Sharpie

yep I track my calories now and I had surgery in Jan... I hate the word diet too but I'm really happy that the band allows me to eat healthy... I don't feel deprived but I am determined to maintain a healthy weight and not get back into bad habits...

I don't live in Valdosta but near Live Oak... we have monthly support meeetings here... I had my surgery in Gainesville , Fl... hopefully you can find some other bandsters in your area...

yep we have had a mild Summer here in North Florida.. my hubby keeps our house cold.. since losing weight I am freezing.. my feet are like ice... I have to wear socks to bed at night... I go outside too to warm up... it is warm today about 90 but it's raining so it will cool off....

I think it's part of the addiction... I also did that in prior attempts to lose.. If the scale didn't read the right # I would go on a binge.. If people said oh you're doing good with your weight loss, I somehow took that to mean go ahead and eat...I think it's a fear of failure or success not sure which... maybe a psychologists can figure it out.. however, since being banded I am in more control than ever before.. You can do it.. just concentrate on your victories and imagine yourself in a new smaller outfit... work food is the worse.. I am lucky I don't have to face that anymore.. I work at home but I have managed to keep the bad stuff to a minimum...

I told my family and best friend... then as time has gone by and I have visably lost a good deal of weight, I have decided to be honest and tell people what I had and why. I have had good responses. I have had a few people who are interested in the lapband for themselves... I have always been taught that honesty is the best policy.. it's like that Sharon Osbourne going on TV and claiming Adkins Diet products are the reason she has lost weight.. She had a lapband years ago... from what I understand. Star Jones had bypass but never admitted it for a long time.. it made people mad that she was dishonest or evasive.. It's your call but try not to worry too much about what other people think... it's your life and your health.. at your age you have a tremendous opportunity to live a good and normal life for many years... Good Luck and take care of yourself...

smaller clothes are a real nsv... I love to see these posts... you are doing great. keep it up.. cross fit training is awesome.. wish my old knees would allow me to do it.. I have to stick with my treadmill for now...

thought about you yesterday,, while at the supermarket (Publix) I saw Artic Freeze Ice Cream.. it's sugar free, gluten free, low calories.. 75 for a 1/2 cup... not bad.. now I had to buy some to try.. it comes in 1 pt.. I got the chocolate /peanut butter.. both my favorite flavors... it was okay, not ben and jerry's or haagen daz but pretty good... kinda pricey $4.59/pt... but if you have a hankering for ice cream give it a try.

fantastic... keep on going...

fat free food has a lot of sugar... they replace the fat with sugar..look at all labels.. my nutritionists suggest we eat 10% protein ratio to calories.. in other words if it's 120 calories you should have 12 gms protein... of course after banding you should not drink soda of any kind diet or otherwise.. like steph and maddysgram said eating protein is the key..

I have been to other sites and it's way worse than on here... everyone on here seems to be pretty decent.. there are some rude comments here and there and like all humans we react sometimes without thinking... take the good stuff and try to stay positive and motivated.. you will need all of that after your surgery.. but, in the end it's about you and how you are going to work on your health and well being.. take care of yourself and the rest will work out...

my daughter and I went to see the Heat last week.. I ate about 1/2 cup of popcorn.. I was satisfied... counted it in my calories for the day... in old days I would eat a big tub and a big soda .. before the movie started... The Heat was funny .. had some rough language but it was rated R... so adults only...

we have "sugar baby" watermelons down here.. they are seedless and so sweet... 85 calories for a cup.. not bad .. like the others said,, if you are on regular food, okay if not.. not okay

Actually my Dr's PA was the one who encouraged me.. She was concerned about my diabetes and blood pressure.. I also had some issues with my knees and back.. She had asked me if I wanted to go to a seminar about it and I said yes. I haven't seen her since my surgery I know she would be so pleased.. I am scheduled to go back next week.. my blood sugar has been below 100 every day, blood pressure down to 136/78 this am which is great for me.. so, I owe her a huge thanks .. I might take her some flowers...

that would be a good question for your Dr. I don't know why you couldn't do that.. I would ask him if you can do it under fluoro though just to make sure it's correct... that is the nice thing about the band it allows you to start over...

Don't worry about the Dr. I am sure you are not the only patient that he has with this problem.. You need to get back on that horse... If you can go back to the basics and follow the rules you will be successful. I have never succeeded at losing weight and keeping it off before.. I am determined no matter what this time to get it done... I am 30 lbs from my goal and I am losing slowly but I know if I stick with it I will get there. It's easy to get discouraged but keep reading post on here.. especially the ones who have lost their weight and have been able to get their lives back... go back to your Dr. .. he is the one that can help you...

I don't know yet.. I am going to Colorado in Aug. I live in Florida so that would be a big change in altitude... I hope it doesn't affect my band...

bites are supposed to be about the size of your littlefinger nail... also after my fills I have had to be on liquids for two days afterwards...

yes some days I can eat most anything.. I have been stuck on scrambled eggs .. but not usually. I think the main thing is you have to chew whatever you eat.. white meat chicken is very dry so it needs a sauce or something to soften it up... but everyone has their own foods that they tolerate and foods they can't eat... just be careful and eat slowly...

My Doc said 6 weeks before doing anything too strenuous.. depends I guess on if you were used to running prior to surgery.. I do the treadmill 5 x a week now.. but I had my surgery in Jan...

That poor woman needs to kick him to the curb.. My husband started out 37 years ago with a 93 lb wife.. I got to 200 lbs.. he never complained.. he was concerned for my health but never once acted embarrassed or made rude comments.. He knows how much I wanted to lose weight.. he has stuck with me through every crazy diet plan I ever wanted to do... If I gained it back he'd just say well honey you will have to try again if that's what you want to do.. sounds like this guy is a jack ass... we all can't have wonderful husbands I guess... I am blessed..sounds like you are too.

Donna it's just something that happens when you are distracted.. I know I forget sometimes that I have a band.. wanting to eat like everyone else... but luckily I was reminded by a burp or hiccup so I slowed down.. best of luck on your next move....

I don't have tatoos and don't get the whole idea of them but I have a friend who had one and then with time it got really sad looking.. I suspect the weight loss would affect them as well.

I think you are expecting too much for a week out of surgery... patience is needed while you heal.. I had gas, bloated feelings and pain in my shoulder for weeks.. so it's normal... I used a heating pad for my shoulder.. did as much walking as I could to help with the gas.. You can't drink too much at a time during this period... I was lucky to get 1/2 of a protein drink down at that stage... it does get better so don't get discouraged... rest and drink as much water as you can...

I was banded in Jan... I have made it through birthdays easter, anniversary, and now 4th of July.. family grilled burgers and dogs.. I ate about 1/2 of a burger , no bun, a small spoonful of baked beans and some pineapple (fresh) small piece... I remember past holidays with gorging and feeling sick from eating too much then feeling guilty because I was so fat and uncomfortable.. today we did get in the pool and I did a few laps.. anyway there will be lots of holidays that you can enjoy but just less food.. it's so worth it.. I have lost 45 lbs and I am way happier and healthier than I was.. keep your eye on the prize..

Good fo see postive posts... keep on your journey .. you health is worth it....