Sharpie

You look fantastic, Sharpie! You are a great inspiration to those of us who are just starting our journeys with the band.

Dating at any age is difficult. At age 68 my husband of 39 year passed away. It was a difficult year during his illness. fortunately I had lapband surgery in 2013 and lost 70 lbs. It gave me the energy and mental ability to deal with his illness and I was able to care for him until he passed away. I had no intention to date or get romantically involved with anyone. Felt like I was too old . I went to the gym and helped with my grandkids and felt life was going to be a lonely time for me. I was invited to a charity poker club and started playing twice a week. I met a man who was single had been divorced for many years. We spoke some at the poker club , he asked one of the other guys if I was single. He asked me out to dinner and the next week was my birthday (70) he came and now we are together. He makes me feel so young and happy. I believe dating and being happy is about your attitude but you have to feel good about yourself first. If I had not had surgery and lost my weight, I doubt I would have had the courage to get involved with anyone. He knows I had WLS and is proud of me. He tells me I am beautiful every day. Keep working on yourself then get involved in a activity where you could possibly find someone special.

Thank you for responding. I have been disappointed in the attitude of people who feel it necessary to post negative comments regarding the band. I stopped posting even though I am extremely happy with my decision to have the lapband. Having any weight loss surgery is frightening enough without the negative nellies and know it alls posting how they have found the best way and how dumb we were for having a lapband. I want everyone to think before posting and please stop giving advice that is not asked for. I had skin removal surgery one week before this photo and I haven't had any issues with the band or the abdominoplasty. keep on doing what you feel is best for you. I pray you are successful.

I'm happy that you posted this. I can't overstate how disappointing it is to come to a support forum and see nothing but people bashing the band. It's not the purpose of the forum and not helpful to those of us who opted for it.

I had my band January 2013. I couldn''t be happier, there are problems with all wls surgery. I have had people who had bypass who nearly died, Ive had sleeve people stay sick all the time its not the easy way out no matter what. the band does require more compliance and being alert to what you are eating and how much. I wanted to lose enough to get rid of diabetes, high blood pressure and wanted to feel better. I was 66 when I had mine done. I also had skin removal surgery this past March and have not had any complications. I know everyone has their opinion but bashing the band on the lapband forum is why so many of us have stopped commenting or following the forum any longer.

I know, I know, the sizes shouldn't matter, really. But I'm curious where everyone who has gotten to goal has rounded out, size-wise, compared to where you started.

I started at a size 28 and am 3 months post-op. I've lost around 78 lbs. and am down to a size 18; these size 18s are starting to get loose. I am astounded constantly by this turn of events because I was definitely not a size 18 at 240 lbs. on the way up! It's so interesting how bariatric bodies are different from normal ones!

So where did you finish up in sizes? At this rate, I may blow my dream 'size 10' out of the water!

I lost 110 pounds with lap band since 2011. I'm very happy with my band. Had no problems. I keep mine filled to 7 or 8 so I feel safe with food and it works best for me. I eat very small meals, Protein is important, and I walk daily for at least 30 minutes. I'm grateful every day. Lapland has worked for me. I didn't want any other surgery and still don't. If you work with it the band will work for you. There will always be new weight loss surgeries.

Nice to see some friendly veterans around. I cannot answer more questions about stalls or Constipation and you guys never ask those!!
Life goes on. I'm a bit on the higher side than where I like to be. But very healthy and exercising and trying[emoji736]

Dating at any age is difficult. At age 68 my husband of 39 year passed away. It was a difficult year during his illness. fortunately I had lapband surgery in 2013 and lost 70 lbs. It gave me the energy and mental ability to deal with his illness and I was able to care for him until he passed away. I had no intention to date or get romantically involved with anyone. Felt like I was too old . I went to the gym and helped with my grandkids and felt life was going to be a lonely time for me. I was invited to a charity poker club and started playing twice a week. I met a man who was single had been divorced for many years. We spoke some at the poker club , he asked one of the other guys if I was single. He asked me out to dinner and the next week was my birthday (70) he came and now we are together. He makes me feel so young and happy. I believe dating and being happy is about your attitude but you have to feel good about yourself first. If I had not had surgery and lost my weight, I doubt I would have had the courage to get involved with anyone. He knows I had WLS and is proud of me. He tells me I am beautiful every day. Keep working on yourself then get involved in a activity where you could possibly find someone special.

So sorry to hear that you lost you husband. It's awesome that you have let yourself be romantic again. I wish you both all the very best.

Sent from my CPH1607 using BariatricPal mobile app

Dating at any age is difficult. At age 68 my husband of 39 year passed away. It was a difficult year during his illness. fortunately I had lapband surgery in 2013 and lost 70 lbs. It gave me the energy and mental ability to deal with his illness and I was able to care for him until he passed away. I had no intention to date or get romantically involved with anyone. Felt like I was too old . I went to the gym and helped with my grandkids and felt life was going to be a lonely time for me. I was invited to a charity poker club and started playing twice a week. I met a man who was single had been divorced for many years. We spoke some at the poker club , he asked one of the other guys if I was single. He asked me out to dinner and the next week was my birthday (70) he came and now we are together. He makes me feel so young and happy. I believe dating and being happy is about your attitude but you have to feel good about yourself first. If I had not had surgery and lost my weight, I doubt I would have had the courage to get involved with anyone. He knows I had WLS and is proud of me. He tells me I am beautiful every day. Keep working on yourself then get involved in a activity where you could possibly find someone special.

Dating at any age is difficult. At age 68 my husband of 39 year passed away. It was a difficult year during his illness. fortunately I had lapband surgery in 2013 and lost 70 lbs. It gave me the energy and mental ability to deal with his illness and I was able to care for him until he passed away. I had no intention to date or get romantically involved with anyone. Felt like I was too old . I went to the gym and helped with my grandkids and felt life was going to be a lonely time for me. I was invited to a charity poker club and started playing twice a week. I met a man who was single had been divorced for many years. We spoke some at the poker club , he asked one of the other guys if I was single. He asked me out to dinner and the next week was my birthday (70) he came and now we are together. He makes me feel so young and happy. I believe dating and being happy is about your attitude but you have to feel good about yourself first. If I had not had surgery and lost my weight, I doubt I would have had the courage to get involved with anyone. He knows I had WLS and is proud of me. He tells me I am beautiful every day. Keep working on yourself then get involved in a activity where you could possibly find someone special.

Dating at any age is difficult. At age 68 my husband of 39 year passed away. It was a difficult year during his illness. fortunately I had lapband surgery in 2013 and lost 70 lbs. It gave me the energy and mental ability to deal with his illness and I was able to care for him until he passed away. I had no intention to date or get romantically involved with anyone. Felt like I was too old . I went to the gym and helped with my grandkids and felt life was going to be a lonely time for me. I was invited to a charity poker club and started playing twice a week. I met a man who was single had been divorced for many years. We spoke some at the poker club , he asked one of the other guys if I was single. He asked me out to dinner and the next week was my birthday (70) he came and now we are together. He makes me feel so young and happy. I believe dating and being happy is about your attitude but you have to feel good about yourself first. If I had not had surgery and lost my weight, I doubt I would have had the courage to get involved with anyone. He knows I had WLS and is proud of me. He tells me I am beautiful every day. Keep working on yourself then get involved in a activity where you could possibly find someone special.

I'm still here!! I'm struggling with weight gain and am not at all happy about it. I'm stress eating and also finding it hard to watch my intake especially as Corey is all about the food. I'm not blaming him....this is my responsibility to be accountable for my food choices but I am indeed having a hard time at the moment. The good news is that I am happy as can be in my relationship and am looking forward to co-habitating sometime next year hopefully. Work sucks and that is the cause of much of my stress but I am looking at the big picture which for me is three more years in the workforce and then early retirement. Couldn't come fast enough for me...lol.

I was banded in January 2013. I have managed my band quite well. I am still very thankful for the band and the results. I do know it takes patient compliance to be successful. It's not easy to change your lifetime habits, some people can do it successfully some cannot. My Surgeon told me the same thing he is not recommended the band as much because of patient non compliance. It's more difficult to manage than the sleeve. I have maintained my weight loss since my first year. I have been able to maintain my health as well, no more diabetes, no more high cholesterol or high blood pressure. My life has taken some turns such as losing my husband of 39 years and other family members in a short period of time and the urge to overeat or eat out of pity was there, fortunately my band is a constant reminder to not do that. Banding is not for everyone and everyone has their own reasons and choices. I hope everyone is comfortable with their choices and I would not say one or the other. Glad to see some of the Veterans here expressing their views. If I were to experience issues with my band I would probably opt for the sleeve.

I was banded in January 2013. I have managed my band quite well. I am still very thankful for the band and the results. I do know it takes patient compliance to be successful. It's not easy to change your lifetime habits, some people can do it successfully some cannot. My Surgeon told me the same thing he is not recommended the band as much because of patient non compliance. It's more difficult to manage than the sleeve. I have maintained my weight loss since my first year. I have been able to maintain my health as well, no more diabetes, no more high cholesterol or high blood pressure. My life has taken some turns such as losing my husband of 39 years and other family members in a short period of time and the urge to overeat or eat out of pity was there, fortunately my band is a constant reminder to not do that. Banding is not for everyone and everyone has their own reasons and choices. I hope everyone is comfortable with their choices and I would not say one or the other. Glad to see some of the Veterans here expressing their views. If I were to experience issues with my band I would probably opt for the sleeve.

Ok, for those who do not know me, a little background.
Was banded Jan 2011....met my goal weight within 12 months. Have been 100% successful and as happy as can be ever since, the band did everything I had expected to. I will also add I never had a single problem. If you call getting stuck, regurgitating a problem, well good luck with that.......I call that a learning curve. Stop doing what caused those issues.
Toughest Part?? Letting the band make the rules, and me changing, adapting to get along with what the bands demands. That meant giving up a lot of things I used to enjoy.
Today...went back to my surgeon (and office staff) who I have not seen in a few years......Reason? To discuss having the band removed. Why? Not that there are problems, not that it does not work, but because it did work...for years. I figure by now I have learned new habits....eating small portions, abstaining form certain foods such as meat, flour based products, etc....learning Protein and Water is a daily given. I feel I can survive with out the band. So they removed ALL the Fluid from my band, 8cc's. Will go back in December and start planning the pre-surgery clearances and decide on a surgery date. probably Jan-Feb.

It's been a very rewarding experience. Best decision I ever made. Literally saved my life.

Now for the fun part.....My surgeon and the weight loss center, stopped doing bands altogether.
I asked why, and was told, with a few exceptions such as myself, there is a high failure rate. Now I know this has been a topic here, and I did not have an opinion, until today. I trust these people whole heartily. I asked if the band was no good? Answer was the band is just fine...it's the patients who get the band who are the problem. The staff just could not "Babysit" anymore.

Sorry, many did not want to hear that...but take it from me who is successful..there is nothing wrong with the band.

Hey girls , bet you thought I had dropped off the earth.. still here still doing well, I am a little bit over my goal weight, now 135, I think I have been happy in love and eating out too much. had my skin surgery in March, feel so much better without the apron. my guy has had a few health issues but overall we are still doing great, went to Vegas in June going to go again in January.
I will try to attach picture . I think about all of you often, we also had a hurricane and were without power for 5 days It was difficult but no damage and no injuries. keep praying for the people in Puerto Rico it must be horrible for. them, . I had a hard time logging in , forgot my password but finally figured it out.
I will be checking in more I need all the support I can get.

Stevia is natural. However few people take Stevia in a 100% natural state. Real pure Stevia foams up dramatically. Truvia, however, is a small part Stevia and the rest is chemicals.

Since I don't like pure Stevia, I use Truvia despite the chemicals. I feel like it's a bit healthier than Splenda (gives me the runs) so it's my sweetener of choice.

Hey girls , bet you thought I had dropped off the earth.. still here still doing well, I am a little bit over my goal weight, now 135, I think I have been happy in love and eating out too much. had my skin surgery in March, feel so much better without the apron. my guy has had a few health issues but overall we are still doing great, went to Vegas in June going to go again in January.
I will try to attach picture . I think about all of you often, we also had a hurricane and were without power for 5 days It was difficult but no damage and no injuries. keep praying for the people in Puerto Rico it must be horrible for. them, . I had a hard time logging in , forgot my password but finally figured it out.
I will be checking in more I need all the support I can get.

I was given a card too however I have ordered kids meals before and haven't had a problem. Also, kids meals are generally not very good for you. chicken Strips, mac n cheese, etc. I sometimes just order an appetizer or Soup and salad . I was at a Red Robin's Restaurant and asked the server about a small portion explained why and he lit up like a Christmas tree, he said OMG I had weight loss surgery too and have lost 100 lbs. I told him how proud I was of him and he made some suggestions form the menu for me. I have not had any restaurant refuse my request.

Had my panillectomy surgery yesterday morning. All went well. sore this morning but glad its over. I haven't had a flat tummy in ,many years.. Bob was great first thing he said to me when I came back to recovery is
"You are so beautiful".. My daughter came to help so she and Bob spent some quality care while I was in surgery. She had to go get RXs done after . She is a awesome girl (I am partial).. Bob already got on me this morning, said I was doing too much he doesn't me some comfort foods this morning. I had talked to the physian assistant about it yesterday, I know I will be on Facebook this am so I need a nap already . liz glad you are recovering and Cory is also a good guy and I am happy he is there with you . getting ready for my morning nap. Take Care

Praying for a good recovery. My band surgery was in 2013, I am 5' 0 and I'm not sure how much stones are but I was almost 200 lbs . I remember wanting to run out of the surgical prep room, but I am so happy I decided to go with my surgery. I am healthier and more active than I had been in years. the first few days you will have some discomfort but nothing serious . the gas pain will be the worst of it, remember to stay hydrated and walk around as much a possible without overdoing. concentrate on recovery not weight loss. That will come about. Follow your Dr's instructions and after a few weeks you will start seeing the results. Best of Luck.

This month is good Well. Down 3 lbs. then up 5. Sigh. Some things rarely change....
spring is nice with tons of wildflowers from the excessive rains
Happy Moms day to those who mother anything[emoji93]

I am doing well. wore my size 6 jeans to a birthday party then we went out to karoke and dancing . it was a cool evening so I got to wear my boots too. my tummy is so flat, I am very pleased. my incisions are healing well a little tender in some parts but overall I am doing really good. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.