WLS: Regrets, Reflections, and Random Thoughts on WLS and the lapband

[player2693]

KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!! I had the RNY and I keep It to myself because people are so judgmental. I still have to workout and watch what I eat. I am going on 9 years this coming August 1, 2012 and I'm still happy with my choice. You are so funny. I will be watching all of your videos. Keep them coming.

[casabella44]

I love your honesty, it is really refreshing. You have so much energy and you look great. Well done.

[GodsButterflye]

I tell a select few of my RNY, though I don't like advertise it. Your hemrhoid (sp?) comparison is PERFECT. Some things we just don't advertise!

[sky8725]

Love this video..You are too funny! Love your energy girl:-) I've been keeping my band secret from most people too. I'm starting to feel guilty when obese people ask me how I'm losing my weight. I've decided I'll wait until I reach goal and then share with them my secret buddy "Realize Band".LOL! Girl, you have certainly got your money's worth! I agree, it better work like it should! LOL! Girl, I'm a foodie, I just don't want to be a fat foodie, I get it :-) Keep posting, you look beautiful:-)

[valzdagal]

hahahahaha I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!! THANK YOU FOR THEM!! So helpful.

[lapband2concieve]

Can I just say I love how direct you are? Like when you said the thing about hemrhoid surgery and HIPPA. Cracked me up! Which is bad because I had lap band 5 days ago and it hurts to laugh! But I was so encouraged by your video. I have been feeling regrets because I am in so much pain and SO hungry all the time, but seeing your video showed me the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.  And you are BEAUTIFUL.

[carlaayers]

WHY HAVE I NOT FOUND YOU BEFORE NOW ! I got the band so I could wear high heels, lol. I am far from perfect with my "diet" but I feel the same way... food is not the devil!

I think the slow weight loss will help me avoid the "melted" fatty look. You are my inspiration. Get it girl !

[RachelMarie81]

LOL! Girl! You are just too funny! I loved watching this video. I love what you say about bones hurting and being cold. My friend lost almost 200 lbs with Roux en Y and she says the same thing. I wouldn't believe it...but you say the same. LOL! I'm going through insurance approval right now for my own surgery. I have 250 lbs to lose and I can't wait until I'm cold because I'm too skinny. Congrats!

[Healthystyle4Me]

You are so much fun. I agree with everything you say about privacy an lapband. I want gastric sleeve but my insurance company wants a bmi of 50. I'm at 48. So they are pushing for gastric bypass but I don't want my intestines re routed so I'm considering the band instead, but my surgeon doesn't like that idea. Im beginning to wonder Who's weight loss surg is this? I'm glad u posted ur videos are encouraging.

[BandNewHolly]

You are the cutest thing ever! I love your point of view. Im just now starting the process for approval. You look wonderful and are so bubbly!

[FatmanJack25]

You look great, thank you so much for sharing.

[mikemik712]

Wow! You look amazing i looked at your first video!!! Congrats i still got 50 to 60 to gothought about getting the lap bound but been blssed to lose 80 lbs through diest and exercise but hey whatever it takes, do it...different strokes for different strokes:) thanks for sharing

[weightn2xhale2011]

Luv ur video, still am tryin 2 decide whether I want the band or bypass. Have some of the same concerns as u did.

[duxxx0r]

I would never have guessed that you're 37! You look great!

[MsWhite31]

I watched your video's from the 1st... you look great thanks for keeping it REAL and letting me know that I am the only one that feel the same.

[Relovlee]

girl u lookn great!~ And youre right it works for u (the band). Everyone's different but im just glad youre able to do the fills/unfills and its so easy for u now. Take care

[miacuz78]

Omg, I love you! Your video has me cracking up over here! Your explanation of why you didn't tell ppl about your wls is the same reason I did. I guess I just know waaaay too many haters! Sad but true. I watched one of your videos a long time ago, and i think i remember you are in Miami? I live in the Grove and I thought I remember you being close to me?

[TheMrsSingalong]

girl i'm cold as hell yessssss

[bamagirl7995]

This is awesome!!! You sound so much like me in so many ways. I am glad to have found you. Going to go back & watch all your videos. You look amazing!!!!

[Lyric4L]

Lmaooo@ "shhhhh ok"! I just love you

[madammetamorphosis]

Ok...I LOVED this video! Thank you for your candidness. My Lap band surgery is scheduled for next week, and It is reassuring to see "banders", such as yourself, with open feedback about their experience. Thanks for posting...

[glamgyrl76]

I am cracking up at 5min mark..I told people my family and close friends but now I wish I had not. I'm 7 months out and just finally got restriction about 3 weeks ago so I understand what you mean about the slow loss and the whispering. I also don't like when people constantly ask how much have you lost. But I have no regrets either. Love your channel!

[paradisej143]

OMG, you are adorable! So fun and full of energy. A breath of fresh air. Thank you for putting a smile on my face. I know how you feel about being able to order what you want to order without feeling bad. When you are fat you always wonder what other people are thinking about what you are shoving in your face.

Cheers

Jen

[MsBandtastic]

So glad you made a video. I was needing a usalbgirl fix! So happy for you making goal. You seem very happy and your life is right where you want it to be.

[Mrsshortd]

I am a gastric bypass patient my first choice was going to be the lapband. but I think its to each its own, because I saw to many people have problem with erosion, slippage, and needing to go to the emergancy room because they couldn't swallow their saliva because it was too tight. sometimes they would go to the ED and not have a doctor available who knew how to work with gastric bands. so I choose the bypass and have not had any problems and feel great.

[RosePetals65]

I enjoy your videos cause i too am a slow loser ... i lost 66lbs in 1 year ... i still love chocolate also...its nice t know i can still enjoy my foods ... u look great and congrats on the engagement ...u look like you are enjoying life.

[msdeev1]

You are so funny. I feel the same way that you do about telling folks. I'm losing slowly too and I don't need folks saying what you said ; ) This is enough to deal with on it's own. I love your vids.

[caribemama]

I like you in general! I had the surgery on may last year, and the loss has been very slow. I am grateful that i got the band instead of the bypass. yes the fat loss cause the chill! eating is no longer a sport! LOL happy for you darling.

[mmeischa1]

You are so gorgeous..haven't looked at your updates in awhile..and made me laugh again with your little way of talking..LOL. You look great..a good thing to look forward to.

[skymoon1982]

You are absolutely one of my favorites on youtube and you always kept it real! I love it! You look absolutely fantastic. Its funny everything you said about being cold and your bones hurting even when you sit, etc is the exact same things I go through.

[cynwillvic]

LOL! U are hilarious. I had my surgery Jan04,2010. My weight loss is slow also. I started at 258 lbs. I am now at 194-200. Ive been at this weight for awhile. I need to lose like 30 more pounds. I am also experiencing being cold all the time. I use to be be so hot that i wouldnt wear coats in the winter,now im freezing all the time. Also my butt bone is n pain all the time especially when i sit down for long periods of time. Anyway u look awesome! Did i hear u say Honeymoon?

[MsOverweighted]

I have kept my wls very private as well. It is NOBODY'S business. I did this for myself and no one else. The last thing I need is the food police asking me if I can have that or if that is good for me or telling me that I took the "easy" way out.

[lbjnieka]

I LOVE your videos they are so real and on point.

[bgaylz]

From 5:56 to6:59 then from 11:48 to 12:22 is SOOO funny and true for a lot of us.

[siralovesyou]

Like you I love the fact that the band is adjustable. Your body looks muscular and healthy as if you had never been overweight in your life. Thanks fo the re-confirmation that I made the right decision. Loving Life!!!!

[JennGCbanded]

i just came across your videos! i love it haha im almost 3 weeks post op so im learning and hanging in there lol

[65georgi]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR KEEPING IT REAL!!!!! I'm 37 and my band surgery is Feb. 28th YEA!!!! I AM SO GLAD THAT I CAME ACROSS YOUR VIDEOS. I feel the same way, I am doing my pre op diet and my dr told me not to torture myself with just liquids he just told me soft foods and low cal but not to kill myself trying to be perfect. YOU ARE A TRUE INSPIRATION AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HONEST. keep up the great work and have fun living the abundant life you was created for Be Blessed :)

[iprazem06]

Great video! What I like most about this video, is that you describe how you navigated your process and do what works best for you. Slow and steady wins the race! I like the fact that your diet has remained balanced. Congratulations on both goals to get engaged and meeting your WL goal!

[kpbluz2]

What a great video. Very informative.. You are look great.. Im sure Its a different feeling to feel your bones in your body.. Never thought about that. hmmm..

[MissJJinVA]

Your videos give me hope. I get a lot from the videos by people who are model lap band patients; they follow the rules to a tee. I am inspired by them as well. However, I feel as though I just can't live up to the perfection. You are so open about doing it a little differently and about doing what you can but not worry about perfection.Your videos make me feel a little lighter. I still want to do the best I can, but I don't feel as though I don't have to beat myself up when I am not perfect.

[cabernetqueen]

WOW what an amazing transformation!

I felt just like you about RNY--but I got it anyway-- yes vitamins are a pain in the butt! foreign objects and all! lol-( they said I was so old- at 50 to "try" the band-- lol!-- it's all good in he end--

[busybody19]

At 280lbs I chose the RNY gastric Bypass for myself, but I have tons of friends who have had great results with the Lapband, and look great!! I felt I needed more restriction because I have alot of co morbirties. We are all in this together though and you are a great inspiration, I've watched alot of your journey....You look awesome!

[socialgirl09]

I appreciate your honesty. I needed to see this video. It have kept me encouraged. Thanks. Congrats on your success.

[blakkandi]

Great video congrats on your goal

~Diana~

[SunnyRain247]

Your videos are so real. I love how you talked about how long you stayed in the 150's. I'm in the low 150's now and have been for over a month and it's driving me crazy . But it's all a process and you remind me we still have to live our life. You are too funny about your refrigerator - but it would still be fun to see what's in it. And after you get married I bet honey is going to want a few home cooked meals. You might have to get you a cute apron and start those cooking lessons. :)

[banded4mee]

i love how animated you are! you are so informative and entertaining to watch....i love your personality! you have done an incredible job and you look awesome! i'm so happy for you and i applaud you on reaching "your" goal!!!!! i hope to see you continue to share your journey with us. thank you!!!

[lapband23]

From my cold dead hands~~Too funny...I so agree!

[ArtGirlJan]

Your videos are so helpful to me. I'm always to happy when I see one of your videos on my subscription list. jan

[butterflyblue26]

Mmmm chocolate cake..lol i have 3 weeks left on liquids and i'd kill for chocolate cake right now haha.

Great video..and thank you for your honesty.....your way sounds good to me! seriously tho you have done a great job and you look fab!!

Everyone that doesn't know about my surgery will in september as i had it filmed for tv!!!.

[Waiting2Exxhale]

HEY GIRL, I SO HAPPY YOU MADE GOAL. YOU LOOK WONDERFUL. I MYSELF HAD GASTRIC BYPASS ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO AND ITS BEEN A HELL OF A RIDE BUT IM GLAD TO SAY THAT IM STARTING TO ALMOST GET BACK TO MYSELF. I LOVE UR VIDEOS SO PLS KEEP THEM COMING....

ANNA

[supaflyflip]

I know what u mean when u say u don't want others getting into your business and saying things while you go through the weight loss journey...shhhh, your secret is safe with me ;P LOL...

Thanks for keepin it real...not many will say what you have said in this video regarding foods they eat, the reason why you got the lapband and everything else!! Oh yea, I LOVE chocolate too...who doesn't ;o)

[chelle19751]

You are hilarious!!! You better keep speaking the truth, i am so feeling and agree with every damn thing you are saying!! I love it!!

[StrongSuzie]

Iam always cold too !

[AmySDMOM]

You look great and the skin is not all that bad. I started out and 293 and my skin is really bad going to get that all fixed in a few weeks my self.

[IntriguingOne]

You look so young and fabulous! You crack me up! Thanks for sharing your journey and all the good and bad that comes along with it! :)

[soulsister22]

You look so thin! Girl you look GREAT!!!

[MistyWynette]

CONGRATS!!!! I LOVE my band as well, even named her Samantha...lol. The reasoning...I love Sex and the City and my is bitchy like Samantha on the show :). I wish you continued success and I look forward to being in your shoes.

[losingitwithrebecca]

love your candid nature! :) and CONGRATULATIONS on reaching goal - i missed your goal video -- i will have to go check it out. you look phenomenal. you were one of the first sources i looked at on youtube when i was considering surgery. you have worked this process incredibly well and look as healthy as you are.