Shazam

My doctor informed me not to have carbonation because it expands and bloats your stomach. Because of that, I haven't had a soda since prior to surgery. I'm nearly 2 years out.

We were heavy for a reason. So why go back to old habits. It seems silly to me to continue to drink the stuff. I've had diet non carbonated drinks and can't even stomach those either. Just Water or Protein drinks for me.

Am I crazy that I hate it when people comment on my weight loss. I absolutely hate it.. First off I'm not one to have any attention ok maybe just not to much attention .on me lol.. I am Having a hard time with how other people see me it's crazy I'm sick of the fuss they are making about my weightloss. I'm not a show and tell puppet. It's becoming annoying crazy as it sounds I'm tired of hearing I can barely recognize you how much did you lose etc... Why so caught up on the number I'm the same person I always was Inside. I never thought I would be called skinny at first I loved it now I hate it. My aunt commenting on how small my clothes are well I'm yes 12 is a lot smaller than a 22/24. Yes my band helped but I'm working it and working out 4-6 days a week. My brother thinks I'm too skinny and is worried really wtf I still feel I need to lose another 50-60 pounds .... The sagging skin and sorry guys for tmi the deflated boobs are hard on my self esteem lately. When I was 22.24 I never said do I look fat now at a size 12 I'm questioning it...it's crazy cause I never saw me as fat now I can't see the slim down version of me. My self image of me is altered. Yes I'm working on that with help. I hate seeing people who I haven't seen in a while at first it was fun and great for the ego n now I hate it . This is a crazy crazy post I get it but today my neighbor made such a fuss over me I wanted to die ... She said her daughter didn't recognize me well guess what I have no idea who ur daughter is now do care. Then I have people who don't notice n I love it cause to me that means you saw me for me not what I looked like if that makes sense. I know I can't be the only one who feels this way... Any pointers on how to cope ?

Reading your post reminds me of myself at times. I completely understand where you are coming from.

I also, hate when people now watch I eat, as if they are now expecting me to fail. Or if I have something I shouldn't they have this need to point it out. And I rarely, do too.

that is right.....do better today.....all we can do... whats done is done......you got this you know what to do and how so lets do it hang in there OK

CarolinaGirl, thanks. So far today, I did awesome. One day at a time. Sometimes, one minute at a time.

I'm ok. Thanks!!

I think over time, we get complacent. I have found myself falling back into bad habits. We become less vigilent about what and how much we are eating. I have lost enough weight to feel good and I think sometimes we get comfortable with that. I want to get to my goal this year for sure so I can start maintaining but I have to get back to the reality that I have a band for a reason and stop fooling myself into thinking I can eat badly and still lose weight. I try to come on here and read some post especially the success stories to get myself motivated and I have promised myself that I would get back to my support group meetings. Getting back on track is difficult but having surgery and doing all of the liquids, etc. was not easy either. Hang in there and keep talking to yourself about why you had your surgery.

This is so true. Currently, I've been struggling. Old habits are creeping up. Along with missing some foods. I too, want to reach my goal. I'm going to shake it off, stand up, and get back on track. Thanks!!

I was banded. My doctor told me the sleeve is good for anyone with over 100 pounds to loose.

I wanted the band because it was safer. Less complications, and not permanent.

Congrats and welcome to your new life!!!

I was told 1-2 lbs a week. So on a good month, 8 lbs. and on a bad month, 4lbs. Anything more than that count it a blessing.

It does slow down. But hang in there. It does keep going.

Stay away from carbs, drink Water, and exercise.

Yeah I hate reading the posts regarding cheating. I need more inspiration and motivation. Not if I eat this, or if I eat that. That is literally asking for failure.

And I'm not meaning it to be judgmental, I meaning it because I went through so many hoops to have my surgery, recovery from surgery, loosing weight, and I don't want to go back to be heavy and medicated from obesity.

Stay strong and stay focused.

I think everything in the thread can be used for real life as well as the forum. As I mentioned, all we really need to do is be accountable to ourselves and keep our side of the street clean. Don't let people's egos or behaviors affect you.

I wish I could like this 10 times.

We all do not measure success in the same way. One person may only want to lose enough weight to get off of some medications or be eligible for knee surgery. We don't know what everyone's story is nor should we want to. The only thing we need to worry about is keeping our side of the street clean. Do not measure other people's journey's by your own measure of success. I can guarantee you the folks on here will never be able to meet your expectations. Remember, expectations are merely future resentments. Do yourself a favor and don't take other people's inventory. But don't let that keep you from sharing your experiences. When you share your experience, strength and hope, the one you are helping is yourself. Keep it real, folks. Remember where we all came from, lest we be damned to repeat it.

Lots of excellent advise. And PDXman did say it best.

I was actually referring to real people I know. Looking back, I didn't realize what I said could be used for the forum as well.

I guess I'm frustrated from my friends, whining and crying, while shoveling crap into their mouth. While I'm over her trying to be Miss Goody Two Shoes.

I should try to stop watching others and worry about myself. That's when I actually do my best. Because when it comes down to the scale, it's me and the scale.

Thanks all!!!

Does it irk anyone, when you see others who have had WLS and they are cheating? I know it isn't my business. But...these are the same individuals who have asked me for help, in either diet or exercise. So, yeah, it kinda does irk me.

Am I jealous that they are snacking on something yummy and delicious? I don't know.

I just know, I'm trying my darnedest to stay focused, to move to the 10 lbs under, to hopefully reach my goal. I know when I've cheated and it always sets me back. Which is why I'm trying not too.

I do not want to be one of those who gains it all back. I have a few friends who seem to already given up. I do not want to be one of them.

Even if I do not loose another pound, I do not want to gain it all back. I'm healthier now. I'm able to function without being out of breath.

So, am I the only one who gets angry when I see this.? I don't want to go back to being shy, scared, and not outgoing. I like who I've become.

I indulge in SF chocolate every once in awhile. I found mini SF Reese's in the store that tastes the same as regular ones

Oooooooooooo I did not know about this. Thanks. Shopping!!! Yum! And all these ideas are awesome. I love the apple pie/applesauce idea!!! Thanks all.

You both honestly look amazing!! You should be so proud of yourselves!!! That's is awesome!!!

Very inspiring. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So happy for you!!! That's awesome. In fact, it's F-Ing A! Congrats. Stay strong. Enjoy your new life!!

There is no issue with drinking wine except its a bunch of empty calories. Alcohol in general is a bunch of empty calories.

This woman is correct-amundo! Why waste calories, use them for other things. Sure I could see for special occasions. But even that, me personally, I don't go there.

As a matter of fact, my friend was banded, and I am beginning to believe she has a drinking problem. I have heard that's possible after becoming banded.

I avoid it. That's my opinion.

Sweet gift to yourself!!! Happy new life!!!

Your picture is AWESOME!!!

CarolinaGirl still trades emails with her I believe? I haven't heard from her since November. You know sometimes I go back and look at old threads to see how some people came to be where they are in their journey and I run across all these old posts from people who used to post here all the time. I guess some people have lives ourside of this forum huh? Anyway, I wonder about Floridays, sojourner, ms maui and others. Hope they're thin and happy!

Hi. I'm here on and off. I want to be here more, but enrolled in school and homework is kinda killing me. But enjoying it at the same time.

You're right though, I do find some of the oldies have found lives or something. I know I need to come back to stay focused. I love seeing the transformations of individuals. I took pics of myself at the beginning, and I can sometimes see it in myself and other times not.

What I do feel is fantastic.

Sometimes people do not realize when you have the band, you're supposed to follow the rules given to you by your doctor to actually see results. High Protein, low carb, no carbonation drinks, no chocolatta fruitatta anything drinks, drink Water Water water, and you'll see results. Along with exercise.

It isn't easy. The band is a tool. And any tool used incorrectly can fail.

But getting back to what I was saying, I got off track. When I'm not here, I do miss everyone. You are a big part of me. Even though I've lost, I still need you all. And I imagine, when I hit goal, I will continue to need you.

Stay strong and focused all!!!

Yes, takes time for the brain to catch up with the body

Yes. You're correct.

Does anyone forget? What I mean is, forget you are able to use a regular stall in the restroom instead of using the handicapped for the space. Forget you're a smaller size when shopping. Forget you can do things like out your pants on without sitting down.

For me, every now and then I forget. It gives me such great joy every time when I realize I can do these things or more because of The Band. It gives me strength to keep going, when little things like that somehow show up in my day.

Old habits die hard I guess. Trying to make the new ones, one day at a time.

I mean no disrespect when I ask this question - but it seems that there are two distinct 'types' of banders - those that are looking to lose weight by any means necessary (even if it's surgery), and those that are making a lifestyle change. I know that when I started this whole process over a year ago, I had behavior modification classes, and spent weeks on mindful eating, etc. -all mandated by my surgeon. But when I see the posts from people two weeks post surgery eating taquitos, chicken strips, and things involving high calorie dressings/sauces and asking about ice cream in Protein shakes - I wonder what is the mindset of that person? Why go through all of this? I am just shocked that anyone would spend this time, energy and pain to toss it all for ranch dressing. Maybe I am the exception. Maybe I am more sensitive because I was a self-pay, and the idea of someone getting $20K surgery, and having McDonald's 10 days later burns me up. But is there a thread for people that are more or less "embracing" this new lifestyle instead of trying to skirt it? Also - before the barrage of nasty messages starts - I have had a square of chocolate, and had a piece of "regular" cheese here and there - but I know that's not going to move the numbers on the scale down, so I keep it in check. I apologize again if I have offended, but if I read one more posting about using high-fat/calorie mushies - I am going to scream. Thanks for reading my vent. :omg:

Yes you're spot on. We do go through hoops to get here. Insurance, pre-op diet, post-op diet, emotional dollar coasters, the list goes on. I know I'm not perfect, but there are some changes I have made which have been permanent. For instance, I still only drink Water, I don't have any caffeine at all, I try to stick with the diet plan. I will admit, I have cheated, but when that happens - I don't loose. So I get back on track. I have a few friends who have had WLS, and they have begun to gain. I don't want to be like that. I didn't get this far to eat it all back. I want this. I try to balance what I have. And I try to stay away from the garbage foods which got me here. I have had one hamburger since surgery, and it wasn't worth it. It just wasn't good anymore.

But hey, that's me.

I was searching for a pair of capris to wear in my closet. I stumbled upon an old pair of dress pants which were my old size. I held them up, and realized I'm not that huge anymore. Granted I have a ways to go, but seeing these pants kinda made me feel almost skinny! It honestly was an overwhelming good feeling!

Haha!!! That's too funny. And yet, it's so true.

This entire site can be your buddy. Just lean on us.

2muchfun is right. You're able to ask, gripe, toot your horn, holler, sing, nearly anything goes. There are many good people here, seriously. I've found lots of inspiration here. You're able to be honest without almost no judgement. (Occasionally, you might get a couple of downers, but that's anywhere). You can ask a question, and nearly have a response within minutes. This site is a very useful tool.

Everyone goes through a struggle here or there. I think that's part of the journey, where you find yourself You do become stronger along the way.

One bit of advise someone gave me, keep a clothing item from before you loose weight. If you e gotten rid of it, go to a resale shop and buy an item in that size. After you've lost weight and feeling discouraged, try that item on. See how great you look. You'd be very surprised by the difference. I just found a pair of old dress pants. Wow. I was huge. I now have them hanging on my door as a reminder of where I was. I also have a goal too hanging right next to the pant.

Be strong.

Many here are correct. They are the wise ones. The band is a tool. It's not easy. Everyone has there ups and downs, and nobody is perfect. But try to hold your head high, and move forward.