gowalking

Ask your doctor if you're on track. Don't compare yourself to others. There's always someone losing more than you..though your weight loss is extraordinary. You will have to increase your calories at some point. 300 or 400 calories daily is just not enough. Don't be surprised if you're alot less fuzzy as time goes on. You're ripe for hair loss if you keep going this way. I'm not a medical professional and would never try to tell someone what to do but just make sure you are getting the nutrients you need, OK? Good luck and wishing you the best....

There are 100 calorie ice creams out there. If you feel comfortable eating one of those and not four of them....then you should be OK. But remember...it's a treat and has to be something you eat once in a while, not all the time. Good luck!

I loved reading your story. It's all about the little things...or for us, the big things. I was in very bad shape when I got banded. I needed both hips replaced and I had no choice but to lose the weight. I couldn't walk a block without having to sit. I used a cane...and I'm sure because your husband had a knee replacement, you know what it's like to need a sock aid just to put on socks, and to know that you can't get your legs over the tub to get into the shower. No sitting on the floor, no bending down...nothing. Well, today I am walking...my forum name came true! I can move again, I fit anywhere, I cross my legs, put on my socks like everyone else, I do everything like everyone else. This surgery saved my life and that is my ah ha moment.

I ate so much before I started my pre-op diet that I literally made myself sick. You will get through this and it's not unusual. And hopefully, your relationship with food will change as it has for me. To paraphrase what a friend said, 'nothing tastes as good as normal' feels. I use normal rather than thin but you can use whatever you like. The point is that once you get healthier and to a more normal weight, and with the help of your tool, you will not miss food as much as you think you will. Good luck! Oh...and thesuse....Dr. Ren was my surgeon as well though it was a band and not the sleeve. She's terrific as is all the staff at NYU. She banded Alex too.... So good luck to you also!

I live alone and as such, don't pay attention much to anything but my own food intake. Maybe those of you with partners/children are more aware of consumption but for me, like I said...I am not really aware. So...it's coming as quite a surprise to watch my family and what they are eating while I am visiting with them this week. People stuff themselves. It's that simple. I love my family...it has nothing to do with that. I just can't help but notice how much friggin' food is going into their mouths...and used to go into mine I might add. We went to a bistro for dinner last night and ordered the following to share: Soup, salad, mussels, fish, vegetables, and a chicken/mushroom/swiss cheese crepe. Oh my but what alot of food it was. I was surprised they were able to eat it all. My portion was inconsequential compared to what the others ate. Oh...and we topped it all off with coffee and dessert. Now...I understand that if you are not banded, you're going to eat more than a banded person will but come on....this was consumption on a massive scale. Jeeze..no wonder I was a fat kid. Now I'm not blaming anyone. After all, no one put a gun to my head and made me eat. But it just shows the difference between people who live to eat, and those who eat to live. Oh, and by the way, I had lunch today with a cousin who has never had a weight problem. We split a sandwich and I was quite satisfied as I'm sure she was as well. No wonder she never was heavy...

Im smiling from ear to ear. Fantabulous!

Supportive family is important no matter what. Like healthynewme I am middle aged with elderly parents. I'm visiting them now as a matter of fact. They are quite reserved when it comes to compliments but late one night dad told me how proud he and mom are that I took back my life and got healthier. Its always good to hear of others with supportive family members. Welcome to the forum.

There are plusses and minuses to any procedure. Most bandsters go that route for the same reason you are.... its less invasive. The band should work for you as long as you are compliant. There's a reason its attached to my signature... if you follow the rules, the weight will come off. Good luck with whichever wls you choose.

Oh this is an easy one. I take cabs from the train station to my office. Most of the cabbies were not born here so English is their second language and as such, they often cannot use the nuances of those who learned English as children. So one day I get into the cab with a driver who hadn't seen me for about three months. He looks at me and says, 'oh, you are not so fat anymore.' What else could I say other than thank you. LOL!

Thanks for the details of Pompeii. I can't wait to do my own European tour.

For those with complications I'm sure there are regrets. It only makes sense. For those who have been successful there are no regrets. I'm one of the success stories. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that I have been reborn. I had almost no mobility due to obesity and severe arthritis. I am writing this post poolside after swimming laps. I can only describe this as a miracle. Really... a frigging miracle. How's that for an endorsement?

Send a PM to Alex. He'll get back to you one way or the other

Welcome JoAnn. I have arthritis as do many others on this forum. I was in horrific pain and almost bedridden. Now I can do almost anything. I just did laps in the pool and a year ago all I could do was paddle around a little. Good luck to you!

I don't recall the exact instructions from my surgeon but I try to give myself a decent buffer... except when I'm treating myself to a glass or two of wine with dinner. Then all bets are off.

I'm in awe. Your story is spectacular as are your pics.

OK, this is actually kinda embarrassing. I'm not one to post pics of myself but when I did on another thread because someone wanted to see what I looked like, I got a great response. And I'm not talking about fishing for compliments. Again...I'm not comfortable with that kind of thing. I'm posting these because some folks got encouragement from looking at my pics. So if this helps anyone out there to do the work and see their own good results, then I'm OK with it. So anyway, here they are.

Just one comment here Mary Jo. A true food addict doesn't need to wait for a holiday. Believe me, I know.

Good topic for discussion at a future support group Lisa (and Alex)

Better still karina...don't focus on the numbers. Focus on the NSVs. They are infinitely more satisfying than a number on a scale.

Yes...there are alot of low/no carb bandsters on the forum. I keep it to a minimum and make sure I get my Protein and veggies in as well so that I don't overdo on the carbs. And I never snack on anything carb or sugar. I'd rather eat a handful of nuts or some cheese before going to cookies/chips or some such type of items. Heck...it's taking all my willpower to not scarf down the onion rolls sitting on the kitchen counter (I'm staying at my folks in Florida this week and they keep so much crap in the house...)

Excellent! Good info to know. As one who loves and has to be very careful about carbs, I'll never have this issue...LOL.

Just watch out for the sodium Wendy. There's alot of it in processed meats...

I agree Cutlass. The chain restaurants are terrible if you want to eat healthy. I love to eat out...both for the good food and good company. I'm lucky in that I live in a metropolitan city and can choose from many restaurants without resorting to the chains. Though, I will admit that Bonefish Grill is terrific because they can customize the fish to however you want it and they will put the sauce on the side...and mean it. I just keep in my head to choose better and watch my portions. Oh...and just as important is that I know after a week of eating out as I'm doing now, I'll gain a pound or two and won't stress over it. In a couple of weeks once I'm home, it will go away. It always does.

Ladies....I'm 55 and lost 125 pounds. Under my clothes, I look like a Shar-pei. You are correct Wendy...better loose skin than being fat. I know I'll have to investigate plastic surgery but at least I look fine in most clothes and that will have to suffice for now.

Great job! You will experience many NSVs during your journey but sometimes, the first ones are the best. I think my first real NSV was being able to button the 3X shirts I wore. Till then, I had to wear them open with a cami underneath. I really think that this was the first time I realized I was losing weight other than number watching.