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I wish I knew mine. Maybe my doctor's office will have them. The only thing I know is my pant size has gone from a 54/56 inch waist to a 36 inch waist. Us guys just don't think about stuff like that I guess.

Hi Regina - just sent you a PM.

PB virgin here too, hope to keep it that way.

Alicia - those measurment changes are great! Its interesting your arms are now even

Probably means that it is a white creamy gravy like used for biquits and gravy and chicken/country fried steak. Just a hunch.

When I joined the gym a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned I was having that problem and he recomended Shea Butter (in the lotion section) I bought some to try, but it hasn't been long enough to see if it works.

For me personally, I have stuck to a low card/low fat/high protien diet and I think it has helped me loose at the rate I have.

Its already been said, but everyone's journey is different. Mine has been great and complication free. Most doctor's have their prefered WLS, don't be talked into or out of anything. The decision is yours alone. Just keep in mind that any WSL is not the magic cure. Work still has to be done and rules followed for the most part. But the band makes those rules much easier to follow. I was banded in May 2006 and have lost 138 pounds as of this morning. I am 5'9" and started at 334 pounds. I have followed a low carb/low fat/high Protein diet and I think that has helped me loose at the rate I have lost. Has it been easy - no, would I do it again - in a heartbeat. Good luck with your decision. By the way. I have before and current pics on my webpage. the link is in my signature.

Drewslou - Thanks once again for creating a new months thread. You are doing so well. I wish everyone a happy new year. I con't remember entering a new year with so much hope. Its a great feeling. I am down to a size 36 waist pants and a large shirt. That feels weird not having to put at least one "X" in front of large. I went to a Dallas Stars hockey game for New Year's eve and felt comfortable in the seat for the first time. The last time I went I had to wedge myself in the seat. This time I sat comfortably and my whole arm fit in between me and the arm rest. Hope everyone had as good of one as I did.

Jack hit apon the biggest secret I have learned and that it to eat until I am no longer hungry instead of eating until I am full. Another secret I learned is to pit my fork/spoon down between bites and not pick it up again until I am completely finished with the last bite. Because it takes 30 minutes to feel full, eating slower helps you feel full with less food. Those are the 2 biggest things I have learned from this process.

I don't drink much at all and had not since I was banded, But when I went under 200 pounds, my wife and had a shot of Tequilla to celebrate. No problems upsetting the tummy.

You will be fine. This journey is so different for everyone, its impossible to say how your body will react. As long as you follow the guideline and (from viewing and researching here) are aware of some of the things to look out for, you will do fine.

TOM - That is the first political post you have made that I agree with (except for the 3rd paragraph ). He was a good man in a bad time in our history. Thanks for your tribute - well stated.

I would say some can't, some can. My personal beleif is that those foods are loaded with calories and should be avoided. A hamburger patty would be good. Eating hambergers and pizza made it necessay to be banded in the first place. Just my 2 cents.

I have not tried with the peal on. My doctor said it would be hard to eat, so I havee avoided it. Too scared of getting stuck. I was told the same with oranged, that the membranes of the orange could couse problems. Nutritionally, they are fine though.

Congrats! THat's a great accomplishment!

I wouldn't say liquids are the answer. You say you are eating less, but what are you eating? I find an Atkins/Southbeach like diet have really helped me along with the portion control that the band helps with. Are you getting plenty of protein and lots of water?

I used Dr Cribbens here in the DFW area (he is in Plano off the Tollway and Park) I did not have to do the pre-op diet, but had to be on post-op liquids longer than many others I have seen here. If I remember right, I was on like 2 days of clear liquids, 4 weeks of full liquids, and 2 weeks of mushies. I really like him and his office as have countless friends and co-workers who have used him or his partner Dr Hamm. Their website is www.yournewhealth.net

1) Do any of you use baby spoons or forks for smaller bites? no 2) Do all of you NOT sip water when eating? no sipping here 3) How much alcohol can get you buzzed now that you are banded? Haven't really tried I had one shot of tequilla 2 days ago to celebrate going under 200 pounds and I did feel it a little 4) Who can still eat fast food? no 5) Who can still eat bread? haven't tried to eat bread, I don't want to know 6) Do any of you do Atkins? my own version of it - Low carb/Low fat/High protein diet 7) Do any of you do Weight Watcher's program? no 8) Does sex count as exercise? I hope so 9) Anyone have problems with chewing/swallowing/digesting nuts? no, but I only eat a handful once in a blue moon 10) What about cheese? I eat low fat cheese once in a while 11) Anyone already noticing their skin sagging? yes, lots of saggy skin issues 12) Any good snack ideas out there besides veggies? I am burned out on them!! I try not to snack 13) Any good tips period? 14) How long should it take to lose 10 pounds if you are doing everything correctly? impossible to tell, depends on many individual things like metabolism, excercise, etc.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I am a guy, but us men can have similar issues. I have been contemplating PS in a year or so, so I have been doing some reading. There is a procedure I beilieve is called Mons revision or something to that effect. Sometimes, doctors will do it at the same time they do a TT. Hope that helps.

What an awsome/selfless thing your son did. I know your proud!

:wave: I am all for it.

Sorry your going through this during the holidays. It's easy to say on the other side that things will get better and you'll find someone even better, but the truth is you will. Keep your chin up and take care

Thanks Alicia. BTW, I love the new pic in your Avator. Your looking great!

Thanks Marz. I know what you mean about not being miserable. It was nice when all the meals were over and everone one else was complaining they ate too much and felt miserable and stuffed. I felt very comfortable and satisfied. Its a great feeling. I haven't exercised in about 3 months since I lost my last job that had a fitness center. For Christmas, my brother gave me a Visa gift card to sign up for one. I went to LA Fitness this morning and got all set up and plan on starting tomorrow. Wish me well!