I'm still around, just tired . . .

“There's a great deal of the English language that is in my vernacular."
- Melissa Leo, on dropping the "f-bomb" at the Oscars

From a newbie...thank you.  I saw a post the other day where someone had said something like (I may not have it exactly right)  "Anyone over XXX BMI who chooses to get a band, is an idiot."  And I thought, wow, there are so many nicer ways to express your opinion.  

 LOL - then call me a skinny idiot!

I was a 54 BMI and lost MORE weight than most of the people who have had "more invasive" "gold/platinum standard" surgeries. And did it FASTER than a lot of them. To them I say, 

Bette:

When I get to goal, I am sooooo using that little pic there! Love it! Great post!

Pam

Well put Bette.

I'm almost six years out. I have a wealth of info to share. Yet because of the politics & bickering I haven't been around much. I'm tired of the scarcastic comments made to myself for being successful and to others about anything "GOOD" about the band. So I've just been staying away reading my new Geneen Roth book.

BTW - to those of you that I recommended Miss Roth's book "When Food Is Love" and you found it useful, try reading "When You Eat At The Refrigerator, Pull Up A Chair" also. It's really hitting on my social eating habits. I also just got done doing (for the 2nd time) her workbook "Why Weight? A Guide To Ending Compulsive Eating". It's nice to have it around so I can always go thru the steps to get my perspective back again.

Thank you for saying what a lot of people may think and feel.  The negativity that exits sometimes gets to be a real bummer.

AMEN GIRL AMEN!!!!! You said EXACTALY what I've been thinking, girl I like your style!!!

I am a newbie (8 months out and 80+ lbs lost) and I have been having some issues with what I think is my gallbladder.  It has caused some other pain as well and when I would come here for some reassurance - I read so much about failed bands and revisions... I got nervous and upset and worried that I might have to have my band removed!  I am fine and my weight loss is great and I am only having gallbladder issues and I do not need to have my band removed.  BUT ALL THE CRAP ON THE FORUM MADE ME SECOND GUESS MYSELF!  Thanks Bette!  I know that sometimes we need to hear both sides of a story, but people don't need to be on the attack.  I appreciate you!

LIKE

You can't go anywhere. OH NEEDS you. You are the ying to our yang. The whip cream to our pumpkin pie.  The key to our handcuffs. The pony ride at our fair. The seat belt to our mini van.

You've given support, made us laugh, stood up for yourself AND others, and given a voice to those who would otherwise be silent.

Sounds to me you're OH existance has been very worthwhile.

xox
Tammy

 I'm not going anywhere, but you will have to get yourself out of your own handcuffs!