I have a few questions that I am hoping may help you....

1. If you were to lose 15 pounds every couple of months - and KNEW that you were going to lose that amount....would it assist you in feeling less anxious? For me, it would....but I would want to be encouraged to know that was certainly going to happen with all of my hard work.

2. Do you know exactly how many calories you are consuming? And if you do - do you think you will be satisfied with less upon receiving additional fills in the future?

3. Do you think that if you had chosen to do this without the band - that there would be a higher likelihood of gaining it back. (I've lost hundreds of pounds and always gained them back....and more) I'm hoping the band will assist with this for me.

My heart aches for you that you are discouraged And I, too, am a self pay ($17K) and am extremely hopeful this is a tool that is going to work for me....when everything else has not. I've lost over 50 pounds on my own....and I am expecting the band to help me to continue and to keep it off this time.

On a very positive note - your numbers sound hopeful to me (15 pounds in 2 months) - and if you are exercising....perhaps you are building muscle too! Have you measured yourself? Maybe that would make you feel less discouraged?

I'm sending you some good energy....and if I can be of any help (I'm a newbie....but a really good listener!) feel free to let me know!

Here for you, Lisa

It would help to know how much you need to lose. I know my good friend lost 50lbs in 6 first weeks. But she had a lot to lose. I don't expect to loser that fast. Although that would be amazing haha.

Visionary444 - You just gave me a mental slap (ha ha) There are a number of things I am not doing that I should be doing...such as measuring my body. I look at the numbers on the scale...perhaps I should be looking at the numbers on the measuring tape? I have yo-yo'd as well..so I did not take into consideration me losing weight on my own, and then gaining it back like I have each time. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself?? IDK....but your words today have given me food for thought...(yes, I am hungry right now ) In answer to your question on my calorie consumption.. i would guesstimate anywhere from 1300-1500 right now. I eat pretty much the same things everyday. Protein shake for breakfast, packet and a half of oatmeal for lunch...chicken breast or something like that for dinner with some veggies..I do have my cheat days, but those are not too often. I appreciate your help and would love to have you as my soundboard lol

Banderama --- I'm probably in the same situation as your friend. I was 425 pre-op, and that was after losing 15 lbs on my own before the operation. For some reason though, I'm just not "shedding" the pounds as quickly. My goal is to get to at least 275 , so for now, my goal is to lose atleast 150 lbs. I would like to lose more, but would be happy with that. Also, yes that WOULD be amazing =)

I'm newly banded, but I would say lower to 1200 calories and increase your protein each day. Make sure your getting 60+mg of protein a day, also how is your water consumption? 8 glasses? That in addition to the measuring I hope that this could help.

Ok, Take a breath... You are doing everything right... The weight will come off. You are not in the green zone yet.. Keep getting your fills, try to stick to the 1200 calories a day, exercise...

You will get there...

As for your husband...Im jealous..wink (men are unbelievably fast losers)

Look at all your achievements and stay motivated....

I was banded a month ago. I hate breakfast so in March at my highest weight I started having shakes for breakfast and still do. They fill me. Since March I am down 44 lbs. I don't see it much but my clothes tell me! Today I put on shorts that are very big and they didn't fit in June.I never took measurements. I don't cheat, I feel I didn't do all this to cheat. I am allowed crab meat and love lump crab, it's very good and at BJ's priced right for a one pound can. Good luck and just think it took longer than a few months to get chubby. I didn't lose much weight this week but a few pounds is always better than a weight gain. Keep up the good work.

Thank you guys for all the comments. It has really given me something to think about. Appreciate it much. :-)