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

Hi all. Just an update that I'm getting back to normal slowly but surely. I want to push myself and Corey keeps reminding me that it's only been three weeks so I'm trying to find the balance. Speaking of balance, I've gained ten pounds since my back went out. Some of it I know is remnants of the swelling from the surgery but I know better and I've been eating poorly due to boredom, fear, entitlement, all of it. I said I wouldn't be keeping a closet full of different sizes and I mean it. I weighed myself on Monday and owned up to the gain. I've been very thoughtful since then about my choices and am hoping to lose that extra ten lbs. before I head out on my Scandinavian trip a month from now.

Sounds like you are doing well Sharpie and I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Am hoping Julie and JWM are good. I'm FB friends with Lisa and Tammie and they seem to be well. I've no idea what's happened to the others who were on this site. I don't even keep in touch with Virginia (CarolinaGirl) anymore. I want to believe they are living happily ever after but who knows...

I promise to post pictures from my 'trip of a lifetime' when I get back.

4 hours ago, gowalking said:

Hi all. Just an update that I'm getting back to normal slowly but surely. I want to push myself and Corey keeps reminding me that it's only been three weeks so I'm trying to find the balance. Speaking of balance, I've gained ten pounds since my back went out. Some of it I know is remnants of the swelling from the surgery but I know better and I've been eating poorly due to boredom, fear, entitlement, all of it. I said I wouldn't be keeping a closet full of different sizes and I mean it. I weighed myself on Monday and owned up to the gain. I've been very thoughtful since then about my choices and am hoping to lose that extra ten lbs. before I head out on my Scandinavian trip a month from now.

Sounds like you are doing well Sharpie and I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Am hoping Julie and JWM are good. I'm FB friends with Lisa and Tammie and they seem to be well. I've no idea what's happened to the others who were on this site. I don't even keep in touch with Virginia (CarolinaGirl) anymore. I want to believe they are living happily ever after but who knows...

I promise to post pictures from my 'trip of a lifetime' when I get back.

Hi Gowalking , the same happened to me after my knee surgery I gained 30 pounds and I trying to lose them so far lost 9 eating 800 calories due to not doing any exercise my nutritionist told me to keep the calories low and increase the protein I start all over again counting calories and little sugar and salt so far is working glad you doing better after your surgery be careful don't do much I have a neck fusion and still not fussed yet doctor prescribed a bone stimulator have to used 24/7, take care.

Had my panillectomy surgery yesterday morning. All went well. sore this morning but glad its over. I haven't had a flat tummy in ,many years.. Bob was great first thing he said to me when I came back to recovery is

"You are so beautiful".. My daughter came to help so she and Bob spent some quality care while I was in surgery. She had to go get RXs done after . She is a awesome girl (I am partial).. Bob already got on me this morning, said I was doing too much he doesn't me some comfort foods this morning. I had talked to the physian assistant about it yesterday, I know I will be on facebook this am so I need a nap already . liz glad you are recovering and Cory is also a good guy and I am happy he is there with you . getting ready for my morning nap. Take Care

On 4/2/2017 at 11:33 PM, Treadmillwalker said:

Hello, to update I went to the Orthopedic surgeon on 3/24 and learned after testing and x-rays that I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees, no cartilage in either and I need double knee replacement. At age 55 and having a current BMI too high for my height (5'3") doctor wants me to lose significant weight and try to get by 10 years.

I started Meloxicam 7.5 mg 2x a day and cortisone shots every 90 days. Dr. also recommends a Mediterranean diet to help cut inflammation. First set of shots and arthritis meds have started to offer some relief this weekend. Grateful as I need to learn how to exercise given no cartilage in knees. Doctor recommends a swimming pool. We live in the country and I work remotely most days. Ordered a DVD to strengthen knees muscles and just starting use exercise bike. Keeping fingers crossed exercise helps with my weight loss.

If you have knee issues or suggestions on diet or exercise, please share. I'm grateful for my lapband, but expect I need exercise to see the scale move and give my knees some relief. Thank you.

Lap-banded and love it!

Hi treadmillwalker I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and so far I did one knee replacement, did not went that good still don't have full motion only have 80 but at least the pain is less I gained 30 pounds after the surgery due to lack of exercise, My doctor sent me to a Bariatric Nutricinist hopefully you can find one where you leave they are Bariatric especially in lost weight, I learned that when we don't loose weight is because we are not eating right this is what I am doing 800 calories at day for womans and 1,200 for men she told me 64 onz of water , my daily meal look like this

breasfast one premier protein shake they are great only 1% sugar

snack apple with 1 or 2 spoons of peanut butter at 11

lunch around 2 salad with protein( shrimp,tuna,chicken or any other meat)

snack at 4 80 calories greak yougurt

6-630 dinner

fish, salmon, or any protein with veggies

Don't eat bread no even grains!

I recommend you my fitness pal app to log daily your calories remember 50 to 60. % have to be protein so far I loose 7 pounds since Saturday if you follow this you will see your pounds melt again good luck,

Edited April 20, 20179 yr by Yadiordz

Sharpie and gowalking, healing vibes to both of you!!!!!

I'm doing very well. I hosted Easter at my new home for eleven people.

I cut out cream in my c offee two months ago and lost a couple of pounds but still stuck in the 170s. Gonna have to exercise. Ugh.

Such problems. What a whiner. Ok, committing to daily walks with the pup right now.

Glad we are all here and get to chat about the twists and turns our lives take.

(I think we might be getting older when we chat about dr stuff!)
I am recovering from a pelvic injury... had 3 cortisone shots today and so far.... much less pain.

Weigh in tomorrow... thinking it won't be where I want it.... so goes another week in banded life.
I also hosted Easter JWM [emoji195]with help from the family and am glad I did. The chocolate called my name and I'm thankful it is gone!!

well here it is day 4 of the pannilectomy surgery . less sore, still really tired. I am not used to sitting around much so that partis soooo hard. my daughter has been trying to control me and Bob (boyfriend) doesn't know quite what to do with me. but I get to take a shower today can't wait. I am so anxious to see how I will look without the flappy stomach. I am supposed to get my drains out soon. will post more later.

So we all sound like we've got our challenges...and trying to deal with them as folks who are years out from WLS. It's not a magic bullet for sure and is very much a daily struggle to stay on track.

I am understanding that for me, this surgery feels like a setback which I know is not but I feel like it's my fault and part of the guilt I feel for putting my body through such trauma by carrying so much excess weight. No one thinks I did this to myself but I know that I do. It's why I'm having such difficulty during my recovery. I feel like I deserve these problems because I let myself get so fat. Yes I know this is not reality but my perception. It just shows that I carry stuff in my head and likely always will.

Julie, Sharpie and gowalking, (hugs) and peaceful, healing thoughts sent your way.

I am headed into a buffet now as a belated birthday celebration with my best friend. No worries about overeating.

I put on my heels and a dress. I wear a dress about once or twice a year. It's a miracle that the same dress that fit for me last spring fits today. Even a little better.

I had a mammogram this morning. My tech asked if I'd lost weight since last March. I said yes, maybe 15-20 pounds. She said my breasts are smaller. Lol.

Sometimes it's the passing of a year that helps me see the growth and recovery I have. I'm still stunned that my closet has the same clothes in it as last year.

I do have to buy a new dress though, because my younger daughter graduates college next month. I don't want the photos to look the same as last year's pics when her sister graduated from the same school in the same robe.

I love the "problems" I have today.

Good news, (and we want to see a pic from the upcoming graduation [emoji310]
next month .)
Thanks for reminding me to be thankful that 95% of my clothes fit 95% the time.
I forget how I used to have such a wide range of sizes because I was such a wide range of body shapes.

Sharpie now has a teenagers flat stomach... wow..happy for you..(a bit on the painful side?)
. life keeps changing
And I hope we keep healing ladies.

Hi treadmillwalker I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and so far I did one knee replacement, did not went that good still don't have full motion only have 80 but at least the pain is less I gained 30 pounds after the surgery due to lack of exercise, My doctor sent me to a Bariatric Nutricinist hopefully you can find one where you leave they are Bariatric especially in lost weight, I learned that when we don't loose weight is because we are not eating right this is what I am doing 800 calories at day for womans and 1,200 for men she told me 64 onz of water , my daily meal look like this
breasfast one premier protein shake they are great only 1% sugar
snack apple with 1 or 2 spoons of peanut butter at 11
lunch around 2 salad with protein( shrimp,tuna,chicken or any other meat)
snack at 4 80 calories greak yougurt
6-630 dinner
fish, salmon, or any protein with veggies
Don't eat bread no even grains!
I recommend you my fitness pal app to log daily your calories remember 50 to 60. % have to be protein so far I loose 7 pounds since Saturday if you follow this you will see your pounds melt again good luck,

Thank you! I appreciate you sharing your experience with me and also your eating plan. Yes, I think I'm eating too many calories. Best wishes to you with your knees.

Lap-banded and love it!

On 4/2/2017 at 11:33 PM, Treadmillwalker said:

Hello, to update I went to the Orthopedic surgeon on 3/24 and learned after testing and x-rays that I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees, no cartilage in either and I need double knee replacement. At age 55 and having a current BMI too high for my height (5'3") doctor wants me to lose significant weight and try to get by 10 years.

I started Meloxicam 7.5 mg 2x a day and cortisone shots every 90 days. Dr. also recommends a Mediterranean diet to help cut inflammation. First set of shots and arthritis meds have started to offer some relief this weekend. Grateful as I need to learn how to exercise given no cartilage in knees. Doctor recommends a swimming pool. We live in the country and I work remotely most days. Ordered a DVD to strengthen knees muscles and just starting use exercise bike. Keeping fingers crossed exercise helps with my weight loss.

If you have knee issues or suggestions on diet or exercise, please share. I'm grateful for my lapband, but expect I need exercise to see the scale move and give my knees some relief. Thank you.

Lap-banded and love it!

On ‎4‎/‎22‎/‎2017 at 9:07 AM, gowalking said:

So we all sound like we've got our challenges...and trying to deal with them as folks who are years out from WLS. It's not a magic bullet for sure and is very much a daily struggle to stay on track.

I am understanding that for me, this surgery feels like a setback which I know is not but I feel like it's my fault and part of the guilt I feel for putting my body through such trauma by carrying so much excess weight. No one thinks I did this to myself but I know that I do. It's why I'm having such difficulty during my recovery. I feel like I deserve these problems because I let myself get so fat. Yes I know this is not reality but my perception. It just shows that I carry stuff in my head and likely always will.

I totally take responsibility for any and all of my health issues caused by being obese My diabetes has been gone for years but before that it was a daily chore to keep it normal. scared the hell out of me , high blood pressure is not joke either, can cause strokes, etc. so much healthier now than I was before band. update on panni surgery, drains are out. still sore, went out last night for a little music and dancing (not too much ) but got tired really quick. We came home early and I haven't been up much today, Bob made me promise I would keep it down today. He really didn't want to go out last night but I had cabin fever.

so, he gave in and took me out .. he has been so good taking care of me. hope everyone is healing well. got no big plans this weekend except try to get back to normal. P.S the surgery was totally worth it.

I totally take responsibility for any and all of my health issues caused by being obese My diabetes has been gone for years but before that it was a daily chore to keep it normal. scared the hell out of me , high blood pressure is not joke either, can cause strokes, etc. so much healthier now than I was before band. update on panni surgery, drains are out. still sore, went out last night for a little music and dancing (not too much ) but got tired really quick. We came home early and I haven't been up much today, Bob made me promise I would keep it down today. He really didn't want to go out last night but I had cabin fever.
so, he gave in and took me out .. he has been so good taking care of me. hope everyone is healing well. got no big plans this weekend except try to get back to normal. P.S the surgery was totally worth it.

Sharpie, you look beautiful!!

14 hours ago, JustWatchMe said:

Sharpie, you look beautiful!!

thank you so much. I am feeling good and hope it continues. I had a few really tired days and just stayed in bed. Thankfully my guy doesn't mind cooking and taking care of things. I am very blessed to have come through the lapband process and the skin surgery and be happy with both.