maryrose

Hiya Gonna, No power yet! We are staying at the Radisson. I'm on their puter bored to death. Are you going through Dr. Jeiser? I am about 1 1/2 years out, lost about 75 lbs. It's tough, but well worth it. Glad you have you power back up. I live on the Dracut line, which is the last area I believe to get power up. (Darn).

Nice to hear from a Lowellian! Enjoying the storm? Please IM me with any questions. Hope to hear from you.

Brandy, :biggrin: I would love to know more about this. I'm going to google it right now.

laurigee, Thanks for asking that question. I was thinking about that same issue today. I was wondering if maybe you topped off on your band and did not reach goal, maybe they could remove all your fill, take a break for a few weeks, then start the fill process again. Just a thought. Have no idea if this has even been done or would ever be considered. I'm struggling witht the last 30-40 lbs. and worry about this issue a lot.

It's weird. I went to a few meeting, fessed up and the women were wonderful. We even did coffe after. Just depends on the group I guess. However, food addiction is food addiction and I feel it makes no difference. I am interested in starting up again, and I probably will not tell them. This is such an every day reality for us, I find I am surprised people do not know more about the band sometimes.

Julie, I know this is an old post, but my best wishes go out to you! We are all fighting the demons and are here to support each other. keep up the good work.

My problem is making time! I just don't know how to overcome this hurdle and put myself first. If I put the time into it, something is not going to get done. What to do?

I had breast reduction and NO I did not have an unfill. I asked but the PS and my doc, they said it was not necessary. I was very nervous nonetheless. The hospital staff was oblivious to my band needs, so be aware that you need to take care of yourself! Even when I reminded the nurses on my overnight stay, they just did not get it. I was allowed to have anything I wanted on the menu, so I had to use my good judgement.

I am thinking about getting a treadmill as exercise for me is pretty tough. I have some medical issues and feel the treadmill will be easier on my body. I have heard so many stories about people getting them and never using them. I know this is something I had to do on my own and I want to do it, just want some input from you guys. They are not cheap and I just want to make sure I am making the right choice for me. :rolleyes2: Thanks in advance! :thumbup:

Hi Kathy, Yes, believe it or not, it does work if you keep up with it. I have been lazy about using it, but noticed after the first few weeks that I had to keep tightening up the belt. I think the main thing was when I'm using it I'm more inclined to hold my stomach in. You pull your stomach in at the same time and work with it. This does not work miracles, but my experience with it has been fine.

Well Hi Miss Vicky! Nice to meet you. I live in Northern Mass. close to the NH border. I was banded in April 2007, about 1 1/2 years out. Sitting here having my Protein lunch and checking out the boards. Congratulations on your 30 lb. weight loss. Hope we can all support each other through this journey! I feel that being in the over 50 crowd brings on different challenges and it's nice to know we are not alone. EVery day is different!

Hi Serenity, Thanks for bring this post to our attention. I will definitely check it out. I am not a musician by any means, but I love music and it has soothed me so much during this journey. Music has always been a big part of my life growing up ( My mom was an opera singer and my DAD played guitar and banjo). We always had music playing in the house and company. I took piano lessons and quit in my 5th year. I took it up again, this is my second year taking lessions (it's hard at my age - 54), but I'm plugging away and hope to have "Greensleeves" under my best by Christmas. Thanks again for bringing attention to that post.

Maintenance will always feel somewhat like a diet. You simply cant eat whatever you want whenever you want to and only exercise when you feel like it and stay thin. Well said Jachut. You really hit the nail on the head. I am stuck right now and really needed to hear that I need to move my you know what! Cocoabean, Just stay with this forum and keep plugging away. I am 1 1/2 years out and have a follow-up appointment at the clinic. I will never stop going there. I will be seeing the nutritionist and following-up with her also, because I need the discipline. It's different for everyone. I know I could not handle being Un-banded, but that is just me.

Oh Gosh, What a great post! Love this post. You have addressed so many issues I have been going though. 1. The arms - Yikes. 2. The skin - Try Dr. Dinesse on QVC. It's wonderful! You can PM me and I'll give you the details. It's a bit pricey, but worth every penny. 3. Handling complements My biggest fear every day is gainng the weight back. I shudder every morning I get on the scale fearing gaining 1 pound back. I am still not at goal, but It's still ALL GOOD! Keep up the good work. You are amazing.

Hi Future, If you have a plastic surgeon picked out, I don't think it would hurt to get a consult/plan going. He/she may say you need to wait a while, but at least you will have a plan in place. My PS likes her patient's to at least at the plateau stage, but I think is varies. I had breast reduction surgery after losing 80 lbs. in June. I am plateaud right now, but still am about 30 to 40 lbs. from goal, but my large breasts were just too much for me to bear and were keeping me from getting out there and exercising, so she agreed to do it. I think it just depends on the PS, but I don't see any problem with going for a consult if you feel that the apron is going to get in your way.

I would put a call into the doctor and tell them you want to talk to him directly. He needs to know what the dietitian is recommending to you. If you can't get him ask for the Director/Manager. I would be very upset about this situation also. That is not her place. I was actually told I would be a better candidate for the bypass because I graze all the time, but it was ultimately my decision to go with the band. I have lost 80 lbs. for far. I feel I made the right decision.

Re: Ask Dr. Schulman... Dr. Schulman, thank you for all of the information you've posted here. Do you know of any plastic surgeons specializing in body contouring after weight loss in the Boston area? I'm considering a breast lift/augmentation and possibly a TT (if I should hit the lottery!). __________________ Linda Lu Linda Lu, Hope you don't mind my piping in here, but if you live close to the Lowell/Chelmsford area, you might want to check out Dina Eliopolous, Chlelmsford, MA. I had a reduction in June and I am totally thrilled with the results. The whole office staff has been wonderful from beginning to end. Dina is really a peach and has a great reputation.

Ajoneen, Don't beat yourself up over it. WW might work, might not. I am actually joining tonight just for the extra support in maintaining my weight. I stil have another 30 or 40 lbs. I need to budge. Dr. Schulman, I have been banded over 1 and 1/2 years. Reflecting on this whole process I think the hardest part was actually picking up the phone and taking that first step. I was scared, embarrased, down about myself, etc. Even the first time I went to the clinic I found myself looking around feeling really really upset with myself that I had gotten to that point, but it's all good from there. People just HAVE to know you need to follow the rules If you can't follow the bandster RULES this is not for you. I was shocked to see the receptionist at the weight loss clinic chose bariatric surgery rather than the band. I asked her why? She said she was busy with her life, kids, etc. and thought the band was not the right choice for her lifestyle. I found that very interesting, as she did not have more than maybe 60 or 70 lbs. to lose.

Hi Hammer, First of all, give yourself a pat on the back for losing 80 lbs. in one year. That is great. I have been banded a year and 4 months and have lost 80 lbs. I have learned during this time that this is not a "quick" fix. I am in a rut right now, but I am starting therapy. Do you have someone you can go to at the clinic? We will hit many bumps, pot holes, etc. during this journey, but just don't give up. This process takes time. Sometimes your body will just take a time out, but this is the time to reflect on the good things the band has done for you. Can you get in to get a fill and also a nutrition counselling session? I find if I need to be "accountable" I lose more, which means getting to the clinic and getting weighed in. Yes, it can be painful, but look at all we went through to get this band! Good luck!

Laura, De-flabby me, that's funny! You should definitely go for it. I want to have that done possibly next year, I still have about 30/40 lbs to lose. Just had breast reduction about 4 weeks ago, so now my tummy sticks out more! that will be my next venture! Good luck!

Teckla, Great post! I thought I was the only one not losing a lot of clothing sizes. I lost 80 lbs. and went from a size 2 to 3x to an X-large top and maybe a large pant or x-large pant. The X-large top is still afer breast reduction! Maybe depends on how tight we wear our clothing??? :wink2:

Hi Tranam, I can't believe your post! I could have written this myself. I am also 53 and 16 months out! I am down about 80 lbs. I had the same exact thing happen to me with the stress issue a few months back. I also was stuck in a bad stressful work situation. I work from home and was over-eating from the stress and pb'ing. After things calmed down, my band improved and I got back on track, but the PB'ing and stress were out of control for about 4 or 5 days where I had to have a small un-fill. I was really concerned about this and had an evaluation with the psychologist. I hated feeling out of control like that. My daughter is getting married in Oct. and I want to get a handle on things before then. Things are better now, but the answer to your questions is absolutely yes! Stress does a number on the band. Good luck and congrats on that 91 lb. weight loss1 good for you. I still need to lose about 30/40 lbs.

Hi ladies, My daughter is getting married in Oct. I wanted sooooo much to be in a smaller size by the wedding, but I have to get a grip and start looking for something to wear! At least I am happing to say I can fit into regular missy sizes, squeezing into possibly a 16 (maybe). Does spanx really hold you in, or should I be looking at the heavy duty stuff? I'm afraid this will put pressure on my band. Has anyone had to dress up for a special occasion recently, and how did you handle it? Were you comfortable??? Thanks in advance.

Lisa, you must be close to me. I am north of Boston also, close to the NH border.

Gosh, for those of you so close (2 lbs.), it must be torture! I am now only about 10 lbs. away. I can't wait! BTW, this is a great thread!