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Today is my two week band-iversary, and I must say . . . I feel great!! The first week was pretty rough, feeling like my stomach muscles had been severed, allergic reactions to the bandages that left my abdomen looking like I'd stuck those bathtub adhesive decals all over it, culminating in a case of hives that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy! Guess what, I'm allergic to latex . . . who knew?? Week two, I noticed I could sleep on my stomach, I could get up without assistance, the hives have finally started to subside, and I'm still not really hungry!! During the mushy stage, I've been able to eat pretty much the same things I prepare my family for dinner, with a few modifications (throw the protein in the food processor, omit the pasta, rice, bread, etc.) The main thing I notice though, is how much more energy I am starting to have, and how clear-headed I feel. I am sure this is in large part due to cutting sugars and starches out of my diet for the past month. But the real bonus is that I am down a whopping 23 pounds in all, and I have been able to fit into the clothes I 'grew out of' last year . . . luckily I saved them! Even with the allergic reactions (which are not common), if anyone out there is on the fence about being banded, I would tell you to go for it! I have dieted my entire life, and I will say that this is by far the easiest time I've had. Mentally, it just feels different knowing that this is a complete lifestyle change. There have been a couple of times where something has smelled really good, or I've been pretty hungry and started to eat what would have ordinarilly been a much larger portion. After a few minutes, I am fully satisfied, and just don't want anymore. I can already see that this is going to work for me, because my band tells me when I've had enough, and I quit right then. All in all, being banded has been a very positive experience for me, and I really look forward to working with it over the coming months to build a healthier me!!