Sharpie

very good ideas. I love Peanut Butter and celery as a snack. Protein Bars are my emergency go to when I am out and about. I use Quest from GNC, no sugar, high protein..

yes I am afraid it's part of the process to be hungry until you get a fill. But, some Dr's don't restrict food as much as others. Your Doctor is the best one to ask about progressing to something more filling. but I do remember being on liquids a long time before getting any "real" food. but I survived. It was tough though .

Carnie Wilson actually had a lapband over her bypass.. I believe last year . Gov. Christie also had lapband.

sharpie: Mary Lou Town: McAlpin State Florida

I have taken B12 from the start, I buy the chewable from GNC. so far I feel it's working, I do notice a difference in my energy level if I forget it...

love to see the transformation..I am so impressed when I see that much success.. some days I get discouraged because my weight loss slows down but all in all I am happy with what I have lost so far. I am determined to finish this and get to my goal in the next few months...Good job LIz and all.

I am so sorry . You might contact a bariatric center and ask them to contact your primary. I am not sure how govt. insurance works but surely you can get help. I know you are frustrated but don't give up, sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil. keep bugging your Dr. too.

sounds like you are too tight.. when was your last adjustment and who did that? I am confused why you are not able to go to your bariatric surgeon for a follow up problem..

definitely would do it again... my health and life have improved 100 fold. I only wish I had done it at least 10 years ago but I know I will have more quality of life for as long as it last. Any issues I have had were from my not doing what I was supposed to do but I get back on track easier than on any other program. I am very fortunate to have had the best surgeon ever do mine and a really great support team at home.. My husband and daughter and grandkids are my biggest fans.I am very blessed.

that is a awesome story. I have followed you , CG an TMF, and Catfish for some time.. I take inspiration from all. I did not have as much to lose as you guys but even so, I had to work at every lb lost. Kudo's to you Jim for a very successful job. I wish you continued success in every aspect of your life...

It is so great to come on here and see positive comments about the band.. I am so sick and tired of reading all of the bull crap on here about how bad the band is and how Doctors are no longer doing bands.. blah, blah, blah... My surgery is better than yours..blah blah.. I don't care what type of surgery anyone has.. go with it, shut up about other people and take care of yourself. I decided to have the lapband after struggling with my weight for years and not getting any younger. My diabetes was getting worse, my cholesterol was high, my blood pressure was high and I could hardly make it from the parking lot to the store much less shop. walking in a mall was painful. I love my new life , no diabetes, no cholesterol, blood pressure normal. I have had no complications or problems with my band.. so we all need to stay positive no matter what.

I totally Agree with the assessment of Mrs. O'Donnell.. She is a crazy witch who is always running her pie hole about something she knows nothing about. As for the View what a insult to or intelligence.. None of these women are smart enough to give advice to anyone. My band and I are totally happy, Thank You very Much Rosie...

I am pretty sure you are feeling that "what the hell did I do to myself" moment. We all did it. I was so upset the first week I cried for days thinking I had ruined myself . However it's a few short weeks and you start feeling better. As soon as you can start actually eating and enjoying the weight loss each week you will know that this was a great decision. I have no regrets after 18 months and 60 lbs loss . My health and mobility have improved dramatically. The main thing to do now is drink lots of fluids, walk as much as possible, keep on the prescribed eating plan and look forward to a new you. Feel better soon.

what a nasty bunch of people. I am so sorry you have to deal with that every day. I hope you are able to hang in there. I know years ago I worked in a toxic environment.. Everyone was scared of the Manager (who was married to the Dr.) She finally told me I had to work on Saturdays and I pretty much told her to stuff it.. I quit , they had to hire 3 people to replace me and I got a much better job. I understand being close to retirement and wanting to last long enough to be able to retire but, taking abuse is not going to help you mentally or physically. That bunch of so called "dieters" will still be fat when you are thin that is your revenge.. Karma is a powerful thing and nasty people usually get their "reward" In the end.. other than hiring a lawyer to sue them for verbal and mental abuse you will have to weather the storm so to speak. Wish I could go to work with you and tell them what a bunch of aholes they are but I can't. We all support you and I am praying that you continue to work towards your health and well being.

I agree with TMF.. probably gas or possible problem with pancreas.. never fool with any pain.. call your Doc immediately...

your surgeon Is being irresponsible. Not all Dr's are professional and honest. the foreign object argument is dumb as tmf explained excuse me but you lose a huge portion of your stomach when you are sleeved so it's pick your surgery wisely. the sleeve is relatively new and bypass is a drastic surgery so it's not a matter of big or little it's a matter of choosing what you feel is best for you.

good ole milk of mag works for me I take stool softeners too but not everyday. Prune juice will work but sometime too good..lol. I know I don't eat enough fiber so it's difficult to keep regular but after a few days and no bm, I get out the milk of mag.

I am so pleased with my band. at my age (67) I did not want to have drastic surgery. I had a friend who died after having by pass, now he could have had different problems that caused it but his parents said he got malnutrition first then had an infection so I don't know. Anyhow I am extremely happy that I made the band decision. I have lost 60 lbs , no more diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.. I can walk for miles, loads of energy and a new lease on life... I am not qualified to give you advise about the other surgeries but just remember there are down sides to every type of surgery. the band is not invasive . You will lose slower but I think that is a good thing

I agree with everyone about the choice between surgery being your decision. I made the decision to have lapband surgery because I did not want a drastic re-arrangement or removal of my stomach.Having the fills and follow up is a good thing in my opinion. It keeps me on track and keeps a good look at the band by the physician. I get follow up care, by my surgeon and nutritionist, we have support meetings each month and if I end up with any other serious illness I know the band can be deflated or removed. My issue has been portion size as well and it has helped me to learn to eat slower, chew more and eat less. I cannot speak about the other surgeries because I did not have them. I know you lose faster with sleeve or bypass but faster is not always the best approach.

I tried popcorn a few times.. couldn't eat much.. and I got stuck on it.. yes it is empty calories and no benefit whatsoever but sometimes you just get a snack attack. I don't do many nuts either, even though the Protein is there the salt is not my friend.

I think it looks good on you. really cute for the price and what the heck you are a size 12.. enjoy it.

Arlene thank you for posting about CG.. I sent her a personal email . It's so difficult to lose our parents or any loved ones. She and her family are in my prayers.

Welcome.. At age 66 I decided to take control of my health. I was slowly killing myself with food. I had diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. at 5' zero and 200 lbs it was becoming more and more difficult for me to even keep my house clean or go to the grocery store. after having lapband surgery in January 2013 I have lost 60 lbs. I am slowly getting to my goal. I have been taken off of my diabetic meds, no more blood pressure and my cholesterol is normal. The shoulder pain will go away in about a week or so. I used a heating pad which helped a lot. Walking and moving also helped. Best of luck to you on your new adventure to better health and happier living.

I am sorry.. short story. I was 57 had been with the same company for 15 years.. had been promoted from the first job to being sales and marketing manager. My part of the company made the most money for the owners, but they decided they were scaling back.. mostly because my salary was more than they wanted to pay.. I ended up starting my own business and get to work at home. make more money and definitely love working for myself. didn't want to start over at my age but in the end they did me a big favor. at the time however it felt like the end of the world. Keep your chin up, file for unemployment, get yourself well and get back out there. Good Luck

TMF is so right.. it's not the fastest way to lose but I feel the healthiest. I have had my band for 18 months.. I have lost 60 lbs not losing much now but I think stress of having a sick husband and not being as careful with what I eat has kept me at a standstill. I would like to lose another 10=15 lbs but I feel great now.. no more diabetes, cholesterol or high blood pressure. be patient and stay on track but don't fret about it.. 35 lbs is a great loss..