When I visited my surgeon, he said that he felt that with hard work, I shoud get to around 145 lbs. I laughed out loud...with disbelief and delight.

I currently weigh around 275 which is more than my dad. And my dad is a hefty dude! I gained quite a few pounds this year, about 15-20 from quitting smoking and 5-10 from being lazy. My "normal" weight is around 250.

My lowest point which I hovered around for a few months two different times (once in 2000 and the other in 2006) was 200. I felt downright hot at those points! I was wearing clothes from "normal" stores. I really felt that I looked good, but I just couldn't stay there.

In college, I was right around the 200 mark as well. In high school, I remember lying on my driver's license that I was 155, but I was really 165-170. By the time I graduated, I think I was around 180. I found some high school sennior pics the other night that I have posted to this entry. I remember thinking that I was SO fat, but at this age, I think I look great!

If I were to get to 175 (100 lbs. lost) and maintain it for the rest of my life, I think I could be quite content.

But before I make that goal, I'm going to make the goal of the doctor's goal of 145. Maybe with the right help, confidence and focused work, I can get to that weight and maintain it.

I'm willing to keep my mind open and set small goals as I go. I don't want to frustrate myself or set too lofty goals, but I also don't want to close my mind to an amazing possibilities.

Shortterm goals for now...but the mind stays firmly open!!

You have a great attitude and this band will make it so much easier for you. I find it very hard to believe I have been banded since June 29 five months and I know I have lost 68+ pounds. I get weighed on Dec 21 and I am so excited about that I can't wait. I feel like a little kid. I do not own a scale as I would sleep on it. I have to wait until I go back to the Dr.'s office. I have to wear sweaters all the time now because I am cold because I have not much insulation any more. I never ever got cold before. I have not set any goals I am excited to see what ever happens to me. So far my body has changes 4 to 5 sizes down and I look so different. I feel different. I am alive and living from experience to experience not food stop to food stop or drive thru. I am full most of the time and that's a good thing. I quit smoking and that was so hard to do it makes this a piece of CAKE..... Best wishes on your journey. imaluckydog

Thanks Ima! I think it is interesting that you feel this was easier than quitting smoking. I can feel your excitement and that gets me excited. Good luck to you too!!