wear them to help with the apron.

wow I was just listening on Sirius radio to John Pinette on the Comedy Channel, he was joking about being fat. I am sorry for his family for their loss and to everyone who enjoyed his comedy. I know I am happy tonight I took the step to get healthier. My son in law's mother died yesterday @ 68 years old due to complications from diabetes, asthma and in the end she had no quality of life. She was obese for many years and smoked. deadly combination. My son in law is angry because he wanted his Mom to address her health and she wouldn't..

yep the old saying is you can't pick your family is true.. I know some of mine are difficult and always have drama.

yes I agree with all . I can eat hamburger but it helps to have something either gravy or sauce . dry meat of any kind will not sit well in my band. White meat chicken is the most difficult.

never had a problem with my fills. slight numbing and can't feel the stick at all. I think the port flipping and the brutal fills may be the Surgeon's fault but not sure. I know that has happened to a few people here and there but the fill with all the poking and prodding doesn't sound normal. I hope you get your port fixed and can continue on your weight loss journey with no further problems...

Jelly Beans in my house must be like "Crack" to an addict. I can't keep my hand out of the bowl. I guess I will have to throw them in the trash tonight. I don't really miss too much "bad" stuff but these Jelly Beans have me hooked. I love the darn black ones and the red ones. I will eat green if there are no other colors.. I did not buy chocolate bunnies or peeps so that is probably a good thing. I did buy my husband a chocolate bunny but I haven't touched it. Pray for me that I can get the jelly beans out of my mind and body. Happy Easter to Everyone.

I only had to read the topic in the "new topic threads" on the right side to "crack" up. I was somewhere over the holidays where they had a bowl of jelly belly's. It's like looking for gold nuggets. Ooooo, that one looks like it's marshmallow flavor and oooo, coffee flavor and my fav, coconut. Wife had to grab me by my ear to drag me away. tmf - those darn things just sing to me.. I love the gourmet jelly Beans like the jelly belly or the ones you can buy in the candy stores. I believe Ronald Reagan loved them as well but he wasn't obese so he was allowed to eat them. I have removed them from my house and am trying to de-tox today.