Before banding I was 278 lbs, size 24 pants, cute little CPAP machine for Sleep Apnea (you look and sound like Darth Vadar at night), pills for high BP and high Cholesterol, knees and hip giving out (I could hardly walk to the mailbox, much less any further.) Gasping for breath, while doing the easiest task, and acid reflux after almost every single meal. Oh, does all of this sound familiar to you?

After banding, I am down 80 lbs., size 16/14 pants, no more CPAP, the only pill I take now is something when my allergies act up. I ride a bike, walk my dog, and most importantly I am able to take care of my husband as his MS progresses. (How was he going to take care of me when I had my first stroke or heart attack?) I can play with my grandchildren, walk the Mall with my daughter, etc, etc.

Yes, the first month after the surgery was the hardest; after all, bad eating habits are hard to break, but once I was allowed real food again, with coaching from my surgery group's nutritionist, I found I could still have most of the foods that I loved, just not the amounts. I now invest in foods that taste good (not just fast and greasy). If we go out to dinner, I find that at least 1/2 of my meal comes home with me for another meal. Often I'll order an appetizer and am totally satisfied.

Sooooo, for you newbies out there, there is really a fantastic life after banding, just hang in there while you get over the liquid, and mushy part of your diet and let the band work for you.

Blessings to you all, nancyb

Thank you for this post! -BG

I appreciate your post. I am a newbie I was just banded 3/2/09 and beginning already to get discouraged. My dr.'s nurse told me about this site and I am so happy I came across you post. Thanks again.

Yvonne