Apples2

Awwww, Irene, just saw your updated photos. Fabulous, Dawwwwling....just fabulous!

Irene...thanks for asking...I am doing great....except for kidney stones the last 24 hrs...about to pass. God's little gift to me about once a month. So happy you went for the sleeve and you are able to work it. Proud of you for taking that step.

Cangel...thanks for the photo comments. I will be 55 in two weeks and actually feel better than I did at 19. Good luck to you!

Thanks for the kind words. I have been at goal since Oct 15, 2008. Maintenance has been a breeze for me. But, I worked REALLY hard at the weightloss stage and it was well worth it. Good luck to you!

Hey Cindylou...wow...looks like you are at goal. Your avatar photo looks great. Got your friend request and happily accepted. I see you are from GA...my 27yr old son just moved back to MN from Covington.

I notice you are from SD...I'm from MN. Maybe someday we can meet half way. Have met many bansters on here and became what I hope will be lifelong friends. Two weeks ago met 10 others out in Vegas for a girl's weekend. Met in FL last year. It's just nice to connect with others that have the band.

Thank you for the kind words. I feel wonderful. I will be 55 in a month and I can do anything a person in their 20's can do. I have always been active but getting this extra weight off has done it for me.

There's another baby like the other????? LOL Just so darned cut.

Keep a good frame of mind, Arittel....don't ever give up on this journey....even if there are hurdles.

I just took a look at your profile photos...OMG...what a cute baby!!!! His momma is very pretty also!

Arittel...thanks for the friend request...happy to be your friend.

If you are looking for a soft place to fall and a good group of people that are full of info and help for new people, go to the "I'm Here to Help" thread started by Indiogirl.

We can answer any of your questions and we will make you feel comfortable. Only rule we have is that no question is a silly question. Come join us. We are a bunch of mother hens and welcome newbies.

First of all..welcome to the band world. Please try to be patient. This time after surgery and b/4 a fill are for healing and learning. I have noticed that some ppl stall or even gain during the stage when they move to "real" food from the liquid stage. Patience is the key. The best advice I can give you is to stick to what your doc advises his patients to do. The weight will start coming off. Good luck! You can always email me if you would want with questions..

Thank you for the compliment. At almost 55 yrs old, I feel like I'm 19 again. All worth the hard work! Good luck to you!

Thanks for the compliment on my photos. I do totally feel like a different person. More energy than a teenager at my old age of 54. Wishing you the best!

Thanks for the compliment. Feel pretty good for a 54yr old. In fact, I have the energy of a teenager. Best thing I ever did. Good luck to you!

Thanks so much for the compliment. It's been a good couple of years but not without a lot of hard work. All worth it though. You look great. Wishing you luck!

Hey Armygirl...you are doing quite well. Hang in there....you'll be at goal b/4 you know it. I did not have a structured exercise plan. We live on a farm and staying active is just what we do. I just always made sure I was on the move and watched everything I put in my mouth.

Thank you for the compliments and good luck to you!

I had my surgery 6/17/2008. Hit goal Oct 15, 2008. I had lost 54lbs b/4 LB surgery during my 8 mo. wait. Was glad I did. Helped me in the long run. I, too, regret not doing something about my wait years ago. But, never looking back and just getting on with life. Have to at the age of 54!

JSC...just had to jump in and say congrats...you are looking great. Beautiful. Such a difference. Your smile now seems "happy" compared to the "sad" smiles on your post-op photos.

Thank you for the kind words in your photo comment. I FEEL wonderful. Gotta say....best thing I have ever done for myself. 54 yr old and feel like I could keep up with a teenager.

Just wanted to wish you luck as you go through this process. I see you have been in the pre-op stage for quite some time. PM me if you have any questions or concerns...there's many ppl here with experience and can provide support. Take care

Hey Arlene...just want to thank you for the lovely card and kind words. It was so nice to find it in my mailbox.

Way to go on another 3lbs! You are really going great-guns on this program of yours. So happy you took the steps to do this for yourself. Keep up the great work! Sending loves, Karen

Hey Lindsay...thanks for the pic comments.

I was banded June, 2008. I started eating like a banded person 8 months b/4 surgery and lost 54lbs. I reached goal Oct, 2008. I am a believer in just moving at least 30 minutes a day. Treadmill, walking, weights. Wishing you luck! PM or email me anytime.

Happy things are going better. Just see how things go and REALLY baby your band the next couple of days. If the inflamation is further irritated, it will continue to flare. You might not need an unfill unless things are continually coming back up on you. But, keep an eye on it and if an unfill is necessary, that's not such a bad deal. Have them just start with taking a little out. Take care!

Hey Anne...thanks for the friend request. I see you are not banded yet. If you ever have any questions, feel free to PM or email me. There's never a question that you should be afraid to ask.

There's a great thread I frequent. "I'm Here to Help" started by Indiogirl. It's just a place where there's ppl in all stages and always someone there to answer and help. Wishing you luck!

Personal attacks are not welcome on this forum. Grow up

Betsy...just a note to compliment you on your posts. You give such good advice...not over the top...just good common sense. Good luck in your LB journey...looks like you are doing well.