Julie norton

Thank you for all the info bar life. I appreciate it. Looking into this for the fall... Hope my skin can look as good as yours ???? I do wear sunscreen everyday and do not get sun only face... Still.. Old damage.

Your skin looks great! I have nice thick Italian skin, but growing up at the beach in the 60's was not good for uneven pigment blotches. Unclear about a peel. Can you tell me about it when you get a chance? Thanks... You seem to have lots of info????

I agree with Kate. For me, breakfast is not till later. Just like you, beef and chicken breast don't work well staying down.. Chicken thighs do, so I am grateful. This is a real learning as we go adventure... Even years later, sometimes my tolerance for some food changes. Hopefully, not while I'm out! Fish seems to work for me the most consistently... Check in with your doctor, but you know your stomach the best.., keep trying...???? Ps. Yes on my stomach shrinking overnight also???some say fluid drains as we lay down... I dunno!

Happy for you to have your kids close to you again... Sometimes that is the highlight of my week... In bad times, Highlight of my month???? Happy early moms day????

Good luck Stephanie Your path may not be straight and easy, but you can be successful living at a smaller size. Lots of help and great people and advice here if you seek it out... Hope you recommit truly and start seeing the scale go down . I keep reading protein, exercise and water helps many, myself included... Not always easy, but as a long term bander I have faith in the process Best to you and keep posting????

This is a hard topic for me. I have given away the "huge" clothing ( except one giant stretchy pair of 22 pants that reminds me of whence I came). Now the one size up from where I am? Most of the 14's are gone... The 12's are few ... And I had 5 pair of 10's altered... Like new clothes.... and only $10 each to fit again....still too many clothes in my closet ... Sigh...I guess all in all it's a small problem to have????

String cheese, a protein bar, water, almonds ( a handful).....banana Usually gets me thru til the next mealtime when I am out...or unable to Find good choices????

Well said MC???? Before WLS, I felt good and relatively successful into life... Except that one huge issue of being fat ... And yes I could lose some. But maintaining my weight was by far the hardest issue I faced. Now I still must eat right and exercise and drink lots of water... But I can stay at the weight that is right for me For years... (Never could after I had gained weight with kids and a mean spirited marriage) Life is better for me at a smaller size As I hope it is for many????

Congrats! I just went to a seamstress to get fitted for my Mother of the groom dress, and thought ahead to bring in 5 pairs of great jeans/ pants. She was reasonable and without shopping, I have "new" pants in a smaller size. Happy.. That is a NSV ... And I adored the MOG dress I ordered 6 months ago... thank goodness.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. I hope you find something that works for you! When I'm not getting my water down, I have mixed in about 1/2 cup pedialyte with a big glass of water It seems to get me through with a bit of flavor and a little help with dehydration... Might ask the doc if that is ok for you. Good luck

Perhaps a very small fill? I truly believe overfills cause many problems... You sound like you are close to where you need to be... Please ask the doc ... And trust yourself to not overdo the fill.. You can go back later. Many of us have been on both sides of too little and too much... Gotta be just right and it works well!

Congrats. You look happier and healthier already! I echo JWM above and take this band filling in small increments I think of it a bit like a balloon. Once overinflated, it doesn't look or feel the same. You are almost 50 lbs lighter and if you do your part, you will not see that weight again. ???? Seems like protein, water and exercise really work... Trust the process and best wishes!

@wannab. Glad to see you are on the other side of surgery . It is nice to have part one done. Now on to other side of recovery It can be life changing if you put your soul into it. Keep updating your progress. Inquiring minds want to applaud you????

I adore hearing long term bander stories. Not too many of us compared to sleevers... Lots of non compliance/problems posted daily about bands. Great to hear the good news. I'm also years out and of course changed my interaction with food. I am so thankful to be a " normal" size in this world. ( whatever that is to each of us). I find it easier to navigate my life daily. Hope you continue posting.

Best of luck as you start your new life with WLS. ???? I'm over the hill, but my doc practices near Good Samaritan. I am not sleeved (banded) but I know that is the most frequently done surgery currently. I encourage you to visit these forums... Lots of kind people, good suggestions, funny stuff. Some days ya just need a little more info on how to adjust to a new way with food.

Carly, This seems to be an issue with a lot of people. Some say miralax, others prune juice. I personally like smooth move tea... Sold at Safeway or health stores or GNC. Best of luck. There is a good amount of advice and lots of questions here. I think the site is great for motivation!

So happy to have nice weather coming our way. I was cold this winter ( and I'm in California) Beautiful day today. I know being cold is a continuing dialogue on these boards .... Let's Celebrate some decent weather (And yes you probably need new clothes)???? Oops sorry Alex. Wrong forum and I do not know how to move it to VIP Please help the inept

Thank you cyber friends. I needed you guys too????

Finally. Before and after. I am clueless how to upload pics. post 8 years and I adore my band!

Hurrah... Another reminder how well you are taking care of you!!

My thoughts are with you. Tragic.... No more pain for the participant... But a lot for those that are left... Please be around that 10 yr old and hold him... He will need some love and time( like all)????

Best of luck! I am 7 weeks out and so pleased. I would recommend getting your meds In order- stocking the house with easy meals that work- protein drinks- and some pedialyte -just in case you get a bit dehydrated( I cut mine by 1/2 with water) I was blessed to have some great galfriends come by each day for 3 days post. Be careful trying to sit or lie down at first... Listen to the doc. I had to only walk for 6 weeks. No workouts... No micro tears. I hope you are as happy as most of us are... Haven't seen this flat of a stomach since my 20's, pre kids! Others have hints too... Cowgirl jane and jamielogical have wonderful advice. Ps. Yes it hurts for a bit!

Great thread... So inspiring... I gather we are all a bit different in our habits, but if you FEEL you are pleased with your body size, scale number, pant size, fat % ,whatever your yardstick for success... Thank WLS !! And your new habits! I , for one, know in my soul I could never lose and KEEP off 100 pounds I thank the posters here who inspire me almost everyday... ???? I am sincerely thankful for my "Normal" size... (Whatever that is to each of us)

Hi fuzzy Welcome... You are doing well.. Losing steadily ! Doing protein and water and walking seem to be the most common denominator for success that I read. I'm 60 and not a grandma either... But a wedding next month for my son may move that along... I just smile and let the bride scurry for details. She is a wonderful girl???? I'm am 8 years out and sooo happy with my choice. Hope you will be too!

It is a form of cream to minimize scarring after surgery. There are drugstore brands: mederma, scar gel. I ordered silicone gel+ off the internet. A bit pricey but seems to be helping Some come in creams. Others in adhesive strips. Good luck w/ incisions!