libra

This band journey has been one of the greatest, albeit challenging, experiences of my life. Losing 125 pounds has been life-changing. There are so many changes a person needs to adapt to and they're all not just physical. I think of the idea of being a mentor as a way of sharing all that I've learned in my almost two years of being banded. I'm a 36 year old woman, living in New Jersey. I have a four year old son, who thinks his mommy is beautiful....I LOVE THAT!!! I do work but as a moderator here...I am here almost daily so I promise I will be great support for anyone at the beginning stages of this journey. It's an incredible experience and an opportunity for you to prove to yourself that you CAN be successful at weight loss. Be proud of yourself...

I'm the last person to ask about a pre-op diet. I spent the last few weeks pre surgery, saying goodbye to some of my favorite foods. I probably gained a few pounds...LOL!!! Congrats and good luck.

Hang in there. You can't be angry at yourself if you're not properly filled. The wait time before your next fill is a setback but it's not over. The band is a lifetime journey, setbacks will happen. Just keep focus and do the best you can until you get the proper restriction. And don't beat yourself up.

I have an issue with darker fresh greens so spinach could be a problem. I still have cravings, but they're mental. It's something you need to try and control.

I had to go to for an emergency unfill at the hospital where I had my surgery. The local hospital doesn't have a bariatric specialist on staff. Luckily, it's only happened once. It would be smart to not get a fill right before going away. After a few days, you'll know if you need an unfill and can take care of it locally.

BTW, I'm a sucker for an Aussie accent...LOL!:crying:

I can see how it can happen. As it has been said, it depends on the basis of your relationship. My husband and I struggled for a bit after I lost the initial lump of weight. (yes, I said lump...LOL) He was so uncertain that I still wanted him and that I would want to move on. I didn't. We went to counseling and are doing much better. I think any significant life change can affect a relationship. You need to really want it to work.

I was the same way, don't beat yourself up over it. I never felt "full" or at least I couldn't read the signs. That's why the band has been so helpful. I'm learning to stop eating when I'm no longer hungry. I still overdo it on occasion, especially when it involves chocolate! LOL! Start working on reading your body and determining when you are no longer hungry...don't worry about "full", just no longer hungry.

This is my husband's fave tilapia dish...mine too. lightly dredge fish in flour, shake off excess. dip in beaten egg lightly brown both sides in olive oil in pan (remove fish) in same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. brown about 2-3 sliced cloves of garlic, add about a cup of diced fresh tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper to taste. let that cook about five minutes then place the tilapia on top of the tomato mixture and cover let simmer on low for about 5 minutes so fish can absorb the flavor. Plate the fish and serve the tomato mixture on top.

That's exactly what I'm doing right now too. I can't seem to focus and stop snacking. I'm eating really small meals but munching throughout the day. This last thirty-something is certainly the toughest. I've been stalled so long, I'm collecting dust!!!!:thumbdown:

Congrats and good luck. I have to be honest and say that I was pretty prepared for all of it. I did a TON of research before my surgery. The biggest thing I noticed a lot of people don't necessarily realize is that the weight doesn't just "come off", you need to work at it. That means follow an appropriate diet and EXERCISE! So many people seem surprised to find out they actually have to exercise to get the weight off. . I suppose I would have also like to get a better understanding of what people's reactions would be to my weight loss and the surgery. (I tend to get frustrated by those who think this process was easy.) I thought I could keep the surgery to myself but losing 100 pounds in a year is pretty obvious. I would have like to have been better prepared for the reactions I would get. All in all, it's been an incredible experience and I know I made the right choice for me as I feel great. Best of luck to you!

A fill probably wouldn't hurt. As you lose the fat around your stomach, the band gets looser. Jack's right though, you need to know WHY you're eating. Are you truly physically hungry or is it mental hunger? We all struggle with this.

Don't be freaked out by the port. I've sort of gotten attached to my little bump in my belly. When I first started to see it, it meant that I really lost some serious weight. It's become a meaningful memento of my weight loss journey. The decision is yours. Put your fear aside, get all the facts and make the decision that is best for you. Good luck.

Oh me too! Everything I wear must be knee length. I even wear a sarong with my bathing suit to cover those suckers!!!:thumbs_down:

Can I make a list? I have pretty high self esteem...LOL! My neck because I actually have one now! My hip bones, because I can feel them! My arms. They're actually smaller than my husbands now...woo hoo! Least fave right now are my legs...they're thinner but they look droopy! Ick!!

I met Anthony Michael Hall when I was 16. He was filming "Johnny Be Good" and I was working in Chess King (remember that 80's flashback?) He bought a suit from me and told me I had beautiful eyes....I think I stopped breathing for about 3 or 4 minutes...LOL! I think we lost the trivia part here...what's the question?

Old Navy is great too. I got a few really cute shirts on clearance for only $1.50 each...yup, that's right. I love bargain shopping...Woo Hoo!

For me, everything has changed...for the better. 1. I can actually PLAY with my son. 2. I have more confidence. 3. I'm physically stronger. 4. I take more pride in my appearance. 5. I LOVE shopping for clothes now! 6. I'm more aggressive with my husband. (wink, wink) 7. I don't focus my life around my next meal. I enjoy my time. There are others....just getting started. Good luck on your journey.

That's totally normal...one day I can eat tuna, the next day I can't. Restriction is not a constant. There are so many factors, menstrual cycle, congestion (and others that I don't know) that can affect it. You'll learn to work with it. cheese is my constant..I can always eat cheese so I try and buy lowfat cheeses as a standby in case I can't eat something else.

I think I get treated more respectfully, but then it could just be that I'm more confident and people react to that confidence. Either way, I like the reaction I get from people now.

The band will help with that but the reality is....it's a tool and you need to work with it. If you're willing to work with the band and not against it, you'll be successful. I'm sure you have a "full" switch, you've just learned to ignore it. You need to be aware of you eating and pay attention to the signs that you've had enough. You'll get it.

I know this may sound terrible, but I can sort of see both sides to this. It is a parent's responsibility to teach their child healthy eating habits, but I don't think it warrants removing a child from the home. Maybe they should order the entire family to nutrition and exercise classes. That would make more sense since it will teach the parents and children good habits. Like everyone else here....I learned my poor habits from my parents. But I also learned so many positive wonderful things from them too.

I can occasionally eat a piece of crust from a crusty italian or french bread, but that's about it. I can't say anything is out of the norm. As long as you're happy with your results, it's fine.

Congrats! Don't feel embarrassed, feel great about it!

I kinda wanted to pick...."all of the above" I have my life back and I'm incredibly appreciative of the second chance.