pugmum

I think, most times, that it is nearly impossible to quit something when the discomfort of doing it does not outweigh the pleasure of doing it. It's those neurotransmitters we have. Oftentimes, it takes fear or something so strongly negative associated with the action to motivate change. Hope you keep trying! Kelli

Geez, it's as if you were reading my mind! I was just going to post the question if anyone craves chocolate after surgery. I didn't crave chocolate before surgery, I wonder why now? Maybe I'm focusing (obsessing) too much on it. I have been sugar free in the past and I know that after the first few days, it becomes easier and more natural. I'm contemplating this because if I have chocolate every day, I tend to NEED chocolate every day. To go through this whole surgery and then not lose weight because of chocolate is too strange for me. I doubt a little will inhibit weight loss, but the way I tend to eat it it will. Kelli

Stacey, I was banded on 2/2 and can so relate to what you're going through! I have fallen a couple times and chewed pretzels till they were almost nothing, but I try to refrain from doing that. However, I was on my way to do that then I read your post and, instead, I went and made myself a cold Protein drink and I'm grateful I come here because I get encouragement from this site. Hang in there, it's a temporary deal! Kelli

About a week postop it really hit me, which was only a couple weeks ago! I didn't think I would really have the courage to carry through with it. I'm happy I did. Kelli

This is good stuff! I'm going to print that out and carry it around. Thanks for sharing it with us! Kelli

Ray, THAT IS SO COOL! Good for you!!! I'm in awe. You must be feeling GREAT and you deserve to feel great!!!! :clap2: Kelli

Nykee, You're an inspiration!!! Congratulations! That is so much weight you got rid of; good for you!! Kelli

Good for them! Thanks for sharing! Kelli

That stuff tends to make me jittery and nervous and I know most of it is not good for the heart. I was into it when I was younger, but not now. It seems the weight will come off, but come back on again in full force! Kelli

Leatha, Thank you! I didn't know what the average weight loss is. That is good to know, it is encouraging! :hungry: Kelli

Pap, I live out in Lockeford and had the same surgeons (Dr. Feng) as you! If you're interested in comparing notes, feel free to email me at kellib1@comcast.net. Take care, Kelli

Sunta, I've been thinking and praying for you and am pleased your home and doing well!! My doctor prescribed gallbladder medication for me, too. Your surgeon must be taking precaution against any blood clotting which is a good measure in my opinion! Kelli

Wow! You are truly an inspiration! GOOD FOR YOU!!! Kelli

Aw...y'all are so sweet!!! Thank you!! My surgeon and I do not have what I would call a rapport, but he is available and direct which I happen to like. I also think he would prefer patients to get the bypass as that has (initially) better results. I tend to giggle when someone states the obvious (I mean if it weren't in my brain, I wouldn't be having surgery!). LOL. Kelli

Hi Roger, Not sure what type of help your asking for, but I am also 3 weeks postop. I am just now moving into mushies foods. My doctor wanted me on thin liquids for the first 3 weeks. What type of foods are you eating? Are you having difficulty or something? Kelli

Hi Daisy, I'm sorry about your loss. Sometimes we need what we need to cope. Kelli

Just thought I'd say hello here from around Lodi! I was banded by Dr. John Feng on 2/2/06 and am doing well so far...a bit hungry though! Kelli

I'm obviously not very creative. LOL. We have 4 pugs, Arthur, Annie, Junior, and Bobbi Beans. My babies. :welldone2: Kelli

OH, Sunta, I can so relate. I was banded on 2/2 and almost backed out ON THE OPERATING ROOM TABLE. I think it is a big deal, this surgery, and I respect your fear. If it helps at all, I went through it, and am grateful to be banded now. I SO HOPE it works out for you. I'll keep you in my prayers. Kelli

I hope this isn't inappropriate, but I've been giving some serious consideration to the Restrictive Vertical Gastrectomy, but I do not know anyone who has done it or even knows someone who has done it! lOl Has any bandster checked it out? It seems ideal in that there is no change to the intenstines and the issue of malabsorption is nonexistent. I'd appreciate any comments! Kelli

Anthony, Please let us know how you are fairing with the VG. Hope all goes well! Kelli

Is someone in charge of the penpal situation? I was wondering if we are still supposed to PM someone or we are being matched up? :confused: kelli

Wow, that's awesome that your feely wobbly and jiggly! LOL Geez, what an accomplishment!! Your brain will catch up. Like you said, who trusts your (or mine for that matter) brain anyway! Congrats to you! Kelli

I think the poster is looking for an outside answer to something only one can only answer for themselve, inside. No-one LIKES rules and I often become angry and frustrated when I realize that following the rules really is the only way to achieve certain goals. It's my own immaturity, if you will. Not getting my own way. Sometimes we make issues really really complex because we do not want to face the easiest answer of all which is surrendering and actually making behavior changes. I mean, who is possibly going to come here and say that by doing anything other than calorie in/calorie out control, they have lost weight? No-one because they would be on Oprah making zillions of dollars. Lap band a miracle cure?? I find it difficult to believe that lifelong dieters would believe for a minute in a miracle cure. We generally know better than that. Kelli

Rica, Your story inspires me. Thank you! Kelli