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Can I say that I relate as well, but wanted to add that one thing I have learnt being 5 years post banding is that I never changed. On the outside? Yes. How people treated me? Definitely. But the fundamental part of me, who I was, who I am, remains the same. That doesn't change with the what you weigh. The difference though between me and someone who was always thin is that I recognise that someone's weight doesn't define them. And it doesn't define me. Nor should it define you. Fat, thin, you will still be you.

Our stories are very similar! Like you, I have been "the fat girl" my entire life. I can remember being as young as 5th grade and obsessed with how huge my thighs were. I remember being teased for being big all through junior high. I remember going shopping with my girlfriends in high school and being so ashamed because I couldn't wear anything at the "normal sized" shops they went to. I did date as a teen but my self esteem was always awful. When I hit college, like you I decided to own being a fat girl. I had more self confidence and I decided I didn't give a rip if someone did like me for me- fat and all. ...but then I had my first child at 21 years old...and got bigger and bigger. Over the years I ballooned up to over 400 pounds. Any self esteem I ever had was long gone and my health was seriously tanking fast. My best advice is to let go of that "fat girl" mentality. Too often we wear it like a suit of armor not a badge of courage. We're teased and tormented so severely we try to muster up all this false bravado to shield ourselves from being hurt yet again. It is simply wonderful you're doing this for your health- but you have to be ok with the fact there's nothing wrong with doing this to look good, too. You're not letting society or anyone else "win" by getting the Lap Band and losing weight. YOU are winning for taking control of your health so you can live a long, happy, healthy life with your husband. Best wishes to you

They don't like your answer that's why. They are looking for your secret lose weight quick scheme. They don't want to hear do this, don't do that, but I do. Thanks for all your advice. You always give me hope and I appreciate all your efforts to help us. Their loss!

Steph, I am a geek. I have all the dates, first kiss, proposal, etc. recorded in my calendar.

Don't be too hard on yourself. The key here is, that you're right back on track today. This is how it's going to be through the rest of your life; allowing yourself a little something off plan on occasion, but then hopping right back on track. I was banded on 3/25/13, and decided that the Memorial Day BBQ I went to, would be the day I allowed myself some wine. I hadn't had anything to drink three months prior, and thought one glass would be all I could tolerate. Not! I think that I drank damn near an entire bottle! I tolerated it fine, but didn't feel very well for a couple of days. Not sick; just off a shade or two. I'd like to say "lesson learned", but I'm sure I'll have a day like that again. Felt NO pain & had a great time!!

I have the same problem with sugar foods. Like the cakes, cookies, and icecream. Even with the lap band its taken me 5 years after surgery to realize I just cant have them in my house. I have 10 more pounds to go and I believe these foods have always been my down fall. I too am a sugar addict.

Yum...I am not sure I have had brisket cooked like that.... Sounds great. Merry Christmas.

9 months tomorrow.Lost 121.5 pounds.10 to go!

...and by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

God didn't make us with 85% less stomach, but he also didn't make us to give into temptation and get ourselves to where we are today. The idea is to use those he has put in our path with the talent and ability to perform a procedure that will get us back to where God wants us. Healthy and able to avoid the temptation the devil puts in front of us so we don't abuse the beautiful body and life God was loving enough to give us in the first place. Don't give in to doubt! God put you here at this time for a reason. I feel that I'm here right now because this is where God needed me to be so I could benefit from the procedure the has helped the medical profession perfect. Years ago they would have taken my stomach, or I would have been wearing a mu-mu waiting to die from a coronary or a stroke. Now with this procedure, I get to keep my stomach, lose weight, be healthy and live a long, happy life. Good luck!!!