Hi all,

wow - there are a LOT of new people here - wonder if anyone remembers me? I haven't posted in a while and wanted to check in and say hi.

I haven't caught up with all the new posts yet, but am really sorry to hear about all the eroding/band removal ordeals that some of you have gone through - Donali emailed me to tell me about Lisa, Michelle and Penni - I hope you have all recovered from your revision surgerys - and I know it's belated but I'm sorry you've all been through so much.

I am now over two years banded - celebrated my two year "bandiversary" at halloween (!) and am happy enough with my progress I guess... At this stage, I actually realise what is meant by "the band is a tool", I can use it to help me to feel fuller, eating healthy food or I can eat rubbish and drink it all down with a large latte if I want and not lose weight. I have had a pretty rough time lately as I am suffering from depression. The last six months have been difficult and the fact that I am posting here shows me that I'm getting better! I haven't lost much weight in the last six months but I haven't put any on either, which I am choosing to regard as a triumph . I have established some really good healthy eating habits which I have managed to maintain during my 26 month band-age (!). I eat low fat probiotic yogurt with seeds for breakfast most days, healthy lunches and dinners - my downfalls are snacking in the evenings, which can be cookies/popcorn at certain times of month - chocolate other times - also I am hopeless at exercise - every day I promise to get my ass moving and every night I feel guilty that I haven't. As I have had a lot of dark days recently, when I can just about get my kids to school, I have been kind of scared to go out - I'm a lot better now and hoping to join the gym again or something. Basically my good ol' band is there for me, reducing my food intake to 1/3 of what I used to eat (according to my husband) - if we indulge in a chinese or indian take-out, we usually share a meal - it used to be two seperate meals with me having tonnes of "accessories" with mine!. I haven't had any type of soda since the surgery - and drink water, green tea, coffee and wine pretty much. I'm pleased with the weight loss, planning to go get another fill (I am 6cc in a 9cc band) soon - I take size 18/20 jeans, 16/18 tops (american sizes) and have even lost two shoe sizes. I am healthy - have only pb'd once, never have had reflux or other issues with my band - highly recommend it to anyone.

Ok sorry this is so long - hi to all my old friends - and hoping to partake of the community spirit and meet some new ones here.

thanks for reading xx

Goodness!!

You've lost 92 pounds and KEPT IT OFF!

That IS a triumph. That is what makes the band the BEST bariatric procedure. Even though you have been down and depressed, you didn't gain any weight. Have you EVER been able to say that about a period of depression before? I know I haven't.

Congrats on maintaining. Your band will wait for you to get back into a weightloss frame of mind.

Good Luck!!

Hi Bright! I remember you!!! Glad to see you.

Wow - 92 pounds? That is awesome!!!

Hurry and post some recent pics - we wanne see that hot new bod you have!

Welcome back bright... you have been doing marvolous... You were to beautiful (indside and out) to forget!

Hi Bright. Thanks for the kind words. I'm almost healed from band removal but still have swollen hard scar tissue around the port site, but I think it's giving me some phantom restriction so I can't complain.

Sorry about your depression. I've got my own breed of chemical imbalance so I know what it's like not to be able to control your moods. Nice to see you again.

!!!BRIGHT!!!!

So good to "see" you again!!

:kiss2:

I happened to pop in here after a long hiatus, and happened to see your post. I remember you from the old days here. Welcome back. I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing depression lately. I hope that the community here can be of some support.

It sounds like you have definitely made a lot of progress, and have a lot to be proud of. I certainly hope things continue to get better for you.

thanks so much to everyone who replied here AND remembered me! I'm so touched - I was so emotional I typed several long sentimental replies to your messages but decided to delete them and wait a few days....

so great to see all the old people here again - warmed my heart - love to you all!

Band-wise - still healthy, have actually lost 7lbs since Jan 1st so am pleased with that - back on track with a focused low GI eating plan....still no exercise tho.

Career-wise - I finished my Certificate in Psychology from the University of Ireland, and even got first class honours....got a place in uni but deferred it to september 2006 as I wasn't really up for it right now...

Depression wise - I am struggling - still finding it really hard - am not taking any anti-depressants and trying (stupidly) to "solve" it on my own - now taking my Doc's advice and going to see a psychologist (irony, anyone!?). It's serious I think so better get it looked at - wish me luck?

well done to you all - I'm so proud of everyone with or without bands!

I'm really sorry in advance if any of this is wrong - I seem to offend everyone these days

talk soon xx

(((Bright))) -

So glad you're going to let someone help you sort all this out. Soon you'll be good as new!! We miss you!! We need you!!! We love you!!!!!!!!

:kiss2: :star: :star: :love:

And just because these were too funny to pass up!! lol

:lalala: :deadhorse:

thanks Donali xx

em....what are they doing to the donkey??? I'm a little worried for him....!

I believe that's the "smiley" version of "beating a dead horse"...

Had absolutely nothing to do with your post, but when I was looking for loving smilelies I saw it, and had to put it somewhere!! lol

xxoo