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Hi all, I am new to the site and not sure where to put this... I was banded back in May 2004. I have lost about 55kgs and am now about 85kgs - still wanting to lose at least 15-20 kgs. I have read others posts about how slow the weight loss can be. Initially, I lost weight very slowly, then it picked up, and now it is slow again. Part of the reason for it being so slow at the moment is that I appear to have become fixated by all the foods that I CAN eat with the band but SHOULDN'T eg. chocolate, icecream, chips etc.... I went without these for AGES and it seems as though now I have tried them again I can't stop. I have had to had my band loosened recently because it was forming a "pouch" over top of the band which was causing problems. (The doctor said it was too tight - I thought it was great because it really limited my food intake....). SO, bottom line - I guess I had hoped not to revert to my "old" ways of eating and suddenly I find myself doing this (but with a slightly different kind of food..) Bottom Line?? Weight Gain. I got down to 83kgs, then went up to about 90kg, back down to 84 and now up again to 85/86 kgs. How do others cope with the cravings of the food that does actually go through the band. One think I have learned - you still need lots of willpower with a band. What do others think? Its driving me crazy!! Kaysha.:help:

Most doctors give the first fill about 6 weeks out from surgery, once you've completely healed. The band isn't designed to work without a fill, so try not to panic. Many people lose weight during this time because of the liquid diet, but some doctors allow a much quicker return to regular food and that means weight gain for some. Hang in there - it will get better once you have restriction!

Recently, someone posted (somewhere here) that her husband wanted her to get the balloon rather than the band. I do think he was in the military, so probably stationed in Europe. I had very little in the way of English language research that I could access online, but the one thing I did see was that it must be removed within 6 months and it has caused life-threatening erosions of the stomach wall. Anyway, this is a news article on the gastric balloons and you can expect to hear more about them as Europe begins to face their ballooning problems with obesity. -- Theresa Stomach Balloons Used to Fight Weight Gain By MARTA FALCONI AP ROME (Jan. 29) - Vittorio Campati is a 40-year-old restaurant chef. He weighs 308 pounds, likes Pasta and sweets and has failed many diets. His last resort? A balloon inserted into his stomach in a procedure that lasts less than 20 minutes. European doctors hail the technique as a simple, less invasive way to fight obesity. "I'm having this balloon inserted in the hope of reducing the quantity of food that I eat," Campati said shortly before being sedated at Rome's Polyclinic Hospital Umberto I. Being a chef makes that hard. "I eat a lot of carbohydrates and I did several diets, but all of them failed," he said. Inserted down the patient's throat, a round silicon balloon is filled with a saline solution and remains in the stomach for about six months, when it is deflated and taken out before the material degrades. "We introduce a balloon of half a liter volume (about a pint) in the stomach and inflate it so it takes up space and helps slow down the eating," said Dr. Nicola Basso, the obesity surgeon who performed the procedure on Campati in early January. "This causes a sense of fullness, and the patient is helped to lose weight." The balloon, which also contains methylene blue to signal any leak, does not alter the shape of the abdomen and is too big to slip down into the digestive tract. Basso, who has performed the procedure on about 700 patients in six years, said the technique allows an average drop of 33-44 pounds over six months, although the weight loss is often temporary. "The efficacy of the treatment depends on how the patient is able to use these six months to change his dieting habits in a more or less stable way," Basso said. Basso hopes the procedure, which he said is less invasive than techniques like gastric bypass or stomach-stapling surgery, will catch on in the United States. Initial trials with the balloon technique are being conducted in Louisville, Ky., although the procedure has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, he said. Basso acknowledged the operation's long-term effects have yet to be determined. Scott Shikora, a general and obesity surgeon at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, said the results appear encouraging. "I think it could be approved in the (United) States with probable limitations on how long it can be kept in the stomach," he said. "It looks to be safe and can be used to start weight loss for other procedures or on its own." Patients who seek the procedure first go through eating behavior therapy and psychological screenings. Basso said they also are monitored and psychologically assisted after the operation. "After years of failed diets, I got to the point of not being able to go on with my life, or even go out," said Maria Pia Di Liberatore, 21, who weighed 242 pounds in 2003. Two balloons and two years later, she was down to 141 pounds. "Life simply got better, it was a big revenge," she said in a phone interview from her hometown, Teramo. Sabrina Spalliera, a 33-year-old in Rome who lost nearly 66 pounds, described the sensation of her balloon as "drinking a lot of Water all at once." "I felt full up after only a few bites," she said, looking fit in a tight, black suit and high-heeled boots. Spalliera, whose weight dropped from 220 pounds, conceded that stomach cramps and nausea were part of the deal, but she is asking for another balloon while trying to lose 22 more pounds. "Given the result and how rapidly I've achieved it, I'm really enthusiastic," she said. Obesity affects 27 percent of men and 38 percent of women in Europe and causes illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension that are estimated to account for as much as 7 percent of the European Union's health care costs. In the United States, about 31 percent of adults - 61 million people - are considered obese. Basso said about a third of balloon patients return to their initial weight after the device is removed, but another third maintain a permanent loss for years and the final third regain only some of the lost pounds. The American Obesity Association says weight loss usually occurs soon after other obesity surgical techniques and continues for 18 months to two years. Few regain it all, averaging a loss of 60 percent after five years, the group says. Basso said at least 1.5 million people in Italy might benefit from surgical intervention against obesity, which he stressed is not just a cosmetic issue. "Obesity is not a minor problem. It actually reduces life expectancy by a quarter," he said. <SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--adSetType('J');htmlAdWH('93218503', '438', '180');adSetType('');//--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://ar.atwola.com/html/93218503/416492981/aoladp?SNM=HIDBFV&width=438&height=180&target=_blank&tile=2&TZ=360&CT=J&hw=docw"></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://twx.doubleclick.net/adj/TW.AOL/News_USNews;MN=93218503;dcg=00413224;dclu2=D00536005BD03107;u=55EC2E246E8FAF8D;wm=o;sg1=13;sg2=9;af6=1;am6=1;aah=6;chl=1;chn=1;inc=3;mar=1;hme=2;ccb=1;ccg=1;pmi=10;ten=694;clv=4184;aol=1;r23=1;r38=1;r39=1;r60=1;cby=1;dwe=2;soc=9;wwm=1;mob=1;mre=1;nie=4;car=1;res=1;l0=1;l2=1;l11=1;l23=1;l41=1;l72=1;r82=1;sz=438x180;tile=2;dcove=d;ord=416492981?"></SCRIPT> Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.

I'm here, I'm here. I just posted on the 'Slow Loser' thread. I have an awesome new job that unfortunately requires that I travel more than 3 weeks out of every month. When I'm on the raod, I don't have an opportunity to check in, except on weekends. I'm still turtleing along here. No weight loss, in.... I don't know... three months?!?! But - no weight gain either! And that was through the holidays AND a CRUISE. There is no way I could have done that without my band. Hang in there turtles!

Morsaille, Joy's first meal after her doctor cleared her for mushies was mashed potatoes at Chili's. She's been doing cream soups, sugar free puddings, scrambled eggs, malt o meal, oatmeal. As for the sodium and the water weight gain, just keep drinking the water. I know it sounds kinda strange, but you need the water to flush your system.

In the past I have dropped to 1000 calorie diets and lost a lot of weight. But I worked out a lot and found I was very light headed at the end. Oh, and I was FAMISHED all day long. I was doing 6 small meals, no carbs or ANYTHING with sugar after 2. This from a girl who has 1 large meal a day eating habbits! My metabolism didn't know what to do! It was a fantastic plan, but with my lifestyle it was very hard to follow. I do a lot of business lunches and dinners... plus I found it very difficult to eat after noon because I got so busy at work. I see the Dr. for the first time next week for prelim testing for a hopeful operation later this spring. I feel really out of control with my weight gain right now and need to work on getting control between now and then. Would any of you reccommend that I go on a liquid diet before surgery?

I am going to copy/paste an email that I sent to my Monday night group therapy/weight loss class. Thought I'd give you an update about my lap band appt yesterday with Dr. Forgione (the surgeon). Well, the first frustrating part was that I had gained THREE pounds in the last week. He was kind but told me that any more weight gain was unacceptable and that surgery would be cancelled. I was really embarassed and upset but realized that I ate like crap over the weekend and Monday night and didn't exercise. What did I think was going to happen???? So, last night I was back on the treadmill and have vowed to log all of my eating this week and get in my exercise. I am planning on going back over there next Tuesday to weigh in to chart my progress. He also told me that my Upper GI showed that I have a small hiatal hernia. Basically it's when your stomach starts to go into your esophagus and it's very common with overweight women. Mine is very small and I have never felt any symptoms. So, he told me yeseterday that when he goes in laproscopically he may find that he has to repair the hernia that day and not do the banding until a different time. He is quite hopeful that he won't but wanted me to be aware. I'm pretty concerned about that but trying very very hard to stay positive. Tentatively, surgery is scheduled for Feb 20th but I will hopefully know more before our meeting next week. ___________________________________________________________ Well, I wrote that email 2 days ago and I am feeling much better. If I have a hernia that needs to be repaired I would rather fix it before I have the surgery and risk a greater chance of slippage. I'm working on the food. I had 2000 calories yesterday which is too many but am happy to report that I've been on the treadmill for 30 minutes each day. I've decided that I get NO days off with exercise. Once I give myself a little wiggle room I just don't do it. I'm trying to make it as natural as brushing my teeth- wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?

I am going to copy/paste an email that I sent to my Monday night group therapy/weight loss class. Thought I'd give you an update about my lap band appt yesterday with Dr. Forgione (the surgeon). Well, the first frustrating part was that I had gained THREE pounds in the last week. He was kind but told me that any more weight gain was unacceptable and that surgery would be cancelled. I was really embarassed and upset but realized that I ate like crap over the weekend and Monday night and didn't exercise. What did I think was going to happen???? So, last night I was back on the treadmill and have vowed to log all of my eating this week and get in my exercise. I am planning on going back over there next Tuesday to weigh in to chart my progress. He also told me that my Upper GI showed that I have a small hiatal hernia. Basically it's when your stomach starts to go into your esophagus and it's very common with overweight women. Mine is very small and I have never felt any symptoms. So, he told me yeseterday that when he goes in laproscopically he may find that he has to repair the hernia that day and not do the banding until a different time. He is quite hopeful that he won't but wanted me to be aware. I'm pretty concerned about that but trying very very hard to stay positive. Tentatively, surgery is scheduled for Feb 20th but I will hopefully know more before our meeting next week. ___________________________________________________________ Well, I wrote that email 2 days ago and I am feeling much better. If I have a hernia that needs to be repaired I would rather fix it before I have the surgery and risk a greater chance of slippage. I'm working on the food. I had 2000 calories yesterday which is too many but am happy to report that I've been on the treadmill for 30 minutes each day. I've decided that I get NO days off with exercise. Once I give myself a little wiggle room I just don't do it. I'm trying to make it as natural as brushing my teeth- wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?

Lins be careful of the Paxil, that was my demise to my weight gain, it slows down your metabolic rate to almost zero. I gained 65 lbswith it in a year and a half. Welbutrin will make you nauseaus so you wont want to eat which for us bandsters is a goodthing I guess. I have had many dwon days..more so lately not having my band any more. You are normal..dont beat yourself up over it though..tomorrow is a new day

Stop beating yourself up. The reason your getting the band is because of bad eating habits, and we all wouldn't be here if we ate small portions and stayed true on diets. My doctor gave me a 5 pound weight gain limit and I gained 3 pounds the week before my surgery and another 2 before the actual surgery. I also went out for a lobster feast the night before my surgery, and I had surgery at 8 in the morning. I just had to make sure I hadn't had anything to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to surgery. I really wouldn't worry about once the lap band is on and your eating habits because you can't and won't want to eat when it's over believe me. I was a huge pig before I got the band. I could eat sooooooo much and now I eat under 1500 calories a day, it's amazing. DON"T CANCEL! Just think how much it took to get you this far. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you on the 24th.

my dr will cancel the procedure if there is weight gain between preop check and surg day. =(

Hey fellow MA bandsters -- I haven't been down to this end of LBT in a while b/c there's usually no posts! Boy was I surprised to see all I've been missing! Welcome to the site all you newbies! I, too was banded at BIDMC. My doc was Schneider. I live in Medway -- (close to you Sherry!) which is just inside of 495 a little SW of Boston. I love my band and hope you all do too. If there's any questions I can answer, feel free to PM me or post here...........As far as protein shakes go, I like the Designer protein b/c it has 28 g of protein and I want to get the maximum bang per ounce since post surgery it's like every little drop counts...........It was interesting in the end, I ended up with strawberry and vanilla flavors and never found a chocolate one I liked -- totally not like me! Off to meet the school bus -- I too have twins (and two singletons). I guess my weight gain could pretty much be summed up (sort of) right there -- 4 kids in 5 years...........20lbs, 20lbs, 20lbs...........great checkin in with you guys!

Karan: Thats great news on possibly getting things scheduled soon. And lexapro, worked well for Kristen a couple of years back. The doctor prescribed it for her specifically because its one of the only anti depressents that doesn't cause weight gain. Kristen has weaned off of it now...and I think all her moody stuff is normal teen stuff. Anyone want a teen? This morning her dad joked at her and she snapped...or growled "I'm not in the mood" Uh hello? Diane I started the one over in the Journal section....I can go there and talk to myself all day long...LOL Karah's doctors office had new murals all over the office when we went the last few times and it made me think of you...you have did any peds offices recently have you? Kim, how is curtis? Is he feeling better today? I hope the little guy gets feeling well soon. Angie, you feeling back to normal yet? And no popping anymore staples do controlled cheering for the panthers. :eek: Karah did something totally funny yesterday, apparently they started teaching them about nutrition at school. They brought home a really nice kit with flash cards, a video and workbook. Well she went and watched the video, while watching it she kept coming and asking for food. I figured she still doing her restock thing from not eatting much for two weeks. I go and check...and she has carrot sticks, apples and peanutbutter crackers all lined up in front of her two favorite stuffed animals. She was telling them if you don't eat this your lungs will be sick like mine. I laughed so hard I caused a coughing attack. Of course she ate so many "snacks" herself yesterday afternoon that she didn't have to eat the "intersting" stir fry Kristen made. LOL Oh and I talked to Dr. Baumans office...I so love them. They told me I wasn't likely to hurt my port by the coughing...but I could actually hurt the band if I had gagging coughs...which I don't. She recomended Mucinex that will help disloge the crap and let me get it coughed up. And if I still hurt after I'm better from the cough then they can check my port if I'm concerned. So if the cable repair guy ever gets here, I'll go to the drug store for some Mucinex. Melissa

Tell Chris I'm proud of him..my husband gave up smoking for the New Year and I' loving it..I love to kiss & hug him now, sex has never been better. I used to hate to have him close to me cuz he would reak of ciggarette smoke and I'm a smoker but not a 2 pk a day smoker like he was..I smoke a pack in 3 days I wash my hands after every cigarette and have a mint or something to make my breath smell good. It has been the toughest thing my husband has ever done but he has done it so far..it has only been 17 days though. He is like Chris, he sleeps better, feels better and seems to have become a better father from it spending more time with the boys. Way to go Chris, you too Lisa for this new found will power..I think I need to start calling you now for support..being bandless is tough. I'm working my head like never before..exercising more since the weight is not coming off and Iam able to eat larger portions. No weight gain so far though and I'm tickled pink about it!

Be careful sweet Vera with the Paxil, Paxil is what led to my demise of weight gain. I gained 65 lbs in 1.5 yrs. It slows down your metabolic rate to almost zero..however the stuff works for the mental part of it all ...I do not want to discourage you ,but just know there are other meds out there that dont have the side affect of so much weight gain and have the same affect on the mental part of it

I lost 1206 lbs in 19 months, I loved my band but I eroded, and I have no regrets. My band and I worked wel ltogether, it did its' job and I am happy to report in the 2 months I have had no band I have had NO weight gain. I learned from my band and got my head on straight.

(*@%(&%^#@*$%$^#@&*$ *sigh* I read before that you 'sinc up' with your girlfriends on your monthly cycle if you hang out with them enough. I swear it seems to be true here too, I can't believe how many people are complaining about PMS, bloating, the monthly weight gain, etc, etc. I hate my scale with a deap dark passion. One day it will move and I wont hate it quite so much. And by move, I mean GO DOWN, of course.

How many of you did atkins before surgery? and how successful were you? I really want to be below 300 if possible before surgery so that my BMI is as close to 50 as possible, and my mother loves atkins and swears that will help. But I want to hear how it went after the band. Did you have trouble with taking in carbs and such? Was there an initial weight gain after the surgery? Thanks!! Amy

Donali, thanks for resurecting this post. Lisa, dont be afraid of the diet pills! It may be a temp. fix, but will help you with the stesses of a weight gain. Crystal, just letting you know Im thinking about you. :confused:

I have a lower-profile port that was in front but on the side of my old abdomen. I just had an Abdominoplasty (or Full Tummy Tuck, also called a TT ) in December, to rid myself of excess skin and tighten some abdominal muscles loosened during the weight gain/loss process. My Plastic Surgeon (P.S.) is a colleague of My Weight Loss Surgeon (W.L.S.) at the same hospital and patients are often referred to him from my WLS. Therefore the PS has extensive experience with port placements with LapBand patients during TT's. I heard from the PS' office staff that the new lower-profile ports make a nicer 'line' in a streamlined abdomen and are easier to work around while the cosmetic surgery is done. Well, long story short, my port is now placed directly over my new Belly Button, as the PS moved over & removed the excess skin near where my port 'mini-scar' was. I'm sure my WLS will be thrilled with the new location - it should be much easier to access (I must admit, I knew I really needed a Tummy Tuck but I was shocked at how much skin the PS removed and by how much the port 'access' scar is to my new BB. ) If all goes well, I'll get my first fill (since the Tuck) sometime later this month and we'll see if the new location makes access easier for the WLS. Just my experience. Hope this helps!

I found this fabulous article about Water & how it helps weight loss. It made me want to go drink all 8 glasses in one sitting. I thought it was worth passing on to the group to read. It's a little long, but well worth the read! (sorry!) Water How 8 Glasses a Day Keep Fat Away Water suppresses the appetite naturally & helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have show that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here’s why: The kidneys can’t function properly without enough water. When they don’t work to capacity, some of the load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver’s primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney’s work it can’t operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body and & weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for Fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold onto every drop. Water is stored in extraceiiular spaces (outside the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs & hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat & will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus the condition quickly returns. Te best way to overcome the problems of water retention is to give your body what it needs – plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water your system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy – drink more water! As it’s forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium. The overweight person needs more water than the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract & by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss – shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which pumps the skin and leaves it clean, healthy & resilient. Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss the body has a lot more waste to get rid of – all that metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste. Water helps relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns. So far, we’ve discovered some remarkable truths about water & weight loss: ~ The body will not function properly without enough water & can’t metabolize stored fat efficiently. ~ Retained water shows up as excess weight. ~ To get rid of excess water you my drink more water. ~ Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is average? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-oz glasses every day. That’s about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 lbs. of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly of if the weather is hot & dry. Water should preferably be cold – it’s absorbed into the system quicker then warm water. Some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. To utilize water most efficiently during weight loss, follow this schedule: Morning: 1 quart consumed over a 30-min. period. Noon: 1 quart consumed over a 30-min. period. Evening: 1 quart consumed between 5 & 6 o’clock. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the “breakthrough point.” What does this mean? 1) Endocrine-gland function improves. 2) Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost. 3) More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat. 4) Natural thirst returns. 5) There is a loss of hunger almost overnight!! If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, & you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain & loss of thirst. To remedy the situation you’ll have to go back & force another “breakthough.”

Hi all MA people... I will be banded 2/20/06 at Beth Israel Hosp in Boston... anyone had their band there? I am a nervous wreck!! people keep telling me I am crazy to have this done, but I know it is the right thing for me. I never feel full when I eat and eat and eat. I am 130lbs over my usual weight. I attribute my weight gain to being on antidepressants for 5 yrs. Let me know how you all did with your bandings Juju

Hi, Trisha You need a New Start. You need an INTENSIVE new beginning. I would strongly recommend a few months with SmartBandsters - a top choice. It is hosted by Jessie Ahroni, PhD RN/Nurse Practioner who has been banded since 1997, who happens to also be the long-time fill technician for a WLS practice in Seattle. Her PhD is in Diabetic Care, so her nutritional and metabolic educational background is top-notch. There are many returning long-term bandsters who have been without good follow-up care, with weight gain or with little loss, over-restricted or under-restricted. Sometimes they used to be active, but drifted away and stopped losing weight. GOOD QUALITY AFTERCARE IS CRUCIAL to LapBand Success. If your doctor doesn't provide an on-call therapist, an on-call nutritionist, a support group hosted by his RN, fills with a tech who can spend time teaching you what you need to know and asking questions, then ANYONE, no matter how motivated, no matter how disciplined, can end up not losing. This is not your fault. But the rest of your banded life begins today. It's time to be pro-active, to take on the responsibility for your own aftercare. From your doctor's website -- ONLINE SUPPORT WEBSITES: LapBandTalk.com ObesityHelp.com SmartBandsters -- (my recommendation) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters/ local support groups: BAYTOWN San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, Classroom B 4401 Garth Road – Baytown first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. HOUSTON AREA BANDSTERS 1:00 pm every third Saturday at H3-Health, Hope & Happiness. 9950 Westpark Dr, suite 425 also active online group - many of Dr. Spivak's patients PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT: Dr. Kevin G. Smith, Ph.D. 4318 Stanford 713-795 5151 Andrea Pucciarello, LMSW-ACP 4265 San Felipe, Suite 500 713-622-7002 Cindy Kilroy, M.S., L.P.C. 5810 Wanakah Dr. 281-798 5505

Congratulations!!!! I also had lots of pain post surgery, but it did fade withing 2 days. Don't worry about the 4 pound weight gain, it could be from the IV fluids they infused during surgery.... Good luck to you!!

I find it facinating that the stats are just like alcoholism only 5% percent of us (I am one) stay sober for the long haul I think it is frustrating tht Star won't talk but Hey! whatever... I, sadly- am an open book.. I don't tell everyone my stuff but enough. I have given up etoh 10 yrs then nicotine 5 years and now my final and most daunting addiction FOOD. There are other ways to keep it off other than mechanical but for me its about my addiction and anything I can do to help I'm up for it. I went to AA for ETOH I did the patch for nicotine and now I did the band after years of rebound weight gain. I am okay with that but when I was heavier I had to give myself some self esteem and believe I was beautiful INSIDE just so I would not go insane. Right now I have been banded since Oct and have only lost 17 # mostly in first 2 mth. The scale has not budged I am down one --2 sizes but ouch. I see Star and think DAMN I am work ing hard at least I think I am had 2 fills exercising 4-5 days a week.. ARGGG anyway I don't think Star is as pretty now I think maybe a little more weight like a 12 or 14 and she'd be hot. I still want to be full and huggable I don't wan to be fragile Shoot I wan to be able to see my private parts and tie my shoes wear a nice dress and show my arms. Thanks guys I love reading you you make it bearable Elda