SteveFrett

I Know your all laughing at this but stop and think about it, we were all a fat kid once right no matter your age i don't care if you got fat until you were 40, your still a former fat kid, why do i say that? Simple Everyone of us has that inner fat kid inside of us, the one who would eat the entire box of twinkies, guzzle a half gallon of milk, devour a bucket of KFC like Godzilla tearing thru downtwon Tokyo and say .. NEXT!? , don't lie and say ," that wasn't me!" because your only lying to yourself, instead of denying it try to reflect back, i'll give you an example: The other day I drove past Mc Donald's, of course the inner fat kid already got his chubby little fingers on the steer wheel and started to turn in to parking lot when the outer less fat kid (can't say i'm skinny) took back control, thinking of the days i would walk in and have no problem inhaling three double cheese burgers within 5 minuets. Or The Time I went to a Yankee Game and decided to have a little contest with a buddy of mine whom had no problem saying no too food either, So Like a Jackass I say, Lets see who can eat the most Hotdogs while were here the loser buys, I Won I ate 15 hot dogs! Lets just say my buddy was unhappy and broke after that challange, Oh I can go on and on with my tales, Like the time I Was in California Visiting my Brother, he took me and my buddy to all you can eat Chinese food spot he frequented often, now i'm no small guy I'm 6'3"bro is 6"7", so after my 4th visit to the buffet, I was greeted by the owner, he ever so kindly said to me, You Eat too much You and your Brother are gonna make me go broke! Well i did everything possible not to fall on the floor in hysterical laughter, as he then approched my brother saying you can come anytime, but not with your friends or family! He was only kidding but never have i encountered anyone actually tell me that! So rather than denying that fact that you were a former fat kid embrace it and laugh, and know he will always live inside you you just gotta learn to control them.! If you can't laugh at yourself, you sure can't laugh at anyone else!

I agree nice to see another guy, pull up a chair and join the Former fat kid club!

LOL Tippy Toes, Should'nt laugh but we all have our own horror story, Was it your Surgen who preformed the fill? I can relate to the needle thing, stupid as it sounds i have 9 tattoos and hate needles but will endure the pain for the love of art. I can only say I hope whomever did your 1st fill gets more practice under their belt, good news is you only have to go every few months from here one to get fill, i will reccomend you keep a chart for yourself of the fills, mistakes do happen. if I can help with anything please don't hesitate to as good luck, Steve

Well Sheila, It's only the honest truth, it really comes down to learning to eat to live, not live to eat. Trust me like i've said many of times deep insde me my inner fat kid is still lurking, he tries to take control at times, but it really has to come from inside one self, Each person must learn to have self control. I could easily have band opened and eat like i'm going to chair again but I refuse to. I wish i could have the same positive attitude with other aspects of my life as i do with my weight control. Oh well if we were are sane all the shrinks would be unemployed, Guess i'm doing my part to keep economy afloat huh? LOL keep in touch always love making new friends.

Guess what? your human!!! don't beat yourself up over it, now you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, say " $h!t happens and get back on the horse! everyone makes mistakes, I know i certainly did, hell still do.... bottom line is you made the 1st step, you admitted your error, and went as far as looking for support. Keep the Faith, think of how good your going to look,feel soon!

not long island, westchester still willing to help if u like

i live in Westchester County, not upstate but like all others here to help.

hi, saw your post i live in Port Chester, NY about 1 hr from Milford Ct. i was banded in '06 lost 160 lbs my name is steve and always looking for a new friend. feel free to message me if your interested.

Some of the new members are asking about soft foods, what is considered a soft food? Mashed Potatoes, Jello, pudding, Anything that is just that soft, But So many are having issues with eating same stuff, Guess what there are some other forgotten alternatives, BABY FOOD as nasty and gross as it sounds, think about it before you say HELL NO!.... 1) you have no problems giving it to your newborn right? They are growing right, So Don't you think Gerber know what they doing, not saying eat the damn strained green Beans UGH! But for those of you who have not had the joys of parenthood, take a stroll down the baby food isle next time your food shopping, go see how they have gotten better with choices. Another trick we all forget we all have either a blender or food processer in our homes, how often do you use it? Did you ever stop to think, Well I could probably eat that if it was softer, TAAA DAAA there is your answer to making it soft enough to eat! Now don't go get stupid and toss a Big mac and fries in there and think i'll still lose weight, You got the band for that exact reason in 1st place (some of us). So Yeah I'm saying there are ways to still eat what you loved before but use it wisely! I was able to lose my weight in the most unconeventinal way not condoning it but willing to help those " MAVERICKS" who walk to their own beat like myself! GOOD LUCK ! P.S. no matter how much you lose, everyone will still have that inner fat kid living inside screaming to get out! I just learned to tune him out much like my ex wife and son when they talk to me!

Greens are not considered a soft food they actually will cause blockage! Like Laura said Mashed Potates, Jello, Pudding, People!!! did everyone forget of the invention call food processor or a blender? all of what you have eaten can be pureed to easily consume! I should say that not everyone is a cook. But SALAD Mike, is without a doubt not a soft food!

And if given the chance i'm sure you would try, LOL Relax Rookie, keep in mind that even though you have the band inside you it's not even been filled yet, your body is still going thru the healing process, stick to the game plan! As stupid and nasty as it may sound try eating BABY FOOD yes BABY FOOD, its full of everything you need and its MUSH! so get the visions of cattle out of your head!

My name is Steve i've been banded since 2006 and have succsessfully lost 160 lbs. I know that there are alot of new members joining daily looking for a mentor/buddy, well anyone who has any questions,concerns or in need of some moral support look no further. again I ask just one thing from everyone i speak with wich is, Pay it forward! in other words help someone out no matter how simple it may be, just consider that everyone needs help sometimes, regaurdless if friend or stranger, a good deed goes along way, this country was founded and built on these principals and we All have forgotten that over time dealing with our day to day events, but bottom line is no matter race, creed or color we are all just human and need help, so please pay it forward. feel free to send message if you like help or just post away... You are all a success story, some at differnt chapters keep that in mind. never quit never give in!

even though I'm not a woman I have been succsessful and would like to help Anyone who's struggling or has questions so if you feel comfortable getting help all you need to do is ask.. steve

Hi Patty, It's my pleasure to give advice & tips B) , Like I siad some people are fortunate enough to be able to eat salads, Try a small amount at 1st and chew it to nothing. The Pizza is great, but like I said go easy on mozzarella, try the Old World Sytle with grated Cheese over marinara sauce, even if you use pizza dough try glutten free or whole wheat both are available at any Pizzeria, but key to that is make the crust as this as possible stil use the methood i mentioned but in this instance you must poke holes in dough before you put into oven other wise you'll have a giant dough ballon!! bake to your wellness of liking, another trick is Triscuits, I eat ham & cheese on triscuits,Tuna, make them into mini pizza's. Let me know if you would like any recipes! Good Luck and thanks

Hi folks, I want to start off by saying congradulations to everyone who has either made the choice or considering it! I had my proceedure done in 2006 and since then I have lost 160 lbs. so I thought I would share some of my discoveries with everyone, maybe this can help you out or someone else you know who is having issues. As many of you may or may not know is that Weather does and will effect your band. I found the more hot and humid the air is the less i can eat. I found that consuming something hot before you eat helps, and i did confirm with Dr. Kurian, Hot liquids will make your essopogus relaxed and allow an eaider flow, also helps to drink hot liquids while eating if you are experiencing that clogged sensation, BUT BE CAREFUL!!! too much can also cause you to throw up. so take small sips! Alcahol is also another that will have same effect but don't recomend drinking carbonated beverages(BEER) that will only end up as a disaster! Another tip for those who love salads , very important, wich i'm sure your nutricianists must have warned you of is Greens will cause bloackage! Cucumbers, celery, roman, iceburge all are killers! for me! Now again this is not to say this will happen to everyone, Each person has similar experences some can eat foods others can't do'nt be a hater just find a alternative of that food you can't eat and make it work for you! An example I still love pizza!!!!! but to keep a slice down was impossible, so i put my evil genius to work, also helps that i'm a cook too! but what i came up with is this take a ordinary flour tortilla, for those who have one place the tortilla on a pizza stone preheat oven to highest setting, brush light extra virgin olive oil on tortilla , helps makes crispy, palce tortilla on stone if have one if not a baking sheet works as well, let the tortilla bake for about 3-4 minuets take out of oven, let cool for minuet, next add sauce (if you desire) place back in oven and let cook for another 2-3 minuets on highest setting, remove tortilla from oven now you will add your cheese, go easy on cheese! too much will make you throw up. If anyone is from NY and is Familiar with Lombardi's Pizza they were the 1st to introduce us to Pizza there style is slighty different but damn good insread of shredded mozzerella cheese they put grated Parmasian cheese, same as Frank's pizza too . But this is just an alternative worth trying once! ok so obviously the next step would be to put cheese and toppings of your choice again be careful think with your brain not your stomach! I personaly prefer my pizza extra crunchy! and this a good portion size depending on tortilla size of course i usually use a 5 or 8 in, If anyone has any feedback or tips they would like to share please feel free! Again I want to tell everyone CONGRATS! be proud of yourself, yes its a difficult journey, you will get frustrared, you will think you can't do it, but the truth is you can! I am just one of many who are living proof and are here to help all of you who are feeling those feelings. I was so worried i was going to fail when i started i had nobody to help me, but it was either sink or swim, so with alot of hard trials and errors i discovered what i can eat, but more importantly what I loved to eat! I was never a good eater never one for fish or veggies, lived on fast food live by the dog die by the dog, I found that no matter what you do those suckers are never gonna stay down so they are ancient history in my diet, Pasta, instead of heavy noodles i found pastina, or starts, or even alphabets are great replacement, and i can practice my spelling while i eat too LOL! but again folks just some tips that may work for you! Keep the Faith and if anyone needs more help .. all ya gotta do is ask! and my only fee is that i ask you all pass it forward!, meaning were all on this planet together, no mater color or creed we are al in this for the same thing to better ourselves and make this place a better so help someone who needs it because someday you may be the one in need of that help! just something to think about....

Hi Difa I do understand, I have and you will as well. Good for you Never settle for something your not happy with no matter what it is in life. Remember one thing Opinions are like A-Holes everybody has one and everybodys stinks at some point in time. so better left unsaid. Hope you chose someone else for post op fills souns like you got a real winner on your hands.

I wish we had cheerleedres! I played for the Card Sharks out of Atlantic City NJ. Idol... I don't know if i'm idol material but thanks for the ego boost LOL. seriously i'm not a Idol just a guy who knows how hard it is to be heavy most of their life unhappy, unhealthy. you hit you half way point be proud of yourself! Bro if i could only tell you how hard it was not devouring a bucket of chicken 3 triple cheese burgers and still be looking for more.... now if i look at that amount of food i want to hurl!! I would rather like to be considered a mentor rasther than role model lets leave that for those more worthy of that title.

LOL i actually did play for a short stint after my surgery I played arena ball. But high school ball injuries swollowed my NFL hopes. Well then keep it up you'll do it i promise you it gets eaiser as you go you'll find yourself finding eating to be more a task that a treat. I often still have to fight myself to eat something. i will admit i eat small amounts periodicly thru out the day of snack foods a handful hear and there. Maybe also the fact that i am a mcook also helps in my not eating, as strange as it sounds i personaly find myself not hungry when i cook so focused on making sure it tatses its best may have something to do with it, whatever it is i'm sticking with it. Good Luck and feel free to message me if i can be of any help in future my friend! Steve

When was your last fill? Everyone hits that wall! It's normal. Don't get discouraged. Remember weather has an effect on band as well. In hotter weather you'll find yourself less hungry as you progess and have your fills. Keep in mind your body shouldn't lose more than a lb a day. That allows your metabolism adjust to weight loss, rapid loss only will lead to quicker gaining. You should be adjusted every three months in beginning. Don't get frustrated don't think your making mistakes your doing it right patients will perseverance and results. Keep the faith and contact me if I can help more sweetie!

The pain your feeling in your chest and neck area is gas!! Yes gas, it will occur for a little while. Nothing serious. A hernia operation shouldn't have anything to do with pains your experiencing

Hi All, just want to offer my advice to anyone who is having difficult time adjusting. I'm 6 years post surgery and lost 160 lbs I'm 44 and know what It's like please don't be afraid to ask anything! Hit me up if I can be of assistance! Seriously!

Ah...the dreded grocery shopping ordeal. I would have to say the 1st year was extremely difficult, much of my time was spent playing evil scientist trying to figure out what I can eat being a humugous picky eater... I was never one for going to see surgeon on regular basis due to Dr. Being in Manhattan and me being in the burbs I hate to travel to NYC. But generally I went every three months. My advice is stick with what you ate before but more sensibly. Obviously if steak is what you want switch to ground beef. Just go slow see how it goes down. A trick I learned is drink something hot before you eat it relaxes the esophagus and aides in the flow of food. Pizza go for a super thin crust but easy on sauce & cheese, in replacement of bread I eat triscuts, I love Ham, cheese liverwurst all are great on triscuts, just get Ham shaved from deli. ground Turkey is another great alternative. I have discovered crunchy works for me. Sounds stupid but work with what works. Hope that made some sence

Ah...the dreded grocery shopping ordeal. I would have to say the 1st year was extremely difficult, much of my time was spent playing evil scientist trying to figure out what I can eat being a humugous picky eater... I was never one for going to see surgeon on regular basis due to Dr. Being in Manhattan and me being in the burbs I hate to travel to NYC. But generally I went every three months. My advice is stick with what you ate before but more sensibly. Obviously if steak is what you want switch to ground beef. Just go slow see how it goes down. A trick I learned is drink something hot before you eat it relaxes the esophagus and aides in the flow of food. Pizza go for a super thin crust but easy on sauce & cheese, in replacement of bread I eat triscuts, I love Ham, cheese liverwurst all are great on triscuts, just get Ham shaved from deli. ground Turkey is another great alternative. I have discovered crunchy works for me. Sounds stupid but work with what works. Hope that made some sence

It's all good dear, I understand. Bothers me to hear people are stupid enough to lie about their health issues, like yourself just wanna help others become a success story and to know their Not alone

We were all newbies at one point, as you progress and learn you will pass on the knowledge to others, I could never stand to see anyone suffer from the stresses concerns they may have and not have anyone to turn to for help or advise