gowalking

Hi all: Just a reminder that we are getting together. Anyone from the tri-state area is more than welcome. Details are noted below. As I mentioned in an earlier post, if this goes well and we want to meet regularly, we can look to find a space that is not food-centric. See you on Saturday. Date: Saturday, February 8th, 2014 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Europa Cafe. 1412 Broadway (between 39th and 40th streets)

Hi all: Now that I know the weather will cooperate, I just wanted to send this out again to remind everyone about Saturday. Some of us have been trying to figure out a way that we can recognize each other but I must admit I don't have any ideas. I'm rather hesitant to carry a flower or some such thing. So...just look around for a curly haired brunette with a cane. That will be me. If anyone has an idea for how to find each other, please say so. See you soon! Liz

Sorry you are not feeling well. CG made a request for lot's of pics as well so I'll make sure we take some. Alex is joining us and we're going to talk about trying to do these meet ups on a regular basis if possible so hopefully those who can't make it this time will be able to come for another meeting.

Started noticing my hair thinning around 7 months post op and after upping my protein, and taking the Biotin, I noticed it coming back in about six weeks ago..so as others have said, it takes a while. It's still not as thick as it used to be but at least you can't see scalp anymore. Hang in there...it will come back.

I don't watch the show but it sounds like it has nothing to do with sensible diet and exercise and is just another contest for entertainment purposes. This isn't a slam on anyone who watches and enjoys it....let's just understand what it is....and what it isn't. Do they do any 'where are they now' episodes? I bet not....

you look fabulous!!

Very common issue with bandsters. Check with your doctor and follow his/her instructions. Also...pain meds tend to increase that problem so talk to the doctor about that as well.

I forgot if you responded to the NYC meet and greet. If yes, apologies. If no, can you join us on Saturday? I can send the details to you in a PM if you'd like.

If you know that the head hunger is bad while reading or watching TV, try to do something else instead. Some people knit, or paint their nails, take a bath, do a puzzle...go for a walk... All those things can help you to pass the time without mindlessly indulging. Good luck!

I started a thread yesterday about using food to self soothe when we are under stress. Now...I'm not talking about tricks to avoid things like head hunger...I'm talking about how to handle major stresses in our lives. I've seen posts from folks who've suffered the loss of a loved one, who are dealing with serious illness, who have issues with partners and/or children...major issues, not just day to day stuff, and many of these folks revert to overeating or eating poorly again and I was wondering what it is that we can do to deal with very stressful periods in our lives without reverting back to destructive food habits. Any suggestions? What works for you? Please feel free to share.

I know it sounds silly, but use smaller plates. That way, it looks like more food when it isn't. I don't use dinner plates anymore...I use paper plates alot. They are smaller and work great. If you have salad plates, try that...or even kiddie plates.

That's exactly what I'm referring to Cheryl! How do we find other ways to cope with stress that are not destructive to our weight loss/maintenance journeys? What a great outlet you have by being able to write. Maybe I should start another thread with suggestions for handling stress without turning to food as we have done in the past. Any suggestions out there?

"It's easy to grin When your ship comes in And you've got the stock market beat. But the man worthwhile, Is the man who can smile, When his shorts are too tight in the seat" Sorry all...just being silly today. ..and for the younger crowd who don't recognize it, this is a quote from the greatest golf movie ever made...Caddyshack.

I’ve noticed a number of posts lately from bandsters who are non compliant due to stressful situations in their lives. I am very sympathetic to anyone dealing with difficult situations but not so sympathetic with those who deal by eating too much, or eating poorly. I can’t help but think it’s just an excuse to self sabotage. If you were an alcoholic, you would avoid drinking during stressful times. Otherwise, you would be back to drinking uncontrollably again. Same for us foodaholics...and yes, I'm a foodaholic. If stress makes you reach for a cookie or a taco, what makes you think you won’t eat a box of Cookies or a ton of tacos? We must must must find better outlets for our stress. It’s bad enough when things are not going well, but to risk your success on top of that to me is just completely destructive. I’m not saying I have the answers, I just think this is a topic worth discussing.

The greatest five words I can think of. For me, this is what it's all about. Control. This I can now control even if I control nothing else, I can control the food I eat. No...I'm not turning into an anorexic...I love food too much for that. But I can sort of understand it now. Which is why I'm getting away from using the myfitness pal app. I know at this point, what the basic calorie counts are and what foods you just need to stay away from. I still weigh things out at home but that's all I'm going to do. I don't want to turn this into an obsession...I just want to make sure I stay accountable to myself.

awww...thanks Bandista.

I'm 13 months banded with no fills. I also have restriction even without a fill and I also think don't fix what ain't broke. If I find myself hungry too often down the road, I'll talk to the doctor at that time. And no...it's not plain willpower. I've dieted enough to know the difference.

I know what you mean. food controls you in that you can't/won't/don't stop and you eat to excess. You also eat food that is not healthy for you. I am all about control...ask my therapist and she'll tell you..lol. When I choose healthier options, and choose not to overeat..and believe me, it's a choice, I am in control of my intake and that feels so fantastic. It's better than the fleeting good feeling from overeating that quickly turns to self hate and all that other crap we deal with. Then, you have the bonus of the weight loss on top of that. It's not easy, but it's so worth it. Imagine eating a delicious meal and walking away not stuffed..but satisfied. You get to eat what you enjoy and the bonus is that if you stayed within your band sized portion, you stayed in control of the food and didn't let the food control you. Does that make sense?

Vous êtes magnifique!

Per the BMI scale, I just slipped into 'overweight'. If this is overweight, I'll take it. I'm the one in the jeans.

OK, I'm following this topic as I am also starting to think about maintenance over losing. I was thinking I'd follow the same plan as I've been doing and just wait to see where my weight stops and then continue as is. Looking forward to hearing from the vets on this. Thanks for starting this thread Pretty.

Glad you're feeling better Spartan. That's a fear of mine as well. Fortunately, I've not thrown up in many years so hoping this is a non issue especially as I have no fills yet. Stay warm and dry today....it's plenty messy here in the city.

if you will feel more in control if you bring the food scale, then do it. if you are obsessing over the bathroom scale, then get rid of it. do what makes you feel comfortable. enjoy your vacation!

I'm from New York City Pinky..and we don't come any tougher when we need to be, that's for sure. Again...good luck with your surgery...you'll do great.

Were you being chastised for getting WLS? If that's what her remark was about, oh hell, I'd have looked her dead in the eye and said, 'well then, you stay fat and this skinny bitch will dance on your grave.' I bet that would have shut her up.