Julie norton

Judy My opinion is size 12 is lovely. It is smaller than the average American woman and I think it is easy to find clothes, fit places, and generally navigate this world at that size! I'm in California; banded 9 1/2 years and would be happy to exchange words. Jules

I agree it can be frustrating.... But look at the long picture... You are doing everything right and you need to have faith. For the long run. Your loss will most likely be not linear, but WLS really does work for most in the long run!!! (For some. It is a short run) I never would have believed it if I hadn't lived it for 9 years... All those failed attempts jaded me towards diets. This is a new time to shine!! Keep on doing your dr instructions and have faith... Ignore the scale ... As hard as that is... Just believe this time it is DIFFERENT!!! Keep posting[emoji171]

I am fighting the gain train also. Need to lose 7 lbs to be where I like my body more and feel healthiest. Apple season here. The apple crisp was deadly. No more! I'll make something I don't care for.... Lemon something!!

Nice car.... And you look so healthy.... Get in and drive!!

What a nice post. You are a great mentor to many on this site. I think 209 is workable in a normal way of life...I'm guessing 450 really did not work ... Which is why you put all the effort into losing 240+ pounds. !! Congratulate yourself... Many people cannot do what you have done. You have such a better healthier life to live now. I'm glad you are helping others[emoji122]

Jackpot. On life... And the boyfriend who likes baseball...⚾️⚾️happy for you and yours. Your message about enjoying the ride is wonderful. Numbers change on the scale, but a healthy life goes on and on... Hopefully

I do recognize the tip that these are easier to put on from the bottom up...Difficult to do from top down

Thanks for the fascinating link. I liked reegers story and voice. I look forward to more bariatric podcasts when I have a bit more time.

It might depend where your port is. Pressure isn't helpful to mine and makes me sore. Shape wear is another option to explore. It may be gentler for you. Please let us know how or if corsets work for you.

What a huge difference @"djmohr" !! you earned every bit of that tight muscle look in your upper arms. Fabulous... (But beauty hurts for a bit)

I'm also a long term bander. We are around. I think you don't hear too much from folks when life just goes along well. Following bander rules and keeping the band a bit under inflated may help for long term . I thrilled to be headed for 20 years in December!! Doc says my band seems fine for life. Yahoo!!

I truly laughed out loud. And it felled really good. Thank you to all that try, and some just....can't.

I think it is fabulous to not feel self conscious about standing up in a group. Or getting in and out of seats for baseball and movies etc and getting by people. I never liked that before. Now, I just don't take up much space and I simply don't care!!! Much better feeling. Thank you WLS

Thanks for the laugh. I needed it!

WLS works! For the long term for many. Much better chance at succeeding at living at a lower weight than ANY other option. So thankful it allowed me to get off the weight roller coaster and live! For years and years. I could not do that before I got my band . Best of luck to all that want to stop feeling like they failed at losing weight.

My brain also did better than the "fog" that descended when I was ultra low carb. We all try to find what works to keep our bodies in losing or maintenance mode. I'm still liking protein shakes... Even after years. They seem to help me not require more food daily than I should have to stay where I like on the scale.

Missed our resident dancer posting her outdoor concert pictures. Glad all is ok Deb3

Echoing above remarks. Speaking about TT and Lipo only. Yes it took way longer for swelling and results..... To my surprise, about 9 months later all had settled and the loss and smaller size were here to stay. Thought it would be a lot sooner.... Also thought the first week would be easier. Not true for me Best of luck. We are all different I see by our postings. Age and skin type and health may have much to do with this ?

Well golly. Silly me thought menopause: great. White pants whenever you want. No more needing supplies while camping. Etc Ha. Joke was on me. Not ready for mood swings and hot flashes. My ob/gym calmly said the average menopause symptoms last about 7 years! Are you serious?? Waking up drenched was so not on my radar. Hoping I'm nearing the end. Glad WLS solved the 10-15 lb gain that is common however ....

Good topic.. No, I don't identify as a WLS patient. (I don't forget about 270+ pounds though)!! I am conscious of Protein first. I don't drink my calories. I don't drink while I eat, so I suppose I do eat like a patient, but it seems that is kind of " normal" eating. I've lived in the same town so long that I see my friends and acquaintances Fairly often and there is nothing "new" about my size 9 1/2 years out. I still know and fear fatness lurks somewhere though.... And I am determined to keep it at bay. I keep my band under inflated to baby it along. I do NOT want to change anything at this point. I'll be asking you guys first if I have to revisit surgery.

I truly appreciate this forum for the absolute honesty from seasoned vets!! It is one place I can hear the real deal from those that are going through trials and tribulations of long term post WLS and plastics. Thank you djmohr for the reality post. I almost yelled at the dr at a follow up visit from my TT.... (I recall saying " I've had two kids over 9 lbs and you never warned me how much pain I would be in in the first week ". ) He seemed surprised... Bet he never had a TT !! ( I later found out the staff are asked to speak in quiet tones at his practice..... ) I'm sure some eyebrows were raised... Oh well... Truth comes out of me loudly I suppose when I'm in severe pain. Yes, I would do it again, but with a knowing mindset... Anyway, I'm thankful for the banter here. I'm thinking years out of WLS, it is really up to us personally to continue this road to stay at a healthy weight. I notice now I say I had a good month. Or I can have a better month... No more day by day playbook that was in my head for years. Enough of my ramble

Yes , I concur that the old way of thinking of weight loss: I could lose X by this date is no longer useful to many of us. I think in bigger terms these days. It was a good week... It was a good month... It was a shi**y day And bad choices were made. On to tomorrow .. Starting with a protein drink and give it my best. All I can truly do is try. And dust myself off and try again [emoji93]

Well for my 2 cents, I felt a sense of relief when I traded in my car that my hubby and I had picked out. It reminded me of him... And curiosily, I picked a red car also! Nice feeling that I was able to negotiate the car myself, and am glad I made the change. Hope you are too sharpie. Another step forward.

Sorry, but I'm feeling a bit jaded from lots of advice and pictures of " honeymooners" just 3 months out and posting pics and advice. Could just be me getting weary of newbies dispensing wisdom... Want to read more of "years out " issues. Lots of people leave and I am really hoping it is not regain... Just complacency... Look forward to those who hang in here through all of life's up and downs.... You know ...REAL LIFE! Looking for those veteran posts here that help me through tough (and good) times.

Really would love to see updates on one- two year out from having the balloon taken out. Hoping it is not a quick fix that fails in the long tun. There are enough of those around. We need more options for all different sizes. Please update if you are in this group. Thanks