doinit4me

It took me 1 year, 1 month and 2 weeks to lose my weight. I was pretty slow and steady. I never went to the doc and suprised anyone with the huge amount of weight I lost, but I averaged about 1.5 a week. I have not been committed to working out on a regular basis and don't really watch what I eat, but I have maintained good restriction throughout the year and only eat when I am hungry.

Add me to the list please. I hit my final goal on Saturday. 101 lb. loss!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I think my biggest problem is that people keep telling me that I am getting "too thin". I personally agree with Jacqui, in that my personal goal is to to be in the "normal" weight range with a healthy BMI and the likelyhood of having obesity related health issues is minimal. However, my husband, boss, sister, ect... are all telling me that enough is enough already. I need to update my ticker, but I am currently in a comfortable size 8-10 depending on the pants and weigh 153 lbs, but according to the charts, I need to be around 145 or less. I know it's me I need to please, but it's also important to me that my husband still finds me attractive and he doesn't like "skinny", so I feel kinda stuck between a rock and a hard spot.

Everyone on this board has an impact on those who read their words. The words you leave behind and in the minds of others are essentially your legacy. Good or bad, it is what it is and you have left the legacy (thus far) as a stong couragous woman, one someone could depend on and lean on in a time of need, but who rarely leans on anyone herself. You have inspired others to keep on fighting as you battle on with your journey, so good luck to you and thank you for those of us whom you encouraged with your words.

I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I had surgery. Wow, what I can I say about this past year…? It’s been a long road, full of ups and downs, both physical and emotional changes, band related issues and victories and both criticism and compliments galore. It’s definitely been very interesting. Here is my story if you want to read it, I apologize if it gets long winded. I started my band journey with many arguments with my DH about weather or not to get the band. He thought it wasn’t a good idea to have ANY kind of elective surgery and thought that if I just put my mind to it, I should be able to lose the weight on my own. I had proven before that I could lose weight, so he thought it would be easy to do it again, but from my point of view, after losing about 70 lbs, and regaining about 90, my will to do it “on my own” had been broken. I had spent the majority of the last 15 years with my weight going up and down, and I just didn’t have another “diet” in me. I fought hard to get my way and have the surgery and in the end, I prevailed with DH’s loving consent. I had my surgery on Thursday and everything went pretty well, I was still a little sore, but able to go back to work on Monday. The first month was the hardest because of the liquid diet, I was hungry a lot, and then, after I could eat regular food, everyone who ever saw me eat had to comment on how little I was eating. I always thought that was rude, I mean, I don’t feel the need to tell people that they have eaten way to much, why do they think its okay to comment on my eating habits, anyway, that was just a pet peeve of mine. It didn’t take to long for everyone (family, friends and work associates) to become used to the way I ate and eventually, the comments dwindled to almost nothing, although I still get a few. I have had the occasional PB, and lots of slimming, fills and unfills throughout the year. I have not had a fill that I have kept more than a week since June. I believe my band had hit my personal limit at that point, but since I was only losing about 6 to 8 lbs a month, I of course felt I could do better and would elect to have a “small” fill, only to be back in the Dr. Office the next week to have it taken out. I think they actually got used to this. Looking back on it, I realize that was pretty stupid, but I couldn’t help but think that I wanted to lose as much weight as I could my first year, because I was afraid if I didn’t lose it my first year, it might not come off at all. To make a long story slightly shorter, it’s been hard at times and the best thing in the world others. True, there is nothing I want more than a Monster Burger from Hardees and a big Coke, but knowing myself as well as I do, I know that it would not end there, it would not be enough, because as soon as I was done being miserable from eating the whole burger, I would turn around and eat something else that is equally bad for me and the cycle would continue until I wore a size 22 again. Losing the weight has been awesome and I could go on and on about the benefits of losing weight, but honestly, the bottom line is, only recently have I decided that it’s okay to accept myself as I am. I feel as though I have spent half of my life waiting to be happy till this changes or that changes or this happens, ect…., but finally, with the help of my band, the love and support from my DH and family and the grace of God, I can breath, look in the mirror and say, aaahhh. I like what I see and who I am. I have lost 92 (from 250 to 158) lbs, went from a 22 to comfortable 10 pants and from a XXL to a M to L shirt. Mostly, I have gained some peace of mind. Thanks for listening. ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>

I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I had surgery. Wow, what I can I say about this past year…? It’s been a long road, full of ups and downs, both physical and emotional changes, band related issues and victories and both criticism and compliments galore. It’s definitely been very interesting. Here is my story if you want to read it, I apologize if it gets long winded. I started my band journey with many arguments with my DH about weather or not to get the band. He thought it wasn’t a good idea to have ANY kind of elective surgery and thought that if I just put my mind to it, I should be able to lose the weight on my own. I had proven before that I could lose weight, so he thought it would be easy to do it again, but from my point of view, after losing about 70 lbs, and regaining about 90, my will to do it “on my own” had been broken. I had spent the majority of the last 15 years with my weight going up and down, and I just didn’t have another “diet” in me. I fought hard to get my way and have the surgery and in the end, I prevailed with DH’s loving consent. I had my surgery on Thursday and everything went pretty well, I was still a little sore, but able to go back to work on Monday. The first month was the hardest because of the liquid diet, I was hungry a lot, and then, after I could eat regular food, everyone who ever saw me eat had to comment on how little I was eating. I always thought that was rude, I mean, I don’t feel the need to tell people that they have eaten way to much, why do they think its okay to comment on my eating habits, anyway, that was just a pet peeve of mine. It didn’t take to long for everyone (family, friends and work associates) to become used to the way I ate and eventually, the comments dwindled to almost nothing, although I still get a few. I have had the occasional PB, and lots of slimming, fills and unfills throughout the year. I have not had a fill that I have kept more than a week since June. I believe my band had hit my personal limit at that point, but since I was only losing about 6 to 8 lbs a month, I of course felt I could do better and would elect to have a “small” fill, only to be back in the Dr. Office the next week to have it taken out. I think they actually got used to this. Looking back on it, I realize that was pretty stupid, but I couldn’t help but think that I wanted to lose as much weight as I could my first year, because I was afraid if I didn’t lose it my first year, it might not come off at all. To make a long story slightly shorter, it’s been hard at times and the best thing in the world others. True, there is nothing I want more than a Monster Burger from Hardees and a big Coke, but knowing myself as well as I do, I know that it would not end there, it would not be enough, because as soon as I was done being miserable from eating the whole burger, I would turn around and eat something else that is equally bad for me and the cycle would continue until I wore a size 22 again. Losing the weight has been awesome and I could go on and on about the benefits of losing weight, but honestly, the bottom line is, only recently have I decided that it’s okay to accept myself as I am. I feel as though I have spent half of my life waiting to be happy till this changes or that changes or this happens, ect…., but finally, with the help of my band, the love and support from my DH and family and the grace of God, I can breath, look in the mirror and say, aaahhh. I like what I see and who I am. I have lost 92 (from 250 to 158) lbs, went from a 22 to comfortable 10 pants and from a XXL to a M to L shirt. Mostly, I have gained some peace of mind. Thanks for listening.

Thank you guys for your support as well. I have been on this website all year and without it, I think I would have become pretty discouraged a time or two. Also, it's been a wonderful learning tool for me and my family, but I think the part I like the best are the picture threads. Talk about inspiring! Oh, BTW, I am 5"4 (and im thowing in 1/2).

Great Job KLM3hrt! You have done a wonderful job and have had great success. Can you tell us what your top 3 NSV are? Congrats and continue the good work.

Radio Head Judas Priest Black Crows

Rolling Stones

Oh my gosh, you look awesome. Congrats and enjoy!!!

I Just wondering if anyone else had this issue or if anyone has any ideas. Here it goes. I have lost 90 lbs, weigh 160 and am a size 9-10. I have met my original goal of 160 and have since decided I would be happiest at 150 or size 8. My DH is starting to complain (as nicely as he can) that I am getting bony, should stop losing weight, does not want me to get any smaller, ect…. He has even expressed this to my sister. Now I know a lot of you will say that as long as im happy, that’s all that matters, but the truth is, I want him to think im hot and my fear is, if I lose more, he will think (oh God, I never thought I would say this) that I am too skinny. After 15 years of being married and being overweight for 900% of that time, it’s very important to me that he is attracted to me. I mean really, besides the health issues of being overweight, a big driver of my decision to get the band was so that I could see what it feels like to be sexy again (for both my DH and myself). The dilemma is, how can I make him happy and be happy with myself. I can’t help but think that I didn’t pay 16K to weigh 160 lbs which is over the healthy BMI for my 5 ft. 4” frame, although I am totally happy with the success so far, I think I could stand to lose a few, but deep down, I want my sweetie to be attracted to me. So now, I really just don’t know what to do. Any advise???

Problem?????????????

Amen I say!

Thank you all for your replies. It's so nice to get the support here that I can't get elsewhere. I think I will just take it very slow, I thought that was a great idea. It's funny how we see ourselves so differently than our DH's do.

Amazing job Wheetsin and ousooner.

I used to weigh 250, now weigh 160, I can tie my shoes, breath when walking upstairs, feel my hip bones, see my toes, fit clothes that I like, not unsnap my jeans after every meal (or change into cotton jammie pants immediatly upon returning home from work), not feel like the fattest one in the room all the time and no more diabetes meds. Last but not least, not only do I not have to shop in the big girls stores anymore, they don't even have my size:clap2: !!! Lap Band has been a great friend to me! Most days anyway.

I have met my original goal of 160, but now that I am there, I would like to lose about 10 more lbs. I think that will be about it for me. I am no longer obese!

What a breath of fresh air you are. Congrats on all of your achievements. I wish I had your guts, maybe I will get there someday. Im happy for you though, and it's nice to hear good things about the band.

I really don't think it's lack of protien. I drink lots of milk, protien shakes, cheese, nuts and meat quite often. I have lost 73 lbs in 9 months and it has been quite consistant. My nails are very strong, it's just the hair that doesn't seem to be doing so well.

I have lost lots of hair, my best guess would be 30%. I am 9 months post op and didn't start losing hair until about 6 or 7 months. My dr. gave me prescription folic acid, but to be honest, I have not been taking my vitamins like I should, so that doesn't help matters im sure. I am hoping that it will slow down soon. It's kinda scary. Everywhere I go, I see my hair laying on the ground. Not fun. That's my story....

It looks like everyone has done a wonderful job. Don't worry Tootarts, once you get good restriction, the should come off quicker and eaiser. Try not to get discouraged and have faith that this will work for you. Besides, those PB's are nothing to mess with :-) I have been waiting for a thread like this, just so I could talk to people that are going thru the same things at or around the same times. I look forward to talking to you all.

I had my surgery on Dec. 15, 2005 and have lost 66 lbs. I started at 250 and am 184 now. I have gone from a size 22 to as size 15-16. So far, I have had no major issues with my band, and I am very grateful for being able to have the surgery done. It has saved me from my self.

For me, it was pure consistency in my desire, lots of education passed on to DH, and fair amount of pouting, crying, ect… I think what helped me the most was convincing my DH of the health benefits of losing the weight. I wish you the best of luck.