auntielle

So glad you are on this side of surgery & feeling great. I also had a good experience. I would add that you should take it easy & not try & do too much too soon. Even though you may feel great you just had surgery & need to heal. Keep walking & all the things your dr said but remember you need rest, too!

You are doing the right thing in finding an experienced dr who you trust & will give you the quality after care you deserve. Hopefully, the new one will be a fit! Regarding food, I started out using my fitness pal & tracking everything. Then slacked off thinking I was ok. However, I'm back to using it religiously b/c it keeps me focused & there are sooo many things that seem they should be lower cal than they are. Same for measuring food. My guess is usually larger than the actual portion. As for making other life changes, that is part of the challenge. Therapy has been helpful to me and I am going in a new (and happier) direction at 51. So, it's never too late to do what you want to do. Most importantly, give yourself credit for ALL of the positive changes you have made so far! I know you will find the support you need. All the best!

Waiting patiently & Honk speak words of wisdom. Good luck!

I'm 51 & had surgery 9/7/11. I have had a great experience & have lost 80 lbs & have about 45 to go. I feel better than ever & don't feel like I'm old, either. Start taking care of yourself now so you will be as healthy as possible for surgery. It will make you feel better, too. Hang in there, it does go by fast.

Good for you! Thanks for sharing!

Congrats! What a great update. Keep up the good work!

I have decided to tell very few people because it's no one's business, I've lost & gained a million times, I don't want to have to discuss it with people that don't get it & I don't want negative comments. So, I have lost 79 lbs & have 45 to go. People are noticing and I just say I am watching what I eat, portion size, concentrating on protein & exercising, all of which is true. Best of luck to you!

Premier protein shakes, mini babybel light cheese, laughing cow light cheese, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, broth, sf jello, sf Popsicle, crystal light, cucumber water are some that work for me to stave off hunger.

They are my favorites!

I am self employed & could not get insurance b/c I was taking more than two antidepressants. I got insurance through the Texas high risk pool which is double normal rates. Now that I'm only taking two pills I checked into new insurance. The agent checked & said the two she checked with would not take me b/c of my lap band surgery in September 2011. However she said one, maybe Aetna, said they would consider after one year. I'm hoping to be at goal then & will try again. I would still have had my surgery. Also, she said she would not use my personal info when checking, only initials. So I'm assuming I haven't been "officially" turned down. It's really ridiculous b/c I was self pay & now will be healthier than ever. Good luck!

I am not vegan but mostly vegetarian. I do eat dairy & eggs & beans & lentils. I make sure to have a couple of protein shakes daily. That's worked for me. I also eat fish & other meats occasionally. Good luck!

Also, water with cucumber slices is good.

I used to drink diet coke -- 12 a day -- and have been drinking diet drinks for over 40 years. I am SO grateful that is no longer an option & I am free of that addiction. I think I lost 10 lbs just from stopping that. I have started drinking crystal light. It's too sweet to me so I add more Water. I also drink Protein shakes. And make cool meals. I don't cook & live in TX & we had 3 months of 100 degree weather last year. So, I would also love some cool ideas.

Always check with your doctor regarding his/her instructions. My doctor wants me to do liquids for 48 hours after a fill -- protein drinks, broth, etc. he is very experienced & the fill itself probably takes less than a minute. Good luck making good choices for your continued success!

Congrats! I made it to "overweight" today. Never want to be "obese" again. Looking forward to "normal"!!!

Woo hoo! Way to go!!! Keep up the good work!

First I would check with your doctor and see if he or she has any recommendations. Then I would try searching online for professionals in your area. You need to research it and try & find a good fit. There may also be groups that are led by professionals. It's a life long process. I wish you all the best!

Re: eggplant. My grandmother use to make something like eggplant Parmesan. I am not a cook & don't have any idea how to do it. I'm sure there is a way to do it lowfat & healthy. You might check recipes online. Enjoy!

I agree with everyone above. I would add that you might consider counseling of some sort with someone who understands weight issues. The band is great, especially when you get to the right fill. However, most of us also deal with years of mental & emotional issues about food, weight, body image, etc. I aso have had (and still do) doubts about whether I can get to goal or close to it. Now that I'm several months out & have lost almost 80 lbs I feel a lot better. Therapy has worked well for me. Good luck! You can do it!

I started @ 258 in August & am now 181. I always lose from the top down. I bought some smaller shorts a couple of months ago & now they are almost too big. I. Bought new bras a couple of months ago & got refitted on Wednesday. I used to wear 42C & now I'm 34DD. Crazy! My goal (with dr) is 134. Looking forward to finishing the weight loss & then maintaining! Congrats to all!

I've been up & down all my life & had several "friends" who said if I lost anymore they wouldn't want to hang with me (they were thin). I've also had friends who become uncomfortable when I'm around their husbands and guys develop "feelings" after I've lost. Of course, I had NO interest in the husbands OR those guys. I wasn't interested when I was fat & I didnt change when I was thinner. I have told almost no one & don't plan to unless they are very close. It's nobody's business & I want people in my life who add to it not subtract from it. Find the true people who like you for the fabulous person you are inside. Then, when you look fabulous it will just be a bonus for you.

Excellent post! All the best!

Way to go!

I like the VitaBand mixed berry chewable vitamins (online) & the chocolate calcium chewables from Costco. They taste like Tootsie Rolls.

I have very high arches & it was getting to the pont where I was afraid I had it right when I got my band in September. I got inserts, etc but it thankfully went away as I lost weight. I am down 76 lbs. I still wear shoes with good arch support but no longer need the inserts. Good luck!