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Bandista

LAP-BAND Patients
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  1. Like
    Bandista reacted to gowalking in Another step away from being the fat girl   
    After staying away from dating for many many years due to obesity and mobility issues, I started dating again about two years ago. I went out with a few men....and even had a steady beau for about nine months. We recently ended our relationship and I'm 'back on the market' again. I have been out with one guy a couple of times now and I think we will continue to date. We went for dinner last night and I realized when I was looking at the menu, that I was going to approach this differently than I had in the past.
    With my surgery nearly 3 1/2 years ago, the scars have faded, the lapband port has been moved under my abdominal muscle so it no longer sticks out, and I alway pay attention to the signs that tell me to slow down and chew better. So I asked my date if he was OK with sharing as I was a light eater. He was fine with it...we still ordered too much..lol, and I still had leftovers. At the end of the meal, I explained, though I didn't have to, that I have inflammatory disease (which I do) and that I've had both hips replaced. As such, I told him I need to be vigilant regarding my size and the smaller I am, the better as the less weight on the joints, the better. After complimenting me on lovely hips, replaced or not, he started to tell me how he felt good at 175 and was trying to lose another 15 or so lbs. to get there. I understood that he was telling me that he knows what weight is good for him and knows why I do the same. More importantly, I did not feel any need to bring up my WLS. Not last night...and possibly not for a long time, if ever.
    I'm fairly certain this is what people who have normal relationships with food feel like. They know the weight that works best for them, and do what they need to in order to stay around that size. I also know that if this relationship continues and we become physically closer, I don't have to tell him anymore than I have already shared. To me, this tells me that I am more than my weight loss surgery and journey and that I am one more step closer to normal and not the former fat girl who is 'passing' as slender. This is a big mind shift for me as I embrace the current me more and more and leave the fat girl in my past. I'll never forget...because forgetting means risking all I have gained. But to put it behind me is a really good thing.
    Oh, and for the loose skin issue...I'm 57 and have had children. Between those two things, some loose skin is not a deal breaker. I found that out with the last boyfriend. He had no issues with my body and I realized most men who are around my age are just so happy to be intimate, that they don't care, and are not looking for perfection anyway. Just something for you folks with loose skin issues to think about.
  2. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from SpreadingShalom in Is Food More or Less of an Issue Now?   
    So happy to have that appetite monster off of my back. Now I can enjoy my food by really noticing what's going on rather than just shoveling it in and thinking about what's next. Or that dull kind of mindless eating -- I had that, too. I'm a cook and enjoy preparation and presentation just as much as eating, really. I'm glad I still love food but can have a healthy relationship with it -- small portions at appropriate intervals. Yippee!
  3. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from SpreadingShalom in Say one nice thing about lap bands   
    EASY! I love my band and how it's changed my life. Love having the appetite monster off of my back. Love I still have my anatomy intact. Reclaimed life.
  4. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from JJLaw08 in Going back to doctor after couple years   
    The band only works when it's adjusted properly and I owe myself to keep it working optimally -- you, too! And you're the customer. YOU are in charge of your body and your band. 12 pounds? Meh, you can do this no problem but you are in charge. Throw your shoulders back and get in there ASAP.
  5. Like
    Bandista reacted to B-52 in Say one nice thing about lap bands   
    Just one thing???
    Cured my insatiable appetite - hunger, reversed 99% of all my co-morbidities, returned me to the weight I was in high school (45 years ago), became very active - athletic, raised my self-esteem and self-image, more successful in business,
    Should I go on??? I could.....
    Bottom Line, turned my life around, saved my life, at a point where it was all seriously going downhill due to obesity, too much fat in my system.
    I'm 64-1/2 years old and I feel and act like I'm 35-40.
    Was banded Jan 2011, never had a problem (other than me getting in the way)
  6. Like
    Bandista reacted to JJLaw08 in Going back to doctor after couple years   
    So I haven't been to my lap band doctor in 1 1/2 to 2 years, and I am in need of a fill, but I'm nervous. I have gained around 12 lbs. since I last saw him so I really need to go back, but I don't want to get yelled at . The other problem is he moved offices so it was 40 miles away from me, which is hard to get off work half a day just to go get a fill. But he has now moved back to his old location which isn't even 10 miles away so that's a good thing. I guess I just need advice on what to do....
  7. Like
    Bandista reacted to JustWatchMe in Banders #7   
    I suddenly see notifications. Holy cow. What timing. Lol
    JustWatchMe
  8. Like
    Bandista reacted to gowalking in Banders #7   
    Send Alex a PM. He can help you with technical issues.
  9. Like
    Bandista reacted to Sharpie in Banders #7   
    Just talking to my daughter today about how important it is to Celebrate everything in life. Even though we lost her father (my husband) this past October and we miss him so much everyday we still have to continue celebrating . Memorial Day is a special day we have many Veterans and members of our family who are still serving. My father served in both WWII and Korea and even though I lost him many years ago, each Memorial Day is a memory of how much he loved this Country. I had my best friend and husband here for the weekend and we had a great day yesterday, spent in the pool and grilled some nice steaks on the grill. I had about 4 oz of steak and 1/2 baked potato. I am getting ready to get seriously committed to lose another 10 lbs before I go to Canada on Vacation.. Like LIz (Gowalking) I enjoy seeing new posters but still miss some our old bandsters . I have been on this site for 3 1/2 years and even though I am not posting much I still enjoy getting a little dose of motivation from everyone. Have a wonderful day tomorrow and please keep all of our Veterans in your prayers.
  10. Like
    Bandista reacted to gowalking in Banders #7   
    Good to hear from you Bandista. I've seen so many of my PB friends move on and while it's nice to see new people post, I miss the ones I conversed with for these last few years. I hope that all of them are living happily ever after.
  11. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from jfc193 in Banders #7   
    Hi there,
    A quick check-in with my banded friends. Very sorry for relationship woes and health crises -- sending best wishes for peace and good health all-around.
    We have gorgeous weather here in NH and I'm glad to be able to walk outside again. Trying to do the 4-mile lake walk daily but have to take the occasional day off here and there for arthritis issues. Still, I'm so much more active in this season and that feels very good. Will need a better plan for getting exercise next winter but not worrying about that right now -- just enjoying summer which seems to have arrived quite suddenly.
    I've been gardening like crazy and doing lots of outdoor work. Veggie beds are all full and the flower garden is going to start blooming soon -- plus lots of projects around the place, building a stone wall, fertilizing fruit trees, moving plants around, etc. I have never been able to understand why that kind of physical labor does not seem to "count" for exercise -- at least as far as the scale is concerned. I gained about five pounds over the winter when I hoped to lose ten, so now I need to buckle down and see what I can do about that. Just bought Protein Shakes that I have used in the past but not for a long time -- thinking that may set me on course for getting off a chunk, and also that the exercise quotient will kick in at some point.
    Getting out the bin of summer clothes was so much fun and everything fits well except for two pair of pants I bought as "Goal Pants." These are size ten and I still can't get into them but I'm not giving up! One is red linen and the other a deep shade of purple, extra long. I WANT these pants to fit, dammit. Seems like kind of a shallow goal but I am going to turn that WANTING into DOING.
    We have some events this summer -- a wedding and two memorial services, reminders of how quickly time passes and the importance of being happy and enjoying life, choosing to have the right people around and letting them know how much they are loved. Also celebrating a big anniversary (25 years) and son turning 21 -- a big year. The aging parent factor is very present right now and I'm trying to keep balance there. My father is in his nineties and has dementia. He can only be in the moment -- no looking back now or leaping ahead as I tend to do. It's good for me to be with him and realize how rich the present can be if I am pausing enough to really notice all of it. The band has done that for me as far as food is concerned. The slowing down and really noticing......
  12. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from jfc193 in Banders #7   
    Hi there,
    A quick check-in with my banded friends. Very sorry for relationship woes and health crises -- sending best wishes for peace and good health all-around.
    We have gorgeous weather here in NH and I'm glad to be able to walk outside again. Trying to do the 4-mile lake walk daily but have to take the occasional day off here and there for arthritis issues. Still, I'm so much more active in this season and that feels very good. Will need a better plan for getting exercise next winter but not worrying about that right now -- just enjoying summer which seems to have arrived quite suddenly.
    I've been gardening like crazy and doing lots of outdoor work. Veggie beds are all full and the flower garden is going to start blooming soon -- plus lots of projects around the place, building a stone wall, fertilizing fruit trees, moving plants around, etc. I have never been able to understand why that kind of physical labor does not seem to "count" for exercise -- at least as far as the scale is concerned. I gained about five pounds over the winter when I hoped to lose ten, so now I need to buckle down and see what I can do about that. Just bought Protein Shakes that I have used in the past but not for a long time -- thinking that may set me on course for getting off a chunk, and also that the exercise quotient will kick in at some point.
    Getting out the bin of summer clothes was so much fun and everything fits well except for two pair of pants I bought as "Goal Pants." These are size ten and I still can't get into them but I'm not giving up! One is red linen and the other a deep shade of purple, extra long. I WANT these pants to fit, dammit. Seems like kind of a shallow goal but I am going to turn that WANTING into DOING.
    We have some events this summer -- a wedding and two memorial services, reminders of how quickly time passes and the importance of being happy and enjoying life, choosing to have the right people around and letting them know how much they are loved. Also celebrating a big anniversary (25 years) and son turning 21 -- a big year. The aging parent factor is very present right now and I'm trying to keep balance there. My father is in his nineties and has dementia. He can only be in the moment -- no looking back now or leaping ahead as I tend to do. It's good for me to be with him and realize how rich the present can be if I am pausing enough to really notice all of it. The band has done that for me as far as food is concerned. The slowing down and really noticing......
  13. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from jfc193 in Banders #7   
    Hi there,
    A quick check-in with my banded friends. Very sorry for relationship woes and health crises -- sending best wishes for peace and good health all-around.
    We have gorgeous weather here in NH and I'm glad to be able to walk outside again. Trying to do the 4-mile lake walk daily but have to take the occasional day off here and there for arthritis issues. Still, I'm so much more active in this season and that feels very good. Will need a better plan for getting exercise next winter but not worrying about that right now -- just enjoying summer which seems to have arrived quite suddenly.
    I've been gardening like crazy and doing lots of outdoor work. Veggie beds are all full and the flower garden is going to start blooming soon -- plus lots of projects around the place, building a stone wall, fertilizing fruit trees, moving plants around, etc. I have never been able to understand why that kind of physical labor does not seem to "count" for exercise -- at least as far as the scale is concerned. I gained about five pounds over the winter when I hoped to lose ten, so now I need to buckle down and see what I can do about that. Just bought Protein Shakes that I have used in the past but not for a long time -- thinking that may set me on course for getting off a chunk, and also that the exercise quotient will kick in at some point.
    Getting out the bin of summer clothes was so much fun and everything fits well except for two pair of pants I bought as "Goal Pants." These are size ten and I still can't get into them but I'm not giving up! One is red linen and the other a deep shade of purple, extra long. I WANT these pants to fit, dammit. Seems like kind of a shallow goal but I am going to turn that WANTING into DOING.
    We have some events this summer -- a wedding and two memorial services, reminders of how quickly time passes and the importance of being happy and enjoying life, choosing to have the right people around and letting them know how much they are loved. Also celebrating a big anniversary (25 years) and son turning 21 -- a big year. The aging parent factor is very present right now and I'm trying to keep balance there. My father is in his nineties and has dementia. He can only be in the moment -- no looking back now or leaping ahead as I tend to do. It's good for me to be with him and realize how rich the present can be if I am pausing enough to really notice all of it. The band has done that for me as far as food is concerned. The slowing down and really noticing......
  14. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from jfc193 in Banders #7   
    Hi there,
    A quick check-in with my banded friends. Very sorry for relationship woes and health crises -- sending best wishes for peace and good health all-around.
    We have gorgeous weather here in NH and I'm glad to be able to walk outside again. Trying to do the 4-mile lake walk daily but have to take the occasional day off here and there for arthritis issues. Still, I'm so much more active in this season and that feels very good. Will need a better plan for getting exercise next winter but not worrying about that right now -- just enjoying summer which seems to have arrived quite suddenly.
    I've been gardening like crazy and doing lots of outdoor work. Veggie beds are all full and the flower garden is going to start blooming soon -- plus lots of projects around the place, building a stone wall, fertilizing fruit trees, moving plants around, etc. I have never been able to understand why that kind of physical labor does not seem to "count" for exercise -- at least as far as the scale is concerned. I gained about five pounds over the winter when I hoped to lose ten, so now I need to buckle down and see what I can do about that. Just bought Protein Shakes that I have used in the past but not for a long time -- thinking that may set me on course for getting off a chunk, and also that the exercise quotient will kick in at some point.
    Getting out the bin of summer clothes was so much fun and everything fits well except for two pair of pants I bought as "Goal Pants." These are size ten and I still can't get into them but I'm not giving up! One is red linen and the other a deep shade of purple, extra long. I WANT these pants to fit, dammit. Seems like kind of a shallow goal but I am going to turn that WANTING into DOING.
    We have some events this summer -- a wedding and two memorial services, reminders of how quickly time passes and the importance of being happy and enjoying life, choosing to have the right people around and letting them know how much they are loved. Also celebrating a big anniversary (25 years) and son turning 21 -- a big year. The aging parent factor is very present right now and I'm trying to keep balance there. My father is in his nineties and has dementia. He can only be in the moment -- no looking back now or leaping ahead as I tend to do. It's good for me to be with him and realize how rich the present can be if I am pausing enough to really notice all of it. The band has done that for me as far as food is concerned. The slowing down and really noticing......
  15. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from jfc193 in Banders #7   
    Hi there,
    A quick check-in with my banded friends. Very sorry for relationship woes and health crises -- sending best wishes for peace and good health all-around.
    We have gorgeous weather here in NH and I'm glad to be able to walk outside again. Trying to do the 4-mile lake walk daily but have to take the occasional day off here and there for arthritis issues. Still, I'm so much more active in this season and that feels very good. Will need a better plan for getting exercise next winter but not worrying about that right now -- just enjoying summer which seems to have arrived quite suddenly.
    I've been gardening like crazy and doing lots of outdoor work. Veggie beds are all full and the flower garden is going to start blooming soon -- plus lots of projects around the place, building a stone wall, fertilizing fruit trees, moving plants around, etc. I have never been able to understand why that kind of physical labor does not seem to "count" for exercise -- at least as far as the scale is concerned. I gained about five pounds over the winter when I hoped to lose ten, so now I need to buckle down and see what I can do about that. Just bought Protein Shakes that I have used in the past but not for a long time -- thinking that may set me on course for getting off a chunk, and also that the exercise quotient will kick in at some point.
    Getting out the bin of summer clothes was so much fun and everything fits well except for two pair of pants I bought as "Goal Pants." These are size ten and I still can't get into them but I'm not giving up! One is red linen and the other a deep shade of purple, extra long. I WANT these pants to fit, dammit. Seems like kind of a shallow goal but I am going to turn that WANTING into DOING.
    We have some events this summer -- a wedding and two memorial services, reminders of how quickly time passes and the importance of being happy and enjoying life, choosing to have the right people around and letting them know how much they are loved. Also celebrating a big anniversary (25 years) and son turning 21 -- a big year. The aging parent factor is very present right now and I'm trying to keep balance there. My father is in his nineties and has dementia. He can only be in the moment -- no looking back now or leaping ahead as I tend to do. It's good for me to be with him and realize how rich the present can be if I am pausing enough to really notice all of it. The band has done that for me as far as food is concerned. The slowing down and really noticing......
  16. Like
    Bandista reacted to gowalking in Banders #7   
    I'm in the Fort Lauderdale area.
  17. Like
    Bandista reacted to lisacaron in Banders #7   
    Something to put a smile on your face!! #RedNoseDay

    Yes we are working Hard today!!

  18. Like
    Bandista reacted to kathousefl in Banders #7   
    I have not been on the boards for a while, but I thought I would check in today and wave hello.
  19. Like
    Bandista reacted to JustWatchMe in Banders #7   
    Hi Friends. I haven't been on these boards since I lost my notifications many weeks ago. Much love to all of you dealing with health and relationships.
    My food is on track and I'm at my lowest weight so far. Life continues to be insane. The divorce is delayed and never ending. Dealing with it all without self medicating is by far the biggest challenge I have ever faced.
    My girls are home for the summer and my eldest graduated, and is getting ready for a move to Atlanta to attend Emory in the fall for graduate school.
    I hope to post more soon.
  20. Like
    Bandista reacted to jfc193 in Banders #7   
    I have been traveling a lot for my job and so makes it hard to keep any kind of a regiment in place.
    I have slacked off on my walking and surprise have been on a stall and even gained a few pounds. Nothing like in the old days when I would lose 50 and gain 60.
    I am still making more good choices then bad ones but my goal weight seems to elude me. When I get close I seem to go back up a bit.
    Sorry to hear about the health and relationship issues but like life itself we cannot give up on ourselves.
    My wife is having some health issues as well.
    Overall I'll take my present life over the one I had 9 years ago.
  21. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from kmt1973 in Banders #7   
    That one made me laugh, TMF. Husband snoring away next to me is doing very well these days but we had years of pain management around his various surgeries (car accident guy -- rebuilt spine, plastic shoulder, etc.). Of course there were scrips being written out like crazy and he never responded well to pain meds. We call them Jerk pills.
    Thanks, Liz, for starting a new thread for us! I like having this safe place to check in with my lapband peeps and the connections we have here. It definitely helps me keep my head in the game. When CG first had the thread going in the 100+ to lose category I formed my goal over that -- 152 from 252 because I coukd see that this thread was where the really successful people were hanging out and I wanted to be a part of that. Now that I'm on my way down I don't know if I will lose 100 after all as that would probably be too thin for me, but I'm here anyway.
    I've been bumbling along and not sure why -- perhaps I've needed to let myself level off at my current weight to adjust to being in a normal range. I still have weight to lose, however, and I am readying myself for getting off the next chunk. September has always been a great time of year for me. Maybe it's the back-to-school energy from childhood and having routine again. This was a tremendously busy summer with way too much socializing. I am looking forward to quieter times and better evening habits. Need to work on that.
    Gorgeous day and a holiday Monday, yippee! I am meeting a cousin up at the lake to do a four-mile walk that is my regular exercise but we had a lot of company and I've missed that for several days. I did a lot of production cooking and running around setting up, serving, cleaning, etc., so that counts for something, but I need that dedicated walk to unwind. Grateful that there was no production eating going on for me. Plenty of tasting, etc., but my band doesn't let me get carried away and the dimmed appetite makes it easier to be smart-ish about my choices.
    Enjoy your day, all!
  22. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from kmt1973 in After 3 years, Dr doesn't like my band and I'm starting over   
    Hi there, finally found it -- won't come up for me in a search either so I had to wait for some one to post:
    http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/349818-banders-7/
  23. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from TheProfessor in 7 Year Band anniversary today   
    Happy Shrinking Shamrock Day -- seven years and 75-80 pounds is a lot to Celebrate. And way to go regrouping for your next goals. I'm pretty sure exercising is the magic ingredient. Looking forward to better weather so I can resume walking outdoors as that really worked for me. Big plans for my body this spring, lol! Thanks for posting -- so inspirational when long-term banders chime in here.
  24. Like
    Bandista got a reaction from Tonya83 in Why I am in love with my Lap-Band   
    Happy happy joy joy! I love your list and your excitement. At sixteen months out I am still jumping for joy and totally in love with my band, too. Going to a party this weekend and wearing a shortish dress with tights and boots. I feel so good now. Damn, we are something! PS my husband is proud, too -- loves me just the same but I like how he smiles when I'm undressed. Oh, and even though I looked like I had been in a knife fight post-surgery, I can't find all my scars now. Little dots, really.
  25. Like
    Bandista reacted to JustWatchMe in Banders #7   
    I just have to share this with somebody and you guys are the lucky winners. Ha ha. I have wanted to get my teeth fixed for a long time and I never felt like I could justify spending the money. I have two so-called "peg teeth" which are basically underdeveloped teeth. Most of my life it didn't bother me too much, but as I have gotten older, they appear even smaller and darker, especially in pictures. So much so, in fact, that from a distance, it sometimes appears as if I am missing a tooth. Consequently, I stopped smiling widely a long time ago. Anyway, two things prompted me to get it done now. First of all, I always thought it was many thousands of dollars to get these two teeth fixed. Turns out it only cost $1800. Second of all, I found out that the wasband just decided to drop 11 grand of marital assets on dental implants for himself. Totally cosmetic dental work. I guess he's planning to date after the divorce is final. So I decided to use my tax refund and get two veneers. Below are before and after pictures. The before picture was kind of hard to find, because I rarely smiled widely in photographs in recent years. I'm not telling my daughters or anybody around me. I'm waiting to see if anybody notices. 

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