Shazam

My doctor informed me not to have carbonation because it expands and bloats your stomach. Because of that, I haven't had a soda since prior to surgery. I'm nearly 2 years out. We were heavy for a reason. So why go back to old habits. It seems silly to me to continue to drink the stuff. I've had diet non carbonated drinks and can't even stomach those either. Just Water or Protein drinks for me.

Reading your post reminds me of myself at times. I completely understand where you are coming from. I also, hate when people now watch I eat, as if they are now expecting me to fail. Or if I have something I shouldn't they have this need to point it out. And I rarely, do too.

CarolinaGirl, thanks. So far today, I did awesome. One day at a time. Sometimes, one minute at a time. I'm ok. Thanks!!

This is so true. Currently, I've been struggling. Old habits are creeping up. Along with missing some foods. I too, want to reach my goal. I'm going to shake it off, stand up, and get back on track. Thanks!!

I was banded. My doctor told me the sleeve is good for anyone with over 100 pounds to loose. I wanted the band because it was safer. Less complications, and not permanent.

Congrats and welcome to your new life!!!

I was told 1-2 lbs a week. So on a good month, 8 lbs. and on a bad month, 4lbs. Anything more than that count it a blessing. It does slow down. But hang in there. It does keep going. Stay away from carbs, drink Water, and exercise.

Yeah I hate reading the posts regarding cheating. I need more inspiration and motivation. Not if I eat this, or if I eat that. That is literally asking for failure. And I'm not meaning it to be judgmental, I meaning it because I went through so many hoops to have my surgery, recovery from surgery, loosing weight, and I don't want to go back to be heavy and medicated from obesity. Stay strong and stay focused.

Does it irk anyone, when you see others who have had WLS and they are cheating? I know it isn't my business. But...these are the same individuals who have asked me for help, in either diet or exercise. So, yeah, it kinda does irk me. Am I jealous that they are snacking on something yummy and delicious? I don't know. I just know, I'm trying my darnedest to stay focused, to move to the 10 lbs under, to hopefully reach my goal. I know when I've cheated and it always sets me back. Which is why I'm trying not too. I do not want to be one of those who gains it all back. I have a few friends who seem to already given up. I do not want to be one of them. Even if I do not loose another pound, I do not want to gain it all back. I'm healthier now. I'm able to function without being out of breath. So, am I the only one who gets angry when I see this.? I don't want to go back to being shy, scared, and not outgoing. I like who I've become.

I wish I could like this 10 times.

Lots of excellent advise. And PDXman did say it best. I was actually referring to real people I know. Looking back, I didn't realize what I said could be used for the forum as well. I guess I'm frustrated from my friends, whining and crying, while shoveling crap into their mouth. While I'm over her trying to be Miss Goody Two Shoes. I should try to stop watching others and worry about myself. That's when I actually do my best. Because when it comes down to the scale, it's me and the scale. Thanks all!!!

Oooooooooooo I did not know about this. Thanks. Shopping!!! Yum! And all these ideas are awesome. I love the apple pie/applesauce idea!!! Thanks all.

You both honestly look amazing!! You should be so proud of yourselves!!! That's is awesome!!! Very inspiring. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So happy for you!!! That's awesome. In fact, it's F-Ing A! Congrats. Stay strong. Enjoy your new life!!

This woman is correct-amundo! Why waste calories, use them for other things. Sure I could see for special occasions. But even that, me personally, I don't go there. As a matter of fact, my friend was banded, and I am beginning to believe she has a drinking problem. I have heard that's possible after becoming banded. I avoid it. That's my opinion.

Sweet gift to yourself!!! Happy new life!!!

Your picture is AWESOME!!!

Hi. I'm here on and off. I want to be here more, but enrolled in school and homework is kinda killing me. But enjoying it at the same time. You're right though, I do find some of the oldies have found lives or something. I know I need to come back to stay focused. I love seeing the transformations of individuals. I took pics of myself at the beginning, and I can sometimes see it in myself and other times not. What I do feel is fantastic. Sometimes people do not realize when you have the band, you're supposed to follow the rules given to you by your doctor to actually see results. High Protein, low carb, no carbonation drinks, no chocolatta fruitatta anything drinks, drink Water water water, and you'll see results. Along with exercise. It isn't easy. The band is a tool. And any tool used incorrectly can fail. But getting back to what I was saying, I got off track. When I'm not here, I do miss everyone. You are a big part of me. Even though I've lost, I still need you all. And I imagine, when I hit goal, I will continue to need you. Stay strong and focused all!!!

Yes. You're correct.

Does anyone forget? What I mean is, forget you are able to use a regular stall in the restroom instead of using the handicapped for the space. Forget you're a smaller size when shopping. Forget you can do things like out your pants on without sitting down. For me, every now and then I forget. It gives me such great joy every time when I realize I can do these things or more because of The Band. It gives me strength to keep going, when little things like that somehow show up in my day. Old habits die hard I guess. Trying to make the new ones, one day at a time.

Yes you're spot on. We do go through hoops to get here. Insurance, pre-op diet, post-op diet, emotional dollar coasters, the list goes on. I know I'm not perfect, but there are some changes I have made which have been permanent. For instance, I still only drink Water, I don't have any caffeine at all, I try to stick with the diet plan. I will admit, I have cheated, but when that happens - I don't loose. So I get back on track. I have a few friends who have had WLS, and they have begun to gain. I don't want to be like that. I didn't get this far to eat it all back. I want this. I try to balance what I have. And I try to stay away from the garbage foods which got me here. I have had one hamburger since surgery, and it wasn't worth it. It just wasn't good anymore. But hey, that's me.

I was searching for a pair of capris to wear in my closet. I stumbled upon an old pair of dress pants which were my old size. I held them up, and realized I'm not that huge anymore. Granted I have a ways to go, but seeing these pants kinda made me feel almost skinny! It honestly was an overwhelming good feeling!

Haha!!! That's too funny. And yet, it's so true.

2muchfun is right. You're able to ask, gripe, toot your horn, holler, sing, nearly anything goes. There are many good people here, seriously. I've found lots of inspiration here. You're able to be honest without almost no judgement. (Occasionally, you might get a couple of downers, but that's anywhere). You can ask a question, and nearly have a response within minutes. This site is a very useful tool. Everyone goes through a struggle here or there. I think that's part of the journey, where you find yourself You do become stronger along the way. One bit of advise someone gave me, keep a clothing item from before you loose weight. If you e gotten rid of it, go to a resale shop and buy an item in that size. After you've lost weight and feeling discouraged, try that item on. See how great you look. You'd be very surprised by the difference. I just found a pair of old dress pants. Wow. I was huge. I now have them hanging on my door as a reminder of where I was. I also have a goal too hanging right next to the pant. Be strong.

Many here are correct. They are the wise ones. The band is a tool. It's not easy. Everyone has there ups and downs, and nobody is perfect. But try to hold your head high, and move forward.