Paulax

I felt the same way Yo! I was previously on a board with maybe 10 participating posters, one of them a close friend of mine. She has lost over 100 pounds, has maybe 30 to go and doesn't care if she reaches it because she feels so damned good now. I am pre op, but if it were to take me 5 years to lose 100 pounds, I will feel like it was well worth it. That 5 years will go by anyway, whether or not I am banded. I too have some reservations, but feel that this is the best and the safest option available to me at this time. I have that added benefit of a close friend who is banded, successful and happy. I come here for the good the bad and the honest. Good luck with your decision. As for now, I am still waiting.

Ooooo good question. I have another ? from a preB........ On the liquid stage post op, can I drink my coffee with a splat of milk? Please say yes...

I am so fortunate to have 3 beautiful kids, all of whom are not overweight. I see #2 has a carbohydrate addiction, but I have kept these kids busy, active and on a pretty good diet. Probably too many treats. But anyway, my 11 year old has a tendency to gain a few pounds, VERY FEW. She is 5'6 1/2" and probably only 130 pounds, she carries her weight in her tummy. If she gains a couple of pounds that is where it will show up. She has all of a sudden gotten a huge appetite and will be looking for Cereal at night. Most of the time, I tell her that if she is really hungry to go ahead. Sometimes, I will tell her to grab a fruit, and sometimes if it is late, I will tell her to go to bed because the digestive system rests at night and better not to have a lump of food in the gullet. I don't know, I guess I'd like to hear from mom or dads of teen aged children. Tell me to lay off her, or tell me to keep an eye on her. There would be nothing more painful for me, than to see my kids end up where I have with my weight. How would you deal with a preteen whose appetite has grown?

Excellent advice, thanks Vicki, I will encourage the protein....... ps, my middle child,who is a total carb seeker, like her mother :nervous asked for left over steak after school today...........I thought, hey, of course.

SO Awsome!!!!! Congrats!

You got my attention.................contratulations, that is so AWSOME, I will CRY when I get there. HEY, CUTE TOES......

Wow, that post is a keeper. Thanks for that TommyO!

Congratulations Pepper. I am sure you will do fine. Every time I need encouragement, I go look at the picture threead. There is a lot of inspiration there.

Awsome and good luck with your healing, don't over do it. I am pre band, but what you are describing, sounds like those gas pains.????

Awsome, so you like the variety at Curves? Is a gym better? Or the privacy of a 'woman's only'?

:clap2: Great post DonnaB I agree there is second hand obesity.

OOOooooooooo hope all goes well. I got butterflies for you...

I read it in 1997 ha! My memory of the details are fuzzy, but I found it a powerful read. Yes, it mixed up some emitions in me. Might be worth another read.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. I DO however have a problem with what is served to our children in schools. Children who are not adults and who are served deep fried crap on a daily basis. I am also a teacher and I hate the hold that 'business' has on our schools, so that if their products aren't displayed, the threat of money 'donated' is taken away and programs can't run on what the schools are given. In Canada, there is very little of that, there are no hot lunch programs served in our elementary schools unless it is in a greatly impoverished area. So my kids eat what I give them. But we do have to fight to have junk food machines taken out of our elementary schools. There is a big movement toward that here. I feel bad for our children. Sometimes it seems as though we have lost touch with what is good nutrition and we are feeding our children junk. But I do agree with the premise that we and only we are responsible for what goes into our mouths. I just think we could protect our children a bit more. Jamie Oliver Rocks! I missed his show where he changed the school cafeteria food to more healthful meals in England. I understand he is going to do a similar show in the US. Now I will get off my soapbox. Anyone else wanna turn?

That's great! What a great NSV!

You look AWSOME! I hope you feel as good as you look! Who hoooo!

I wish I could choose. I'd choose now, to get ready for summer ya. But alas, July it is. I'll be ready for swimsuit weather next year.

Canadian/Italian with keloids here. I had a surgery 3 years ago, scars are still red and bumpy. I am resigned to the fact that unless I get them 'redone' I will live with them. I DID try silicone Patches. Wore them faithufully for months. It may have helped some of the scars but not all. Anyway, will try to find the silicone patches in case you want to try. I purchased mine from my surgeon's office. Here is a link to a similar product. http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product/scar_reduction/sheet/index.vm?procid=42&catid=544 Paula

Who hoo! Good for you.........I am still waiting.

Awsome and very inspiring.

What a beautiful family!!!!!!! You look FABU!!!!!!!

42 and can hardly wait.

I have to post a blanket post. I am feeling butterflies in my tummy when I see your before and after pics. It inspires me and gets me all a twitter as my own operation draws nearer. I am amazed at how your weight loss makes you look YOUNGER and happier and like you enjoy the clothes you are wearing. I am in awe, thanks for your inspirations.:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Awsome, congratulations!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa Kathi! Good luck, stay positive....