gowalking

Welcome to the forum. I was banded in January of 2013 and this surgery literally changed my life.

Who're you seeing Lisa? I have tix for Billy Joel and The Who at The Garden next month.

Not much you can do about the loose skin. I've gotten very good at hiding mine and fortunately, my boyfriend is age appropriate for me (57) and doesn't expect physical perfection. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones with good genes and skin that snaps back instead of hanging.

Worst post-op memory...post-op pain. But it wasn't that bad and today I can't even recall how much pain there was. That tells me it wasn't so bad. Worst post-op fear...that this band thing wouldn't work. That I would be getting stuck and throwing up all the time. Fortunately, this was a fear that didn't come to pass. I lost all my excess weight and no stuck issues...but I have to know when to stop. One bite too many and I'm not a happy camper for sure.

jenn1 is right. Emotional eating is very hard to change without professional help. I've been seeing a therapist for quite some time in order to work on this issue along with others. You may need to consider this option as well.

No matter what you need to do to keep reminding yourself how it is/was when heavier, do it. I started my WLS journey just over 2 1/2 years ago and have been in maintenance for about a year now. I've started getting used to some of the things I can do now that I couldn't before but still can have things take me by surprise...even simple things. I was flying back to NYC on Saturday night, and without thinking, put my feet up on my carry on bag to get comfy while waiting to board the plane. Couldn't have done that even two years ago. Every step I take is a reminder of what I can do now vs. what I couldn't.

Was in a wonderful first marriage but he died. Was in a lousy second marriage and got divorced in 2003. Didn't date again till spring of last year and did so only under the auspices of my therapist who has been helping me avoid some pitfalls along the way. Got really really lucky and found a great guy about four months ago. So far, so good. Yes...take the time you need to get Mrs. Smye in the place she belongs in your head and work closely with your therapist. Good luck!

Congrats to you and your better half. I also stay on track while I'm involved in this site. It keeps me 'honest'. And as it's National Grandparents Day, here are pics of my grandchildren.

It will. I stopped wearing dresses when I saw how much I looked like my fat little grandma in them. Now I wear dresses all the time again because I look good in them. Slender calves, no big belly, no backside that sticks out like a foreign body attached to my lower back. Such a difference when one is thinner.

I just posted the details for our next F2F support group in October. If you can't find the thread, PM me and I'll provide details.

I don't know that she was being judged or if it was more observational. I'm the first to call out something mean or catty but I don't know that this was either....

October 17th.

Labor Day is gone and even though it's still hot out, the summer is surely going to be on the wane soon. School has started and it's time for renewing friendships and thinking about those crisp early mornings and the colors of Fall...blazing reds, golden yellows, and sunshiney oranges. In anticipation of the season, the next NYC/LI chapter F2F Support Group Meeting is going to be on October 17th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Autumn afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us.

Those NSVs are so freakin' awesome, aren't they? I've experienced so many of them but they are still thrilling none the less. There is nothing better than to fit like any normal person, into a plane seat, or a restaurant booth, or anywhere for that matter.

It takes time. I've been maintaining for about a year now and still don't know what size is right unless I try it on and check in a three-way mirror. Even yesterday, I had on a size 10 dress and thought it was a little too big. I couldn't find an 8 but tried on the 6...and it fit fine. Remember...sizes will vary with style, material, and manufacturer. If you think it's OK in the dressing room, don't take off the tags till you try it at home in case you need to bring items back.

I was so ashamed of what I used to weigh that I prefer not to give the numbers except for places like this site. So when I was asked by a few people, I would just say 'alot'. Most folks let it go at that. Not all, but most.

Oh gosh...I'm so very sorry your band experience was so awful. I blame the doctor more than the device. I don't know if that is accurate or not but my band experience has been great and I have to wonder why the difference between those with good and those with poor experiences. I'd hate to think that the difference is just a toss of the surgical coin so to speak.

Oh man, does my family eat alot. We went for Chinese last night and while I eat faster than most other bandsters because I haven't had any fills, I still sat for a good 20 more minutes while they kept eating. My perception of how much food is enough for me vs. how much is enough for anyone else has changed big time. Even the order seemed like too much food. Fortunately, the waitress got it a bit wrong and brought a 1 1/4 lb. lobster for mom and me to share, and not the 3 lb. lobster she actually ordered. I at about half the lobster and a couple of spoonfuls of beef and eggplant (mostly eggplant) and a small handful of rice. No pork chops, no seconds or thirds,...just what was on my plate and then a fortune cookie and a couple of orange slices. for dessert. I'm glad to see that my eyes are starting to fall in line with how much I can consume. It makes for a much less stressful dining out experience.

Congratulations on the new baby. So sorry to hear of your difficulties though. Here's to a happy and healthy little girl and a happy and healthy new mom as well.

I found myself full of hatred for people I saw who were struggling with obesity. It made me feel awful for many of the same reasons the OP noted. It was my therapist who said that i was likely taking my own self hatred for my former fat self and transferring onto those who reminded me of when I too was obese. I think she was right, and I've gotten better about it. I also know that I often felt that i was being judged for everything I put in my cart, in my mouth, etc. These days I am all too aware that if I'm eating ice cream out on the street, no one will look twice. I used to feel that all eyes were on me if I'd do that as an obese person. It's why I ate in secret at home behind closed doors.

I followed a weight watchers type of food plan and lost 150 lbs in about 18 months. I've been in maintenance for about a year now. I followed a weight watchers type of food plan and lost 150 lbs in about 18 months. I've been in maintenance for about a year now.

How about that! My surgery is the day before you... on the 29th. Are they also putting your port further into the muscle to hide it?

terrific results. I often wonder how I'd look with a flat stomach. as much as I want one, I don't want to go through the pain and suffering to get there. one day....maybe..

Hi Donna. It's not plastic surgery you need, it's therapy with your husband. Somehow you two have to learn to love each other again if possible. Only a professional can help you navigate such a difficult set of issues to find each other again. As far as the physical challenges you are facing...ask the doctor. Two years of diarrhea and constipation must be exhausting for your body. Have the doctor work with you to figure out how to stop the cycle. Wishing you all the best...hope you can work out the problems.

Was just going to post the same thing as Sharpie. Thanks for clarifying. Folks who are not sure what surgery to go with need to have accurate info so they can make an informed decision.