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

Just checking in with my "family". I've been doing great with the food. Down to 194/193 and slowly bumping that down. I'm finding that the longer my food is clean (no bready or starchy carbs, zero fried food, moderate portions, no alcohol) my band is tighter. I get stuck a lot lately (every couple of days) if I don't chew well and don't slow down. I was eating radishes as a snack every day for awhile and then suddenly at work I got stuck on radishes. Radishes! The sliming was horrendous. And pink. Lol. Anyway, it has proven to me that I am indeed at the right fill level and need no more.

The divorce is creeping forward slooooowly, but now that there's a trial date set, I'm looking forward with excitement to the new part of my life waiting for me this summer.

I cannot stress enough how important working with a therapist and my 12-step groups has been for me going through all of this.

I also have a couple of the best friends in the world and have had these people in my life since age 14. I rely on them so much, and they rely on me as well. I am truly blessed.

Happy news. Eldest daughter has started to hear back this week from some of the ten graduate schools she applied to, and has been accepted to Emory, among others. She's flying high, and I'm as proud as a peacock.

Hugs to all my peeps.

Glad to hear good news!

Things are going well on my Hawaiian vacation. I know... Piña colada has coconut and pineapple... So it's a fruit. Right?

Lots of protein bars and ready to go protein drinks... Cannot get them to blend well as hard as I try!!!

I'll just enjoy my slice of paradise for a few more days before the real world comes back....

Eating well 90% of the time. That is

Good enough for today!

Aloha!!????????

Jealous, Julie! It's so flipping COLD here!!!

Just a quick update from Sunny California

Been traveling a lot so hard to keep up with exercise and eating right. Fortunately I am making more good choices then bad choices. Was up in Northern California the last two weeks caught a cold first one in quite awhile. At my largest I would usually get bronchitis twice a year and it would last up to six t eight weeks. So now a cold is very unusual.

After not losing for three months I am back losing again and have managed to sneak back into the 170's which I have not seen for over 30 years.

Been quite the adventure these last 8 years.

Just a quick update from Sunny California

Been traveling a lot so hard to keep up with exercise and eating right. Fortunately I am making more good choices then bad choices. Was up in Northern California the last two weeks caught a cold first one in quite awhile. At my largest I would usually get bronchitis twice a year and it would last up to six t eight weeks. So now a cold is very unusual.

After not losing for three months I am back losing again and have managed to sneak back into the 170's which I have not seen for over 30 years.

Been quite the adventure these last 8 years.

I know what you mean about not getting sick. I also got bronchitis each winter and every cold turned into misery. I've been banded almost two years now and I don't think I've been sick since surgery.

Ok. Not too many pics of me except before and after. Here goes a Hawaiian photo

Aloha and fun!!

Julie you're gorgeous!!!!

Thank you and I am blushing. Oh. Could be the cocktail and sun????????

@JulieNorton You look like your enjoying it & you look fabulous.

Here's a first. I had an elk burger (no bun) tonight. The waitress suggested ordering it medium instead of medium well since it is so lean and can end up dry. I did and it was really good!

@ JustWatchMe , I have never had a Elk burger thought about it one time when I was in Utah visiting , however I did have Elk jerky & it was good & a very long time ago when I was younger , I had Elk Steak - it was tender & delicious even though I had to have it medium well , because I don't like my food still bleeding LOL & I love Filet Mignon as long as it's cooked right & also not bleeding , I swear the things We try now , I would have Never have tried before because I would think how gross but proteins are good for us right LOL.

Another day that is celebrated with candy & sweets ugh , it's not so bad if it's sugar free right , but to all that are celebrating this day remember portion control & enjoy it & for all the single people it's Single Awareness day & spend it with friends out to a healthy brunch or dinner , Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Back in NY after being in Florida. Cold in Florida, brutally cold here in NY. Got home last night and the BF had roses and a roast chicken waiting for me. If that's not love, I don't know what is...

Hello All,

Hope you're all hanging in there and Winter hasn't been too cruel to you. Kelli and I spent Valentine's Day sharing some pretty remarkable news.....TWINS!! She will be 13 weeks tomorrow with a due date of Aug 24.

Must admit I have not been eating well these last few weeks, ok maybe months and I know my weight is up. Hopefully, I can get back on track and continue to be healthy for these little gifts on the way are going to require a lot of attention.

@@Jim1967!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So happy for you both!

Twins, wow. Congratulations!