gowalking

I didn't realize our surgeries were only a day apart. We're band twins...LOL.

Wishing you well and hoping you can get the revision.

Just thought I'd post this pic from Saturday night at Lincoln Center. Went to see Handel's Messiah and wanted to dress very festively to go with the holiday theme. Found this outfit in my closet...it actually belonged to my mom and she gave it to me last year when she finally admitted she'd never see this size again. Those slacks are a size 6. Three years ago I was wearing slacks in a size 24. Yup...24. Anyway, I hope my smile is as bright and sparkly as the top I have on. I can't believe how much fun it is to decide what to wear instead of just putting something on that hopefully fits.

It's likely a combination of real and head hunger. I know when the snack demon rears it's ugly head in the evenings, it's time for me to do something to take my mind off food. I stop watching TV and start doing something with my hands..even if it's just solitaire on the laptop. Usually thoughts of food start to fade and I make it through another challenge. Oh...and yes, fills will help with real hunger...which will come back. Not being hungry is not realistic. It's not going to stay that way as you can already see. Start doing jigsaw puzzles..or crossword puzzles, or take up knitting. Good luck and keep us posted.

Welcome and congratulations on the beginning of your new life. I used the same surgery as you at NYU. I went with Dr. Ren but I've met Dr. Schwack once or twice. My three year anniversary is next month and not a day goes by that I don't feel so very grateful for the band and my vastly improved quality of life.

I did so much damage to my joints that even with a loss of 145 lbs., I've still undergone joint replacement surgery and I take pain meds and NSAIDS daily to deal with the pain and discomfort in my knees and other joints. I also am able to walk without a cane and in much less pain than before losing the weight so I know to take the good with the bad. I don't know why you can't take NSAIDS but don't feel like a failure for having to go through this. Think of it this way...if you hadn't lost the 85 lbs. you would probably be in much worse shape (knee-wise I mean)

Glad to hear no slip. Sorry you're spending a Sunday in the ER. One of the few places I haven't been at NYU. Been to almost every other part of that hospital though.... Keep us posted.

Nothing personal @@Ambergraham145 but I think you are on the wrong thread. We are a semi-private group of bandsters who've been on this site for several years and are a separate group of friends. Your posts should go on the main boards so others can see what you write and give you help/advice and support.

On the "goal weight" topic - I gave up on my unrealistic pre-op goal weight a long time ago. Around the 18 month mark, when I hit my lowest weight, I realized that I was never going to get there and I was totally OK with that. During this process, this has become about so much more than a number on a scale. For 43 years I identified myself as the funny fat girl - I would make self-depricating remarks and people would laugh and I wouldn't let people know how unhappy, sad and full of self loathing I was. I would eat in private - I would actually look forward to when my husband and son would leave so I could eat. It was a horrible hell in which I lived. So, I was avoiding the 17 pound weight gain - If I didn't talk about it, it didn't happen. My jeans weren't THAT tight. My fear of going back to where I was 2 years ago, quite frankly, scared the **** out of me. After a few days of regaining control, with the help of the appetite suppressants, I'm not feeling like that any more. I feel like I'm working TOWARDS my goal of healthy living, not avoiding (there is not a number attached to that "healthy living" goal"). I mentioned above this process has become more than the number on the scale - I want to expound on that, especially for the newly sleeved or the pre-oppers. My life is wonderful. This process has made me a better person - I have found out I am stronger than I ever realized. I smile ALL THE TIME. I am genuinely happy. I've become more outgoing - I make it a goal when I travel to spend time talking to one random stranger daily - that has helped with shyness and has helped me come out of my shell. My husband and I have a great relationship - we did before surgery, but now it's more (not too much detail, but the physical aspect of our relationship is much better - that was my hangup not his). My son sees me as a role model for physical activity - we work out together, we go to hot yoga together, we cook together, our relationship is stronger. Work - that has been a wild ride. I went from wanting to quit my job 14 months ago, to getting a promotion and now being viewed a valued member of the executive team. That wouldn't have happened 75 pounds ago when I was perfectly happy giving my ideas away freely and not speaking up in meetings. I now walk into a conference room and take a seat at the table as opposed to sitting in the background with my back against the wall. I simply adore what you wrote about goals and how a goal weight is not what's important. I bounce around between 120 and as much as 129. My lowest weight was 112. The numbers are not not not important. What's important is how my life has changed for the better because I'm a normal size once again. I try to stay around the same weight because I want my clothes to not be tight, and I want to feel in control. Otherwise this is all about how my life has improved. No, it's not perfect, but it's so different than it was three years ago. I am happy and healthy for the most part. I do what I want and nothing stops me...not my size, not my mobility..or lack thereof. My three year anniversary is coming up and this is what I will write about. Thanks for providing the topic @McButterpants.

CowgirlJane is sooo right. I went into the pool first and have bad joint disease in both the hips and knees. This was the only way I could exercise and after my hip replacements, water exercise helped me to rehab better than even going to physical therapy. I can't say enough for you to go this route. Good luck!

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

...and this is why I stay on these boards. Even if I don't post anything, I don't leave. I've seen too many vets disappear and just like @@McButterpants, it seems they do so when things go south. As much as we like to think folks are successful and fade away into the sunset, and their lives, I am even more convinced that a large portion go away because they are struggling. I refuse to do this. I'm still about ten lbs. heavier than I was at my 'happy place' of 115 but every morning I remind myself it's a new day and do my best to stay on track. Glad to see you here again @@McButterpants and hoping this suggestion by your doctor helps you to get back on track. This just shows me that the fight against bad choices is a daily struggle and some days we do well and others not so much. If I've said it once, I'll say it a hundred times. Don't tell me that food is not an addiction. We're all addicts and the hunger monster is always lurking.

You're likely very swollen. Agree with the poster above. I hope you went directly to the emergency room or spoke to your surgeon.

It sounds like you are overfilled to me as well but I'm not a doctor. Tell him or her exactly what you just posted so it can be taken care of and you can use the band as it's supposed to be used. No one should have issues getting food down other than sliders.

Hey Gowalking! Hello back at you. It looks like our surgery dates are about six months apart. I am glad the recent fill is working for you. I had one, too, and I feel like I am still adjusting. I have about seven pesky pounds that have crept back that I need to shed. Good luck with your goal. Good luck to you too Kat. Where in Florida are you? I come down often to the Ft. Lauderdale area where my folks live.

Just checking in with my peeps to find out how everyone is doing. I know it's a very busy time of the year but hoping everyone is doing well and staying on track. I'm going to go for another fill after the new year. It's better since the recent fill, but I'd like a little more satiety so I'm going to get a bit more Fluid put in. Still hovering around 125 lbs. Up and down a couple but not gaining steady as I was. Still hoping to get under 120 and that's my short term goal. Long term is what it always was. Stay in control, stay healthy, and be happy. FYI, nearly three years for me. I'll post something once I'm closer to my bandiversary. Happy Tuesday!

Keep looking at your before and after picture. One of the things that works for me is that I dress up alot this time of the year. I buy some new items as well. It's a great reminder of how much I love to dress up now and love to go clothes shopping. Basically try finding other ways to satisfy yourself that are not food related.

LOL...only a fellow NYer would want to know what we saw. Fun Home. It won the Tony back in June but just got around to seeing it last night.

I went to a play tonight with my sister and found myself sitting between her and another gal who was also a large lady. If I hadn't lost all the weight, I would have never fit between them...and all three of us would have been very uncomfortable. Even with my sister and this other lady spilling over into 'my space', I was fine. How many times can I say thank you for this band? How about every single time I fit somewhere that I used to not be able to.

Enjoy it because it may not last. You are likely swollen from surgery. Once the swelling subsides you may find yourself hungry again and in need of a fill or two. Oh...and welcome to the banded life. Here's hoping it's as good for you as it's been for me.

Fantastic! What a dress...and you look spectacular in it. I hope the hubby couldn't keep his hands off you!

Just know that it will take some time for you to know what looks good and what doesn't. You will buy things just because they fit. It's how we used to shop. Slowly but surely you will realize that if you don't buy something at one store, you can try ten more. The world opens up to you once you are out of women's sizes. I truly bought and wore several items once and not again. I looked at some of the outfits I bought once I had them home and just shook my head sadly not knowing what had come over me. There's going to be alot of mistakes but if you learn from them, they will be learning experiences. Look at this as a fun thing...not a dreaded task to get through. At some point you will feel this way but till you do, just fake it till you make it!

I don't think it's about being perfect...I think it's about having the band do its job and help you/us to be successful. I would still look to the medical professionals to help with this so your band can work the way it's supposed to. Sorry if I sound like a numbskull but I would look to my doctor(s) for help and not feel as if I was a failure...because you're not.

Hi Crystal. I was banded in January of 2013. I'm doing fine but posts like this worry me as I can't help but wonder if this is my future. I have no advice as I haven't experienced what you are going through but my first thought is what does your doctor say? Why have you had multiple slips? Why do you say you are a failed band patient? It sounds to me like you are trying to get back on track and not trying to eat around or cheat the band. I'm hoping you can get the help and support you need. Please keep us posted on your progress.

It's just a number kiddo. You look fantastic!