Sharpie

Great to hear you are cancer free Terry. I knew I had missed seeing your posts. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

There are a few people in my life who like to use the "easy way out" statement when they know I had WLS. However, I ignore their ignorance for the most part. These are usually people who have weight problems and have been dieting their whole life and unsuccessful. I told my family and close friends when I had my surgery. Now if anyone notices or asks I also tell them I had surgery and let them know I needed help to lose weight for my health. I will say there have been a few who were truly curious and were considering surgery themselves so I don't mind answering their questions. I have been very blessed to have supportive family and my best friend who came to stay with me at the hospital and at home a few days to help me. My husband has had health issues also that prevented him from helping me . I really am not concerned with a few people who are negative, I am living a healthier and happier life thanks to my lapband...

Even in Florida where I am it's cold. not as cold as NY of course but with weight loss your body gets colder. I guess we don't have the insulation we used to have.. I have on thermals today temp is 54 outside . We have to keep adjusting the heat for me . I used to be so hot I'd be miserable , couldn't sleep with any covers and as little pj's as possible. Now it's socks, blankets and flannels.. lol

that is too funny

The lapband saved my life. I had diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and was barely mobile. I have lots of energy and feel better than I have in many years. I have had zero problems and as long as I do my part the band does it's part. I did not gain during Thanksgiving and I even ate a little pumpkin pie. I am thankful every day that I have the band.

oh Go, you are so blessed . I have three beautiful granddaughters and they were part of the reason I wanted to get healthy. shopping with them and being involved in all of their sports and school events is the pay off for my weight loss. I know you will enjoy being a Grandma...

I am so thankful for Carolinagirl, B52, Too much fun, Catfish and Missy(who is no longer posting). These people inspired and motivated me beyond words. While I didn't have a ton of weight to lose it was a monumental decision to have the Band and with all of the guiding words from other bandsters I managed to lose over 65 lbs and maintain it for almost 2 years. That has never happened before. Even through the most stressful times in the past year with HUsband's health I have maintained. I am only sorry that most of the band folks do not post much anymore.

It is normal. Gas extended your stomach. stay hydrated, walk as much as you can, if you have not had a bowel movement, take some milk of mag or something (I even drank some prune juice) to get things moving. use a heating pad to help with gas pain. You will be amazed how good you will feel in about a week. don't overdo though.

I agree with B52, since Bariatric pal came about the Lapband people have been over run with other WLS people. I used to be on lapbandtalk every day because I wanted to know about the lapband and how people were doing. Now there are few lapband people on here. I don't care what surgery you have had, I don't like the constant band bashing and scare tactics being posted. I know if I were a new person considering the band I would be scared to death. This was a life changing decision for me and I have no regrets. I try to be optimistic and I know my band has saved my life. My diabetes was out of control, blood pressure was high,cholesterol was high. I had limited mobility and I just plain felt like hell. today my diabetes is gone, blood pressure and cholesterol are normal. I just spent a week in Ga. riding my horse, hauling hay , cleaning stalls, hiking and yes eating but without the band I believe I would have been too sick to do any of it. People need to stop and realize how their post might affect someone. Sleeve people come back in 10 years and tell us how going , we already know of cases of failure and RNY folks have also had their issues. Stop bashing the Band and let us discuss our issues without your input. Thanks

Thankful for: 1. My Husband who is finally recovering from a series of health issues. 2. My daughter and son In law 3. My three beautiful granddaughters 4. My best friend who never fails to be here if needed. 5. My Health (post lapband) 6. My Lord and Saviour for making all of the above possible.

morning B, I am up as well drinking my coffee. No I am not going to the gym, it's 25 miles from me, which is not a good excuse but I have a houseful of company and I am going to start cooking soon. I just got back from a week of trail riding my horse in Ga. and marveling at the amount of energy and stamina I had all week. at 67 I feel like a kid again. I am so Thankful for my lapband life. Last night while everyone was eating subs and chips and brownies, I was busy peeling potatoes, making a corn casserole and I had a Protein shake.. I felt so liberated last night because normally pre-band I would have pigged out last night and today. I am proud of you for all you have accomplished and still are a motivating force here and I am sure in your everyday life. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I was banded last thanksgiving and I just had a spoonful of each dish and even had a small slice of pie. I felt like a million bucks. Before the band I would eat until I was sick so the band helped me from getting over stuffed. While everyone else was laying around complaining about being too full, I was cleaning up and enjoying visiting with everyone.

Was at my Beautician today.. Early AM haircut and three of the girls were discussing their Weight Watchers diet. They were talking about how many points were in celery and stuff and how they were starving. I was sitting there thinking "that was me at one tme" Before the band I constantly thought about food. How much I could eat, How much I ate and How much I shouldn't eat. It was on my mind 24/7. These girls were sharing ideas on how they could get enough to eat and stay within their points. I felt so liberated today. My hairdresser knows I had a lapband and she said to me, "Aren't you glad you don't have to do this ?". I told her I still had to watch what I ate as far as fats, sugar, etc. but with the band I was in control. She said I noticed you haven't gained any weight in a long time. I proudly told her I had maintained my loss for 18 months. Not that that is a record but compared to my former dieting life it is an accomplishment. I hope the girls are successful but I know I am pleased with my decision to get my band. There have been days that I wished I could eat more and I have days of regress to my old habits but I can quickly check myself and get back in line.

I use journey because I am still on the path. Once I complete my "journey" maybe I can say something different. I am following a path to health and wellness I guess that is why I call it my journey.

I quit watching the Biggest Loser several years ago.. It became Cry Fest, and the trainers became psychotherapist without the education to do that. I felt it was phony as well. While I commend anyone who is working out and eating right, I think they take it to the extreme. The whole show with people who are on TV with sports bra's and spandex is so humiliating. I could never do that. Then the worst part is voting people off. I know under that type of controlled environment you could lose weight each week however once you are back in the "real" world it is usually more difficult. I believe the show gives the wrong impression of obesity and I cannot stand Jillian who was so harsh. I would have punched her out if she were in my face like she does some of those poor people.

nowadays it's so easy to do without sugar. When I was first diagnosed as diabetic I thought omg. that means no sugar. and I have a reaction to sugar it's called addiction.. lol. my face does flush and I feel terrible and lethargic so Sugar is not my friend either. look for sugar free products and stay away from any juice drinks or real sugar if possible. There are small amounts of sugar in everything especially anything processed. I also use Truvia for sweetner, it's plant based and much healthier than equal, splenda, etc.

the first 3 months I believe not counting my preop diet (which I lost 10 lbs) it averaged 1-2 lbs per week so I would say about 25 . it slows as you get slower of course. I have slower loss now but I am closer to my goal. It was the best decision I ever made. No regrets.

just got back from Walmart, gonna make the pumpkin cheesecake parfait.. can't wait

I love cheesecake.. this recipe for pumpkin and creamed cheese might be what I need. Thanks for all the recipes gals. I make Soup and chili in my crockpot then freeze it.

We live way out in the Country, no trick or treaters except the grands.. bought some candy corn the other day for the candy bowl. it's like crack for me.. so I don't even go there. There are certain things I cannot do , like Ice Cream , Candy and sugary Desserts. I have become good at avoiding all three . Now and then on someone's birthday I do have a small piece of cake.. I do not allow anyone to leave their cake here..

Honey you will be so happy you stuck it out.. It's difficult to get through the early stages but once you are able to eat and get some Protein you will feel a lot better. We all have our mopey, grumpy, angry time.. make yourself a promise to get healthy for your daughter she will be so grateful and proud of you ...

Lynda that sounds pretty easy and I might try it ... My husband loves chicken n dumplings and I use bisquick. CG it's all fattening I am sure but maybe we can lighten up.

those all sound great. I love pumpkin and like the idea of low cal /sugar free treats. now if I could find a way to make chicken n dumplings low cal I would be happy...lol

this coming Thanksgiving will be my 2nd since Surgery. I can remember fretting about what I would eat.. As it turned out, I was able to enjoy the day without stuffing myself.. I had turkey and a spoon full of each side dish, (small spoons) no rolls and even had a tiny bit of pumpkin pie.. I had tons of energy to visit with family and clean up after dinner. This year I am looking forward to having the same kind of day. I am not on a diet, but have control . Thanksgiving for me is very special, I am so thankful this year for my husband's health. He has survived open heart surgery, aortic valve replacement and bypass . We are looking forward to some more good years ahead of us.

If your band is adjusted right you should not need Topomax or any drugs The point of the band is to have satisfaction with your small portion and by eating Protein first you should not need anything else. check with your surgeon to make sure you don't have a leak or any other issues.