luckyfive101

Wow, Diane! You wrote my story here! So glad to hear I am not alone! I have been at a standstill due to some physical probs for nearly a year now and only recently started getting fills again. I am now back on track (nearly 3 years after surgery.. so the answer to the thread question.. YES YOU CAN START OVER!).. So glad I found this thread! Keep posting! I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel again!

EVERYBODY looks GREAT! Congrats to all! I am not there YET, but working on it!

i am self pay too.. now, I need another fill. But it is WORTH EVERY PENNY! My life has made 180 degree turn! Life is good! Make the best of it!

I agree wtih the others on here.. Lose that trainer! I stay away from all negativity (even if it is my family/friends)... We just avoid the subject. I have found that most of the negativity comes from people who either have never been where you are or.. those who are where you are but refuse to take the steps necessary as you have to make a change in their lives! Congrats on your decision! Stick to your guns! You will not be sorry! Hope to see "less of you" in the near future! God Bless!

I was banded in June 2008 and have lost about 90 pounds wtih 40-50 to go. I know you were looking for a lap band buddy to go through this with you, but I just wanted to drop a line of encouragement! I still have a ways to go and have had other personal and health issues that have slowed my progress down, but I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A MINUTE! Congrats on your decision! Hope to see less of you soon!

Hang in there! Sooner or later, it will start falling off FAST! I didn't start losing until about 4 months into my journey.. talk about frustrated! But it started coming off and even through many, many personal battles it is still working! Just had another surgery and need a fill soon, but I am maintaining and looking forward to getting back on track! just don't give up, IT WORKS! Hope to see "less of you" soon! God Bless!

I can tell you.. I have had 2 children (10 lb 4-1/2 ounces and 10 lb 14-1/2 ounces)... I have had an abdominal hysterectomy with the "smiley" incision. Though I have a little bulge over the incision, I have lost 92 pounds (gained some back after total knee replacement and working on getting that back off) with 40-50 more to go. I am very active, ride horses, stationary bike and exercise when possible.. I do not as of yet, have that "dreaded apron" you speak of, but I still have 40-50 pounds to go. Even if we do have that, it is a lot easier to hide that with proper clothing than the "fat" I have been trying to hide for years! Good luck and God Bless! Keep up the good work, you are on the right track!

Congrats on your decision and the beginning of the rest of your life! Good luck and God Bless!

Everyone has to make this decision... it is very personal! I can tell you the ONE REGRET I HAVE.. not doing it when I was younger! I was 51 when I had my surgery, had battled my weight ALL MY LIFE.. I still have 40 pounds to go, but have lost 90! Believe me, you WILL NOT REGRET IT! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Yes, there are pros and cons. I have a husband who married me heavy and has supported/loved me through all my battles and at every weight! But I was recently able to walk 5 miles with my 12-year-old granddaughter, and she had trouble keeping up! Life is good! Don't waste it on a couch! I had trouble fitting into plane seats (fit but barely) and was so ashamed to get on the "multiple-person scales" at Dollywood for the rides thinking people would "figure out" how much I weighed (like they couldn't already see that I was overweight)! The heat really bothered me when we took vacations, went on cruise, etc. I was active, but very conscientious about my weight. Life is too short... Good luck in whatever you decide! God Bless and keep you! Congrats on the start of you new life with hubby!

Hey! I work nights also.. Sunday through Thursday 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. I am a medical QA and work online. Feel free to "holler" if you need any help or a sympathetic ear! I am on messenger also... lucky_five101@hotmail.com Luck!

I didn't tell my family friends until "after" i got the band (excpt for my husband and my 2 sons).... Of course, you will have to tell those you live with because there are major changes in your cooking/eating habits. My husband and I used to eat out about 2 times a week, but that really isn't very practical now. When we do go out to eat, I have them bring me a "to-go plate" from the get go.. I know I will only eat 3-4 bites and I take the rest home for my hubby to finish off later that night! lol! One thing I would say... stay away from negativity! If they can't be supportive, stay off the topic! Remember why you are doing this... for YOU and your health! You will not be sorry! Good luck and God Bless!

We all knew there was going to be a price. I had a fill last week and finally feel like I am back on track (after nearly a year of stale-mate and juggling the same 10-15 pounds up and down). Luckily, we have the tool we can always fall back on. Keep up the good work and congrats! Hope to see less of you soon! God Bless!