Apples2

Well thanks, Kelly. I am truly humbled. There was a time that I could not even look at those pictures. Now I can look and KNOW that was somebody else...truly was.

The name came about because I was truly and apple shape. If you go to my profile photos, you will see.

Mabinty...big day coming up for you. I wish you all the best.

You just dated me also, Elfie...I picked up on that one right away! Your menu today sounds yummy.

OK...with Thanksgiving just a week away, let's share the one thing on top of our list that we are the most thankful for as a bandster (or you can just share what you are most thankful for in life...whatever you wish)...Just wanted a happy thread. I will start...I am most thankful that, with the help of the band, I have learned how to eat to live...not to live to eat.

Certainly not posting this to make OP feel any worse than she does...but....I don't know a man that would turn down ANY sex because it might hurt a little bit. Heidi...you stated "Why not try different positions..maybe you'll find one that doesn't cause him discomfort". I'm guessing the only discomfort this man has is within himself and he needs to figure out why he is using excuses.

Sorry for your toubles in finding a doctor. You might want to go to the Pregnancy section within this forum and start a thread regarding your situation. There might just be another pregnant LB poster that lives in your area.

Elphie...wishing you all the best (and insurance coverage, too) as you head towards your next step to a healthier you. It was so good to read that you got relief from your shoulder pain after your unfill.

Thanks for the compliment, Dune. I truly believe that the "miracle moment" with the lapband or any other WLS comes prior to surgery. (To Oprah, it would be the "AH-HA" moment). Working diligently to find and understand all the information a person can, making a commitment to yourself that you will give 100% to making a reasonable plan for yourself that will work to get the weight off after surgery, and just plain and simple being prepared for the life changes that will need to take place in order to be successful and that there is no looking back.

It's been done for years...along with lips and eyebrows. Well worth the $$$.

Jacqui...not to hijack the thread but the keratin hair straightening is soooooo worth the money. I have fought my mass of curly/frizzy/unruly hair for my entire life. Had it done in late July and it is still wonderful to do my hair each day. If I had to make the choice between boobs and the keratin treatment, the hair would win out!

Are you talking stomach bloating our all over bloating? If you are experiencing stomach bloating it is most likely from the surgery. Get up and move...walk as much as you can. If you are experiencing all over bloating it could be due to not being hydrated. Are you getting the amount of liquids you need?

I did answer your poll... 3 or more years, with work steadily lost weight and am stable. I have been banded for almost 2.5 yrs but have been eating like a banded person since 8 months b/4 surgery. My take on band life....if a person works the band, is diligent on sticking to his/her surgeons guidelines the first year, there will be some effort but the weight will come off. And, it will also set you up for a lifetime of learned healthy eating habits.

I did rewards along the way...usually each 50lbs lost. I had permanent eyeliner tatooed at one point, eyelash extensions and in the end a wardrobe to die for...skinny jeans, leggings, boots and all!

I also agree and wish that everyone that is in need of WLS could be covered by their health insurance policy. The fact that this procedure is not covered might have nothing to do at all with your insurance company. The company you work for might have elected to choose a plan that excludes WLS in order to have reduced premiums. Best of luck to you.

It sounds as if your DH is having a tough time adjusting to the new you. See if he is willing to go with you to see a therapist. If you and him are constantly fighting about these issues and getting nowhere with it, best to seek some help. I wish you all the best as you deal with this...Hugs

So amazing, Twinkles. I can "hear" the excited in your post. Good luck with your next goals and working towards your runs. Isn't this just a fun journey when everything clicks? Sounds like you have the rountine down and have made all the right changes to live a healthier life. Don't ever lose that determination. It takes just as much and a little more when reaching that ultimate goal and it looks as if you have developed the tools to make it all work. Way to go!!!!

I did things for myself along the way as I hit mini-goals. I had permenant eyeliner put on with one goal. Bought a few pair of new skinny jeans, got eyelash extensions (that lasted about a year...maintenance too fussy for me and I found out my eyelashes are not so bad). I have always worn makeup and dressed nicely...it's just more fun now. I filled up my closets and am in need of nothing but get a thrill out of going to upscale and regular consignment shops.

Good to hear...thanks for the info. Shortly after my post on this thread, I went to Amazon and order The Vita-Fusion brand. Nice to hear they are a nice flavor and easy to eat. I sometimes can pick up the the Vitamin flavor and it turns my tummy.:rolleyes2:

Humming Bird...I really do get tired of my Viactiv and have been looking to take something different for a change (2 yrs...three caramels a day...bleck...even though they taste good..sooooo need a change). My question...does the D-3 gummie include all the daily required Vitamins???

I am in an over 30 yr marraige and hubby thought I was cute at any weight. Sometimes I think the acceptance of ones own body is a reflection on being in a loving relationship.

Wren...on the boobies issues. Give it time once you get to goal. I'll be 55 in two weeks and after losing all the weight they looked like tube socks with tennis balls in the toes. I made sure that every waking hour I wore a good stable bra. Two years later they are sitting up nice a pretty. Never thought it would happen but I attribute it to a good underwire and 3lb weight exercises each day. And, on the skinny thing. (Not offended, thank you). I am actually at a pretty good weight for me. I am very smalled boned and weigh about what I did 31 yrs ago today on our wedding day. After getting to goal and upping my calories, my body just got back to it always used to be. I had such a sucky metabolism during menopause and now it's freakishly the other way. I'll take it though.

Elpie...if the pain has intensified, I would make a visit to my doc about it. I'm 2 yrs out and it's the same. Just an itch that needs to be scratched and once scratched, all is fine. Weird.

ElphiPoo...I, too, got looked at like I was nuts when I mentioned my little symptom I have had since the night I had surgery. Nothing too irritating but I KNOW is related to the installation of my band. I would swear it's related to nerves in that area. Anyway, whenever I lay down, I get a itchy left shoulder blade. Weird, huh?

Congrats Wren...way to go! My BMI was 40 and is now 21.