I thought it might be a good idea to have a thread where we could discuss the different challenges/issues we face as being single and banded.

I'll start with introducing myself. My name is Chris, I am 32 and live in a suburb of Boston. About a year ago I got out of a 5 year relationship and have just casually dated (online dating) since then. I have decided to take a break from dating for a bit, so I can focus on myself and adjust to living life as a bandster. (I was just banded on 10/2). One of my biggest concerns when I start dating again is if/when to tell that I am banded. It's not that I don't want to tell people, it's just that my idea of great dinner conversation does not include discussing my weight. Overall I would say that I have a great life. I have a good job, a very supportive family, and lots of friends. I am happy to be taking control over my weight and issues with food, and am excited at the prospect of my future as a not-so-fat woman.

I look forward to meeting more single bandsters and hope this thread takes off!

Chris :cocktail:

Apple--I sure hope that what comes around goes around. Sometimes I feel like I keep getting the go around!

There is always going to be racist and ignorant people who have to put others down in order to feel good about themselves.

Which makes them the insecure ones!

Way to go JC! I am glad to hear it was nice.

I joined E Harmony. They were running a special. It's a good thing because I think they are way too expensive. I had my daughter and another friend take some pictures of me. I didn't like any of them. I think I still look really fat. My friend and I are working on lighting, and colors, and I think eventually we will get a picture I can live with. She seems better with a camera than my daughter.

Manatee, those people are the ones that really can keep our insecurity going. I am glad you seem like it didn't affect you.

Wow Manatee, I can't believe she was so rude. I'm not that rude to anyone, including beggers on the street. I'm glad you laughed it off, but don't you wish you had some witty comeback ready when she said that? Sometimes people are just jerks!

Ok, online dating gurus.

Here's a recent pic of me at a car show. Should I use this as a profile picture? I'm a bit concerned about the baggage/implication of the location/clothing, but maybe I'm overthinking it? It's really the only recent picture I have

edit: oh yeah -- I'm now officially "overweight." That still sounds bad, but not as bad as "obese" or "morbidly obese"

Wow Manatee... you look awesome. I would definitely use that pic in your profile. Great smile!!!

Way to go JC on your date and I am so happy for you that you didn't lose your band. Manatee... that woman was just so rude and ignorant. The nerve of some people.

Hey everyone...

I'm having a rough time at school getting everything done, and sleeping and such... I've been partying way too much (I know, my fault) and letting people distract me.... I need to work on myself again- I ordered a yoga ball and mat from sears and got my exercise bike back! so that's good!! still, I need to really be careful.

dating wise, I've been on a few dates but nothing too serious. I thought I met an amazing guy and he disappeared for a while- though he is a teacher, and he did lose his cell- there is a thing called EMAIL. I wish I had better luck with guys- I still keep meeting them and deleting them from my life. But I need to be focused on myself right now, so maybe its a good thing! These guys make me go through nutella jars like water! ahhh!

I'm sorry, Leona. I guess these guys just don't know what they're missing out on.

I'm starting to hate dating. lol.

Just for the record, I hate Fridays and weekends.

That is all.

I do too. Weekends are lonely for me.

Mee three peeps!

Even though I don't have any dates this weekend, I still like weekends. I'm so busy during the week I love to have some time to myself. I've been single a long time so I have effectively packed my schedule enough that there is always something to do. lol

share with us Chrispy? I usually rent movies. Sometimes I go and visit some of my married friends. sometimes I hang around my daughter if she isn't busy with her friends and husband.

I signed up for Eharmony. They were doing a pretty good special.

I am disappointed that they keep sending me matches from

across the country. I am also disappointed that in all the pictures people have taken for me, I still look really fat in them. My face is just so fat.

Denise822 - are you sure it's the pictures?

I don't know yet....(cause I've only lost 11 lbs on this little pre-op thing)

But I was reading another thread on here that people still see themselves 60,70,80 lbs ago, that when they look at the mirror they still see the "fat" verison...basically your head has not caught up with your body type of thing.....just a thought....because when Manatee posted his pics, I thought he looked awesome (as did a lot of others too) but he was still unsure, ya know?

Just a thought...