gowalking

Hi Mel. It sounds like you don't actually have a plan and that's likely much of the problem. Some of the suggestions by other posters are terrific and you should try to follow some or all of them. For now, you should always be prepared with healthy choices. Why you reach for food when you have emotional issues is something that probably means therapy or at least a support group to figure out why you have these behaviors. I'm banded nearly two years and am both in therapy and always planning my food and food choices so I don't sabotage all the good work I've put in so far.

Ah...Jim....looks like you guys had a great time. This makes me so happy.

There are a few of us who have restriction with no fills. I've lost 150 lbs. and have been banded nearly two years.

you all are the best!

I had a lovely time and attached a photo for you folks to see. Not a great shot but you get the drift. All I care about is that I felt normal and while it means nothing to those who've always felt that way, for me it's a place that took alot of hard work to get to and I'm not about to take it for granted.

Hi all. The thread is quiet because we haven't had a support group meeting in a while. Apologies for that but it seems that life tends to get in the way. Lisa and I have been working behind the scenes though to come up with topics and venues and we hope to have information on the next get together shortly. Thanks for all your patience and please feel free to suggest venues local for you and topics you are interested in. I think it might be worth investigating using this thread as a virtual venue between actual face to face meetings. I'll surely discuss it with Lisa and we'll keep you posted.

I agree with all the comments but I love what Bandista wrote. Compliments are OK but when you are called out on how big you were, it's uncomfortable. Believe me....I know how fat I was..you don't have to remind me. I'm actually glad that most comments about my weight loss have leveled off. Now I get mostly comments on the pretty dress or outfit I'm wearing and not 'how much have you lost?' Way more preferable in my opinion.

Tonight is the company Christmas party. It's a formal affair at a local hotel with a cocktail hour, then dining and dancing. I have a little black dress, sexy shoes, bling on my clutch and bling for my accessories. I'm wearing the full length mink and I know I will be beautiful tonight. How wonderful to look forward to something instead of fearing it because I'm the biggest person in the room, or because I can't find a chair to sit in because my knees are killing me. For anyone struggling with holiday treats and temptations, think about how much better life is at a healthy weight instead of being overweight or obese. For me, it's easy to walk away from the buffet table especially when I can do it in kick-ass shoes and in no pain and with no cane.

I see a therapist for a number of issues, most of them surrounding the weight. It surely can't hurt to discuss your concerns and fears. I think any time we go through a life changing experience, seeing a professional is always a good idea. Good luck.

So happy for you!

Do you have a gym or a Y near you? That's where I go. The Y is cheaper than the gym. It's not fancy but it works just fine for me. Plus I wound up making friends there as well which is always a really nice bonus.

I have joint disease so running is not a good thing for me. I swim laps and do aqua exercises. That might be an option for you as well. Much much easier on your joints because of the Water obviously but still building muscle and strength because of the resistance.

Doesn't matter what it is, just as long as you tried something new. That's what this is all about. Getting back into life. Oh, and just a little story from when I was a teenager. My mom and I tried a Yoga class and we got kicked out because we were laughing too hard and annoying the other people in the class. We were very sorry but it's hard not to laugh when you are told to be one with the floor.

That's interesting because when I hand over my drivers license to the TSA agent at the airport, if it's a woman, she always says congratulations......

Congratulations and welcome to the banded life. Believe me....wonderful things are coming your way.

The band is not supposed to stop you from eating. It's supposed to help with satiety so you don't overeat. Before looking to have revision surgery, I'd speak with the doctor and/or nutritionist to determine what type of food plan you should be following and if you indeed need an adjustment. I have no fills and can eat anything. I don't get stuck and I don't slime. I eat slowly, and take small bites just so I don't look to overeat. The satiety usually kicks in shortly thereafter but not always. Sometimes I just have to grit me teeth and find something else to do besides eat more. You also don't mention if you exercise. Physical movement also can help you drop the weight. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

You ladies will love this... I went on a date last Saturday with another gentleman I met online (I am not exclusive though it feels odd to be dating more than one at a time) and he must have told me a half dozen times how darn cute I was. I am starting to get that the guys in my age bracket do find me somewhat attractive. I swear..one of these days I'll believe it. But anyway...after telling me I was cute, he decides to give me a nickname. Instead of calling me Elizabeth, he's calling me dorabeth...as in adorable Elizabeth. I know...a little sickly sweet but I kinda like it. Now there's another guy sniffing around. He's from New Haven, which is really too far away for us to start anything in my opinion, but it's just so weird to me to get this kind of attention. As long as I don't do anything stupid, it's kinda cool. Weather update...we're in the path of a true Nor'Easter and it's raining like crazy here. For all of you in the storm's path, be careful today. Have a great Tuesday everyone!

My port is to the right of my belly button and a little above. I could barely feel or see it when I got banded but now, down nearly 150 lbs., it sticks out quite obviously. It isn't noticeable with clothes on but it's pretty obvious in a bathing suit..or with no clothes on.

OK friends...I pulled out the comforter. Can't use the quilt anymore...too cold now.

Aww... thanks Joe!

Congratulations. Wishing you all the best.

I hope you and Kelly have a wonderful trip Jim! Take lots of pictures so we can see them, OK?

I wonder if the good doctor has ever been fat. Has he ever struggled to not eat what he knows is not good for him? Sort of like an alcoholic knows a drink is not good for him. My eyes (and brain) light up like the Empire State Building when I pass a restaurant and think about the wonderful things cooking away in it. I have no issue walking past a liquor store, a casino, or saying no thanks to a friend passing the weed... Shall I continue? I take full responsibility for my situation. So much so that I talk to my therapist about it constantly. This does not mean I am not a food addict. Substitute food for any other addiction, and that's me. Eating in secret? Not being able to stop even when you know you are so full that you want to throw up? Eating things that will keep you up at night with GERD and having your throat burn with it? If that's not addiction, I don't know what is.

Good for you! No one can take advantage of you if you don't allow it. Stay strong.

I've had meniscus tears both knees and residual crap scoped out as well. I agree with the above poster. I swim laps and it's very easy on the knees and all joints because of the buoyancy but still a workout because of the resistance of the Water. I also bike at the gym. You can also google knee exercises or even just do leg lifts using bands for resistance or add ankle weights as well.