Road Queen

There are many success stories and many threads on success. I have never been happier than after I got the band. It truely change my life. It helped me gain control over food - which used to control me. Losing weight gave me confidence. I quit my job, gave up my retirement, went into contracting and moved to Africa. I couldn't have done that as a fat person. Its not easy. I lost my best friend - food. When I get depressed I don't have a crutch anymore. I try to love exercise but I just do it You can do it - you have a tool to help you, not something that will force you. Make your decisions wisely. Celeste

I couldn't tolerate it during my mushie stage. But live on it since.

I didn't drink until I hit goal. Now, I am having one a day. I truly believe coke kills germs and all the stuff floating around here needs killing!!!

I am a walking grocery store with food I can eat. I have protein bars, craisins, pumpkin seeds, beef jerky, tuna in packets, etc with me most of the time. If you can find packets of mayo, boiled eggs are easy to find at delis and then you can make some impromptu egg salad. Otherwise, yogurt or string cheese is a good standby.

Thanks Allison. As soon as I get rid of this African flu bug I will try these. Celeste

Allison, I can get frozen smoked salmon here now so please send me recipe suggestions. Celeste

I was size 16,18, or 20 when I started (depending on the brand). Definately a larger size on bottom and smaller on top. Now, I wear a 12 on top and 8s on bottom. Don't think its cuz of breast size - lol - my chest, shoulders, and arms are still big.

Hope everythiing is going well. Celeste

Music - I'm a flop here - mostly relaxation music, a little motorcycle party music, and some country. Books - culinary mysteries are my latest favorite. I just ordered 25 new ones and can't wait. I have gone through phases of cowboy westerns(Louis Lamour when I lived in 4 corners), si fi, mysteries, etc. I try to avoid scarey books - especially here. Alot of houses have been broke into within the last few weeks and I don't want to freak myself out. I read alot since I don't have a television (my choice). Work, books, DVDs of sitcoms, and puzzles keep me busy. I pass my books on to others here since books are very expensive and difficult to get. I am jealous of your library....maybe when I return to US life.

I was no. 17 and had no problems

Okay, Carlene, would you please come to Malawi and make some of these for me? Of course, its hot, hot,hot and dry, dry, dry right now so soup may not be the best answer. Can you just come and cook? I decided to have a Protein shake and smoked almonds for dinner tonight. Gosh, maybe I need to hire a cook - and I just fired my complete staff!!

Welcome back. Glad things are starting to look up. Years from now, you will look back and think that this was one of those times that taught you your true inner strength. Celeste

My dr doesn't use fluoro or ultrasound and sometimes has problems finding the port. But, it works in the end.

I am usually fine when flying. Just the normal variance in band restriction. My problem is every time I get to Johannesburg S. Africa airport. For some reason, I can't eat anything there and I always have a long layover.

I was banded May 2005 and still come here. This is my support group for adjusting to my new life - although my new life means losing weight, quitting my job of 16 years, leaving the US and friends, etc. All these changes probably mean I have more need for support than many others. I think this site is for those who need it /when they need it That's the gift of the internet. Celeste

Sue, are you gaining? If not, you and your body may just be going through a transition. Losing the weight that has insulated us is difficult, losing food as our best friend is difficult. I have had many plateaus and long periods without loss when I needed and my body needed to adjust. I am going through one right now. Just start getting back on track. Remember how it felt when you were heavier. Track your non scale victories (NSV). Think about things differently - instead of thinking morning exercise walk, think a morning walk to enjoy the nature and prepare to start the day... Good luck. Celeste

Okay, my diet is weird but one of my favorite meals is packet of flavored tuna black beans shredded carrot small pieces of spinach dressing of choice - ranch, thousand island, italian, etc

Jenn, this is the beauty of the band. It is the tool that can help us when we are ready. I also gained 5 pounds when I went back to the US on vacation. I'm back in Lilongwe since 9/12 and have eliminated the 5 and dropped 1 more. I am a super slow loser - always have been -- but I trust the with the band it will happen and it did. Good luck and have patience. Celeste

I don't think lapband surgery would influence insurance like bypass does. It is not as drastic and reversible. I have purchased international health insurance and received a medical clearance to live overseas (in a country without a US approved dr) with my band. Good luck in your efforts. Celeste

Congratulations! Looking forward to your being in bandland. Celeste

I believe plateaus are an opportunity for us to get used to our new shape and adjust to the changes in our lives. I have been banded for 18 months now and have had plateaus that lasted up to 3 months. Then, my body will kick in and start losing again. I also track inches and it is amazing how sometimes they just drop off. But the NSV can be the best. Good luck. Celeste

You may also be mourning the change that you will experience in your relationship with food. I was so worried that I would have no comfort in life without my fav foods.

Poodles, the soup sounds good. So does the fish but finding alternatives available here is a pain in the &&&. I am going to order fajita mix today. Any recipes you can send me I would appreciate. I am going through a phase where its a pain to cook and eat. Celeste

If that mood strikes again, get a bagel chip. They will go down better later and the crunchy satisfies lots of cravings. I don't really like bread but I make croutons alot and then when I have a bread thing, I just have 1-2 croutons. 1-2, not 1-2 cups like I did before bandland. Celeste

Initially, I set a goal of 122, thinking I would be size 8-10. I am now 145 and 8-10 jacket 6-8 bottoms (go figure that one out???) I may try to get to 132 in the next year or so but I don't really worry about it anymore. I am just the right size for an almost 50 yr old. Celeste