Sharpie

Our family constantly celebrates... lol.. every event involves food.. however, since being banded, I just eat what we have in a very small amount or bring my own food.. my family has been so supportive and they try (bless their hearts) to make healthy food but they all still love bbq and lasagne and burritos, etc. so, I haven't stopped living I just make better choices where food is concerned.. I am very happy these days not worrying about my weight 24/7...

I think they make more $$$ performing the sleeve.. not sure but it seems to be the newest fad. I looked at that option but my surgeon said I would be a good candidate for the band. I also wanted the option of reversing if I needed to. There is no reversing sleeve surgery.. HOwever, the band does require participation by the patient and not simply being a bystander.. I am hoping my band will help me continue to be more aware of what and how I am eating.

I don't think it's just fat people who do this.. I am sure alcoholics, drug addicts, etc. have the same thoughts.. well I had one drink so I might as well get drunk,,, I think some of it is just human nature.. I used to weigh myself, if I had gained I would spend the day eating what I wanted cause I thought what the hell.. self punishment I guess.. now a days I weigh in the morning and I take it and go.. if I haven't lost oh well I will see if I need to change something like drinking more water or skipping a carb.. I have not gained anything since surgery so I am lucky.. I feel confident that this will work and I do not feel deprived...

Terry you made the right choice... even if you had eaten yourself silly and perhaps endangered your health, how would that have helped your family member with their issue? I know firsthand about trying to medicate yourself to avoid the pain.. We lost 3 family (daughter, son and son in law) in the past few years.. it's the worst kind of pain ever losing your children.. but my eating and even going back to smoking for a short time could not fix it... it gets better with time . I am able to cope better through this process of making myself healthy and realizing that my life is still worth living.. Take care of yourself so you can help your loved ones.. I will pray for you and your family member.

awesome... I thought about how much time I spent eating crap... in the past.. since being banded in January, my outlook on food has changed.. I even have a hard time thinking of something to eat when I grocery shop.. but the great part is that food no longer has a hold on me.. when I get bored I do something like laundry or vacuum.. I also started trying to get some exercise going.. I joined the gym this week and will try to go every day or at least 3 times a week... mostly to use the treadmill and bicycle.. The band is worth it and I hope you have continued success and a longer, healthier life...

when I had my surgery they prescribed loritab or hydrocordone.. it made me deathly sick... once I stopped taking that I was fine.. I took liquid tylenol when I needed it...good luck and I hope you start feeling better....

excellent post.. good explanation of why we focus on protein...

Terry you look very nice in the 36 jeans... that is a wonderful feeling I am sure... haven't seen before photo's so I'm not comparing... yeah I like the door handle it makes the photo interesting and funny...lol keep up the good work.

yes Terry there is hope... but in our Country portion sizes are huge... I end up bringing more food home than I eat at a restraunt... however, if I eat it later fine if I don't I am getting used to throwing it out.. My Mom would be horrified.. wasting food was a sin in our house growing up.. last time I had breakfast out I ordered a omelette, potatoes and toast.. only ate a bite of toast, had about 1/4 of the omette and ate about 2 spoons of the potatoes.. it is absolutley amazing to me.. before the band I would have polished that off and probably been hungry an hour later...

Happy Birthday. the best part of your decision is that you will be around to raise your boy.. obesity is a terrible burden.. I am so happy that you have the band to help you on your journey to a better you... keep your eye on the prize..

congratulations .... you look way too young to have grandbabies .. I am at the beginning of my journey but understand your psychological struggles.. I have another 50 lbs to lose and I already feel better... I decided it was time for me.. it was time to quit worrying about everyone else.. we alway had Sunday family dinners, I would cook all day, nibbling along the way of course, then eat a big dinner.. I thought my family would miss that, but surprisingly they have all started doing their own Sunday dinners, I eat my alotted amount of food and go home happy... my husband who does not have a weight issue eats whatever he wants but he has started eating out or cooking for himself if I don't feel like cooking.. for me after 37 years I feel like I am on vacation.. but it will be worth it in the long run for me to stay healthy.... good luck to you and yours.. you have done a great thing for you and your family.

losinlg a family member or loved one can be stressful and emotionally difficult.. However, I believe that the lost family member would want you to remain strong and keep your eye on the prize.. we lost 2 children in the past 10 years and there is no loss like that ... I know if they were here they would be happy that I am taking charge of my health... prayers to you and yours.

that is funny... love kids that age.. I have two teenage grandaughters.. they make me laugh all the time...

You will get better every day.. the gas will eventually go away... I used a heating pad on my shoulder and took some tylenol.. didn't take pain meds.. but some people have to. Good for you for taking this step before you had too many years of damage.. I am 66 and I had been overweight for at least 20 years.. I wish I had taken control back then. it's never too late though and I am very happy that I chose the lapband...The journey will be worth it.. Good Luck

yes I was told not to take anything larger than a baby aspirin.. I bought chewable baby aspirins and I crush my other pills if I can.. I have not taken my diabetic medication because my blood sugar is normal since surgery...You might ask your pharmacists if you can crush your pills or if they come in liquid or chewable...I got stuck on scrambled egg and it is very uncomfortable.. It made me slow down and take smaller bites ...

I normally donate clothing to Hospice but I would be happy to ship Bras to Soma.. please post the address and contact person..I will have some large sizes to donate and they are in good condition.

I live in Florida, We have Ken's Dressing here.. thank you for reminding me . I love their caesar dressing...

I have used Truvia for awhile... it doesn't have any after taste, it is a stevia based product. I am doing my pre-op diet the next 2 weeks.. surgery on the 15th of Jan. looking forward to 2013 .