Mayme78

I help run a martial arts school and we have a large afterschool program. I am the friendly, outgoing one who chats up all the parents, smooths over any issues and generally makes sure everyone is happy.

There was one parent who has always been rather standoffish. When someone acts cold or distant, I chalk it up to them being shy or introverted and I rarely take it personally. Over the 6 months or so, she has really started to come around, chatting with me while her kids get their shoes on, smiling a lot more, just being much friendly in general. I figured she was one of the rare people that is very slow to warm up -- no big deal.
Until Friday.
Friday she looked at me and said, "You know. I find it much easier to take you seriously now that you are not so big." She held her arms out and rounded as if to mime a big, fat person (which, to her defense, I was).

I looked at her, smiled, and before I could stop myself, I said, "You know what? I found it much easier to take YOU seriously when I *WAS* big.", and I held out my arms to mimic hers.

Silly bitch.

I was banded in August and have lost about 50#, I will be 57 in a few months:cool:

Well I sure hope so. I really don't understand why it wouldn't. I am 50 exactly, and was banded 6 mos ago and am already down 86 lbs. So I'm optimistic. And no I don't exercise super intensely. I do exercise, I can't run like Jachut with my knee pain (looking at a replacement maybe next year) but I do the elliptical, recumbant bike and I do weights. I think whether or not it's possible depends on the patient and how willing they are to follow the 'bandster rules'. The band works only as good as you work the tool.

Sounds like you might have soft calorie syndrome. When you can't eat solid food and favor soft and liquid foods, you don't experience enough satiety to keep hunger at bay. Plus a lot of soft and liquid foods are high in sodium, sugar, and starches. So I agree with the other folks who replied to your thread - go back to your surgeon, tell him/her what's been going on with your eating, and talk about a small unfill. Even taking just a few drops of saline out of your band can improve your eating and quality of life without sacrificing your restriction.

Went this weekend for a few thinks and decided to try the regular department
To my surprise I was able to fit into a regular size 16 pants (no 16x,no stretch waistband) and normal 16 with a zipper and a button….also fit in a extra large shirt (it did have a little stretch but I am not going to complain) ……………I have been unhappy in the large department for the last 5 years or so
I remember in the early 90 shopping in the big department and being happy …the shorted the skirt and the low the top the better…but not for a very long time

Was tempted to buy a lot of stuff but it’s almost the end of summer and I think I will save the money for fall clothes….in the regular department….still smiling about that….would never have happened this time without the band

So happy I just had to share

I was banded on 12/14/11. I have lost 180lbs. so far. They are just giving you the statistical average. Like anything else the band is what You make of it.

The 28th will mark 3 months since my lapband surgery! Thought I would share a picture for anyone who is thinking of having it done! I am so greatful for my lapband, look what it has done for me!

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You should not need an appetite suppressant as thats the whole purpose of the band. Your band if filled correctly should make you feel full faster and for a longer period of time. Id suggest a fill, not a pill. Most of those pills are dangerous and unhealthy as well. We should all be trying to loose weight and get our bodies as healthy as possible. Good Luck!

Yesterday it was in high 80's and now today it's dropped down to the high 60's. I was actually cold so I went into my closet to pull out my once favorite black cardigan.
The cardigan I wore the day I had surgery and I haven't worn in many months.
Holy cow, I couldn't believe how huge it was on me! I mean, I guess I should've known because I've dropped 5-6 sizes since then, but putting that sweater on was a "wow" moment. It really put into perspective how far I've come. Especially considering the day of surgery, I couldn't button it because it was too tight across the tummy if I did.
So, I thought I'd share the difference. Here is me in the now massive sweater

I have found a site, since I do my best to stick to low carb that is great. The recipes are amazing. I have tried at least a dozen and they meet disappoint me! I absolutely love http://peaceloveandlowcarb.blogspot.com/?m=1
Give it a try!
Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk, SW: 225CW: 201 GW: 130

I have a great idea for you all I made last night! Make turkey meatloaf and put it in muffin tins. Perfect serving size, and lots of protein!! Just use your faviorate meatloaf recipe with turkey delicious!!!

We all are amazing for the courage we have to face each day. Keep up the good work!

If No One Ever Tells You, You are Awesome and Look Great!!! Shine Like a Star Because You are Your Biggest Fan!!!
I feel Great and look Ever Greater!!! If They Made Two of Me, The World would Be in Trouble!!! And I feel the Same About You!!!!! Learn to Encourage Yourself!!!!

Many people who struggle with morbid obesity find themselves virtually ”invisible”, feeling like or choosing to stay an anonymous person in the crowd as opposed to being an individual and standing out.


In our complex and busy lives, we all belong to a system of people, places and things that connect us to others who, in turn, impact our lives in a variety of ways. Many people who struggle with morbid obesity find themselves virtually ”invisible”, feeling like or choosing to stay an anonymous person in the crowd as opposed to being an individual and standing out. Conversely, many bariatric patients maintain busy and interactive lifestyles regardless of body size or physical impediments. Human nature is strange; we often cannot decide how we would like to be perceived by others. In the area of bariatric support services, we are often reminded that both the internal (your own) response to your comprehensive changes and the external (everyone else) response are both quite evident as a patient begins, and continues on, the journey of recovery from morbid obesity. Either way, bariatric surgery will somehow spotlight your changing physical and psychological selves due to a dramatic change in body appearance and personal presentation.
In attempting to assess how a pre-operative or new post-operative patient is filtering feedback from those around them, it is often helpful to ask a few pertinent questions to focus in on potentially difficult areas:
Do you feel that people in your support system are fully aware of your needs as a pre-operative/new post-operative bariatric surgery patient? Have the people in your life system received adequate information/education regarding the basics of bariatric surgery and the importance of a supportive and behaviorally appropriate environment?
Do you perceive friends or family members unable to relate to you/isolate from you due to the newness of bariatric surgery? Are support people feeling unsure as to how your relationship will be affected by your bariatric surgery in the future?
Are there feelings of resentment or frustration apparent to you around old eating habits or the appearance of new ones?

As support service facilitators, we are keenly aware of the possibilities of external (outside) reactions to bariatric patients and how it may impact the internal (sense of self) reactions patients are experiencing at an already heightened rate. When a patient decides to undergo surgery, that decision can be an alarming, even threatening event, for people in their life system, be it family, friends, co-workers or intimate partners. A change in a relationship between two people may possibly shift the focus of eating behaviors from one to another, possibly putting the spotlight on someone else and their less than perfect lives. We all, to some degree, experience scrutiny around our behaviors but as we all know, body image and self-worth are very susceptible to criticisms from those in our life system.
Expectations of what bariatric surgery will change also affects the patients issues about their own acceptance in a mirror image sort of way. Patients often wonder:
Will I be accepted by my old crowd of friends even though I may not eat the same way or for the same reasons after my surgery
Will I be able to enjoy socializing, holidays and celebrations following bariatric surgery?
What if my feelings towards some people in my life change and I decide to minimize certain relationships because they do not support my new style of life?

Most people want to be accepted for who they are in a holistic sense, not just what they look like. The adjustment needs for both patient and support persons are often the same: that the newness of the situation will pass and interaction between people will become less uncomfortable. Often, patients report having to reinforce the importance of certain relationships with others just as patients need to receive the
same “validation” from others. Patience, tolerance and acceptance are three areas that everyone could benefit from as patients and support people learn from each other that the most valuable teaching tool is life experience. Bariatric surgery begins a journey toward a healthier, improved quality of life the patient will pursue in their physical and emotional recovery from the devastating affects of morbid obesity.

New Balance sneakers are great. On the expensive side (for me any way) but totally worth it.

My husband calls me from work yesterday and says, "I thought I would tell you that Bill ( husband's best friend) was at the grocery store the other day and he thinks he saw you wanted to say hi, but wasn't sure it was you...how much weight has she lost? She was unrecognizable." Ok it has been one year since he has seen me. Made my day and I guess I'm realizing that I have changed my body! ( his sister is heavy he is kind about the weight issues)

Hi hun-
Congratulations on turning your life around and your decision to become a healthier person. While weight loss will help you become healthier it is definately not easy, lap band or not. It will help you feel better and MAY improve your self esteem, blood pressure, etc. This is a wonderful forum to make friends and gain support from people just like you . I was banded in Fort Atkinson, just down the road from you on March 20 this year and have lost 52 pounds so far. I LOVE MY BAND! Good luck!

WOW! You really are a superstar! Congratulations!

Awesome!!!! Congrats!!!!!

Excellent ! What are your diet and exercise secrets ? WAY TO GO !!!!

Congrat!!! Keep up the great job

great work. what is your secret?

Congrats keep up the good work!!

Wow!! Congratulations...keep up the good work!

I just had an appointment with my surgeon. He called me a Superstar and told me I am one of his top losers, if not THE biggest loser. I am so excited! 52 pounds GONE in 16 weeks with a 2.2 cc fill in a 10 cc band. Not bad for a 51 year old lady. I feel great and I LOVE MY BAND!