Sharpie

It took me months to go through my husband's things and years to get rid of everything. I still have some things that I'll never get rid of like his wallet and everything that was in it when he passed. Take it easy with this part. Do what you can if you feel up to it, and walk away if/when you aren't able to take on this task.

Way to go Liz.. yes the holidays can be treacherous.. I had to end up throwing stuff out.. Cookies we made for Santa.. (I didn't want to look like Santa). fudge, candy and finally the remaining cheese cake.. (my downfall). I also had some silk pie left in my fridge that had to go. Sugar is my crack. It felt kind of good to be strong enough to chunk it.. I absolutely cannot eat Chinese and I'm good with that because I used to love it too much. I have been using this ugly, cold, rainy day to re-group and reorganize my house.. de-christmased and trying to go through some of my husband's things that I think the kids might want.. that has been the most difficult today.. I have quit for now because it's becoming too emotional for me..
I know you understand. Anyway wanted to tell you good job on holidays and keep it up.

let me add something to this post.. one of the things that helped me to stay motivated was to look in the gallery at before and after photo's.. it's inspiring to see how far some of our fellow weight loss friends have come. also take a picture of yourself for a before and then after a few months take another .. You will see the results of your choices soon.

Way to go Liz.. yes the holidays can be treacherous.. I had to end up throwing stuff out.. Cookies we made for Santa.. (I didn't want to look like Santa). fudge, candy and finally the remaining cheese cake.. (my downfall). I also had some silk pie left in my fridge that had to go. Sugar is my crack. It felt kind of good to be strong enough to chunk it.. I absolutely cannot eat Chinese and I'm good with that because I used to love it too much. I have been using this ugly, cold, rainy day to re-group and reorganize my house.. de-christmased and trying to go through some of my husband's things that I think the kids might want.. that has been the most difficult today.. I have quit for now because it's becoming too emotional for me..
I know you understand. Anyway wanted to tell you good job on holidays and keep it up.

Way to go Liz.. yes the holidays can be treacherous.. I had to end up throwing stuff out.. Cookies we made for Santa.. (I didn't want to look like Santa). fudge, candy and finally the remaining cheese cake.. (my downfall). I also had some silk pie left in my fridge that had to go. Sugar is my crack. It felt kind of good to be strong enough to chunk it.. I absolutely cannot eat Chinese and I'm good with that because I used to love it too much. I have been using this ugly, cold, rainy day to re-group and reorganize my house.. de-christmased and trying to go through some of my husband's things that I think the kids might want.. that has been the most difficult today.. I have quit for now because it's becoming too emotional for me..
I know you understand. Anyway wanted to tell you good job on holidays and keep it up.

Debbie looking good,, Bandista, take care of yourself. I had a good New Years Day, stayed on the couch in my pj's, weather here was rainy and cool. Dumped my house of all crap food, Cookies, candy, left over cheesecake and pie.. I'm on a mission to maintain and even maybe lose a few lbs. I need to start walking if I can. My hips are giving me problems . Arthritis seems to be causing that. so, exercise is difficult but I know I need to move. I am looking forward to the New Year and hope today will be a good day to de=Christmas my house. Good to see how well everyone is doing. Keep up the positive posts.

Debbie looking good,, Bandista, take care of yourself. I had a good New Years Day, stayed on the couch in my pj's, weather here was rainy and cool. Dumped my house of all crap food, Cookies, candy, left over cheesecake and pie.. I'm on a mission to maintain and even maybe lose a few lbs. I need to start walking if I can. My hips are giving me problems . Arthritis seems to be causing that. so, exercise is difficult but I know I need to move. I am looking forward to the New Year and hope today will be a good day to de=Christmas my house. Good to see how well everyone is doing. Keep up the positive posts.

My surgeon told me my band is for life unless something unusual happens. I have only had mine almost 3 years but I have not had any issues with mine. My surgeon is really conservative with fills and asks me to check in with him at least every 6 months. I know had I not taken the step to surgically intervene I probably would be very unhealthy. The health thing scared me more than the appearance thing. But, I must say I sure enjoy looking better.

salmon patties are good if you like the canned salmon, I am not a fan of grilled or baked salmon steaks so I make salmon patties like crab patties. mix with an egg, some bread crumbs and onion, lightly brown in non stick skillet. pretty good and not really fishy .

Happy New Year to all my banded friends. January 2016 has started and it will be 3 years on the 15th since my life changed for the better. I still have to be aware of what is going in my mouth but overall I am happy with where I am now. My health has improved 100%, the freedom from diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol is wonderful. No medications at my age (69) is an accomplishment. I have decided to due some things in 2016 (not a resolution) just goals. Drinking more Water . I"ve always struggled with that. Eating less carbs and exercise more. May everyone's year be blessed.

Joe I am sorry for the loss of your cousin. Yes everyone needs to live life as much as possible and enjoy every minute with the people you love. I was happy my husband and I made our trip to Alaska before he passed away . I would love to go back and do some hiking and more exploring. He really wasn't physically able to do that but we had a nice trip. Life sure does take all kinds of turns sometimes. I hope you continue to enjoy your health and enjoy your time with your wife and family.

Welcome to the January banders. My 3 year Bandiversary is Jan 15th. I am so happy I made the decision to have band surgery. I have never had any problems with mine. I had diabetes , high blood pressure and high cholesterol , I no longer have any of them. This is a wonderful place to ask questions and voice any concerns. We've all been there and done that. Best of luck on your upcoming surgery let us know how you are doing and how we can help.

Joe I am sorry for the loss of your cousin. Yes everyone needs to live life as much as possible and enjoy every minute with the people you love. I was happy my husband and I made our trip to Alaska before he passed away . I would love to go back and do some hiking and more exploring. He really wasn't physically able to do that but we had a nice trip. Life sure does take all kinds of turns sometimes. I hope you continue to enjoy your health and enjoy your time with your wife and family.

Joe I am sorry for the loss of your cousin. Yes everyone needs to live life as much as possible and enjoy every minute with the people you love. I was happy my husband and I made our trip to Alaska before he passed away . I would love to go back and do some hiking and more exploring. He really wasn't physically able to do that but we had a nice trip. Life sure does take all kinds of turns sometimes. I hope you continue to enjoy your health and enjoy your time with your wife and family.

Joe I am sorry for the loss of your cousin. Yes everyone needs to live life as much as possible and enjoy every minute with the people you love. I was happy my husband and I made our trip to Alaska before he passed away . I would love to go back and do some hiking and more exploring. He really wasn't physically able to do that but we had a nice trip. Life sure does take all kinds of turns sometimes. I hope you continue to enjoy your health and enjoy your time with your wife and family.

Joe I am sorry for the loss of your cousin. Yes everyone needs to live life as much as possible and enjoy every minute with the people you love. I was happy my husband and I made our trip to Alaska before he passed away . I would love to go back and do some hiking and more exploring. He really wasn't physically able to do that but we had a nice trip. Life sure does take all kinds of turns sometimes. I hope you continue to enjoy your health and enjoy your time with your wife and family.

Julie I am feeling your sadness too.. First Christmas without my husband of 39 years . My kids are trying hard to keep me upbeat and I am going to try to keep things as normal as possible for them. I feel his presence in our home every day and I have wonderful memories of our life together . I was blessed with a man who was my biggest fan and my rock. His children adored him and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. Things will become easier for me and for you too my dear, I hope your holiday is good and yes a calm year in 2016 would be wonderful. Take Care of yourself.

Julie I am feeling your sadness too.. First Christmas without my husband of 39 years . My kids are trying hard to keep me upbeat and I am going to try to keep things as normal as possible for them. I feel his presence in our home every day and I have wonderful memories of our life together . I was blessed with a man who was my biggest fan and my rock. His children adored him and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. Things will become easier for me and for you too my dear, I hope your holiday is good and yes a calm year in 2016 would be wonderful. Take Care of yourself.

excellent testament to the success you can have with lapband. I too had my band surgery on January 15, 2013. I am 5'0 and possibly shorter as I age.. lol. however I weighed 200 lbs when I started my search for resolution to my health issues. I was 66 years of age and had diabetes, type 2 which was getting worse every day, on the verge of starting insulin and added problems with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My mobility was a problem as I could barely make it around the store to shop. I spent most of my days in my recliner or in bed because my knees and back hurt constantly. After having my surgery I am a new woman, haven't felt better in many years. I still have days I am not as compliant as in the beginning but for the most part I am good, I have maintained my loss for several years. Just went back to my surgeon just for a checkup since it had been a year since I saw him last. He said you are doing good, no problems and seems like you are maintaining your loss. All I can say to anyone considering weight loss surgery, do your research and find out what you want as a long term goal. I am still extremely happy that I chose my lapband .

Julie I am feeling your sadness too.. First Christmas without my husband of 39 years . My kids are trying hard to keep me upbeat and I am going to try to keep things as normal as possible for them. I feel his presence in our home every day and I have wonderful memories of our life together . I was blessed with a man who was my biggest fan and my rock. His children adored him and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. Things will become easier for me and for you too my dear, I hope your holiday is good and yes a calm year in 2016 would be wonderful. Take Care of yourself.

Julie I am feeling your sadness too.. First Christmas without my husband of 39 years . My kids are trying hard to keep me upbeat and I am going to try to keep things as normal as possible for them. I feel his presence in our home every day and I have wonderful memories of our life together . I was blessed with a man who was my biggest fan and my rock. His children adored him and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. Things will become easier for me and for you too my dear, I hope your holiday is good and yes a calm year in 2016 would be wonderful. Take Care of yourself.

Julie I am feeling your sadness too.. First Christmas without my husband of 39 years . My kids are trying hard to keep me upbeat and I am going to try to keep things as normal as possible for them. I feel his presence in our home every day and I have wonderful memories of our life together . I was blessed with a man who was my biggest fan and my rock. His children adored him and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. Things will become easier for me and for you too my dear, I hope your holiday is good and yes a calm year in 2016 would be wonderful. Take Care of yourself.

Hang in there Julie. These are the hardest times. You just have to get through them. In time, you will find new traditions and it won't always be this bad. Your job right now is just to make it to New Years. Just know I'll be thinking of you and keeping you in my heart.
Liz

My dear Julie I am so sorry for your loss. No words can help your hurting heart. After losing my husband in October I know that he also had a few years of illness and is in a better place now. My prayers to you and your family. You did the best for your Dad.

so I am going tomorrow for a fill. Decided that I want to lose a few more lbs and get a little under my goal so I have some wiggled room. I have started to get munchy lately and that is my clue to get a slight fill. I haven't had one in a year. My Dr. is very conservative and when I saw him last month he decided to wait on the fill because he felt my recent loss of my husband might be causing emotional issues. I am ready for a fill and to get back on track.