gowalking

Go into therapy. I'm not kidding. Some folks do just fine, but most of us have issues when we change our physical selves so much. I've lost nearly half my size and do not recoginize myself when I look in the mirror. I too have days where I feel normal sized and others where I still very much feel like the fat girl. I am currently seeing a psychologist to help me with these issues. I'm doing this so that I don't sabotage all the work I put in to lose the weight. Good luck to you and please keep me posted.

Haven't barfed once since being banded. Can eat anything and I do. Just in small amounts. Even worms....

You are not a wreck. You are amazing. The fact that you are still here after such terrible experiences tells me that you are strong. I am in awe of your strength. Losing weight is going to be a breeze for you after having made it through so much. You are a wonderful, strong, beautiful woman. Wishing you the best.

...if the size 8 slacks I ordered fit. Well...was bawling like a baby when I tried them on. They're a little tight right now, but they fit and in a few weeks, they'll be very comfortable. Even if I lose as little as five lbs., I know they'll fit OK because I realize now that small losses at this point means going down a whole size. It took about 35 or so lbs. for me to go from the 26/28 size I started at to 22/24 and I didn't actually buy new till I got to a 20. Last August I bought 16's for the first time in years and was thrilled. FF a little less than a year and now I'm staring down a size 8. I can't believe it. I haven't worn a size 8 since before my oldest was born...35 years ago. No wonder people don't recognize me....

Thank you for sharing. I for one, enjoyed it thoroughly and it's made me even more determined to get to London next year. I thought I'd never make it and now I'm inspired to give it a shot even if I can't do it all. I realize I can't wait for the perfect moment. At 55 (almost 56), there isn't going to be a perfect time. My hips are good finally and the knees and back will just have to hold up as best they can. Thanks again JustWatchMe.

Hooray! Are y'all related?

Hey people....I keep seeing you all saying you'll never eat this or that again. Just know that this is not necessarily true. Some things yes, you may have trouble with, but there are lots of folks, myself included, who can eat anything. We just choose not to...or choose to eat it sparingly. The only thing most of us can't do is plow into it like we used to. Here's a perfect example. I still eat carbs, just a little as compared to BB (before banding). I would eat two or three bowls of noodles and sauce. Honestly. Now I eat 1/4 cup. I know I could likely eat a whole cup but I'd probably not feel well if I did it....and I'd gain back weight as well. So I choose to eat 1/4 cup and my band stops me from pigging out on it. Like so many on this site say, 'it's a tool and not a magic wand'. That phrase works for any WLS you are having.

If you've started eating solid foods, that could be the reason for the gain. My advice...eat similar to how you would do if you were on weight watchers. I eat 3 oz. Protein, 1/2 cup of veggies and 1/4 cup of carbs for lunch and dinner. I make sure to stay under 1200 calories a day and that worked extremely well. I've lost nearly half my weight and I've gotten my heath back. I can't ask for more than that. Stay on this forum, read applicable posts and ask questions when you have them. You will absolutely find the friends and mentors you are looking for.

Ask your doctor if you're on track. Don't compare yourself to others. There's always someone losing more than you..though your weight loss is extraordinary. You will have to increase your calories at some point. 300 or 400 calories daily is just not enough. Don't be surprised if you're alot less fuzzy as time goes on. You're ripe for hair loss if you keep going this way. I'm not a medical professional and would never try to tell someone what to do but just make sure you are getting the nutrients you need, OK? Good luck and wishing you the best....

There are 100 calorie ice creams out there. If you feel comfortable eating one of those and not four of them....then you should be OK. But remember...it's a treat and has to be something you eat once in a while, not all the time. Good luck!

I loved reading your story. It's all about the little things...or for us, the big things. I was in very bad shape when I got banded. I needed both hips replaced and I had no choice but to lose the weight. I couldn't walk a block without having to sit. I used a cane...and I'm sure because your husband had a knee replacement, you know what it's like to need a sock aid just to put on socks, and to know that you can't get your legs over the tub to get into the shower. No sitting on the floor, no bending down...nothing. Well, today I am walking...my forum name came true! I can move again, I fit anywhere, I cross my legs, put on my socks like everyone else, I do everything like everyone else. This surgery saved my life and that is my ah ha moment.

I ate so much before I started my pre-op diet that I literally made myself sick. You will get through this and it's not unusual. And hopefully, your relationship with food will change as it has for me. To paraphrase what a friend said, 'nothing tastes as good as normal' feels. I use normal rather than thin but you can use whatever you like. The point is that once you get healthier and to a more normal weight, and with the help of your tool, you will not miss food as much as you think you will. Good luck! Oh...and thesuse....Dr. Ren was my surgeon as well though it was a band and not the sleeve. She's terrific as is all the staff at NYU. She banded Alex too.... So good luck to you also!

Im smiling from ear to ear. Fantabulous!

Supportive family is important no matter what. Like healthynewme I am middle aged with elderly parents. I'm visiting them now as a matter of fact. They are quite reserved when it comes to compliments but late one night dad told me how proud he and mom are that I took back my life and got healthier. Its always good to hear of others with supportive family members. Welcome to the forum.

There are plusses and minuses to any procedure. Most bandsters go that route for the same reason you are.... its less invasive. The band should work for you as long as you are compliant. There's a reason its attached to my signature... if you follow the rules, the weight will come off. Good luck with whichever wls you choose.

Oh this is an easy one. I take cabs from the train station to my office. Most of the cabbies were not born here so English is their second language and as such, they often cannot use the nuances of those who learned English as children. So one day I get into the cab with a driver who hadn't seen me for about three months. He looks at me and says, 'oh, you are not so fat anymore.' What else could I say other than thank you. LOL!

Thanks for the details of Pompeii. I can't wait to do my own European tour.

For those with complications I'm sure there are regrets. It only makes sense. For those who have been successful there are no regrets. I'm one of the success stories. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that I have been reborn. I had almost no mobility due to obesity and severe arthritis. I am writing this post poolside after swimming laps. I can only describe this as a miracle. Really... a frigging miracle. How's that for an endorsement?

Send a PM to Alex. He'll get back to you one way or the other

Welcome JoAnn. I have arthritis as do many others on this forum. I was in horrific pain and almost bedridden. Now I can do almost anything. I just did laps in the pool and a year ago all I could do was paddle around a little. Good luck to you!

I don't recall the exact instructions from my surgeon but I try to give myself a decent buffer... except when I'm treating myself to a glass or two of wine with dinner. Then all bets are off.

I'm in awe. Your story is spectacular as are your pics.

Just one comment here Mary Jo. A true food addict doesn't need to wait for a holiday. Believe me, I know.

Good topic for discussion at a future support group Lisa (and Alex)

Better still karina...don't focus on the numbers. Focus on the NSVs. They are infinitely more satisfying than a number on a scale.