Your story touched me. Though I wasnt obest untill I was an adult I know the pain of carrying around extra weight, part of you feeling unworthy of love, part of you angry because you know you are an incredible woman absolutely worthy of love who shouldnt be judged on the size of your behind but what is inside you. I also am a leader in my church. In fact I am the Pastors wife. I had the surgery one year ago today. Today is my bandiverssary. I was 258 when I started out and 5 3 with all kinds of health issues at 43 years old. Today I am short of my goal but so proud to say no health issues off all my meds except the antidepressants thats part of being a pastors wife with three kids lol and down 85 pounds. I am so mad I didnt do this sooner. I promise you this is the best thing you will ever do. This time last year I could not hardly walk my mile I would get on here and read these blogs and I would want to feel happy for these people but would be envious and just like " that will never be me I will never get there, this is gonna fail just like all the other times I tried" If you do what the doctors tell you to do, you can not fail. I am so blessed. Thinking I am a little skinny thing in my 12 jeans today lol.If you need a friend or support please feel free to call on me any time. I can promise you there will be frustrating days. You will go weeks and weeks and not lose a pound and do the right things and out of the blue you will drop ssix or eight pounds.Your body has to get used to all the changes. You are worth it. Your kids are worth it. Remember my favorite thing to say this year. NOTHING I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SKINNY FEELS. GOD BLESS AND GOOD LUCK SISTER, MECHELLE

Very nice story and I agree with Mechelle totally. I was banded 4 Jan 10. Average loss per week is 1.8#'s. Yes there are days and weeks, that I stay the same but stay positive as I did, stay focused and it will come off. I was obese starting in 1994 till now. Weight was 270 in Jan 10. Great things has happened since surgery. Lot's and lot's of energy. Self-Esteem high and getting higher, unbelieveable. Flexibility and movement much easier. I am down now to 233 #'s. It's an average of 2 #'s per week. Comfortable. Healthy lifestye will allow you longer years to be with your two girls, like I feel about my daughter Hana, now 15. I am going on 56 this Aug. Please feel free to look at my blogs and see how my journey's been. Lately I tried some meat's beef and could not eat it, but that's ok, eat chicken and fish. I love fish, and mashed potatoes with some pork an beans. Eat high protein foods, and plan using grams like I do. I average eating 1100 calories a day. Oh stock up on sugarless jello, and popsicles. I love those popsicles.

Have fun and I look forward to talking with you during your journey. I live and reside in Korea with my Korean family. If you wish to talk via email: giby97@hotmail.com. Best of Luck Giby97 (Ken)