Julie norton

Great pics Debbie. Thanks. And carnie Wilson. And zsalynn. And the lap band inventor! Quite a room and giveaways. Makes me want to go next year???????? What a great view also. San Diego is a Pretty town???? Thanks again

last year was another great one for SF. This year, with injuries we will see. Ragtag team somehow pulls through

Well. 5 wks out and yes on the numbness. Think it's just part of plastics. Same place cowgirl. And my belly button is the sorest spot left. Gotta wear binder more hours a day doc says. Ok. I'm compliant.

Ok. Ill chip in. Female, 60 , happily married half of my life.....widowed last year. Manage property and family trust. Banded in 06. Very thankful for the change in my life. Two grown boys- one getting married next month???????? And I dig the SF giants. ( world champions⚾️)

I guess we all get VIP treatment. Lovely???? we deserve it, right? Going to see " Book of Mormon" tomorrow .. Hoping for a good laugh. (After a horrid day yesterday ....as it was my first anniversary alone) On to comedy Jewels

I didn't tell many people... Just a handful.. Even my adult children . They knew I changed over the next year, but weren't overly curious..they knew I worked out frequently.... Even years later, my TT was explained as minor elective surgery. The boys are busy with their own lives and it has been over 8 years and we have all just grown accustomed to the lighter me.

Thanks@debbie3... Looks like a good time. Lots of greeting. I think that is carnie Wilson with you and also zsalynn From 600 lb life. How exciting for all. Tell us the best tips and products when you get a chance???? Thanks!

Hey Alex , Any thought of starting a "long term success with the band"Forum ? I'm finding it difficult to read band failure posts daily and not see the counter balance stories... Many of us are quite satisfied with our banded life long term... We just don't read about us much????

Size 10-12 feels just right for me. Nice staying the same size as clothes fit as long as I choose to wear them Yes I saved one giant pair of stretchy size 22. Just to never forget from whence I came????

Best of luck on your healthy new lifestyle. Keep us posted on your news????

I,too, can have trouble with the plumbing moving. If I drink smooth move tea at night, I often have relief. If not I move on to miralax... This seems to be the key for me???? Good luck.. It is vexing!

I, too am a social drinker... Being widowed last year lowered the frequency of my few outings. When I do imbibe, I notice I cannot tolerate much more than one drink...two would be a big night. And would be before dinner... Sheeech. One of the fun things left and we barely get to indulge... Still totally a great trade off????????

Congratulations on your decision to have a healthier life! I'm so proud of you... I think it is harder to jump into new ideas as we age. Best of luck... Lots if info and good people here????

Well.... my take on spelling ( as a former spelling bee coach) is you either "get it" or don't. Many educated people use spell check for a reason... I understand you can read more and practice your spelling, but for many it just doesn't come very easily. My father, who was a hard working successful man, could compute interest rates and payments in his head, yet never had a good grip on spelling. Just my take????

JWM You made me laugh out loud with your Easter miracle. Please don't add that you "rolled away the stone" Or I will probably pee my pants... Actually. That is one of the greatest parts of losing so much.... No more leakage. Hope everyone found their eggs????

Don't forget your workout clothes... The real stretchy ones will work for hikes and bikes and are forgiving of size. If they are mid calf I would think cooler for you in a hot climate. I would bring non melting protein bars.... Boxes of them with your protein powder. Best of luck on getting a date for surgery!

Well I ordered New Gel+ on line and like it. A bit spendy but recommended by doc

Good luck! Glad you are here. You will get all kinds of advice as everyone is a bit different in their banding process. food may come back up out of your pouch. It is not mixed with stomach acid and , to me, not at all similar to throwing up. It doesn't smell or wrench my stomach... More like spitting out something that doesn't taste good. Hope that helps your fear a bit. Hope you are as happy with your decision as many of us are????

Yes. I also had to have a cashiers check ready 2 weeks before operation. Seems typical

I am trying silicone gel strips recommended by my doc. A bit expensive. And he said keep using for up to a year I started about 12 days in when my TT scar was dry. I got some online. But rite aid and cvs carry a lighter version. Doc says mederma is not likely to work and is a waste? Hope others chime in. It is a long scar!

Wow.. Hot topic Seems to be a real individual decision on useage. There is no doubt it can be used for fuel, Protein (seeds) material, rope and other items so it seems ignorant to not explore the possibilities. I believe it also grows at a very fast rate so sustainability is in play. As for smoking, people have and will continue to use it. Just be a tad cautious, as the newer strains are NOT what some of us more ... Ahem... Mature adults grew up with Glad to see there is more research for pain relief, nausea and insomnia . I have witnessed first hand how much relief seriously ill cancer patients can get. Also anecdotally MS, and HIV patients can gain relief I read Now remove the hunger strain and I could see more widespread use in WLS recovery!!!! Ps without transfer addiction!!???? And tax it at a high rate for more research and development

Sending positive blessings to you amponder. It is heart wrenching to lose a close one❤️????????....maybe more so when we don't have our coping mechanism of food. You will go on. There is no choice. And no, life is just not fair !It just hurts???? My counselor said "keep crying" which I found helpful... Oddly enough,in the car is where my sadness was strong. Please know we care and keep posting????

Wow. What a great difference! Congratulations on taking the plunge Scars look good for 11 days! Mine is 20 days and is calming down. Using silicone scar strips at night. My doc says to use binder as much as possible. Then. Spanx or constricting garment. All docs have their own way. Hope you are as glad as I am that it is done.

Three weeks tomorrow ... TT and plication. Glad I did it ....NOW. That first week was hellish... Second was ok but painful. Third week ok to work,drive. Carrying on business. Good luck w/ insurance and recovery For all those choosing to sculpt their bodies????

Lots of good info and nice people here. Good luck????