Julie norton

Coffee is one of the few vices I have left .... Don't smoke. Rarely drink. (Especially since going out to dinner is rare ) I guess I'm gonna be non compliant in this one area. 8 year bandiversary in 2 weeks! So glad.. I would do it again in a minute!

I agree. On one hand you have the huge businesses selling unhealthy fare......Then. After a 40 days we will be inundated with diet commercials. Another Million dollar business that frankly I don't think lighten much but your pocketbook. Mute mute and don't buy in!! Just me

As a sometimes watcher of the biggest loser, the most ludicrous statement came this week.! bob explained the band had horrible long term stats... And his plan was long lasting. Hmmmm.. Where are all the previous losers? There are a lot of contestants and only a few come back. That 1-2 % success rate with diet and exercise. It's a million dollar diet business. With poor results! Our WLS may not be for everyone, but there are LOTS of us many years out from surgery still successful. Diligent, but with a fighting chance Especially us more ...ahem. ..Mature ones. Menopause is not helpful for weight loss. But WLS works for a lot of people. Just me sayin

Happy to find a 50's group! Had surgery at 51 and so glad. Best gift I ever gave myself. Now it is years later and those pounds don't come back. Ok 2-3 come and go. But never in my life could I maintain a large weight loss... I kept saying. I just want to feel normal. Whatever that is to each of us. And I am So happy to say. I do feel size 12 is normal life for me. For years. We can all do this with support and help. Glad to be here. Grateful????

You can google it. It also is going public on an episode of shark tank... I did not know of it til I heard it on here... Basic : a plastic device that acts like a stool for your feet while you are doing your business on the toilet...so your knees are elevated ... It claimed 2/3 of the world squats when eliminating?? Anyone use one? Have no idea on effectiveness Good luck!

I feel lucky to be able to have split our trainer with a friend. Makes me more accountable and easier on the pocketbook. Love how she pushes me ????good luck!find one you like

Sorry to see your body is not cooperating. Even with all your effort. I hope it all gets resolved so you can move down the scale easier. Keep posting!

You look great. Congrats on your success!! Sorry you are a dodger fan tho. We might not be able to chat much. Haha. Seeing how I'm a San Fran giants fanatic. Did I mention WORLD series champions??? Sometimes money can't buy magic Good luck on your new life ⚾️

Angie Awesome weight loss. And it will not come back. That is the huge difference. Yes it is a different lifestyle than some. But for me it works. Hope it does continue for you. Keep posting. People care!

My relationship with food changed dramatically. It truly hardly interests me. I don't shop often. I eat my favorites. Lots of protein of course but cooking for one is sometimes difficult. I will make a batch of soup or stew. But cook only one to two chicken thighs at once. Simple. Easy clean. Out of the kitchen. Don't underestimate the amount of time spent thinking. Planning. Shopping. Prep- cooking. Serving. Clean up. After many years post op I just can't and won't give that much energy to food. I do bake my kids birthday cakes. And I will do easy thanksgiving. (Huge turkey breast). Plus jello and veges and sweet potatoes. But not finding true joy in food anymore. Any others feel this way? Hope I'm not the only one!

Personally, I was thrilled to find a WLS support group closer to me. I had been going 75 miles one way occasionally before. One of my My New Year's Eve goals was to get to a support group. (1 goal done!) That said, there are many opinions, dominating people, and new ideas each meeting. Not many banders. 2 out of 40 or so... It is nice to see a range of ages ,weights ,pre and post op people. In a couple of weeks, I will pass the 8 year mark. I am the longest veteran, and I learn something every time. Just like here, the honeymooners (1 or so month- year out) are gushing about their new life..exciting for them! Most of us are in our stride... Working on long term maintenance we share clothing , stories, some recipes. But I feel it is important to stay connected. This site helps me daily and I am thankful !!! Keep trying. No matter where you are and what you choose!

Great story bandista. Rings true for a lot of us. Thanks for sharing

Ugh! Trial and sliming ha

Why are part of the conversations cut off? I wanted to express how we all try to find how to live in this new life we created. Trial and sliming for me!

For me, the struggle is part of the journey. I needed to change how I ate and lived life. And I did. I was compliant, but still took many years to figure out band life. Good luck????

As part of a discriminated group, I understand how comments really hurt...in any language.. In any country... In any place!! Even after 24 years, I remember a doctor saying to me, after emergency Surgery..."you're the fattest person I ever operated on" Wow. Never saw that coming. I was about 260 then and to this day I cannot believe bedside manner can be no manners!!!! Needless to say, I never saw her again. I bet there are a lot of these stories in this group. And everywhere ... Not being told because they hurt. Now being told because we are talking to people that understand.

You are almost into a great world where food will not rule you! You probably won't have much hunger which truly changes food relationship Good luck and keep us posted!

Banded living is so different. Not fair when removed or deflated. Sigh

Great pic! I too had a swell Halloween. Nothing to do with food. Hurrah![.jpg]happy November

My experience is bands are fickle. They will tolerate something one day and not the next. Hot tea. Easy food. Cottage cheese. Yogurt. Helps a bit. But mostly time ... Which is HARD when you are hungry!????good luck. Let us know how it is going

@go walking. You have a gift for writing. A budding journalist. Keep it up. It truly inspires us Even after all these years I need a good inspirational story!!

Lots of options. I stay around 1000 cal a day Soup. String cheese. Beans lentils. Beef jerky ...protein drinks or a bar ... Cottage cheese Chicken thighs. You learn what works for your system. Good luck

I adore reading ... Crossword puzzles. Yes, working out. My house is much cleaner and I don't spend 1/4 of the time planning shopping prepping serving or Cleaning up Food. Much easier Good luck!

Theses are such great responses. Thanks for reminding us bandsters why we changed our lives. I'm so thankful not to fight my hunger all day every day. No more battle with me. Peaceful calm mind (concerning food). Work.. Family.. Still some drama That is my life now and I am keeping it all the same and enjoying it. Never thought headed for 60 could feel so wonderful!

Ps. I just really wanted to see some positive comments.