Julie norton

Yes. Water consumption is an every day challenge for me. I have a large water bottle I fill and try to finish... Mixed results... It took years to not want to drink with meals. Now just a sip and no more and I do fine. I drink a big glass up till 10 minutes before... Then nothing for about 40 minutes after... It took training and some food rejection before it got drilled into my 60 year old head. Keep trying... And good luck. Please keep posting. Lapbanders are a lot more rare on this board!

Target, Ross, macys. Kohls. Lots of stores carry shape wear. The hot tip is to put them on from the bottom and pull up. Very difficult going over your head!. I prefer straps with the boob part open so I don't smoosh the girls down. It goes down below my stomach and stays there You can buy a girdle type bottom if you want full body ... That does make it easier to use the restroom I find. I went with a galfriend and we had a tickle figuring out shapes and sizes and she helped ferry pieces back and forth... Better than getting redressed each time. Happy shopping...they actually do hold parts in!

No. I for one, have never had a barium swallow or fluoroscopy ever For years and years. Hope I'm not missing something. I feel great and have maintained ( with a bounce range) the same loss for years. Have most bandsters done this? I don't have any one to ask... The last support group meeting was all sleevers and two DS. I was the lone lap bander. Thanks, Jewels

The banter over the interloper was fascinating! Like a car wreck I could not make myself turn away from. I laughed and frowned... And kept reading. I love spirited conversations and truly wonder what the poster's original intent was.... He WAS effective in having us make clear what we defend as our "safe" place to vent anything! May that always be so. I depend on this site almost daily! I am thankful for that ????

My distant friends and most relatives don't know about my band surgery 8+ years ago.... They can speculate, but really, as years go on.. Who cares what size I used to be? ( besides me!) I don't believe it is newsworthy to anyone not in my inner circle. Certainly my bestie and my trainer, but NOT many others ... I will say "I had help.. Or....I work on it". type of replies when I'm in the mood. It becomes my way of life, not a discuss able moment of surgery years ago... Just as any hospital visit years ago... No one mentions tonsils out 8 years later probably?

It is nice to blend in... Or stand out by your words and actions... Not by your size bringing attention. Great point many of us veterans take for granted Thanks CGJane for defining that special something!

Wow.. What a change. I'm so happy your life has taken another good, unforeseen turn. Some of us live vicariously through you, so keep us updated. Ps. He is the lucky one!

Welcome and best wishes on your recovery. Hope it is all you want and need for a healthy new life⭐️ Please keep posting how it's going when you are up for it.

Valid reasons for not posting too many pics. My computer is not working and I can only access this site via smartphone. I have put up 4 before and afters on other sites here but can't get to profile pics. And I do have some concerns about privacy and pics showing up elsewhere. Hope Most of my cyber pals have seen the ones I put up. I'm very proud of my long term success...most of us are happy short and long term???? I have seen many of theirs! I'm under VIP check in #59 & 61. It's the only way I could post before and after....and I still wonder @ privacy

I am wishing you a speedy surgery and recovery. Hope you will be home before you know it ...and beginning a new way of life. I remember being a bit scared about what was to come. Like many things, I found my worrying was worse than the actual procedure! Keep us posted. This is a great place to stay in touch with like- minded people????

JWM I am so sorry for your family. I'm glad you are there to help hold your daughter and love on her????. Those of us that enjoy good mental health often can't fathom how deep depression can affect others, who see no other way to end their pain. Please know we are thinking of you and yours.

I note in the lapband forums, that many bandsters have issues with their band feeling tight in the morning. Protein shakes seem to fill the void for those of us who can't do an egg, or bacon etc. in the AM. After years of trying, I have resolved myself to some sort of Protein Drink for breakfast. It is often 11 or noon for me personally to have solids...and then clear sailing the rest of the day. It is only trying when friends want to meet for breakfast...I'll be happy to have a cup of coffee with them... Tho I do understand that some people feel odd when their companion is not joining them eating at a meal Such is life with WLS ( and I would not go back for anything )????

You were always a star here Elode!

Others have suggested refried beans, tofu , yogurt.... I can't remember if you can have 1/2 of a smashed banana yet. Hopefully, more suggestions will come your way. Best of luck on your new way of life!

I don't care to food shop, but I know I need my yogurt, veges, a few fruits, chicken and chicken salad fresh. I really don't linger, and I spend very little. Gnc makes me spend for my protein bars/ drinks. Almost as much! I noticed I don't have what I call " my fat habits". For me those were cooking shows, cookbook perusing, lots of grocery shopping....you get it... All food oriented habits. Now if I could lessen the "lets meet for lunch/ dinner/ drinks "that most of the world attends... I would be happier. And I do meet friends for walks and non food related fun also Just me and my rambling 8 + years post op⭐️

Some have luck with hot tea.... I've seen other posters chat about pedialyte very watered down... Protein drinks do not seem to be in favor when you deal with an empty system....stomach acid issue. Hope you feel ok til Monday am when a dr is available for advice.... Best of luck with your issue..

I just looked at adult coloring books! Very detailed and pretty... I do like to color so I think I might have a new hobby..

Oops. Anyway. Keep it up. Or be satisfied how great you look in your new clothes. Fun watching your journey downsizing????

Wow congrats! Size 12 is awesome... Smaller than the average American female which is size 14 I read

Liz I'm joining the above opinions.. It is such a personal option. It all depends on how you feel in your own skin... Literally Personally, it took me over 8 years post op to have a TT .. The scars are fading since march, but still obvious. I'm glad I took the jump, but it took a lot of thinking.... And some pain Canceled the boob job that I was to do at the same time... Just like above. I'm 60. Probably not going for perky. Never say never tho....

Thank you. I am blushing. Here is a before. Which I carry in my wallet for the past 8 1/2 years!

So glad to hear you wanted and followed through on a body improvement. Again!!! 61 is the new 49!!! Please post pics when all bruising and swelling gets to where you love your results !!!

Having a healthy and happy summer Happy to live a life at a "normal" size Hope all my BP cyber friends are enjoying nice weather( and being warm!)

I think we are a mostly friendly bunch with lots of ideas and opinions. I didn't note that you had a specific question or I would try to give my answer. Feel free to ask away.... I think you will get answers... Most of us like to chat about WLS !

Well. I feel like a lot of you had some good advisors. I had the wife of my surgeon for one hour with 2 other WLS patients. She talked about portion size...period. No grams of Protein, carbs, etc. I did have paperwork indicating the food that was a yes or no for the first 3 weeks. There was a list of protein sources.... A weak list... This was 2006 and I'm so thankful the process has changed for the better. I'm glad to hear more on these boards too.