Hi Ladies, Oh and happy new year!! I will be having a tummy tuck next week on the 9 of January. I'm alittle scared of the pain but I know it want last for every. My doc said by looking at my stomach that he would say, that he would remove 5 to 7 pounds of fat and skin. I have a hanging belly. I hope after I have heeled, my upper stomach want hang over the waist band of my pants. I would like to put a before and after picture on here so you ladies can see me. Please tell me how to do it. my doc orders are to start a liquid diet 3 days before surgery. Sunday I will start drinking, soup and eat jello and yogurt. I will have to stay in the hospital for 2 days because I'm having a hernia repaired also. Keep me in your praise. Carolyn (Jc C.) Sorry for any run on sentence. Not a english major!!

Hi Melissa, There's a lapband board here - I'd ask your question there. As far as folks checking in... this board was really active the first year plus, but the last 6-9 months it has slowed down quit a bit. Don't know if that's the norm or not. Good luck on what ever direction you decide to go. Dawn

Dawn, You changed your picture and I didn't recognize you. Took me a minute to realize who you are! Looking good! Unfortunately, I have never changed my picture from the one pre-loss. Need to do that I guess! But, I am hanging in right around 200# (got down to 193, but not much more). Doing good considering this is the holiday season. Will get back on it after the holidays, I guess. I am happy where I am! Eileen

Hi Monica, Isn't it a shame that reality comes back? I find I can eat just about anything in balance, but I still get the nausea with some stuff. I found myself in a non-stop snack mode for about 6 months - went back on Elavil and I'm much better able to manage the munchies as well as not feeling like it's bedtime all the time. About the only advice I can give - that you've probably already told yourself - is manage it. You are aware of where you can go so that's a great thing. Try to get back to the 3 meals a day w/ one protein snack. Up the protein as it's what keeps you full and keeps the sugar cravings in check. Be sure you keep the exercise going (my major failing, but since I'm managing the food, the weight is staying in check). If you need more moral support go check out the main board as you can see that we're not too active here anymore. Good luck. Dawn

Merry Christmas Carolyn! Here's to ending our 3rd holiday season post-op and continuing our new lives in the new year! I hope your day went well and that your Christmas was everything you wanted it to be. Happy New Years! Dawn - holding at 142 - give or take a pound