Hello and good morning my friends. Welcome to Banders #7. So, I guess I'll start it off by saying how grateful I am today and every day for the new lease on life that I have. I walked to the office today from the train station. That was something I couldn't do before the surgery. I always say how light I feel and I realized it's not a state of mind, but a physical reality. We are weighed down by the excess weight and all that goes with it. When we don't rumble and jumble as we walk, our steps are lighter. I was listening to my ipod and started to dance a little as I was walking. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, but who cares? When one is thin, even looking ridiculous seems OK.

I am grateful for my for my beautiful grandson who I was able to tuck into my lap last Saturday morning so we could play while Mommy and Daddy got to sleep in a bit. I'm grateful that I fit anywhere and everywhere. No more worrying if I will break a chair, or be able to navigate a booth at the restaurant, or walk down a narrow aisle without having to suck it all in just to get past someone/something.

I'm grateful for my health. I take alot of pills, but many of them are supplements and not prescription for chronic ailments. I'm grateful that I can walk again...that I can swim, bike, climb, and yes....enjoy sex. I am surprised at how flexible I can be now that I'm thin.

I'm grateful that I earn enough money that I can indulge my new found love of shopping. I really think I'm one of the best dressed ladies in the office these days...and I know I've upped the game for others. I am definitely seeing more dresses than I did a year ago.

I'm grateful to Alex for having this site available...and I'm grateful to all the folks on it who are part of my success. I know I would not have been as successful as I have been if not for all of you. I talk about things here that I don't talk to anyone else about. You all know the struggles of being fat, and immobile, and feeling like a failure regardless of what we've accomplished..and I know now how much we 'hidden' people have accomplished. It's helping me to not turn that self hatred towards others still struggling with obesity. It also reminds me that I will always struggle with obesity. Under this thin person still lurks the fat girl. She is the one who whispers in my ear all the time that I'm not worthy of the good things out there and I should just order a pizza and eat the whole thing. She and I clash daily and it's why I still go every Tuesday to the therapist who listens and helps me to navigate this new world I inhabit.

Well...I think I've posted enough for today. Feel free to comment on the above, or share your stories, or say hi, or just lurk. Enjoy your day today...enjoy the upcoming holiday, and looking forward to a wonderfully robust Banders #7 thread.

Liz

Your post makes perfect sense @enjoythetime. It's not the 9 lbs. It's the feeling of loss of control. I was 112 at one point but fine with 115-120 in maintenance. Today the scale said 126.4 Time for another fill.

It's not ridiculous at all. We see what we think are old patterns returning and we rightfully get scared. I stopped losing after dropping 100 + pounds with fifty to go. Started getting really lax with my food and drink and ten came back. It's been hard hard work to drop 7 of those but I'm finally back in Onederland. The band/sleeve/bypass can only do so much. I'm motivated and committed today and grateful for the chance to resume my efforts after only ten pounds and not 120. Hang in there and stay connected here. For me it keeps my goals in front of me.

@@gowalking @@JustWatchMe

I wish I could reach through this computer screen and hug you ladies!!!!

We're showing up and showing who's boss. I am back on track but like you said it's taking a lot longer, more determination and commitment then it did the first time to lose these same lbs. It's all just a mind thing once I get my mind on board and take away the worry and just focus on what needs to be done I'm fine and that's why this group is so valuable, it helps you to stay grounded. Patience is the name of the game and that was just NOT something I was blessed with, I'm trying to learn though:-)

Thanks ladies so much!!!!

Thanks for sharing!

Seems like many of us veterans are still working hard with our programs... DAILY! And accepting that we may not be a predetermined weight that a dr or ourselves have picked.

I do appreciate how the OP mentioned the beginning of her WLS

I believe we all need to remember where we were when we started and consider how our health has majorly improved....

We just are not perfect. Human beings are perfectly imperfect (ok ...quoting my therapist)

Gotta say... I am happier and way healthier than years ago...

I remain thankful for WLS ... Truly changed my life.

OK who is ready...and who is getting some of that dreaded 4 letter word? SNOW??

If I hear one more thing about this impending storm I think I'm going to erupt like a volcano and they won't need to worry about snow!!!

Every news channel, every single person I run into the first thing we hear is all about this snow storm. The media is hyping it up to where I wasn't thinking or caring about it and now i"m wondering do I need to shop and eat like a bear because I am going to be stuck in my house for the winter?!

NO I live in NY!!! We are used to snow here, it will come down we will move it to the side and we will get on with life. I will be expected to work, as will most people.

Now my cousin who lives in VA...they had a 1/4 of an inch yesterday and there was a 3 hour delay in the commute!! Washington DC was a total mess and today...because of this "impending" storm they closed the schools....snow day with no snow? I know I'm living in the wrong state, but I would also be the one stuck on the hwy for 3 hours over that dusting of snow too because to me I wouldn't think anything of it...while everyone else starts freaking out around me.

So do you have your milk and bread? Or rather Protein shakes and bars east coast friends? Always made me wonder why everyone runs out for milk and bread anyway...what ya gonna do with it??

Thanks for sharing!

Seems like many of us veterans are still working hard with our programs... DAILY! And accepting that we may not be a predetermined weight that a dr or ourselves have picked.

I do appreciate how the OP mentioned the beginning of her WLS

I believe we all need to remember where we were when we started and consider how our health has majorly improved....

We just are not perfect. Human beings are perfectly imperfect (ok ...quoting my therapist)

Gotta say... I am happier and way healthier than years ago...

I remain thankful for WLS ... Truly changed my life.

Sometimes it seems like a daily focus for me. I just got a small fill because I need to get back on track, and I am hoping that will help. On the one hand, I do not like to see the scale go up, but on the other hand, I am so much better off today than I was before lap band :-).

Edited January 22, 201610 yr by kathousefl

OK who is ready...and who is getting some of that dreaded 4 letter word? SNOW??

If I hear one more thing about this impending storm I think I'm going to erupt like a volcano and they won't need to worry about snow!!!

Every news channel, every single person I run into the first thing we hear is all about this snow storm. The media is hyping it up to where I wasn't thinking or caring about it and now i"m wondering do I need to shop and eat like a bear because I am going to be stuck in my house for the winter?!

NO I live in NY!!! We are used to snow here, it will come down we will move it to the side and we will get on with life. I will be expected to work, as will most people.

Now my cousin who lives in VA...they had a 1/4 of an inch yesterday and there was a 3 hour delay in the commute!! Washington DC was a total mess and today...because of this "impending" storm they closed the schools....snow day with no snow? I know I'm living in the wrong state, but I would also be the one stuck on the hwy for 3 hours over that dusting of snow too because to me I wouldn't think anything of it...while everyone else starts freaking out around me.

So do you have your milk and bread? Or rather Protein shakes and bars east coast friends? Always made me wonder why everyone runs out for milk and bread anyway...what ya gonna do with it??

Funny Lisa! I also never got the milk and bread thing either. I went out and bought staples. coffee, wine, cheese, and ice cream...for the BF. Me...I got farrow, asparagus, chicken, and fruit. Should hold me over OK.

Milk and bread? What? French toast?

Protein drinks and bars and yogurt and string cheese. Coffee and wine no doubt. I could get by for awhile.

Ok, chicken, broccoli and asparagus too!

Just a little update pic of myself & one with My Second Son who Graduated from College TODAY .

Congrats Deb! Good looking boy you have there.

Nice pix, Debbie! And congratulations to second son. Lisa, I have a tea tin with this quote (the Sleepytime bears): "Bread and Water can so easily be Tea and Toast." My husband was feeling under-the-weather yesterday so I made him cinnamon toast soldiers. Decided to give one a try (I can't usually tolerate bread but sometimes a little gluten-free works). I was reminiscing about how I would have had a whole pile of little cinnamon toasties in the old days but then when I had my little bite it wasn't even very yummy. Certainly not worth it. Enjoy The Time, I so get it about fearing old patterns and getting freaked out about a gain -- and Lisa, loved your posts about this, too, the old all-or-nothing mindset. On or off a program. I'm very happy not to be on a diet but to have this lifestyle, which like everything in life can be an up and down proposition.

GoWalking, I'm going to have to try cooking Farrow. I need more Fiber in my life. Speaking of which, do not mix psyllium and chia seeds. What, was I nuts? Good grief.

JustWatchMe, yippee for Return to Wonderland! Way to go.

Debbie.

Great pictures and congrats for a son getting thru college. No guarantees in life, but it certainly seems to help!

You must be so proud! You are looking healthier with each picture you post.

Debbie, you look beautiful.

Thank you everyone it's amazing what a little war paint ( makeup ) hides & van do to this face Lol but Thank you anyway.