auntlucy

There is a whole thread for people over 60 on the site. Just go to the home page and scroll down and you should find it. Good luck in your decision.

tbenson, I agree with Lundy! It sounds like you are doing amazing. You have lost 24 pounds since your surgery in just 36 days! There are many that would envy that. Keep in mind that it's normal to have plateaus (I've certainly had mine.). I think you should just keep doing what you are doing. If anything, change up your exercise and wait it out for another week before you do something like going back on liquids.

My doctor didn't ask me to do a pre-op liquid diet. I was on liquids for 6 weeks after surgery. I don't remember how much I lost before I started eating solid foods, but I do remember I lost 18 pounds in the first two weeks (was only allowed 2 oz 3 times a day plus protein supplements). After the first two weeks, I could have more liquids. I did gain a little bit (a few pounds only) when I started getting more calories, and from what I've heard from others on this site, that's normal. After a week or so, the weight started coming off again. Good luck! I know it seems like there is no way you can make it through the liquid stage. But now that I'm past it, it seems like it flew by!

Welcome Lonestar! I was banded a few days before you. Feel free to reach out to me anytime. We're all in this together!

I'm sure your doctor was pleased. You are doing awesome. I say if you don't need a fill yet, why get it! I've actually been wondering if my surgeon will give me a fill when I go for my fill appointment early July. Part of me feels like I need one b/c I don't feel a lot of restriction, but then when I see the scale moving steadily and at a healthy rate, I'm not sure if I need one yet. We'll see! My foot is feeling better...I'm going to try pilates again tomorrow on it and that will be the true test. I do need to think about my reward for hitting 299! One thing I've been doing is saving money every month so that when I'm ready to go clothes shopping I won't stress out about how much it's costing...I'll just enjoy it. So, maybe I'll put some extra money in that fund. But, I think I may have to go get a pedicure. Keep up the good work and ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

Hi Shelly! Welcome to the 30s group! I'm sorry to hear about your complications, but it sounds like you are getting things back in order. It looks like you have done well with your weight loss so far. I'm not from East TX, but I am from McKinney.

Good for you Tess! 50 pounds is excellent! I'm so proud of you! I'll give you 10 thumbs up :biggrin::thumbup::thumbup::success1:. I think I have 2 pounds to go to get to 50, then, I'll just have a couple more to be under the 300 mark. Can't wait! I had to slow down my exercise b/c I injured my foot. I don't even have an exciting story...just tripped in my garage. But I'm itching to get back to it (that's a good sign).

Dr. Cribbins and Dr. Hamn are partners, so I'm not surprised you had a good experience too.

Maddie, my surgeon is Dr. Stephen Hamn in Plano. I've been very pleased with him and his staff.

I just noticed that you are in Greenville. I'm in McKinney. Have you found a surgeon?

I have United Healthcare, and I was shocked at how easy it was. I was denied a few years ago under Aetna, and I was expecting it to be a big hassle when I started looking into it again. (I was prepared to pay for it myself if I needed to.) I was shocked when I was approved in less than 2 weeks. I didn't have to have a 6 month doctor-supervised diet or anything. The only true health issues (other than having a high bmi) was sleep apnea. I can tell you that the Company I work for is self insured, so I'm not sure if that factored in at all. I feel a little guilty talking about how easy it was for me since I know it's so hard for so many. Good luck to you!

Congratulations! I remember the day I got my surgery date. I was so excited. They scheduled it for six weeks later, and at the time I felt like it would never get here. But, now that I'm more than 3 months post-surgery, it seems like it was just yesterday. I hope everything goes well for you.

It is so worth it! I've lost 47 lbs in just a little more than 3 onths. In the past, I've struggled with losing more than 30 lbs...I always seemed to hit a plateau at around 30 lbs, and then I would get frustrated and give up. I expect the weight loss to slow down, and I'm fine if that happens b/c I know that things are different now. I have the tool I need to succed this time.

I think GNC sells the protein bullets, but I bought mine online at supplements.net (found them for a better price). Each "bullet" is a cylinder plastic tube that has 3 oz (I think) of the liquid protein. I buy the ones that have 42 g of protein in each tube. They are really handy b/c I can carry a tube in my purse very easily. They come in multiple flavors, but I think the fruit punch is the best. The liquid is sort of the consistency of jell-o before it begins to set. I don't care for them plain, but in the crystal light it's just fine.

I completely understand your thoughts about not wanting to lose your hair! My hair is my thing! The good news is that everyone doesn't lose it. I've been pretty obsessive about getting my Protein in, and I have not had a problem with hair loss. I just went and got my hair cut and colored, and she said my ahir looked healthier than ever! (I guess it's all that protein.) I use the New whey Protein Bullets. My favorite is fruit punch flavored, and I mix it with fruit punch crystal light. If you can drink crystal light, you can drink this! I mix 1/2 bullet (21 g protein) with about 20 oz of crystal light. Good luck, and I wish you healthy hair and nails!:biggrin2:

I've found quite a few fellow McKinney bandsters on this site, and I was interested to see if there are others. I thought I would gauge interest in starting a McKinney support group. So, let me know if you are interested!

I ordered from supplements.net, but it looks like jeremiahsmommy's source has a better price.

For me, the protein bullets were the best option. My favorite is the fruit punch flavor. I found that if I mixed them with crystal light that it was just like drinking crystal light. I put the fruit punch flavored bullet in fruit punch crystal light. I like the bullets becuase they aren't thick when you mix them with enough liquid. Plus, you can get 42 g protein in for less than 180 calories! I recommend them!

KelinTx, wow! There are so many of us in McKinney! Maybe we should start our own informal McKinney support group. I just noticed your weight loss, and you are an inspiration! Way to go!

Welcome Mrs. J! I can definitely empathize with you. I was on my first diet at age 3. The first diet I remember was when I was in kindergarten (age 5). I remember going to school, and when it was snack time, all of the kids got Cookies or ice cream, and I had to pull out the piece of fruit that my mom sent for me. The only time I've ever been thin was after my mom put me on Medifast (a doctor supervised liquid diet) when I was a senior in high school. I got down to a size 8 (I'm 5'8"), which was small for me. But as soon as they put me back on solid foods, I started gaining. This has definitely been a good move for me so far. I've tried it on my own for most of my life, and I'm one of those people who just needed a tool. Now that I have it, I'm going to treat it well! Keep us filled in about your journey!

I've tried just about every flavor of the bullets, but the fruit punch is definitely my favorite. I put them in crystal light. My favorite combo is the fruit punch flavored crystal light with the fruit punch bullet. I can't drink the protein shakes...it gives me flash backs from being on a liquid protein diet for 4 1/2 months when I was in high school, and they make me gag now. So, the bullets saved me. Now, I only use them after I get a fill to make sure I get enough protein in. I try to eat my protein now.

Good for you Lisa! I can relate to much of your story. I always thought I should be able to do it on my own. 3 years ago I looked into the surgery and even had a surgery date. But, I kept thinking that I should be able to do it on my own. Well, 3 years later, I had put on even more weight, and I realized there was nothing wrong with admitting that I needed a tool to help me achieve my goals. Good luck on your journey!

I know...in just a few weeks, we should both be at the 50 pound mark. I can hardly believe it! While we still have a ways to go, I have so much confidence that we can do this! I mean seriously, who loses 45 pounds in 3 months....WE DO!:cursing:

Family :cursing::smile::smile:

First, you are not a flunkie! Good job on maintaining your weight loss. But, it is NOT too late! As you know, your band is just a tool, and the hard work is up to you. You choose what you eat. You choose how much you exercise. You choose whether or not to get fills. All you have to do is make a choice! Choose to be healthier and continue down your weight loss journey with your band! I know I'm making it seem very simple, but ultimately, it really is. Find a doctor in your new area and schedule an appointment to get a fill. If you aren't already tracking your calories and exercise, start doing that (check out www.thedailyplate.com). Take some small steps so it doesn't seem so overwhelming all at once. Congratulations on your life changes...they sound like some good ones.