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I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it. I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family. I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done". So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself. Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever. So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings". So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it. I LOVE MY BAND Zil Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.

I just felt like I read parts of MY life story as well! I was skinny as a child, but at puberty the weight just seemed to go up..and up...and up. I haven't been in a relationship for a long time, and have often felt invisible. To combat this I developed the 'big girl' personality. Funny, sarcastic, witty, etc. Apparently I use it so well that my closest friends didn't even realize how much I hate this body that I'm trapped in. When I found out about the sleeve I almsot started crying from relief. I'm hopefully getting sleeved in April and I imagine my emotions will go through the same roller coaster ride as yours are. All I can say is that you're not crazy and you have a right to feel how you feel. Repressing those emotions would be bad in the long run, but maybe you can channel it into volunteering, running, a new hobby, etc. All of those things can make you feel better about yourself and help steady your emotions. If there are any support groups in your area for post-sleevers, then maybe you can try and go to those. If nothing else, you'll know that you're not alone in how you feel. Good luck and keep us posted!

My first goal is to loose 20 lbs. This is a milestone for me because I always loose 20 lbs, and thats it. I am currently down 15 lbs, when I loose the next 5 lbs, I am getting my nails done. I actually made a list of what I am rewarding myself at different pounds lost.

My 1st goal is to lose 10% of my body weight (28#'s) I was banded 1/16 and am down 11#'s pre-op and 11#'s post-op ... So I only have 6#'s to go. When I reach my 1st goal I am going to get blonde and purple highlights in my hair LOL ... It feels a little strange to reward myself with a new hairstyle but its better then food !!! and I am just not going to waste money on new clothes for a few more months =0) Good luck to you on your journey =0)

I have tried WW like 4 times. It is a lot of work to count your points, but now with the smart phone apps it makes it a little easier. I agree with JustDoIt30 do what is best for you.

Congrats, keep it up

Had a hernia repair done also, surgery was a Friday and I was okay within the week but took two weeks off. I guess it depends on your work situation. I felt because of the restrictions with eating I might feel weaker but it wasn't so bad. Glad I took the extra time off anyway.

I'm getting banded in March and I'll telling the world. Then I will know that they are watching me so hopefully the more eyes on me I will work harder.

HappyMEE --- you should get in a better frame of mind... If you are setting yourself up to NOT LOSE any weight...........it means you haven't used the LB as a tool..... In addtiion to the LB surgery, you need to change how/what you eat and also get into an exercise program.... I had my surgery 3 years ago - and can not imagine someone having it and NOT losing weight--- it IS difficult --- the weight did not come off easily -- and it doesn't STAY OFF easily - I still struggle EVERY DAY with eating. I am NOT hungry --- I eat because i LIKE TO EAT!!!! I have seen people lose 100 lbs after LB surgery -- and now they have gained it all back --- because they have learned how to eat what they want...... Set yourself up to do well -- succeed!!!! It takes lots of effort and work --- YOU CAN DO IT!!! Good Luck! and p,s. I told EVERYONE --- so that I could be held accountable. I felt if I did NOT tell people --- then I wouldn't have to be worried about getting caught eating food........etc. I needed help to lose weight - the LB was one tool, having others watch and see was another.........i enjoyed the "negative Nelly's" -- they motivated me to do the right thing!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Hey girl, I am also NOT looking for how to do a ticker...now, but finaly found out how, let me know if you still dont have it.