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It's hard to believe but I got my band 4 years ago. I am down between 75-80 pounds overall. (Of course I want to lose those extra 10-20-25 lbs, but if I just stay where I am, I am ok too.) I love my band and can't imagaine life without it. In this time a lot of things have happened, as they always do. First, I had breast cancer, which came with chemo, a mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction etc. But through it all, I happily kept the band. I had only one hurdle with it though... after the mastectomy I had a wicked reaction to the anesthesia so after heaving for hours in the recovery room, the band was dislodged and I had to have a "revision." Unfortunately the next year I had another slip and another revision. I'm really quite careful now and am relieved that I am basically at the year mark and intact. I did have to have it loosened recently, then quickly gained 8 lbs, but am now back on the way down. It is distressing to regain but a relief to know that I can get back on track again, without too much damage done. So you can see life with a band is much like life itself, somewhat unpredictable and not a straight line of perfection. But the band is the tool that I feel has saved my life and self esteem. I am grateful for it every day. It gives me something that other people have, but I either don't have or lost along the way, an internal brake telling me that I'm full. It's that simple. People who know ask what I miss... not much. Bagels? I had enough for a lifetime, but sometimes I'll pick at the outer crust. Steak? I can live without it. Lobster? Oh well... nothing is really a big deal. I feel I can eat a little of almost anything... To those who are on the journey, good luck. Questions welcome, of course.

Congratulations......just remember it is a journey and things don't happen instantly like we all wish they did. But you will make significant progress by following your Dr's advice and not get discouraged. just be warned, as good as this site is for information and support, it s just as bad for negativity and getting one frustrated and confused. You need to learn to know the difference.

Man, I need to get my libido checked out. I wasn't even thinking of wanting to try.

Hey all! For anyone that needs a buddy or mentor I wanna help! my name is ashley I am 27 from NJ I am married and dont have any children yet... I am 9 months post op and have lost about 100 lbs woot! (still cant believe it) I have gotten a lot of help and support in, my journey and want to help someone else out too! Look forward to meeting some new friends

My Unjury Protein samples just came in the mail. Cant wait to try one tomorrow. Ive read many recommendations for Unjury, especially the chicken broth. Got a free plastic shaker container and meat thermometer with it. That made the hubby happy. So far I've tried the following ready to drink protein drinks: Muscle Milk - LOVE, love, love it! But only 19 grams protein. Others are higher. Pure Protein - good, but I can taste the protein in it... 32 grams oh Yeah! Very good! Cant taste the protein, but it is thick. I blend with crushed ice and banana! Unjury - I'll let you know tomorrow!

My name is Joleen and I got the Lapband in Tempe, AZ on 3/8/12. Everything has been going pretty good so far. I do feel sluggish and don't have a lot of energy, but I know that can happen when you are not eating a lot of food. I also thought that my rib had broken and was stabbing me but that was just a gas bubble stuck up under my rib cage. It SUCKED! Today was my week anniversary and when I weighed myself I was down 17 pounds! Awesome! I am very excited to start this journey, but I am also nervous about failing! I refused to fail! I can't wait to see old friends in a couple of months and for them see me looking skinnier and healthier!

I haven't had it done yet, but when I told my mother I was looking into it, she immediately went into negative mode. When I asked her to go online & just read about it (she doesn't know anyone personally that has had it done) she just ignored me. My bestfriend said I don't want to be negative, but.........and then proceeded to say nothing but negative things in a passive/aggressive manner. My husband is suoer supportive, he's my rock!!! My dad was great also. Funny but I knew these 4 important people in my life would react just exactly the way they did. So to tell or not to tell.......it's a personal decision and don't feel bad if you don't tell. What a shame that we feel something so positive is seen by others as negative and the lazy way out. They have not been in our shoes!

AFB- I weighed in on Friday at 277. When I started this journey I was 298.

Support comes and goes. One minute I get encouraged the next (5 seconds ago) he tries shoving cheesecake in my mouth, literally. I said no and turned it away, yay me!

I have lost weight also just by working out and eating better also....just to have it come back, MANY times. I needed bariatric surgery, perhaps as a last resort. I have met my goal, and still loosing. I have no desire at all to over eat, nor do I have any bad cravings. I say bad, because everyone has "Head" cravings, say for Cookies. But when I pick one up and take a bite, I quickly realize I really don't want it and throw it away. being banded is the best thing I have ever done, don't regret it for any reason. cannot predict the future but the way I feel right now I cannot see this as ever failing.