bassriley

I had the Realize band and have been really hapy with it. Lots of people have lots of opinions. I don't really have strong opinions, except that for me the Realize band has worked great and I've had great results. My surgeon said that he wouldn't decide for sure until he actually began operating, because he said that until he actually saw my anatomy because different bands fit work differently with different anatomies. For me, his openness in that regard really made me feel comfortable trusting his choice. I would say the most important thing is to feel confident in your surgeon.

Good luck! Peace.

People can and do change. And "cheating" when you start dating someone and cheating when you're married are so different that they really need different words to describe them. Nobody takes vows when they start dating.

I'm speaking both as a guy and as a professional counselor. Things may not be as bad as you fear but are probably not as innocent as your husband claims (and maybe even believes). Don't assume from this that's he's having an affair. While he may be, I wouldn't assume it. However, even if he believes that his texting is innocent and supportive, it probably isn't. It's hard for me to imagine that he doesn't have an unconscious dynamic in which he is desiring the attention and affection of a younger, attractive woman. He may not be aware of feeling attracted to her, but there may be an unconscious erotic transference. I would encourage you and he to talk openly about this and, perhaps, to seek marriage counseling. But again, don't assume that his motives are bad and that he is lying, as he very well may not be. All the best.

Ditto what Jack said about the obsessive compulsive stuff. I've come to the conclusion that the reason I've done so well post op is that I stopped being a compulsive over-eater and instead became compulsive about measuring, weighing, and evaluating foods. I don't put anything in my mouth without weighing it, figuring out its nutritional content, and putting it on a spreadsheet. I'm nuts about monitoring my food intake. It's still a compulsion, just a better one. The reason that I could never successfully lose weight before I think is that I wasn't allowing my desire to be obsessive/compulsive about food to continue living.

In 34" waist and 15 1/2 shirts. That's what I wore when I was 18! Doctor told me last week that she didn't want me to lose anymore weight-I haven't heard a doctor tell me that anytime in my adult life. So I guess I've reached goal. I still can't get used to people calling me slim. I think it's going to take a long time for me to learn to see myself the way I am now.

I've found two beers that I can tolerate because they have very limited carbonation-Guinness and Tetley. If you are like I was in college, you won't be drinking 12 packs of these mainly because they're too damn expensive. But they aren't bubbly, so they don't make me bloated the way that regular beer or soda does. Whiskey doesn't have carbonation, so if you're not drinking it with club soda it should go down okay. The biggest issue with alcohol, though, isn't the carbonation. It's the calories. Lots of empty calories that go straight through the band. I don't drink much anymore because doing so would undermine maintaining my weight loss. Of course, I'm also 36 and drinking a lot isn't nearly so important to me as it was when I was 21. Good luck.

Lost 2 pounds in the past week. Currently at 188.5. 8.5 to goal!

One suggestion. I'm still learning how to tell when I'm "really" full after so many years of eating way past the point of satiety. So I weigh everything I eat. Never have a meal with more than 4-5 ounces of food, and never eat any more frequently than two hours between meals or snacks. What I know is that 4-5 ounces fills me up, so I don't try to make myself gague when I'm "really" full. I'm learning to recognize the signs, but for me, right now, it's really useful to have the food measured out so I know when I should be full.

Hey guys. Have never joined in this challenge, but I'm stuck, so maybe it's time. I'm only 11 pounds from my goal weight, so I shouldn't complain, but I've been stuck here at 191 for two weeks now. Partly, some family problems and I've slipped a little bit back into eating (and drinking) for comfort. But it's time to get serious and drop these last pounds and then work on maintenance. So hopefully you guys can help me on the last leg of the weight loss part of the journey. Thanks, Bryan

WOW! I think I found my dream girl!

What kind of accountability are you looking for from us? How can we help?

I'm sure you're right. But that typically doesn't stop people, in my experience.

I can only speak for myself. I've done really well. My eating is incredibly structured. I weigh and/or measure everything. I've also created a list of "never again" foods for me that include: most sweets, deep fried foods, sausage and bacon. For the most part, I've followed my list. I occasionally will have Italian sausage if I'm eating out, but the only sweets that I've had since August have been sugar free pudding or sugar free popcicles. I don't know why I've done well, because I've had plenty of times of being on diets and losing the battle. I guess it's just the right time for me. I will say that I live in constant fear of falling off the wagon and getting back to where I was, and I know that it's definitely a day by day thing for me. Bryan

Do you think he might be gay? Having an intense relationship with a new "best friend" that he essentially decorated a room with while losing all sexual interest in you. . .I don't know. Sounds like a possibility to me.