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Liz sounds great. I went to Panera Bread with my granddaughter last week and I ended up getting cheese/broccoli Soup that was delicious and it came with a baguette but I didn't even bite it at all. for dinner I wasn't up for a big meal, made hubby something and I had a yogurt. Quite happy and never stuffed. it is liberating.

things have a way of working out . I am glad you were able to go with your daughter.

You will be fine. the so called "easy way" comment is commonly heard from people who are usually overweight and think they have all the answers. I am proud of you for making the commitment to get healthier and thinner. There is a wealth of information here and a lot of support. Good Luck and let us know how you are doing.

oh so sorry to hear about the young man who was lost. I pray for his family and friends. There is no reasoning to suicide. We have experienced it in our family. You never know why and cannot think of anything except how could we have helped. Time will help with the pain and life does go on . sadly it will affect your daughter and his family and friends forever. After that kind of tragedy you know our problems seem so small in comparison.

at age 66 I decided to address my weight due to serious health issues. I had my lapband 1/15/13. I have had no complications and no longer have any health issues. Best decision I ever made. short recuperation , very little pain and good steady loss. I only take vita d3 b12 and a Multivitamin. All weight loss surgery may or may not have problems. I felt for me I wanted the least invasive surgery. Do your research, don't read negative post and you can make the best decision fr you. Best of luck

Liz, so happy that you have found someone to keep company with. Like everyone else said, if you have any plastic surgery do it for you. I have been thinking I May have to have a pannilectomy (sp) my apron is the main problem , it makes wearing somethings difficult. I have the saggy boobs too but hell I"m 68 , If I wear a good bra it doesn't look bad, so a boob job is not in my future. I hope you seek out consultation with a surgeon and do your research. I know you are smart and can determine the best coarse of action . Take care and keep us posted.

my A1C was 5.1 not 51..lol

My surgeon advised me to go to my Primary Physician to have blood work done . I went every 6 months because I was a diabetic and had high cholesterol before my lapband surgery. recent bloodwork showed A1C 51, cholesterol 184, all other levels normal. I take B12, D3 and Multivitamin every day.

I think no matter how long we have been on maintenance or our ideal weight, we will always worry about going back to where we were. I kinda panic if I pick up a few lbs. I have learned that it doesn't mean I will get back to my highest weight because I do have a tool if I pay attention to it. Anyone who has been obese will forever be extra aware of any lbs we might gain. I live in fear of being that unhealthy, unhappy woman of 3 years ago. I am determined however to stay on track and not lose sight of why I had lapband surgery in the first place. Liz you have done great and I commend you for being responsible and aware. Glad you had a wonderful time in London and I loved your photo's. I am getting ready for my trip to Alaska and am hoping I don't gain too much on that darn cruise ship. I am planning to eat as healthy as possible, but I want to enjoy my trip.

Good to see some positive posts on lapband. I do not come here as often as I used to because I can't take the constant negative posts about lapbands. But, I refuse to give up or give in to the Debbie downers. I am now 2 1/2 years banded and I have had a good result. My health has improved 100 %, I do not stay on a diet like the old days. I eat pretty much what I want but have things I cannot eat. I don't miss things like pizza and hamburgers. Thanks for posting your success.

You look so happy and healthy. It looks like you had a wonderful trip. I am so proud of you and how far you have come. Keep up the good work.

I am so flattered to be your role model. I'm just a ole gal trying to stay healthy. Can't tell you how much it means to me to have everyone on here to offer advice and support. I remember when I first came on (before BP). I Had so many band folks to look up to. Missy, CG, Too much fun, B52, Catfish. All helped me stay on track.

I chose to have lapband surgery . I had diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I did not want to have a radical surgery such as bypass or sleeve at this point in my life. I have been extremely happy with my band and have had no complications or issues. I have been banded 2 1/2 years and I no longer have any health problems. In fact my Primary Physician told me yesterday at my checkup that he couldn't be happier with my labs. Everyone who has weight problems has to make their decision in their own time. I knew at 5'0 and 200 lbs I was on my way to be disabled. Best of Luck to you and I will pray for success.

I think most of us who have had surgery had a period of regret. I questioned my decision for several weeks. The change in your eating habits and lack of "real" food right after surgery can contribute to your mental status. After the initial healing period and the loss of weight I realized it was a good decision. Still believe it was the best thing for me. Went to my primary doctor yesterday, he was so pleased, A1C 5.1 , cholesterol 184 and blood pressure normal.

I got pb2 at GNC

How awesome for you. I know you are getting to do so much . can't wait for the photo's. Have not been to England but have been to Germany and I thought it was beautiful. Have fun .

I have heard that before about " The easy Way Out" . when you are happy and healthy what the heck do you care what she says or thinks. I know it's difficult to ignore people especially when you work with them . I would look at her and say are you talking about me? call her out in front of people and then tell her to mind her own business. If you don't value her opinion let her know she is rude. I am older and I have learned that people will treat you the way you let them. Always do things in a way that you don't look bad though. If she continues I would go through your human resources dept. I love the gummy worms idea, I once ate a whole bag of those darn things and I was soooo sick.

so nice to see a positive post - keep em coming. Congratulations Bandista on your success.

B52 I couldn't agree more..

We are all in such a delicate place while trying to focus on our life long battle with obesity. You my friend have had more than your share of tragedies. I know right after my surgery I had the loss of my stepson due to suicide and a son in law to cancer. Followed by my husband having major heart surgery and knee surgery within a month of each other. I sometimes wonder how I made it through it all. I know that without my band I would have gained all of my weight back. As it was I maintained and have since gotten to my goal. I am always surprised by how much strength we all have just when we need it the most. God Bless you and I know you will get back on track and be fine.

that is neat that you were able to see it... when I had my bone scan they didn't show it to me. I have yearly bone scans too part of being older I suppose. You should not be ashamed you had to have help losing weight, you are not alone by any means. I felt that too at first but the more obese people I see around my age or even younger I am thankful I made that hard choice to get help. I am happy where I am and am excited to be able to do pretty much what I want at this stage of my life thanks to my band.

It is a eye opening experience to see how many calories are in foods we think are healthy. Zaxby's has a Zalad or their house salad that is 1200 calories . I also had problems with Chinese food of any kind, rice gets stuck everytime and it's usually high in sodium. I don't eat fast food as a rule but can eat Wendy's chili and Chicfila chicken tortilla Soup.

Had my lapband on Jan 15 2013, have since become healthier than ever. I no longer take meds for Diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. I am active and loving life. Sorry for your problems. Not sure how you determined the lapband caused your health issues but I wish you well.

Surgery Date 1/15/13 Starting Weight 198.8 current weight 125 Love my Band - No more diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. No complications no problems. I am not on a diet for the first time in 25 years. Love having the ability to walk , swim, ride my horse and travel. Buying clothes is fun again. Best decision I have ever made .

aaaah another Sleeveer heard from. Really honey, you are so off the charts rude. There are plenty of people who have had their bands for 10-15 years and more. Are you a Dr? so your opinion is so right? You come back when you have had your sleeve and tell us how you are doing.. hope you don't need that other 85% of your stomach you lost permenantly.