I strive for imperfection...

Hmm, I think maybe you gals read too much into the blog. It's just my way of learning to not freak out when I fail. Before, I tried doing everything perfect...eating the same thing daily, exercising 2 hours a day and thought that was perfection. Now I learned that perfection is, in fact (to me), imperfection. It's being normal...not freaking out about weight loss... it's about living a continuous pretty healthy life instead of a short-lived  spurt of freaky-healthy living.

I think this points out a difference between surgeries, or perhaps the types of people who choose one surgery over another. I have the band - for me, it is all about moderation, not deprivation. I am using the band to develop an eating style that I can live with for the next 30-40 years. For me, it's ok to have a piece of chocolate or cake, or a few cookies or a bowl of ice cream. It does not start me down the slippery slide of never-ending snacking. If I thought I could never have these things again, and would feel intense guilt about it, should I slip, I'm pretty sure I would fail. I do have to make healthy choices most of the time, but it's ok to have a treat or 2.
But that is why it's so important to research and do some intense soul-searching to figure out what you can live with in the long run and which surgery can help you with that the best.
Jean B.

I think I would have to agree with Jean. There are definate differences between the two surgeries! And Elana whatever view point you have to keep yourself healthy is your viewpoint! I believe if your doctor thinks you are doing something wrong he would let you know! I admire you so much!!! Keep up the great imperfect work you are doing!! Can't wait to see you in person again!! (((HUGS))) Amber

I would have to say I agree with Elena 1000% here.  In many ways - What works for some on their WLS journey will NOT work for all.  If some of us feel the need to never once stray off into the land of naughty food, and are capable of doing so, fabulous!  Be proud! But I live in a world that, for me, WILL mean the occasional handful of potato chips, a small piece of birthday cake with friends or family, maybe a random cookie here or there.  I know myself that well, and I choose NOT to beat myself up over the occasional not-so-smart choice.  If I was capable of being "perfect", I'd have never reached a point in my life where I had to go through WLS.   I don't need to be a certain size to feel successful, that was never a part of my goal.  I did it for my health, and I have done what I set out to do -  lose enough weight so that I could eliminate most of the meds I was on pre-op!  Don't get me wrong, going down 7 sizes in a year ROCKS!!!  I'd still like to lose about 40 pounds more, but if I never see a size 14, I'm FINE with that - because I KNOW I will never again see the inside of a size 32!   I don't need to march anywhere.  As long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other, whether I'm skipping some days or plodding along others, I'm good! I think, much as saying so may **** some off, that we all need to be more mindful of NOT imposing our personal set of rules on others.  Opinions can be offered up in an assertive way that is not abrasive.  Support should be given when others are struggling or rejoicing.  Butt-kickings?  Well, it's fairly apparent when someone is asking for one.  But I personally believe we should try not to insult or say something that may be hurtful, or make someone decide they'd rather not come around here.     And always remember - there is more than one road to success with WLS.

Bravo Darla!!!! Thank you for another wonderful insightful post!!! And Elana I so can relate to your original Post!!!  If I feel that I am 'depriving myself' then I know me, I will fail. Failing to me would not be losing a certain amount of weight, Failing would be to not make any changes in my life and continue with the same self destructive behavior. I make choices everyday, we all do. Some good some bad, and hopefully I learn from the bad ones and make better choices next time. This journey is not a race to see who is finished first or doing a better job. We all have very different life styles. We all can learn from each other and I have learned plenty and look forward to learning more. I am no expert and even though I m almost a year out I am still learning how to use my tool.  I am not 'done' losing and I am not at the maintain train yet, but I hope that when I do finally get there I would have gained enough knowledge from others to be able to be supportive and HELPFUL to the other new persons coming here for their support as they begin their journey.  Thats all I have to say... CarolN

very, very well said CarolN