yl2010

I can't believe I've just passed my 1 year anniversary. It's incredible to be 60 pounds lighter. Each week, when I weigh in, it feels like the weight is coming off so slowly, but a year later, I see how quickly it all adds up. It hasn't all be smooth. I've twice had to have fills decreased because I couldn't even hold down liquids. And I've had to learn how to eat in new ways. After years of dieting, all of a sudden chicken breast is the enemy not a staple-- I just can't swallow it. And every once in a while, something I've eaten a hundred time in the last year, just doesn't go down. But despite everything, it's all been worth it. I know from the scale, and the mirror and the compliments, of course, but there's more. So I wanted to look at the non-scale victories: * I have so much more energy * My feet don't ache after walking home * My shoulders don't ache from the bra straps digging in * I have emptied my closet of boxes of smaller clothes that now fit * I have donated many boxes of clothes that are too big * I have learned to love my trainer (if not always the actual workouts) * I have truly learned to love yoga What are your non-scale victories?

You guys are all so supportive. Thank you so much for everything. Fefe, I'd blocked out the chairs, and I laughed at your reminder. I flew recently for business and realized I didn't feel apologetic about how much space I took up in the seat. Yvonne

You guys have been such a help to me as I adjusted to my band. Every time I came to post a question, I found the answer already on this forum. But here's a topic I couldn't find. I'm just starting to date again post banding. I've lost quite a bit already and am finally getting my confidence back. I didn't tell most people about the band-- just very closest friends and family. Not embarrassed at all, but I didn't feel the need to address people commenting and judging my decision. But at some point, this will need to come up with the guys I'm dating. There is the scar, so assuming I ever take off my shirt, there will be that question. But also the slow eating (and occasional running from the table to the restroom) is noticeable for someone who dines with me often. If any of you out there have started relationship after being banded, when did you discuss it. It doesn't seem like first date material, right? Have you generally found these people to be supportive or freaked out (either by the surgery or the previous weight). Thanks so much for any advice you can give me. Eve

I'm mostly A with a dose of C thrown in. I try to eat healthy, and luckily I really do like salads. If I don't feel strongly, I choose a healthy option. And lately I have been craving grilled fish, so I know that my tastes are evolving. But the only weight loss that has ever worked for me long term doesn't leave me feeling deprived. If I really want something and continually deny myself, I end up miserable or binging (and chips & salsa are a slider food for me so I could binge with the band). But I've figured out a way to balance healthy choices for most meals with the occasional indulgent snack in small portions. And maybe once every week or two, I'll really want something that I know is high in fat and calories. But I've found that I can have Indian food and Mexican food and wine in smallish portions without slowing my weight loss. I couldn't have it every day, but I love that I can still have the variety. The one exception is bread. I would love to indulge that craving every once in a while, but aside from a nibble of crust, I just can't tolerate it at all.

I posted a similar question when I was at the freaking-out side of starting to date again. I've now been out there since February, and I can tell you a little about what I've learned. First, you don't have to be at some ideal weight before you start dating. If people are asking, it's because they are interested. So go. Don't let weight or the band be a reason you hold yourself back. I'm starting to cross the line from full-figured into curvy, but I've got a ways to go before I'm really feel satisfied with my weight. Still, getting out there is good practice and fun. And the men who ask me out, think I look good now. I'm open with them about watching what I eat and going to a trainer or yoga classes. I can't eat bread at all, so I have to set up that I'm careful about my foods. But I don't make a big deal about it, and I don't tell them about the band. The few dates I did tell early on were not supportive. Some were very judgmental about my having weighed more or about my inability to lose it on my own. They saw the band as a show weakness and couldn't grasp just how much work it is . This taught me that there's no reason to share that until you really care about someone, and there's a better chance he'll be understanding. I don't, however, schedule dates for 2 weeks after a fill, because as you can see from my signature I've twice had to have a filled backed out a bit, and I don't want to take a chance at not being able to hold down food. Hope this helps you. Now get out there and have some fun with it.

I'm so thrilled to discover this site. Now I don't feel so alone in this. I was banded on 8/23/2010 and just got my first fill today. I was doing a web search for what to expect after a fill, when I found this wonderful forum. I found the information so helpful. Thanks for being here. 8/23 surgery; 9/20 fill 4 cc in 10 cc band 260/236/154