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Congrats!!!!!! Unfortunately some people are just plain mean. I think 50 pounds is definitely something to be very proud of. The biggest question is, how do you feel about it?! Don't let negative people bring you down. Be thrilled with your new body. I am down 26 pounds, and I feel like Cinderella. The negative people are the same people who have made us feel bad about being overweight the entire time, and it is doubtful that any of these people will be happy for us ever, but who cares! Great progess.

I think it's a great question and I WOULD. My whole life i thought I was fat (highest weight 144 on 5 4 body) and shied away from sexy clothes. Now that I am overweight, I wish I wore the clothes while I could. When at last I do get down to the 130ish range again (currently 193), I will proudly wear a miniskirt or cute summer dress. The way that I look at it is that age is fighting us. In another 10-20 years, we won't be able to wear miniskirts. I am going to enjoy my body while I am able to. Besides, isn't 30 the new 20?

Terri, I got a fill 10 days ago. I can keep down liquidy and soft foods. Anything with texture (and sometimes liquids) causes me discomfort. I am trying to decide if i should get loosened, because I haven't lost much weight. I think it is because some of the soft foods (like milkshakes) have way more calories than harder foods (like Protein bars). Do you think I should give it another week?

Congratulations on your weight loss. I am sorry to hear of your tumor, but please do not despair. You are being deflated (unfilled), so that you can take in the nutrition you need to beat the cancer. Then afterwards when they refill you, you will be rarin' to go. If you have the energy, ask the doctor if you are able to exercise during your treatment. This will make you feel better because you are still working towards a better body. My friend always tells me, Rome wasn't built in a day. And man it's a shame, but we have to remember the weight came on in time and will come off in time too. If two years from now, you are your goal weight, well that is better than never!!!!! I've been trying to lose the baby weight since 1999!!! Take care. melissa

Congrats to you! I know what you mean. My loss is about 24 pounds, but thanks to a membership at Contours I am also down 4 inches (after the pounds), and I am pulling jeans out of my closet that haven't fit in so long. I was shocked to discover that I had to buy my dress pants in the juniors section at Fashion Bug. I was just so used to having to buy things big. What a great change!!!! Of course I still have to wear a 14/16 top because I am busty. It is so wonderful to watch your body transform into what it used to be or what you want it to be!! Keep up the good work.

I have had the same problem. I lost 20 pounds immediately after the surgery, but no more since then. I am on my 3rd fill now and I hope this is my sweet spot. I got 1.5 more ccs put in today. I believe I am at 7.5 of a 10cc band. When I first got the band I remember eating 1/2 cup of food and being full. That was great! Now after my 3rd fill, I am hoping to be at that same level of restriction. I have the willpower but I do not want to feel like I am dieting (which is what it's like without restriction). What I have learned is 1) No liquids with meals because the food slips thru too quickly 2) if you are able to eat a full meal or way more than 1 cup of food your band is too loose and you should get a fill immediately.

Chickie, Your before and after pics are amazing. Congratulations!!!! I got banded at 213 and my goal is 130. I'm down 20. I am becoming very worried about how my stomach and breasts will look, and although I said I would NEVER have plastic surgery I am changing my mind. I get LASIK in a couple weeks, and a tummy tuck and breast lift are probably in my future. Your Stomach looks AWESOME after the tuck. I actually didn't think it looked that bad before. Would you mind telling me if your breasts shrunk along with your body?? I am so worried about that part too.

thankx for posting this question. Before surgery all i thought about was losing weight. Now I am paranoid not about my boobs getting smaller, but getting to be empty bags. I am a full 38D and I was always big chested. I wouldn't mind smaller tight ones, but big baggy ones has me seriously considering plasic surgery. I've heard that if you lose it slowly your skin can catch up, but I am doubting it seriously.

Thanks SS. Why 90 minutes? I think part of the problem is that I do not fully understand how it should work. My nutritionist (thru the local hospital not lap-band oriented) advised me not to drink liquids with meals because it would make me feel too full to eat. However, since then I have been told that the liquids help slip the food through. I have to work on chewing slower and avoiding liquids. I do great after my fill. I love the liquid diet because that is when I lose the most. I can drink chocolate shakes (yes I know stupid choice I will quote my surgeon, "If you are trying to lose weight, why are you drinking a chocolate milk shake?!" ) and still lose weight. But as soon as it doesn't seem like my band is working for me, I quit working with it. I'm getting a bit down on myself because I haven't lost anymore weight and part of it is my own fault! Thanks for your help. Does anyone know if there are any books on lap band living?

I am wondering the same thing. I was banded 12/4. I thought it was the greatest. I ate a cup of yogurt and was full. I quickly lost 20 pounds. Despite two fills (one that was so tight I couldn't swallow water), I feel like the only restriction I have is the texture. Some foods get stuck. Other than that, I do not get the full feeling. I think one problem is that I am eating too quickly (so I do not feel full), however how can my pouch hold a complete meal?