MrRiceGuy

Seems like every year people make resolutions after New Year's Day to lose weight. A lot of these peoples journeys start with the good chunk of pounds they put on over the holidays. That sounds like running backwards for the first leg of a race. This is my first holiday season with the band, and I'm going to have it work for me. So, instead of trying to lose the weight I gained over the holidays after New Year's, I'm going to raise the ante and try to lose weight through the holidays. Maybe it's because I'm from Vegas and I'm a gambling man, or maybe money motivates me, but I bet my buddy $100 that I can lose 35 lbs by Christmas day. The odds are against me and but I got the weight to lose. It'll be harder than anything I've done since I'm at a 6-month plateau. Wish me luck! START: 295 on November 24 GOAL: 260 by Christmas day!

Holy bananas, Batman! You've lost a tremendous amount of weight in just 3 months. You're an inspiration to all.

OMG! That's amazing. I'm so jealous and super proud of you.

Awesome job, Drew. You do know now that you're all skinny and stuff you can take off your t-shirt and even out that tan of yours, right?

I wear Nike Air Max Moto and they come in 4E, I know that's not 6E, but it's pretty wide and comfy

If anyone else gets details about this, that'd be awesome. I too am a ways off but am very interested if that's available.

Well, I've had a recent experience with this, though I'm a guy and it's a little different... I feel that if you're going to be in a relationship and you're trying to build that trust, if they discover the port and ask, then you can give details. When my port was discovered (which it's pretty easy to feel since it's so close to the skin on me), I just mentioned I had surgery and left it at that. She didn't seem too much more interested when she saw I wasn't too thrilled about her finding it. But if your partner wants details, you can disclose that information as vague or detailed as possible. To be honest, I'd just say it's a scar from a minor surgery and leave it at that. Hopefully they won't inspect it and say, "it feels like there's plastic in there."

I'm one of the people that decided not to tell anyone that I was banded. Like everyone's said, it's a personal decision. But in my opinion it's a VERY personal matter, and frankly no ones business except for yours and anyone you choose to tell. I may be selfish when I say this, but I don't want to be bothered or monitored by others that know I'm banded, or made an example of. If I gain weight or whatever, I don't want people to be whispering that "not even surgery can save his fat ass" and stuff like that. Or if (when :scared2:) I lose a bunch of weight, I don't want people to say "he had to have surgery to lose weight".

I don't know why I never posted this, but a couple weeks ago, I had a HUGE NSV... ... I had a lot of awesome expensive clothes I used to fit into a couple years ago, but I outgrew. Well, I gave them away to a bunch of friends to "hold onto" until I lose the weight and can wear them again. Well, that time has come and I got to reclaim them. My friends were upset that they don't get to wear my clothes anymore, but they were proud of me at the same time. ... does that make me an Indian giver??? :scared2:

The way I looked at it is I tried to lose it on my own, I'd diet and workout good for a bit, then slip and gain it all back. Since I got the band, when I slip, I can't go back to my old habits because the band won't let me. So, I'll always have it on my side when I slip. We can't rely on it, no one can. But it sure does help you do it on your own.

Wow, I haven't worn 38's since I was in high school and worked out A LOT. I'm happy that I'm down to 42's. 38 is closer to my final goal. I'm jealous. Good job, duder!

Wow. That's awesome. Good job! I'm still counting the days where I can start wearing clothes from Pacsun. And Angie, the size 31's look great on you. Awesome Job!

That's terrible. I mean, that's awesome that you look so good woman are threatened, but sucks for you and your friend because unless she can get over it, he's going to have to make a decision on who's more important. :wub:

blackcherry, your before and after photos are unbelievable. You look amazing. Great job!

Wow. You girls look amazing! Great job!

SoCal, I'm sorry to hear about all of these things happening. I remember a couple months ago when you first started this process, I was too. We both had the same insurance and everything. I can't see what would be the big hold up. I had a couple issues with stuff with Beverly Hills Physicians in regards to what I'm getting billed for, so I hope that when this does get resolved it doesn't go down the same path my did because it wasn't too much better. Hopefully they can get this all resolved. Good luck!

Here's my progress just under 6 months post-op

I just got back from a trip to New York City... and guess who fits in airline seats? Oh yea! This asian is now airplane approved :-)

Well, I've been really down on myself because I haven't lost much weight lately. Which in result makes me feel fat. But I still managed to have a NSV. When I was in Alaska, I went on several really intense hikes and was able to keep up with all the athletic people in our group, and wasn't the guy holding everyone up. Woohoo! Also, I went for a jog yesterday and was able to do 3 miles more or less non-stop. I had to walk to cross streets and stuff like that, but was able to run it. Now all I need is that number to start going down again.

I agree. You all look amazing. Keep up the good work. You're inspiration to all.

Oh, sorry. I thought someone would have answered. As for the hunger, it's not an issue once you're banded. Now, don't get me wrong, the first couple weeks post-op are a little difficult because you're still adjusting and healing, and as you get near the next phase of the diet (liquid->mush, mush->solids), it gets hard to stay full on liquids/mush. But once you move get back to normal food, it's like before the band, except you get full quickly and stay full for longer. So, all the hunger pains that people are referring to is only very temporary. Does that answer your question?