SillyAuntDi

Debbie, I had to swallow a whole lot of courage before I signed up for the website. I've met some nice guys. I've met some freaks. But, if you are smart and careful with your contact info...and where you meet in public....it's all good. I know what I am looking for and what I am out to avoid. I've actually been comfortable enough with two of the guys to explain why I eat the way I do when we are out. They don't judge...they just kid about me being a cheap date...I remind them I am inexpensive, but not cheap

@gowalking Sister...we are doing this together. I've been on a dating site for most of the summer. I met a guy that I really liked. Got totally over my self-image issues. Really enjoyed my time with him. He flaked out on me, but that's more his loss than mine really. So, I, the girl who has never dated really, who is shy and reserved in this particular area, have two guys chasing me right now...TWO...and dates with both this week. So, deep breath in and slow exhale...you got this. Put on those shoes CG is offering and blow his mind with your awesomeness...and let's talk after the weekend

Great Job!!! Congrats on your bandiversary

Hi friends! I went to a new shoe store that opened in my area this weekend. With great hesitation, I started looking at boots. My legs have always been too thick for boots, even the shorter ankle boots. So, I found a pair that I just had to try. They come up mid-calf. And they zipped...OMG I can wear boots! I bought three pairs. What a great weekend!

Welcome to our banded family! We are so glad each of you have chosen to join us! The first few days are the worst...no way around it. But, it gets better each day. Be sure to walk, and get in your fluids. Listen to your doc. And don't rush it. Take time to heal. Don't stress over weight loss quite yet. It will happen, but not tomorrow. And, don't compare yourself to others on here...you are unique and will have a path that is all yours to follow. Good luck! We are here to encourage you as needed

I mentioned this to my doc a couple of visits ago. I have struggled with constipation more since the surgery last September. I take stool softeners and magnesium each day to help out. At the time of the appt., I was feeling bloated and gassy. He suggested a probiotic. To be honest, I haven't started taking it. Whatever was going on at that time has worked itself out. Have a conversation with your doc Good luck!

I am so in love with my bike!!!! I miss it when I am not riding it. I think of it fondly It's a great way to exercise and release any pent up energy. That rush of the wind through your hair. The carefree feeling of just speeding along a trail...OK...gotta get on the bike this weekend

Congrats, my friend! We were banded at nearly the same time last year and I've followed you along the way. You are amazing and such an inspiration. I see myself in so many of your posts. My doc and I have both discussed the "ideal" goal weight. He doesn't want me to match the BMI charts. We have settled on a weight range that makes us both happy. But...honestly...in his eyes I am a success already. That number on the scales doesn't matter anymore (so long as it doesn't skyrocket upwards, of course). Carry on...live and love your new life Diane

CONGRATS!!!!! Great job!

I went on a cruise recently and ate whatever I wanted (in small portions) whenever I wanted it. Most days, my exercise routine consisted of walking from one deck chair to another and settling in for a nap. (I did take a kayaking excursion one day, though). I ate ice cream everyday, Desserts every night...I was on vacation. I didn't gain a single pound. And since my vacation I've lost 11lbs. So, we are making a lifestyle change. One or two...or 5 vacation days "off the wagon" is OK. Just climb back on!

I was banded last September. My hair starting falling out in February. It stopped in May and is regrowing. I have lots of new growth...and it sticks straight up It will get better. Find ways to boost your Protein and talk to your doc. Good luck!

The first month is the hardest, honestly. I remember thinking I would never get my strength back! Be sure to get in that Protein and drink your fluids. It's what the body needs And, if you are on blood pressure meds, be sure to monitor your vitals. I was on meds and was dizzy and weak. Turns out my bp had dropped so low I was about to pass out...and it wasn't from being dehydrated or not getting enough protein in. I was jerked off my meds rather quickly approx. 1.5 months after surgery. My bp has been stellar ever since. My energy level shot through the roof as well....loving my banded life! Good luck and hang in there

CONGRATS!!!! I almost fainted the other day when I slipped into size 12 pants. And this was the day I came home from my Disney cruise! Hope your excitement continues, friend

Hi Friends! I have returned from my Disney Cruise...everyone should go on a Disney Cruise. It was so much fun!!!! I have no idea how I did it, and I'm not complaining, but I didn't gain a single pound on that vacation. And I had the most delicious food every night!!! I took a kayak tour on Castaway Cay and floated over nurse sharks, sting rays, and baracudas. It was awesome. I can't wait to do it all again. I've included a few pictures here. Pirate night was such FUN! They shoot fireworks off the ship that night. Very cool experience. I got a picture with one of my favorite characters My best sister-friend and her daughter and I on dress-up night. Hope everyone is having a great day. Back to work now for me! Happy Monday!

I still struggle with my self-image. I had surgery September 2013 and have dropped from 354lbs to between 196-199lbs (I'm in a bit of a plateau and bouncing around the same 3lbs the past few weeks). I look in the mirror and still see the extra around the middle. I turn sideways when I am walking between cars, even though I don't have to anymore. I know when I buy clothes that I am much smaller, but I still "feel" big. It's my biggest hurdle so far...and I keep struggling to get over it. But, hey...if that is the worst thing I have to deal with after surgery, so be it! I'll take it everyday

I was banded last September. In March/April this year, my hair started coming out in clumps...it was the scariest thing. But...it has stopped. And, it's growing back. I have these two clumps of hair in the front that stick straight up everyday! Normally this would infuritate me. Now, I wear those little tufts like I won a major award My hair will never be as thick as it was when I was in my 30s. It changed in my early 40s even before I considered surgery. But I am getting back to my new normal. Keep up the good work, friend

It's an awesome feeling, isn't it??? Congrats!

FANTASTIC accomplishment!!!!

I got in a 10-mile bike ride over the weekend. And, I've taken advantage of the less humid weather and have been walking some. I've had to back off a little on the boxing classes because of some back issues I'm working on. But, it's getting better so I hope to be back in the gym next week. Good to see everyone so active!

My cruise takes off August 10. I am both excited and fearful! I haven't had a real gain since I had my surgery. I keep waiting for it to happen. I think if it's going to happen, it's going to happen on that cruise! I keep seeing all the food options...lord have mercy! But, I love to cruise and I've never been on a Disney Cruise before. And, I've scheduled a nature walk/kayak tour for one of the excursions...something I would never have been able to do before. I'm READY to go. Sorry I've been absent for a while. I've been distracted by a new job, vacations, family stuff...life in general. Good to see how well everyone is doing! diane

I had sugery in September 2013. I haven't had a fill yet. I'm considering it, though. My hunger has ticked up and I find I am eating a bit more at each meal before feeling satisfied. My doc and I talk each visit about what the signals are and whether I need a fill. I think we may agree this time to do it. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Yes, about a month before I started replacing a meal with a Protein shake. And I gave up sodas and Desserts. I also started cutting out carbs. But, if I wanted something I had it Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi Candace, I weighed 354lbs on September 4, 2013 when I went for my pre-op appointment. I had surgery on September 11, 2013. I weighed last week and was at 197lbs. I am not, apparently, the normal lap band patient. My surgeon and my nutritionist remind me of this at every appointment. However, I have done exactly what my doctor asked me to do. If he said no coffee, I had no coffee. If he said eat fruit, I ate fruit. If he said jump, I asked how high. I no longer have high blood pressure. I no longer need strong meds for my arthritis pain. I exercise 3-4 times a week at a boxing gym. I ride my bike. I walk when my knees and feet will allow. So, I don't think of myself as special. I am just me. If I can do this....anyone can. Good luck to you!

Take at look at my ticker. Do you see it???? I almost fainted when I stepped on the scale today!!! I have flirted with one-derland for the past three weeks. I refused to get frustrated. I refused to accept defeat. I refused to be negative. I kept saying...it will happen. And it DID!!! I'm officially in one-derland! Let me tell you...I've started seeing this great guy. He knows about my surgery. I told him because I didn't want to feel awkward when we went out to eat. He's losing weight, too. He's supportive. It's sweet. I've been enjoying my life while waiting for those three little pounds to decide to fall off my body. Now, I get my new tattoo. So, the phone call will be placed today to make the appointment! Hope everyone else has a wonderful day!!! Di

Happy Saturday from Carolina Beach, NC! [ATTACH]46569[/ATTACH]