gowalking

I have a scoop of protein powder in water every day to boost my protein and get my hair to stop falling out. I'm sure a protein drink is absolutely fine.

Track your calories Liz....that's the secret. This way, you know exactly what's going in rather than guessing. Good luck!

that's amazing...you look like you've lost twice what it says on your ticker...maybe more. you go!

Hi slkesler. I have constant pain and even with all the weight loss, am still in need of not just knee replacement, but hips as well due to an auto-immune issue. The only exercise I can do is in the pool for obvious reasons. I swim, or if I can't swim, I dog paddle. I also do strengthening exercises. Not to lose weight but to get my legs stronger for the upcoming surgeries. Good luck, I so understand and feel your pain.

Amen!

Everything is relative. Most of us are/were obese and being just overweight is a success.

Went to the eye doctor and you know that thing you have to hold onto so they can look in your eyes? You know, where you have to put your chin in the rest, and keep your forehead on the bar? I remember having to hold on for dear life because my big fat self couldn't get my head where it needed to be. Well, no problem this time. I got my chin in the rest easily and there was plenty of room in the chest area because the big massive boobs are no longer in the way. Loving the normalcy that comes without being obese anymore. In fact, I went out to dinner with my family last week and my sister, who is very heavy, did not sit next to me as I expected she would. I realized she wouldn't be able to sit in that spot because it was too close to the wall and there wouldn't have been room for her so I slid over to that chair so mom and dad would be able to sit together on the other side of me. I fit in that space next to sis just fine and said a silent prayer that I didn't have to worry about table space anymore, or fitting into a booth, or fitting into a chair with arms. It's truly a wondrous thing!

Oh boy can I appreciate your NSV Heccat. I was also needing new clothes and went shopping last week. I was wearing size 20 jeans and for the heck of it, I tried on a pair of size 14s. Well...no question that they were tight, but heck, they zipped up just fine. I was just standing there staring at myself in the mirror because I don't recognize this person staring back. I'm not thin....far from it. I still would like to see another 30 or so pounds gone. But when I started this journey, I was wearing size 26/28 which means I've dropped six clothing sizes. That amazes me...and horrifies me as well. To think I was that heavy....gosh...I never want to go there again.

I spend so much less on food that it's ridiculous. I went from probably $1,000 a month to maybe $400..and that doesn't even include saving on ordering take out....which I don't do anymore 'cause it's mostly fast food. I don't spend a whole lot on clothes because I'm buying cheap right now since I'm still losing weight but last week I bought two Coach pocketbooks and a wallet. I rationalized it by saying I'm saving so much on my food bill. ....and Coach products really wear very well so it's a good investment.

Well...don't you look wonderful. Congrats on the weight loss!

I agree with bigcheese but I must tell you that the first egg drop soup I had after banding was the most delicious thing I ever had after all that crappy herb-ox stuff. Remeber...everything in moderation. As long as you don't overdo, why not have it if you are allowed. Enjoy!

Me too Katie. West Village. There are a bunch of us city folk on the forum and we sorta found each other because most of us were banded at NYU. Are you in the city itself or in one of the outer boroughs?

Faaaantastic!!!

great progress. congrats on your success!

I swear by this app. No more guessing what the calorie/sodium/protein/sugar amounts of foods are. It allows me to stay in my 1,000-1,150 daily calorie zone with such ease. Not too long ago I even plugged in a 'typical' day of food prior to being banded and to my horror, I ate as much as 3,000 calories a day at times. No wonder I was so overweight. Between the band and this app, I'm down 85 lbs. since January 1st.

Lady Garden....oh that is just hysterical!!

Constipation is a very common problem especially after surgery and if you are taking pain meds. Call your doctor for instructions on what to do for this issue as we all combat this problem differently. I myself take a prescription medication, a stool softener, and Mirilax to keep me regular...but I'm banded 7 1/2 months...not a few days..

Hi PJ. I'm 8 1/2 months banded, down 85 lbs. and have never had a fill. It's not willpower..it's just a fortunate thing that I have been in the green zone since day one. Yes...I get hungry when mealtime is close but for the most part, I am satisfied throughout the day and can eat around 1100 calories daily without being constantly hungry. I even had to up my Protein because I'm suffering from hair loss. I started taking the

wow...thanks to all for your feedback. That's why this forum is so helpful...I really like the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and personal stories. I especially liked your take on the topic hazel...very insightful.

OK, I realized yesterday that I'm being treated differently since the weight loss. As many of you know, I have hip and knee issues and use a cane. I've been using the cane for two years and for the most part, folks are very good about letting me sit, or other needs I have because of my disability. But...I noticed something very interesting and somewhat disturbing when I flew last week and again last night. I've never had anyone assist with getting my bag over the gap between the plane and the jetway before and it happened both times I flew recently. I also noticed a difference in how I'm perceived and all I can imagine is that there is alot less concern and sympathy for the obese woman on a cane versus the more normal sized woman I am now...though still on the cane. I get alot more 'can I help you?' comments than I did before. This makes me sad....I'm the same person I was with the same problems, but I'm perceived differently now. I understand it's the new reality but I guess it will take some getting used to...

It's wonderful to feel normal. So glad you enjoyed your summer and I bet that water slide was a blast.

uncomfortable as in bringing attention to yourself? If yes, not to worry. No one cares what you are eating...they only care about what they are eating. I eat out a lot with friends and family some of whom know I am banded, and some who do not. No one has ever said a word.....and I always have the old standby ready....'oh I'm just not that hungry'.

I truly feel your pain. My hair was/is also falling out and a couple of weeks ago, I too saw scalp and panicked. I went to the nutritionist and she said indeed, I was not getting enough Protein so I now take a packet of

Good luck to you Journey. Your story resonated with me because I've had a bad knee for several years and finally knew that I'd need it replaced and heard the news I suspected but didn't know for sure. At 267 lbs. I was not a good candidate for knee replacement. I knew at that point that I needed help to lose weight and I went forward with the band. I'm banded now a little over 7 months and was cleared for surgery when I got to 200 lbs...some six months earlier than anyone expected. I'm now at 182 so I've even gone well below the 200 number and I know the more I lose, the better my rehab will go. I've since found out that my hips are also involved and while the doctors feel that there is an underlying systemic cause for my joint degeneration, I know in my heart and my gut that carrying around that extra weight for so many years surely didn't help any. Keep us posted on your progress and know that there is great support and information on this site.

oh I've always been able to feel my port and now that I'm down 85 lbs., I can feel it quite easily. I don't even have to press..I can just run my hand over the area and feel it.