gowalking

Update: I saw the surgeon today. She is beyond pleased at how well I'm doing. So funny that when I first met her, she was 'all business' but now she's personal and personable. I got a big hug from her when she walked into the exam room. Then she told me when she looked at my chart that I weighed eight pounds less than her. I was amazed because let me tell you....she is one skinny bitch for sure.

OK, at least he knew his behavior was problematic. Nothing wrong though with reminding him at another appointment that he won't get the truth from his patients if he yells at them. There is a big difference between being a straight shooter and being a bully. Good for you for standing up for yourself.

You need to have a sit down with this moron and remind him that he has no right no matter what, to treat you that way. If that were me, I'd look for another doctor but I understand it's not that easy. Talk to him and let him know that you will not accept behavior like that. I had to do something similar with my dentist. He appologized and we were much better after that.

Thank you. Here's another NSV of sorts. I went solo and opted to do so. I don't feel funny if I'm not with a guy because I know that no one is thinking I can't find someone to go with. Unbelievable how different everything is now.

Doesn't matter to me that we're in the midst of the holiday season. I know I won't overeat at functions because I hardly ever did even when I was obese. I'm a 'secret' eater. I don't/didn't eat to excess while out in the public. I certainly didn't want to bring even more negative attention to myself by having people see me eat everything in sight. No....I hid that. I couldn't hide the weight gain obviously, but I hid the consumption. I'd go out to dinner, eat 'normally' and then finish my leftovers as soon as I got home....oh and keep eating while I was at it. I've already been to several holiday functions since Thanksgiving and haven't gained an ounce. Why not? Not because I'm limiting my food intake at said functions but because I'm watching what I'm eating at home. I eat my usual portions and partake of my usual healthy choices. I haven't changed any of that during this period and it's why I'm finding success. Not everyone suffers from the same triggers so we need to identify what they are and have plans to eliminate or minimize the danger. For me, it's not eating out at an Italian restaurant with friends/family. It's making a pot of spaghetti in my house where no one can see me scarf it all down. So I use a small pot...cook up a small amount, and portion it right away into 1/4 cup amounts. Then I freeze the containers and pull out one when I have a meatball dinner or something else where I want Pasta on the side. By controlling the amount, I control the overeating. Even with the surgery, this is still so much of a mind game and for me, I have to prepare at all times so I don't 'go rogue'. Hope this give folks some insight into ways to try to be successful.

If you need or want to lose the weight and as you say, without surgery you won't be able to then your decision is made and just know that doubts are pretty common as this is truly a lifetime change if you want to be successful.

Don't worry about how you are feeling. I'm also a widow and I can tell you it takes a long time before holidays, birthdays, and other important dates are not as painful as it is for you right now. You are very fragile at the moment so treat yourself as kindly as possible and don't worry about anything, or anyone other than yourself. Please also think about talking to a therapist or going to a support group. It helped me alot. Take care of yourself don't hesitate to PM me if you need to. Liz

Congratulations. Your success is spectacular. You look like you dropped 20 years along with the 126 lbs. So very very happy for you.

I love reading success stories from those who are banded a few years. I'm almost two years out and I am beyond thrilled with my success. It's still a mindset nearly every day to make good choices but with the band, it's a battle I think I can win.

Hi Mel. It sounds like you don't actually have a plan and that's likely much of the problem. Some of the suggestions by other posters are terrific and you should try to follow some or all of them. For now, you should always be prepared with healthy choices. Why you reach for food when you have emotional issues is something that probably means therapy or at least a support group to figure out why you have these behaviors. I'm banded nearly two years and am both in therapy and always planning my food and food choices so I don't sabotage all the good work I've put in so far.

Ah...Jim....looks like you guys had a great time. This makes me so happy.

There are a few of us who have restriction with no fills. I've lost 150 lbs. and have been banded nearly two years.

you all are the best!

I had a lovely time and attached a photo for you folks to see. Not a great shot but you get the drift. All I care about is that I felt normal and while it means nothing to those who've always felt that way, for me it's a place that took alot of hard work to get to and I'm not about to take it for granted.

Hi all. The thread is quiet because we haven't had a support group meeting in a while. Apologies for that but it seems that life tends to get in the way. Lisa and I have been working behind the scenes though to come up with topics and venues and we hope to have information on the next get together shortly. Thanks for all your patience and please feel free to suggest venues local for you and topics you are interested in. I think it might be worth investigating using this thread as a virtual venue between actual face to face meetings. I'll surely discuss it with Lisa and we'll keep you posted.

I agree with all the comments but I love what Bandista wrote. Compliments are OK but when you are called out on how big you were, it's uncomfortable. Believe me....I know how fat I was..you don't have to remind me. I'm actually glad that most comments about my weight loss have leveled off. Now I get mostly comments on the pretty dress or outfit I'm wearing and not 'how much have you lost?' Way more preferable in my opinion.

I see a therapist for a number of issues, most of them surrounding the weight. It surely can't hurt to discuss your concerns and fears. I think any time we go through a life changing experience, seeing a professional is always a good idea. Good luck.

So happy for you!

Do you have a gym or a Y near you? That's where I go. The Y is cheaper than the gym. It's not fancy but it works just fine for me. Plus I wound up making friends there as well which is always a really nice bonus.

I have joint disease so running is not a good thing for me. I swim laps and do aqua exercises. That might be an option for you as well. Much much easier on your joints because of the Water obviously but still building muscle and strength because of the resistance.

Doesn't matter what it is, just as long as you tried something new. That's what this is all about. Getting back into life. Oh, and just a little story from when I was a teenager. My mom and I tried a Yoga class and we got kicked out because we were laughing too hard and annoying the other people in the class. We were very sorry but it's hard not to laugh when you are told to be one with the floor.

That's interesting because when I hand over my drivers license to the TSA agent at the airport, if it's a woman, she always says congratulations......

Congratulations and welcome to the banded life. Believe me....wonderful things are coming your way.

The band is not supposed to stop you from eating. It's supposed to help with satiety so you don't overeat. Before looking to have revision surgery, I'd speak with the doctor and/or nutritionist to determine what type of food plan you should be following and if you indeed need an adjustment. I have no fills and can eat anything. I don't get stuck and I don't slime. I eat slowly, and take small bites just so I don't look to overeat. The satiety usually kicks in shortly thereafter but not always. Sometimes I just have to grit me teeth and find something else to do besides eat more. You also don't mention if you exercise. Physical movement also can help you drop the weight. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

You ladies will love this... I went on a date last Saturday with another gentleman I met online (I am not exclusive though it feels odd to be dating more than one at a time) and he must have told me a half dozen times how darn cute I was. I am starting to get that the guys in my age bracket do find me somewhat attractive. I swear..one of these days I'll believe it. But anyway...after telling me I was cute, he decides to give me a nickname. Instead of calling me Elizabeth, he's calling me dorabeth...as in adorable Elizabeth. I know...a little sickly sweet but I kinda like it. Now there's another guy sniffing around. He's from New Haven, which is really too far away for us to start anything in my opinion, but it's just so weird to me to get this kind of attention. As long as I don't do anything stupid, it's kinda cool. Weather update...we're in the path of a true Nor'Easter and it's raining like crazy here. For all of you in the storm's path, be careful today. Have a great Tuesday everyone!