These are some of the lessons I have learned

• there is no magic bullet
  
• the band is not "the answer" to all your problems
  
• you need to exercise - no really, you need to be active
  
• if you have to loose 100 pounds your skin will sag
  
• you have to stick to a low calorie meal plan
  
• you MUST control your portion sizes
  
• you have to cut into small bites
  
• you have to CHEW CHEW CHEW
  

The most important thing to remember, you must, understand, this is the most important thing. YOU MUST MAINTAIN YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM

Funny once we were past our 6 months everyone kind of slacked off writing. Our group dwindled. I was one of them. Our one year came up and I went back. We were all telling our stories and touching base, bringing everyone up to date with how we are doing. I found that I missed that contact. I read their words, their stories and found that they all shared the same problems and hurdles I have come across.

You can't do it alone. You need support. You need someone who understands, who knows, about Pbing, sliming, portions and small bites, and who understands "why you don't have your band removed once you loose the weight" Some people just cannot comprehend that we cannot do it on our own, not that we haven't tried. That is why we got the band, if we could, we would have years ago.

You need us and we you. We have a common bond, our bands. Celebrate that common bond, share your ups and downs. Someone out there understands and is there to support you.

Amen SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See, I told my Doctor that I had come to terms with the fact that I need help. In the event that I could have done it alone, I would have never gotten to this point to begin with.

Ditto! and Cosign!