Afrykanvyolet

I absolutely love ATKINS. I buy Vanilla and strawberry.They also have two types of chocolate and a caramel dulce leche..I think. Anyway, I get them from Walmart or BJ's - much cheaper than the drug stores. I read that a lot of people like MATRIX. However, I don't like it but it does have more Protein than what I drink. I've also read a lot about unjury. I ordered samples but I'm scared to try it because it I keep thinking that it will have that gritty texture that some powder drinks have. One more thing...I've also read a lot about Isopure but people say its too sweet. I think I will try though.

I am and will always be larged frame. Even after I get to my goal of about 180ish, I will be a "big girl". It may seem crazy but I like being a plus sized female. I just want to be a smaller plus sized female. Women with curves are OH SO SEXXXYYYYYYY1

Was anyone banded at Barix in Penn, especially by Dr. Alan Brader. I had my surgery there which went without a hitch. The nurses were awesome but some of the Dr's staff were horrible. If anyone was banded there, please let me know. I have a few questions. Thanks

Kyretha: I'm very happy that your surgery was uneventful. April: Wow..that is so cool about your guy. He definitely deserves a high five! Josi: I need an electric current too...I love vanilla anything!

WOW Wheetsin.... That's a lot of good info. Sometimes I wonder if banding was good for me. I haven't had a fill yet and I guess that's I have those thoughts; But I aways end the day with "I love my band." Anyway...If I wasn't convinced before, I am definitely convinced now. I think I needed real validity and confirmation of why I chose what I did. I am the only person around me that is experiencing this. I don't know of others who are so I do tend to rely on you guys to help me out. You have put everything into perspective for me!!

Hello, You gotta do your own research and decide what's best for you. Go through the threads here, as you will find loads of information. I also encourage you to check out other forums for those who had the bypass. Don't let anyone tell you what's best for you regarding your decision. You are the one who will have to live with the band or the bypass. You know your own body and what you are capable of. You are the higher authority of yourself - so only you can decide. I wish the best during your decision making process!!!!

Hey Nick's Wife, Your getting banded on my birthday. What a lovely day it will be for the both of us. Well, I'll probably enjoy more since you will be getting over that awful anesthesia. Congratulations and the best of wishes! I only told about 3 people. I really don't get questioned about my eating habits now, but during those rare instances I do I just reply..."Girrllll, Just trying to learn to be a little more healthier." That's all I say and they leave it a that. I haven't lost much but people can already tell that I lost some weight. I just say "thanks, I'm trying." There's no need to explain yourself because your an adult and it's really none of their business. But, when they do notice always say thank you. It makes you feel good and motivated. I really don't do buffets but I did go to one just to eat the crab legs. No problems. That was my second time eating out since the surgery. The first time I went with a bunch of people and no one really paid attention to what I was eating. I was just there to have a good time and I did.

Hey Brianne, Congratulations on your engagement and getting banded!! Make sure you keep us posted on your progress and do not hesitate to reach out for support. You'll find a lot of it here.

Definitely!!!!!!!! You can learn so much here and everyone is willing to offer support. Also look through the different threads cause chances are you may find the answers to some of your questions. Congratulations on your banding and wishing you the best weight loss ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April, You are such a wonderful person with a good heart. We are all very early in this weight loss process and we will hit these bumps in the road. I can understand the stress and loneliness you are feeling from the job and the quietness of your home. Maybe you can find one of those yoga tapes where you can do the exercises while sitting. That might help alleviate some of the stress you are feeling emotionally and physically. With the type of work that you do and the kindness you have to open your home to disabled foster children means so much. You have made time for everyone but yourself and now its time to think about you. (I'm thinking a 3-day getaway with a friend or two!!!)

Wow, bubbles. I'm happy you had an awesome experience. I hope mine is as enjoyable as yours. I don't go until 5/10 and I feel like its killing. But, I'm hanging in there. Anyway, hope the pain stops soon and congratulations on your weight loss!!!!

Janine - I'm very happy that your night terrors are diminishing. 10% weight loss does wonders for the body..who would have ever thought?!!! Sue/Tammy - Thanks for the encouraging wods. I JUST might give it a try. Sue - You are so funny!!!! I can give that "Watcha lookin at?" I've done it plenty times before, just not in that way. But, I'll throw a tshirt on and get my aquarobics on!!! If I haven't said it before, I'll tell you now..... I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love to try water aerobics but I'm too embarrassed to wear a bathing suit. Any suggestions?

oldnavy.com when I want that laid back look but still look cute. Their sizes are really good. I was shocked. Sometimes I have to order a size smaller and you can find good sales too. Ashley Stewarts, when I want something to wear for a night out on the town. They have nice dressier clothes but way too bright for me. Lane Bryant, when they have a sale or I have extra money to spend. Very nice clothes but too pricey. jcpenny.com - I am able to find a couple of pieces from there every few months. Just a couple...lol!

My sutures were dissolvable. I have been using liquid Vitamin E and my incisions look good. I was worried because of my dark skin that the scars would look crazy. Anyway, I would say that I started to notice healing after about two weeks. I guess as time goes on they start to fade out a little.

Uuuugghhhh! Not something I would do.

Thank you and congratulations. You are definitely a great motivating force for the recently banded like myself. Happy Anniversary to you! Would love to see some pics.

I agree with everyone..... One of the main things that you should be concerned about is yourself. This site is very helpful in learning about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Since you know how most people got to where they are, now's the time to think about where you want to be and what you need to do to get there...(run on sentence..lol). Keep your mind positive then everything will fall into place..your body, your health. Continue to share with us because we can surely relate with your attitude and feelings.!!!

20 years doesn't exactly mean that one knows everything and is always right, especially in the ever changing field of healthcare. However, I don't doubt your qualifications. As another member stated, this is a support group. It's fine to provide those reality statements - very educational. At the same time, let's offer what this was made for...SUPPORT! I'm sure you will respond. It's ok; I have dealt with worse. I have learned to just let people be (didn't need 20 yrs for that). To my fellow bandsters, I appreciate everything I have learned from this site. I appreciate the support that was given to me when I felt low. I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. I appreciate your willingness to be open. Most importantly, I appreciate your kindness and understanding. Thank you, LBT...I appreciate YOU!!!!!

Reality also involves positive reinforcement. I learn about that everyday in nursing school. I'm sure you were taught that too. Tara, you know you and your mom did go off track. Now it is time to get back on. Talk about what you two did with each other then come to an agreement to bond in a more positive way for the sake of weightloss and staying healthy. When you wake up, tell yourself that you can do it and that you are committed to making this work. Say the same to your mom. Put that bad day behind you and work on better days. Follow your doctor's instructions. You will be glad you did!!!

Julia, You have to go back on tickerfactory.com and log in. Then, you have to put in your new numbers and repost it to your signature page (just like how you added it the first time). You have to do this each time you want to change your numbers.

Congratulations and good luck to you!! Nothing but the best wishes for your weightloss and overall health!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAWWWWWWW, Hailey Elizabeth is gorgeous!!!! Congratulations to you and your family. Also, congratulations with your upcoming fill.

Yesterday... I had an Atkins shake for breakfast and lunch, Dannon Activia yogurt and 1oz veggie chips for my Snacks. Crystal light throughout the day. dinner - ate at a restaurant for the first time since being banded. Had a 2 small forkfulls of mac - n cheese, 2 forkfulls of crab and spinach dip, the inside of a crabcake, a few peas. May sound like a lot but it really wasn't. Had all the variety without overstuffing myself!!

I stayed overnight and loved it. Courtney... I have not told my parents either. I will when I'm good and ready to. If you have insurance but it doesn't cover the procedure...just tell you dad that the insurance covered it. He does not have to know your $$$$$, especially since you no longer live in the same house.