As I go along this new journey, I have a huge question

LOL - Debbiejean, too funny!  LOL  It's the laughter and positivity in life that keeps up going and enjoying the experiences along the way.  Sounds like you made some real positive changes in your life. 

The hump on the back of your neck is gone too??  WOW ... I have one those and hate it with a passion.

I appreciate all of the supportive people on this forum.  Thanks again for sharing and encouraging.

I am 9 months out and at goal already. I still get hungry, but my "tool" prevents me from eating much (YAY). I am generally satisfied immediately and have no desire to eat more than I should. I just hope that I can continue that way!!! I do not dump from sweets though (darnit) so I will always have to be cautious with sweets. I find that I do not crave sweets or breads now, which is GOOD!!! Best wishes!

My daughter and I both had RNY. Me in September and Heather in December.  We spend quite a bit of time together.  When we are shopping we check every label carefully. We sometimes drag the other one to the gym - gotta exercise. We also really make sure that we have healthy alternatives always in the house.  That way if we really "need" a snack there are things like nuts, Kay's Naturals Protein Chips or pretzels, and there is even a store near us called the Diet Shop that has great things.They also have an online store... If I wasn't prepared I might eat something like a cookie that belonged to my son-in-law. This surgery has meant so much to my life and my health.  I no longer need breathing or diabetes meds! I go to support groups and spend time here on OH with my wonderful friends! I was always able to cheat on diets but this isn't a diet to me - It is my new life and I am not going to mess it up...  I am not always perfect but I lost 99 pounds so far and I am not gaining it back!

A lot of what I have to say is repetitive in nature, but I will say it any way.

WW is a diet.  WLS is a change of life.  I made a commitment to change my life.  I used to drink a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi everyday.  I have not had a soda in 14 months.  I had WLS knowing that is what I would have to do.  Stretching the pouch, I am told, is hard to do.  But can be done.  You have to stuff yourself often to stretch it.  Right now, I still measure my food.  1/2 cup to 3/4 cup total of food for me.  I eat 4 meals a day.

Personally, the craving of food is gone for me, unless I can see it.  I know it doesn't make sense, but it's the truth.  And I found out the other day, the same for my wife (she had WLS also).  Since she moved the chex mix off the kitchen counter, both of our snacking habbits have changed.

Relationship, is up to both of you.  My wife had her WLS first.  When she had it, I changed my life.  I ALWAYS used to drink tea or soda with my meal.  She had the surgery,  and I stopped drinking with my meal.  Out of respect.  Just like every one of her 37 surgeries.  The morning of the surgery I drank nothing until she was rolled in the operating room.

debbie-i am sorry that i am in a rush today to get out the door-many many great responses here so i won't repeat-however- i have a book to add to your list Barbara Thompson's
Weight Loss Surgery; Finding the Thin Person Hiding inside You

it is awesome!

i am enjoying your posts -your desire to make the right choice-ultimately the choice is yours alone--

i am one *****gained due to stress eating when my hubby almost died -but i am still losing-well; losing again!-so my tool of almost 5 years still works!!!!

best to you!

Thanks to everyone for answering.  You all are the best!

I would look into the Band.If you start eating more than usuall you can have it adjusted right in the Docs office. And they do not have to re-route your intestines and you do not have malabsortion problems. Please read about both types of surgery. This is your life and you want to make the best choices. I have been researching this for a year before I decided on the Band. I am to be banded in May.Go to the Band forum here. You will learn alot. Good Luck to you.