Julie norton

I adore hearing veteran bander stories. It seems to be a huge combination of better food. Better exercise. Following your bands up and down moods. Hydration. And just for me. Hanging in there everyday. No overeating or I will lose the food. Then I'm hungry and my band is upset. And me And I don't want to "fight" my band. Seven years last month and still learning from this site. Thank you

So now I have taken to Tofu for protein once a week or so and have no problems with it. I know it is good for me and adapts well Did not think I would like it as much as I do. Still learning

Shrimp and Lobster were a problem for me also....it's one of those foods that no matter how well you chew, it is just not good enough.... I did finally figure out a way to eat it though.... Funny, how we are all different. I can no longer eat steak, but I have absolutely no problem with shrimp. ok. What is your method of handling shrimp? I don't get lobster here on the west coast often so unsure. Crab works for me tho. Luckily since I'm near San Francisco!!

I,too, have issues with meat. I don't think it is uncommon. Just like some others I find soup or sauces work better. Sometimes my body just doesn't want meat I guess. Shrimp too irritates my band. Long simmered meats. Stews. Soups pot roasts. We are all learning and I am revising even 7 years in. Good luck

None of us are alone with our band. Except at night in the dark and hungry. Haha. Not really. Let us all try with the new year to make good food choices and exercise. That's the BEST we can do❤️

Terry That is so true for me too. Not what amount may have crept back on, but what Would Be if I didn't have a band. Happy New Year to us brave people who took a big step to regain our health... On a permanent basis.. Not WW or Jenny for that quick 20 lbs. then boom.. 25 back on. We seem to be in this for the long run!!! 7 years for me. Not at a perfect spot. But really happy and healthy ❤️????

This is a wonderful fresh time to recommit to our healthy lifestyle! For me... I am making an appt with my doc for a check in Happy New Year to those of us that took a big step toward changing our lives. That took a lot of trust and true desire for change❤️ Let us keep working on the most important things. Ourselves and our health

iIt happens to lots of is on this journey. Rarely is it smooth.

I'm amazed at the number of us who use the word "normal" In this journey . Says a lot about not wanting a lot. Just to fit in (sometimes literally) when we want to Not feel judged about size issues❤

Congrats on moving down in sizes. It is so exciting and it WILL last

Nice picture. Wonderful when something that was hard turns into easy❤congrats

Love hearing great stories from bandsters. We usually keep it positive here and I really like that. Not that life is always sunshine and roses but lots of great days and just a few funky ones for many of us here!!!❤????

Good luck on your next milestone. Slow and steady works

Ok now it is cold in California (and I'm still cold. I even notice if I've not eaten much my body doesn't run as warmly on a day to day

This sounds like what myself and others have been looking for. Hope details emerge. Personal Goal for me for 2014.... joining a WLS group

Perhaps in January ? Bay Area bandsters can unite (not for a meal haha). A park a walk a talk. ?Open to ideas. Post me

Ps. Someone commented it is thanksgiving DAY. Not week. Haha. All the cooking and shopping. We are all thankful. It will come and go and we will still be on our journey❤

Great inspirational posts. Love to hear such great stories

Hope your journey is going well. Keep us old timers posted

Best of luck. Keep us posted on your journey

Really like to read up on veteran bandsters. We are all coming to this site to discuss our differences AND similarities...my band has been a successful tool. But I find I have to put together the pieces of my health and weight loss. Working out. Mostly eating right. Limiting alcohol as it seems add calories ... Ok sometimes SO worth it after a long week. My biggest issue is I cannot seem to eat in the AM. Protein drink or bar seems about it. My band just seems so tight till the afternoon .( Still working on this issue seven years out. Still learning. )With this forums help I hear about others too. Thank you to all

Please help with new music to sweat to. Almost 60 years old so electronic or auto tune doesn't quite motivate me. Blurred lines works well. Any other ideas? Thanks in advance

Being chilled is one of the only things I miss my old fat insulation for. I have heating pads in the front room and in bed and electric blanket also. Rather have those than sweat like the old days❤

What a great story and wonderful pictures. Congrats. I especially admire the normal part. I used those same words. That was my goal Whatever "normal" is to each of us. I'm also a long term bandster and very happy!

If I can easily tell what someone is saying, I'm not too harsh on punctuation.... even as a spelling bee coach and judge i can say some spell well and some just cant. And some of us just love run on sentences