I was asked today why some of us seasoned bandsters don't come here very often. For the first three years of being banded I felt I needed support from this forum and it took me that long to lose 121lbs. Yes it was slow going but my weight loss stopped after I quit smoking (six months post op) 4 and a half years smoke free. There is nothing worse then giving up a habit when you are trying to give up a habit. Losing weight and quitting smoking was not a great combination but a worth while adventure finally. I gained some weight after I quit smoking but that is because my non existent metabolism became angry at me because I was no longer using nicotine to make it go 2 miles an hour. I kicked myself in the ass and just went crazy eating Protein like I had no sense, lost 50lbs in two months and ended up needing my gallbladder removed. December 14th was my fifth year band anniversary and maintenance has been a real monkey then when I was losing. All I can say is none of this is impossible. It's doable, it works but not always as fast as you would like it too. Those who have recently had surgery or are contemplating surgery, just know no matter how aggravated you get because the scale doesn't move there are things that have to happen in order to lose weight. Things that most do not think are important. sleep is a big ordeal when losing weight and you should get at least 8 hours a night. I do not eat after 6p.m., POOPING is a necessity because if you are constipated you probably have 5lbs of poop in your intestines. Water is also important. Yeah I know everyone says you have to drink water water water and then you pee pee pee. In the time I lost that 50lbs in two months I was drinking so much water its a wonder I still have a bladder. Now not so much because I enjoy my coffee and well it's water right? NOT! Stress will also cause you to have no weight loss. Calm yourself, stay off the scale and let your surgery do what it is supposed to do. I pop in now and then to see what's going on but I am living my life now. My husband and I adopt rescue animals. This year we added two dogs to our petting zoo and my grand dog is visiting also. So here I am with three dogs, 4 cats, 2 iguanas and 2 snakes. Yes we are 11 animals and counting. Hoping TLC will put me on their programming instead of Kate plus eight because I can assure anyone that my day is filled with more chaos then she could ever have with 8 kids. Well enough of the banter I just want to wish everyone a happy new year and success will be yours if you stick with your program. It works! Attached are pictures of all our babies. Now you know why I have no time for this website lol Peace, Love and Bubble Gum.

hey Cheryl Most of us old bandsters don't post much anymore . I check in sometimes to see if any of the old crowd is still here. Glad to see you are doing well. love animal rescue. we have a rescue dog that my husband brought home after some idiot dumped him in the woods by our house, he was just a puppy. he is my husband's best friend and I believe he helped my husband recover from open heart surgery and a lot of other heath issues including esophageal cancer Bless you for taking care of the animals.

Happy New YEAR & Happy bandervesry & there are a few that don't post they do read. Just to catch up but their either busy with their new improved healthier lives OR just didn't like some of the nonsense post OR negative comments some people make since I like & try to stay positive I choose to either reply or not , so I totally understand & if I want to get IN touch with people I have not seen or heard from in a while I just click on my friends & Pm them.

Thanks for posting. It helps relative newbies like me to hear from long time banders.

Hi there and happy new year to the whole menagerie! You are such a success -- way to go giving up the ciggies and the food.

Happy New Year. I have fallen off all the good habits I was working on. A Christmas break is ok if it can be reversed Here's hoping everyone has continued success and a great year