gowalking

We all have our baggage... I'm just happy for you right now.

I suspect that sentence is related to the fact that the surgery works on the body but not the head. Every day, you have to make the decision to eat clean. The surgery helps to keep to that decision but it's real easy to self sabotage after WLS same as any diet. I say this as a short term vet (3 years post WLS) who is struggling to stay on track. I had great restriction and lost 150 lbs. over the first 18 months but these last six months or so have been challenging and I've put back 10+ lbs.

You're overthinking this. No one is going to bat an eye if they realize you have food issues. Hell...we all have food issues. They just want to be sure that you're not certifiable.

FYI....I went into therapy at 100 lbs. down as I had body image issues. Could not recognize myself and it was very difficult to be happy with the weight loss when I had these other issues. Turns out, I needed her help for two years as I went from morbidly obese to now being petite. I recommend it for anyone who is losing a considerable amount of weight as it is very much a mental thing along with the physical changes.

My experience.... People who knew me when I was fat, thought I was getting too thin. People who didn't know me when I was fat, have never intimated I was too thin. It's all about perception. Feel free to rant, but truly...it's not worth it. I couldn't wait till folks stopped talking about my size and three years post banded, I'm there. Yes...friends and family recall me heavier, but they have gotten used to seeing me my current size, which is great as far as I'm concerned. And folks I've met post weigh loss, only know me as I am now...which is also great.

How wonderful! Congrats and great job!

Some hints from one who has been down this road... Don't overbuy. You will be so amazed that you fit in smaller sizes that you will be tempted to buy one in every color. You can't imagine how much stuff I bought, wore once or twice, and chucked into the Goodwill pile. Next...don't try to figure sizing. I wear anything from a 4 to a 12. Depends on the fabric, style, manufacturer, etc. Also...until you figure out what looks good on you, you'll buy some clunkers. I came home with stuff even now I can't fathom why. Awful...just awful. Lastly...being three years banded...and two of them being in regular sized clothes, you will start over time, to realize that you do fit in a small pair of slacks or a slim cut dress. You will stop feeling like a fraud and will leave the plus-size department in your dust. Just give it some time. Oh..and congrats. Being able to shop and have fun instead of dreading it, is a wonderful thing.

I've put back a few...and I'm going for another fill at the end of the month. Maintenance is the real test... Some of my clothes are getting a bit tight and I refuse to buy larger sizes so I'm taking control again. It's not alot...about 10 lbs. but I want it off. Hope you are also doing well.

You will look back on this and be soooo happy you went through with it. I felt just like you did....terrified and full of doubt. I'm three years banded now and have gotten my life back. Truly. I was heading towards living my life in a wheelchair because I had such terrible joint pain. This past summer, I rode a bike through all the Royal Parks when I went to London on vacation. Yup...I'll say it again...I GOT MY LIFE BACK!! Good luck. You will do great. PS: sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words. This is me before WLS and after.

Not just the effect on pain, but just how good it feels to be touching another person. Just the other day, out of the blue, my man was embracing me. Not a prelude to sex, just a hug. I quietly said how good this felt and before I knew it, I had tears in my eyes. When I lay in his arms at night, I literally feel my stress level drop. Now I know this wouldn't happen if we didn't have a good relationship...but the touching and feeling held and safe, goes a long way for sure. OKC...keep telling and showing her how much you value her.

Spectacualar!

..the other boob.. can you hear me laughing??

Meant to tell you @JustWatchMe....I giggle every time you reference the 'wasband'.

I'm in Old Bridge too! Spent 15 years in Old Bridge...off Rt. 9. Been in NYC for a little over 10 years.

FYI...going for yet another fill in a couple of weeks. Went from great restriction to trying to find it again. All I know is that some of my clothes are tight and that is simply not acceptable. Having to use the willpower alot...but I can do it.

Good girl!! I knew you could do it! My children and granddaughter make fun of my lack of technical knowledge so I know how out of it you feel for sure!

Oh @Puppypaws57....I'm so sorry to hear this. You were on these boards alot and like so many others, just disappeared. I'm so sorry it's likely due to your difficulties with the band. These kind of posts worry me so....

Yes honey. I replied yesterday afternoon. Let me know if you don't see it.

I didn't read all the responses so you may be getting duplicate info here...but one year out from lapband surgery and with a loss of about 100 lbs., I looked in the mirror and saw an old and saggy lady looking back. Fast forward two years...another 40-50 lbs. down, and with the help of a therapist and just time...I still have a turkey neck but it's not horrible. I did tighten up some and with makeup and nice outfits, I don't think anyone is really paying attention. Besides...over the last 18 months, I went back into the dating world and not a single man I met ever seemed to be aware of any sag or wrinkles. I got more than my share of compliments and the guy I'm in a committed relationship with, who has seen all of me...thinks I'm the sexiest thing out there. I'm telling you...we are hardest on ourselves. I bet your neck area will be more than fine over the next year or so. If by next year, you still feel awful about this area, go check out plastic surgeons. Good luck!

You know exactly why you gained the weight and you also know exactly what to do to take it off again. Don't be embarrassed...and go see the doctor. You did great sweetie....and you will again.

I just sent you a PM Gaylene. You should see it in your notifications. Hope to see a response from you.

Hi @Gaylene. I'm three years post surgery and am also struggling with maintaining. I've also gone down that path of making poor food choices. While I'd never tell you what to do, I can't help but wonder if instead of having yet another surgery, you need to work on the head hunger that we all deal with after a time. They call the beginning of this process the 'honeymoon' phase and I understand why. When you are losing, it's great. Once you've lost it though..well now comes the hard work of keeping it off. Might I suggest you talk to the surgeon who banded you and a nutritionist who can help you with food choices? All I'm saying is that if the band has not eroded, or there are no issues with it, why not try working the tool you have instead of switching it out? I'd be happy to be a 'buddy' with you so we can help each other. If you are interested, feel free to PM me.

So for the first time in my life (57 years old) I passed out. Fainted, face planted...whatever you want to call it. I was with my sister on line waiting to purchase tickets to a show we want to see. Was doing fine...my sister, who is obese, was sweating and had to take off her coat. This is what happens to her when we're just walking quickly, which we were. Doesn't happen to me anymore. I stood on line with her with my jacket closed and not a drop of perspiration (thank you lapband!!) Suddenly I got light-headed and dizzy. Sounded like everything was under Water and told sis I needed to sit down. That was the last thing I remember till I woke up with sis in my face calling my name. The theater manager called 911 even though I asked them not to. The EMTs come running in, take off my coat, put a BP cuff on and ask me questions. I know they're checking my cognitive function. They knew I was OK when they asked me to get in the ambulance so they could do a quick ECG and I said OK as long as my sister stayed on line for the tickets. So..here's the NSV. First one...no embarrassment over this. No feeling like ugh..the fat woman is sick. She must have done something to herself. No one staring at me..only concern on their faces. Second NSV..Being able to climb into the ambulance. Never had to do that before and I know that when I was heavy, it would have been impossible. Third...no worry that the BP cuff would fit. Fourth..no worry when they asked me to sit on the 'bed' which was really just a shelf with a plastic cushion. Fifth...and truly the best NSV...the relief that my weight would not be an issue or even be mentioned. I'm normal sized now and that's what everyone sees. So I'm fine today and will wait to see if my doctor wants me to come in. I did tell the nurse what happened and she said she'd let me know if I need to come in. But that's not really the point. The point is that I felt like a normal person and was treated like a normal person in a rather unusual situation. Those of you who are/were morbidly obese as I used to be will understand where I'm coming from.

BP is fine... Dr. wants me on a Holter monitor. Crap. I know what a pain in the a$$ they are. I worked on hypertension clinical trials where Holter data was collected so I know....

Yes. Exactly. Even if something bad is happening, we can see how being normal sized makes it better.