angel bear

there are lots of folks on the site who have done both the US and the TLBC - I'm partial to the clinic - Dr Yau and his staff are terrific and I don't see many posts where out of towners have problems but you may want to research other threads here. Enjoy your research and ask as many questions as you can before deciding - either way you won't regret starting your journey.

Just take it easy and baby steps. After surgery it takes us time to bounce back. I had the back and shoulder pain but the worst was the stomach cramps. Take the meds and don't be brave. When you feel you need a rest take the time to rest. You will get your energy back and then some! Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey!

Once in awhile a break in routine is needed. Yoda is looking FANTASTIC! I've been extremely busy too and the summer is such a great time to add different exercises to our routine. I've also recently had much needed surgery to correct a "female" problem and I'm enjoying a much needed rest. I am happy to say that the band has worked amazingly well for me but it is just a tool and the decisions we make regarding food choices make all the difference in the world. I notice lots of new "faces" on the site. Congrats on your successes and your journey will be as successful as you make it. Hugs,

Thanks Yoda, I do feel great - kinda weirded out being at goal though.... now what? is my question and do I have the tools to stay the course? How will I handle difficult situations? I know I know.... I'm just sayin'. PS. We do need to have a gab session soon. Let me know.

Yoda, I had a goal for June and guess what? I had that one pesky pound that kept haunting me for months - it's gone and I'm down 4 below. My June goal is to maintain goal for this month. Hope you're having a great week!

Hi Lila, Yeah, I experienced major problems and thought it was everything else but after getting a couple of defills I'm feeling much better. Although probably too loose now since I can't seem to lose that last lb. I go up and down a couple of pounds the last month. sigh...could be worse - I could be many more lbs ago! Have a great weekend and glad you're feeling better. It is scary!

That is totally AWESOME Mr Yoda, Congrats on the victory.

Hi, I think I was too full - I couldn't eat very much except for liquids and soft foods. It could have been because I was sick but I don't think so. It feels pretty good now and I can't eat alot but it's just right - I'm still losing - more slowly but I'm enjoying healthy choices.

I'm still hovering around the 1-2 lbs to goal. I'm frustrated but being sick hasn't helped. I believe the body is conserving strength to fight the infection. Lets hope that the specialist has a solution. You're looking fantastic! congrats on your successes.

Carol - congrats on your success at reaching goal. I wish you courage and strength for your husband. Many prayers winging your way.

Congrats on your success Mr Yoda, I love your journalling and the menus are great. Hope you're enjoying your long weekend.

Love the pictures Yoda. You're doing so well. Mr Yoda, congrats on the successful surgery and keeping to the program - yeah, I wasn't keen to try yogurt again - and I still don't find it's my fav food. Have a great week. Hugs, Bear

Congrats! That is a great feeling isn't it! I love being able to shop in the "normal" stores and finding things that look great. I've plateaued but I'm loving being "thiner". Have a great week.

Congrats on the weight loss during vacation Yoda. Way to go! I'm happy to see that Mr Yoda survived. Hugs for a wonderful week and have a great weekend.

Hi Mandi, Love both dresses and I agree Lose the belt. You'll have lots of fun and get lots of compliments. congrats on moving the ticker! YOU ROCK!

You rock too Yoda. Today was a GREAT day...even though it was the first day back to work after the holidays - some didn't even recognize me - or were sort of startled - I have that effect on some! Ha!Ha! But I still have over 300 (not a typo) e-mails to read and answer ...sigh... I'll be paying for the vacation for the next few weeks. Have a great weekend. I'm going to glo in the dark golfing with a bunch of kids tomorrow night - that should be really relaxing!

I agree with Yoda, if you pay for it and it's not a buffet use the collapsble containers. And ENJOY!

Wow Yoda, I noticed that ticker is moving nicely. Have fun at Mom's! Hugs, Bear

Lila, congrats on the weight loss and welcome home. Hopefully the weather will warm up soon so you can get warm. Hugs, Bear

Maybe we don't want all the details????? but just a glimpse?

Thanks Yoda, You look fantastic too! I can't imagine how fantastic you'll look at goal. And Mr Yoda too - Barbie and Ken! Before picture below. Yeah, I'm the one in blue! Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming. I can't imagine what it will feel like to get to goal. What a difference a new hair style, makeup and clothes make! It is alot of hard work and a journey of dealing with the hunger and fears but its been manageable with support from those here and talking to many in the waiting room at the Clinic - I know I wouldn't be this far without it. Your encouraging e-mails have helped me over my bumps and together I know anyone can make it to goal - everyone's journey is unique so to those who have just started - take one day at a time and make your goals small so they are manageable and don't get discouraged. I'm hoping and praying that by June I'll be at goal (the one I set for myself is not far away) since I already hit and passed the one set by my doctor. Vacation was great and I'm so fired up to go back to work (and the gym). Have a great week and have fun at your mom's! hugs, Bear

I believe that the new way of thinking after banding is that less is just as satisfying as more. I had many fears/issues before banding -like cleaning the plate (and my kids) and if something was good (cheesecake) then what harm was having more! Well, now I enjoy some of those things that I ate LOTS of before banding but just in smaller quantities and not as often. Plus I exercise regularly. I love how I feel and the energy level is back. I have been on a yoyo of dieting and gaining then losing for years - since my first son was born 28 years ago. This is the first time that I have felt in control over food and not having the food control me. Baby steps and keep it positive every day. If you have a bad day, tell yourself that's ok and get back on the next day.

Bandiva, Sorry to hear about your mom. You and your family will be on my prayer list. Keep a positive attitude and things will work out. Have a great week. We're here for you.

Kimmason, I think you need to take a lunch bag(the cooler type) put in an ice pack and put in various yogurts, some crispers (I found some great Quaker ones with cinnamon they taste great!) from the cereal aisle, some veggie crackers, etc so you can nibble on them. Just remember you can drink first and then eat - but don't eat and then drink. We're all so proud of you for going back to school and keeping up with the gym. Congrats on the treadmill - stamina will build up. You'll find that if you eat lots of small snacks your metabolism will start up again and you'll start losing again. I believe your body is conserving energy right now since you're hungry. Hope that helps a little. Have a great week and good luck on those courses. We're cheering for you!

No fighting in the sandbox YODAs!