gowalking

pretty lady. sending you {{hugs}}. I know you've heard it before but truly...what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

fabulous!

Rejection is tough even if you are better off with that person out of your life. It's hard to see when you are in it, but time and therapy (if you want it) will help. I can say that because I've lived it. Even in this perfectly normal body, I have had my share of rejection but I am learning that it's not my doing, but theirs. One day I'll find that man I'm looking for...and if I don't, oh well, my life is really good with or without a man. I have close family, good friends, and a job I don't hate. I'll take that any day. Hang in there Sophie...I know it hurts but as others have said, you are sooo better off without him.

Hi Jennifer. I really have no advice as I've not been through your experience but I can say as a fellow weight loss patient, I would so talk to my surgeon to get his/her input on why you are putting the weight back on. I would also speak to your primary care doctor and let him or her know about your depression. It sounds situational to me and having had situational depression, I can attest that anti-depressants short term helped me quite alot. They're not happy pills, they just help you to focus better on your life and what you need to do rather than get stuck in the depression. Please keep us posted on what you do. Not only do I care, I find that any vet can enlighten me in one way or another as to what might happen to me in the future. I find that invaluable as I go through my maintenance phase....which I expect to last my whole life. Liz

That's what the weight loss is all about. It's not a number on a scale...it's about being an active participant in life and not sitting on the sidelines while the world moves on without you. This is a wonderful NSV and it makes me so happy to enjoy it with you.

Follow your doctor's orders even if you want to 'push it'. Don't. As far as eating foods you like again, you will probably be able to and as long as it's once in a while, no reason why you can't indulge. Good luck!

Pretty dress...and yes...silver shoes would look good. Just remember...if you buy sandals or open-toed shoes, no stockings. So you will probably need spanx to smooth things over. I use them and control top hosiery. If you get silver shoes, go with a silver or sparkly clutch. That will give you a pop of color. If you don't know how to put on makeup...go to a department store and have one of the girls there apply it and show you how to do it. Or ask a girlfriend to help you. It's OK...we'll help as best we can even though we're virtual.

I've been to dozens and dozens of affairs and the clutch can go in your lap or on the table. And yes...make it a clutch, not a bag with a strap. Hang in there...the day will come when you will know how to dress and accessorize.

Lisa...I sent you a text last week but you must not have seen it. I was just checking up to see how you were doing. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. Not just losing dad, but work and your health. I knew about the job...my new guy worked for Cablevision for 18 years and he told me it was changing hands...and not going to be Cablevision much longer. I thought of you...and if you would be impacted. He lives in Babylon by the way and I really want you and Ken to meet him. He may really be a keeper. I think you saw the picture of us on FB in front of the Coke Corner at CitiField, yes? I hope your tummy issues clear up soon. I can't imagine throwing up all the time and I really hope your band isn't impacted. Is there anything I can do for you hon? If yes, please just say the word and I'll do what I can. Love ya..Liz.

You don't have to tell anyone you were overweight. I've been at goal for more than two years and those who met me at my current weight, do not know I was heavy. I don't hide it but I don't announce it either. The only people who I have to tell about my weight are the men I have relationships with. And that's my choice...I don't have to do that either. I've had two relationships that went past a date or two and both those men knew I had WLS. I'm in a commited relationship now and he knows as well. I didn't disclose it right away but I saw where we were going and wanted to get it out of the way. Oh, and FYI, the reactions were always positive not negative. Good luck and like I said...it's up to you what to tell, and to whom.

Sorry...just saw this thread. I was very lucky in that I had good restriction from the band alone and didn't need a fill for nearly the first two years. Since then I've gotten a total of 5CC in a 14 CC band. I can definitly feel the restriction when I eat solid Protein and certain breads. I've never gotten stuck, but I've come close a few times. I get that pressure, I start to slime...and for some reason, I get hiccups. I actually think I might go in for another small fill over the summer as I am creeping back up on the scale. I need to drop about 7 lbs. so we'll see. Good luck with your band and weight loss journey!

My dear girl...I know you and I hear you. I too am a food addict and also thought my happiness would end once I got banded. WLSResources is sooo correct. You come to understand that our perceptions of food are off. Happiness includes food, but is not equated with food. Since losing the weight and getting my health and mobility back, I've never been happier. I still eat for joy...but it is joy, not tamping down the bad feelings by eating to excess. You will understand as you go through the journey and I'm glad to see that you are working on your emotional issues now. I went into therapy after a year with the band for a number of reasons. I'm still in therapy as my overeating was a symptom of much deeper issues that go to my core. It's not easy to get that deep seated poison out but I'm trying. I never want to be where I was before being banded. I promise you that you will feel the same way after you have a few years post op under your belt. Good luck friend and keep posting!

Everyone has their own plan they follow but I was successful with a Weight Watchers type of diet. Three oz. Protein, 1/2 cup of veggies, and 1/4 cup of carbs for most lunch and dinner choices. I used the myfitnesspal app and stayed at or under 1,100 calories. I also have good restriction so you may need to see a bariatric specialist even if it's not the doctor who did your surgery. Good luck!

Congrats and welcome to the club! Let us know how you are doing when you can.

Just glad everything is OK.

what he said.

congrats! keep us posted.

My mom had shingles and I know how painful it is. Hoping you get over it quick. Everything you do that reminds you that Bill isn't here will be painful but try to embrace the red car. My car fantasy was a Mustang convertible. I eventually decided not to buy it because so many people including my son who worked at a Ford dealership, told me the Mustang fishtailed and that it wasn't the safest car. Sometimes I think I should have just bought it anyway. By the way girls, did you see Debbie sent a status update. I told her we were worried and I even PM'd her hoping she would show up here on this thread again. I'm not sure why she went MIA and I'm hoping we hear from her soon.

I'm 24 and what you described is what I fear. I understand your concerns but I'll let others reply as I can't give advice or make suggestions for someone your age as I obviously am seeing this through my filter as a middle aged woman. Good luck sweetie.

Even ten is fine. I can swim, shower, eat, chat with the boyfriend and then online chat here on the forum for a while. I usually go to bed at 11:30. I like that you are a vet. Am very interested in seeing the successful maintenance experiences now that I'm in that phase and have been for about two years. I was at one point, 112 lbs. I knew I wouldn't stay there but was hoping to be around 120. I'm finding it hard to stay around 125. Some of it is likely due to certain meds that note weight gain, but I also know that I don't follow the plan as strictly as I used to. I do know that if I go over 130, I have to just put the brakes on and get the weight down again. I'm sure that like most folks, I fear gaining it back and I know now that it's very possible to do that no matter what surgery one has had.

I used to chat back in the day and would like to again. I'm in and I hope we get more interest. I'm on the East Coast and later is better for me as I'm usually at the pool till 8:00 anyway.

I love these NSVs. Congrats. Don't sweat the eating out. You may find it's not such a challenge when you realize the camaraderie and conversation is so much better when you aren't focused on the food. Make the right choice when you are looking at the menu, and then just sit back and enjoy.

How old are you? I ask because I'm just a few weeks shy of 58 and men my age or older are just so damn happy to be getting some, the last thing they care about is some excess skin. If you are considerably younger, it might be more of an issue just based on youth and inexperience. (Their's, not yours)