patyann

Having been on this forum for 2 years now I have read many posts and participated in numerous threads. At first I sought help as I was learning about the banding process. People were wonderful about answering what seems now as basic questions. I also enjoyed the conversations of like minded people who were going through or had been through what I was embarking on.
Now that I have lived with my band almost 2 years and been rather successful I have alot to offer others in the way of motivation, tips and support when I see questions or conversations which I feel I can help out with. In turn I too still have questions about different subjects and appreciate the answers when I post them.
That said... this is a public forum with people from all walks of life... some of whom may not be similar to mine. But when I post a question and read the opinions and answers I appreciate them at face value and respect that someone took the time to provide me with an answer...even if it isnt something I want to hear. If I didnt want opinions I wouldnt post a question.
And in turn if I dont respond to a thread its because I have nothing to offer that has not been said or in some case because I just really have nothing noteworthy to say or maybe I feel someone is just whining and I havent the time or energy to reply.
I am discussing this because recently I have received a few personal messages which have been from people saying I am too cut and dry, too black and white, or the best one was.... Just because you are thin now doesnt mean you are all that. That one actually cracked me up because yes I am very proud of my accomplishment but now its time for me to give back and help others... and if someone thinks that is self absorbing... I have no time in my life for their insecurity.
In a nutshell... I think it would be wise for people to remember that if you ask a question about your band, diet or eating habits... expect an answer. In fact expect lots of answers from people which will be to the point and based on their own personal experience. It may open your eyes to something which will help you. Or you may choose to ignore it.... But If you do not want an answer...do not ask the question.

Sweat is just fat crying.

Sweat is just fat crying.

Sweat is just fat crying.

Sweat is just fat crying.

Sweat is just fat crying.

Sweat is just fat crying.

Started at 280, 46 yo and loved it, I still run today, three years later

I love this NSV and remember when I too dired all my clothes for the first time with no fear of them shrinking! Yeah us!

I too went through this and had my first aha moment as well. it is when I realized just how much control food had on my life.

Hang in there you have done amazing. I am sure that you would rather see yourself jiggling then at 441 pounds doing zumba- yes?

shut the front door LOL

Count me as one who absolutely loves their band. The only time I don't "love" my band is when I am not being accountable and want to blame it on my band. But the band does it job and does it well for me. Happy Thanksgiving all.

My thoughts on this are this..we spend so much time avoiding pictures, looking in the mirror, etc. because of our distain of what we see, that we never really get a good image of where we are size wise. So as we begin to lose weight we start to pay attention to our body in the mirror and because we did not really have a good idea of what we looked like before losing our initial weight we mentally cannot compare. We see ourselves after we have lost 50 pounds as looking the same because it was after the 50 pounds we really started to look at ourselves so that is really our starting point. I hope this makes sense.