As many of you are aware I had lapband surgery in January 2011.. I am not embarrassed that I had this surgery. I am very happy with my decision to have this procedure done.

I do have to tell you that I am not cheating by doing this. I still have to watch what I eat and exercise just like a normal person who is trying to lose weight. The band is only a tool.. I have heard some people saying that I am cheating and my comment to that is weight watchers, jenny craig and other diets are cheating too then.. For the individual who doesn’t have a clue about the band you really shouldn't give your two senses anyways. If you are going to comment please make sure that you have the facts before you open your mouth.. and diss it.. Sorry, I am being for REAL!!!

I have lost 43.5 pounds. I am only 6.5 pounds until I have LOST 50 pounds.. This is the most weight I have ever lost during any diet.. Have lost a total of 17 inches from neck to legs. I even measured my arms and calves.. Weird I know.. I am very proud of my accomplishments.

When having weight loss surgery you learn what is important for your body.. Protein first.. You will hear a weight loss surgery person say that if you know one you will notice when they are eating that they will eat protein first…

During this whole thing you learn what you can and cannot eat. The list tends to be different for each person… I have talked too..I have issues with pork, roast and breads.. I learned the hard way.. It’s not fun driving down the road with a trash bag in your lap because you are getting sick.. One day you might be able to eat them and another day you won't. It’s a learning experience every single day with the band. I don't know how bad I would love to have a Diet Mt. Dew or potatoes chips.. But that isn't going to happen.. Especially the soda.. For those who don't carbonation isn’t' good for the band it can cause your stomach pouch to stress which can cause you to overeat.. This defeats the whole purpose of the band... I have learned to accept not having sodas.. I do crystal light, juices and water instead.. However during this journey as I call it.. There are many times you would like to say hell with it and go back to the lazy life style. Because its comfortable or because it’s easier..

Another issue you will hear is “I am tight”.. If you are stressed, sick, mornings or even the temperature effects how the band works.. Stress and mornings have been major issues with me. During the last few months I have seen doctors more than I did when I was pregnant..

Another issue that has been discussed many times at the support group meetings is friendships are going to change.. I have realized that some people aren't going to be supportive of me.. Then makes you wonder if they are really your friends in the first place..I have doubt friendship in the past and now.. I have noticed that certain people who I am/was friends with don't comment or say a word about my success or what I am doing.. During this journey you are going to need friends that are supportive.. This isn't easy..

The main reason why I did this because I don't want health issues that come from being overweight..I have been lucky that I don’t have any health problems.. I am trying to do this before I have any concerns. I also don't want Kaitlynn to be embarrassed of me.. I also want to be able to going shopping any store not worrying if they are going to have my size or not.. A most important I want to be healthy and be here as long as possible.. When I started this journey I wore a size 22. I can now say that I wear 16.. That’s four freaking sizes in four months..

You realize who you can count on. I am very thankful for Lapbandtalk.com and my Surgeon’s Support Group mainly because they can relate to what I am going through. I have also started to use myfitnesspal on my phone and my compute this is another tool that can help you with counting your calories in case you are not on the weight loss path like myself. I haven’t change inside just outside..