So, I don't hide it. I flaunt it, actually. I was banded 9/11/13. I've now lost 44lbs. I FEEL so much BETTER!!!!! I no longer take blood pressure meds...big victory. My arthritis pain is creeping back in, but I am finding creative ways to manage it since I've not been cleared to start my meds for that again. I just had two cortisone shots this week in my right foot...not fun, but necessary.

I move easier. I breath easier. I sleep more soundly. I smile more frequently. I have to wear a belt now. I have to check for saggy butt before I leave the house (my pants are getting way too big). I need new underwear (sorry, but I do...it's creeping in places it shouldn't).

I'm finding creative ways to stay on the meal plan my doctor and nutritionist have for me. I'm venturing out to restaurants and special ordering without shame. My favorite neighborhood place, where they know me by name, helps me figure out what to order so I can continue coming in. They love the challenge, too! They have yummy meatballs, marinara and steamed veggies, by the way.

I went from telling NO ONE about my surgery to telling anyone who looks at me for more than 2 seconds. Strangers now know my secret...lol.

I love this site. You guys rock.

This is not to say that my journey has been easy or bump-free. Figuring out that the b/p meds needed to go was rough. My "system" went haywire and I'm still figuring out my new "normal" when it comes to the way my bowels work now. It's a "fun" journey of self discovery.

But the best discovery I've found so far is the fighter in me. I want this to be successful so it will be.

So, I hope you each find your happiness like I've found mine.

Yayay!!!! Congratulations on your weight loss!!!!

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!!

I went from telling NO ONE about my surgery to telling anyone who looks at me for more than 2 seconds. Strangers now know my secret...lol.

You and I have something in common. I recall a week or two after surgery the UPS guy knocked on the door. I pulled my shirt over my head and pointed to my incision sites and loudly exclaimed, "Look what I did". LOL What a doofus I was.

Looking back I wish I would have been a little more discerning about over exuberant announcements of my surgery.

You and I have something in common. I recall a week or two after surgery the UPS guy knocked on the door. I pulled my shirt over my head and pointed to my incision sites and loudly exclaimed, "Look what I did". LOL What a doofus I was.

Looking back I wish I would have been a little more discerning about over exuberant announcements of my surgery.

tmf - you crack me up! I SO appreciate your sense of humor.

There have been times when I wanted to just say "I had bariatric surgery"!! But I stop myself.... If I'm really excited, and someone doesn't get it, or passes judgement, it rains on my parade. So I withhold my exuberance for the people in my world who know me

You and I have something in common. I recall a week or two after surgery the UPS guy knocked on the door. I pulled my shirt over my head and pointed to my incision sites and loudly exclaimed' date=' "Look what I did". LOL What a doofus I was. Looking back I wish I would have been a little more discerning about over exuberant announcements of my surgery.[/quote']

Your reply brought a huge smile to my face this morning.

I just love those NSV's

While shaving this morning I notice that my ears appear to be larger. When I was growing up my siblings used to call me Dumbo because if my ears. I do not mind if the nickname is for my ears rather than the 330 lbs that I used to carry around.

I love to read these stories, they always make me smile and give me motivation! Especially on a day like today where the candy and treats abound!!!

I made a vow not to any Halloween Candy, everyone brought something to the office for the day...and I brought in cheese, olives and pretzels. NO CANDY!!!

You and I have something in common. I recall a week or two after surgery the UPS guy knocked on the door. I pulled my shirt over my head and pointed to my incision sites and loudly exclaimed, "Look what I did". LOL What a doofus I was.

Looking back I wish I would have been a little more discerning about over exuberant announcements of my surgery.

I may regret my reversal on telling people, but so far, even the strangers have had nothing but positive things to say. One of my very opinionated "friends" just hugged me and started jumping in delight when I finally told her what I did. I've had one or two less than positive responses, but I just brush them off. I'm too happy with me and my decision right now to let those few naysayers bring me down.

Thanks for the smile. I've yet to show off my scars...lol.

So, I don't hide it. I flaunt it, actually. I was banded 9/11/13. I've now lost 44lbs. I FEEL so much BETTER!!!!! I no longer take blood pressure meds...big victory. My arthritis pain is creeping back in, but I am finding creative ways to manage it since I've not been cleared to start my meds for that again. I just had two cortisone shots this week in my right foot...not fun, but necessary.

I move easier. I breath easier. I sleep more soundly. I smile more frequently. I have to wear a belt now. I have to check for saggy butt before I leave the house (my pants are getting way too big). I need new underwear (sorry, but I do...it's creeping in places it shouldn't).

I'm finding creative ways to stay on the meal plan my doctor and nutritionist have for me. I'm venturing out to restaurants and special ordering without shame. My favorite neighborhood place, where they know me by name, helps me figure out what to order so I can continue coming in. They love the challenge, too! They have yummy meatballs, marinara and steamed veggies, by the way.

I went from telling NO ONE about my surgery to telling anyone who looks at me for more than 2 seconds. Strangers now know my secret...lol.

I love this site. You guys rock.

This is not to say that my journey has been easy or bump-free. Figuring out that the b/p meds needed to go was rough. My "system" went haywire and I'm still figuring out my new "normal" when it comes to the way my bowels work now. It's a "fun" journey of self discovery.

But the best discovery I've found so far is the fighter in me. I want this to be successful so it will be.

So, I hope you each find your happiness like I've found mine.

You are SOOOO awesome!! What a wonderful attitude! Very inspiring!!

Great post -- thank you so much, Di. I'm very excited about starting this new chapter in my life. Your experience is so inspiring -- I'm hanging on to all this positivity. And 2muchfun, that is hilarious about the UPS man. JFC we love your ears, and you, too.

SillyAuntDi I feel the same way! I've lost 36# in 3 months and I strut around like I'm a size 2! I'm not. I tell everyone I've had lapband surgery. Just came from my PCP and my bp and cholesterol are back to normal. Even more reason to feel confident. I still struggle with old habits but the new me is winning.

Best post ever. It made me cry!!! I'm so happy for you. For us!!

Congratulations! I too am a victim of the underwear creeping, lol. Sometimes I feel like Erkel.....dating myself here.... Hiking them up.

Jfc, I love your post. I would take Dumbo ears comments all day long as opposed to elephant size comments! Looking good!