April you will find so much support on this site. I try to visit it everyday as it keeps me focused and motivated. It is my support group. It is so nice to have others who understand what you are going through. It is nice to talk with others who have gone through what you have gone through and not worry about talking too much about the lapband. I do share some with my sisters. However, most of my thoughts and insights I share on this site. I know there are people who think this is the easy way out. I tell them to try being on a liquid food diet for 14 days....that is not easy. It is a journey that can have bumps in the road...and it sure it nice to share with someone who knows exactly what you are experiencing and talking about! You have done a wonderful job so far...keep it up!

You have done so well without hardly any support. You have come to the right place for that. I have learned so much from the members on this site. It is just helpful reading other's blogs and as you comment on a few you somehow instill a greater commitment inside your own heart. At least that is how it works for me. Share some of the things that have helped you be so successful. We are all ears. You are already an encouragement to me. Blessings

Dolly

Well I think you have came to the right site!! Regardless if you tell people or not if you have been banded most will not understand what it really means. I tell everyone that I made a lifestyle change. That includes increasing my protein intake and having smaller portions. My exercise is in my pool daily or now in our hot tub due to weather. Maintaining a positive attitude is also a huge factor. I also strongly believe that cooking my own meals also is a big driver because you know exactly what you are eating. I know it wasn't easy to accomplish what I did but it also was something I would do over again in heartbeat! I still sit in amazement knowing I have lost 1/2 a body..I have lost 130 lbs and I currently weigh 138 lbs. Share, share and share away...no one is jealous here and most everyone has been there or getting ready to go thru where you have been. We all need each other in order to make a stronger community!! Take care!!

April, 80 lbs.............wow and you just found this site. You will find so many good friends here to support you. I just had my surgery on Friday so I am still healing and not loosing but I know soon I will be loosing. And me being on that clear liquid diet...................that chicken broth taste so good to me. I don't feel hungry at all even though I have my band wide open. Just knowing I am going to loose weight and it is there to help me I don't want to eat. I even made my husband a good supper last night and went to lick my finger and stopped myself. Amazing when you put your mind to something. So you keep loosing and as far as people thinking this is an easy way out........poop on them, they are just jealous of the new beautiful you. Hear this old lady roar...LOL

I am overwhelmed w/ emotions reading these posts. Thank you guys! I really needed this. My starting weight was 236 lbs. I am currently 156 lbs. I was doing some Zumba ( which I LOVE LOVE LOVE), but haven't been for a few mths. because my husband has been on evenings. I do contribute that to a lot of my success as well. I can not believe I have been missing out on all of this support!!!!!!

April, I am new to this site too-but alot of people have h- elped me thru- I haven't been banded yet-hopefully the end of this month-I am nervous and excited at the same time- My husband is away for the Military and I will be alone-no one here to take care of me or anything which is why I am nervous but I need this-my family is far away but still support me the best they can- You have done an amazing job -be proud of that and who you are-

April, you have done so great -- losing 80 pounds is FANTASTIC! I too am rather new - just banded on 12/3 -- I haven't had a fill yet so seems I can still eat a little too much, but still have lost about 10 pounds since the surgery. I hope to lose another 65 and feel better as well as look better -- reading your post as well as others encourages me to stay the course and get going with exercise as well as the diet and I know I will get there -- by this time next year I will feel like a new person! This is such a great site to get and give encouragement as we are all in this journey together! Happy New Year!

Deb

Well, I'm new to this site and this is my first time writing on it. I had my surgery done on April 29, 2010. I have been stuck at 30 lbs for the past couple of months. I just had a fill last week and I'm up to 5 1/2 cc in my band. I can surely tell a differents and I have lost 4 lbs in 6 days. I'm hoping to get on a better track now and I hope just like you that this site will be encouraging. Just reading your story has truly helped me today. I'm a wife and a mother of three children. It's hard to find time for your self. I want to thank you for giving me hope to hang in there and not to get discouraged because it may not be going as I think it should be. Hope to hear from you.

Congradulations for losing 80 pounds. I had the procedure done April 29, 2010. I have only lost 34 pounds so far. I have been at a stand still for about two months. Reading your story is so encouraging. Where did you have your procedure done? Keep up the good work. I'm also new at this site and hope to recieve a lot of info as well.