aimee

Maryrose, I tried to email you but I don't think it worked, unless of course you received two emails from me! I haven't gone to any support groups since about two months out. I like seeing other people, but never found them very helpful. I love the WLS center though and think they are great. Maybe I should go to the groups, or maybe I should just try to completely stop eating! I go to this gym thing, GET in Shape for Women on Tues and Thurs, so group would be hard! Keep in touch. Aimee

I live in Westford and had Dr. Shen in Dec 07. I've lost about 63 but am stuck and still have about 20 to go. At least I'm maintaining.

I was banded 12/07 and became lactose intolerant soon afterward. I still use lactaid pills and lactose milk a year and one half later. As soon as I started using milk with my protein shakes I noticed it and it only got worse until I started to use lactaid products.

This thread is so timely!! The same thing has happened to me, with the same foods. BBQ chips (baked, but still) and chocolate, in any form possible. I have to throw the chips out after I open them and have my husband hide any chocolate!

I am banded just about a year. I stopped losing after about 6 months, and I lost about 62 lbs. I have another 25 to go, but it's been very difficult, so right now I'm working on maintaining.

I am down about 59lbs and my NSV is that I bought two pairs of capri's and actually fit into size 14 petite slacks(with buttons and zippers and everything!!) NO elastic waist! In December I was in size 20 pants, with elastic waists! Aimee

I was banded on 12/18 and as of 6/18 I lost 58 pounds. And....I just spent two weeks on vacation in Spain and Portugal where I only gained 2 pounds and then lost them and two more four days after my return!.

I loved your title. I'm 52 and am down 52 lbs. I started the journey in November, banded in December and lately had a really difficult time getting off this plateau! I've gotten in a program with a personal trainer, but haven't lost since. I'd like to believe that I'm gaining muscle, but I'm not really there. Oh well.....

Where are you getting your surgery? I got mine in Lowell. Aimee

Feeling comfortable with the program you go with is so important! I was banded through the Weight Management Center at Lowell General and really like the people and the process was really pretty easy. Where is the 2nd program. Lowell is only about 45 min away, I know because I went to grad school in Worcester when I worked in Lowell! Good luck. Aimee

When I finally told my mother that I had the band (three months after, when I went to Florida) he comment was "Boy, you must have been really heavy if you still have so much to lose" Given that she's not overweight and is obsessed with dieting, I expected it, but I told her I didn't tell her and wouldn't tell her in phone conversations because I didn't want to feed into her obsession. (I had lost 45 witn another 40 to go) This is the same woman who never said boo about my 3.85 GPA after four years of college, but was thrilled beyond belief when I lost 40 lbs after graduation. Luckily, I'm 52 now and don't pay attention to her(most of the time!). I did tell her that at 82 she needed to get a life and eat what she wants!

I'm finally purging clothes as well. Even though every time I was on WW, they said to get rid of big clothes but I never did, since I knew I would gain the weight back. This time I'm determined not to, so I've been giving them away. But it's hard to part with them since now I've got to make it work or be naked! Aimee

I got a cream from my doctor, I think it was an anti fungal, but what has helped me is I use a blow dryer after every shower before using powder to keep the area very dry. Aimee

Jena, I just read your post and then read about the book you recommended, The Beck Diet Solution..The idea of using CBT to help with this journey really appeals to me. Even with the band, I worry about putting the weight back on at some point so I think this will really be helpful. Thanks for the tip. Aimee

It's too bad that David A. is not 18 yet so he can dump what sounds like an abusive father. God, the Amazing Race too???