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It's hard to believe but I got my band 4 years ago. I am down between 75-80 pounds overall. (Of course I want to lose those extra 10-20-25 lbs, but if I just stay where I am, I am ok too.) I love my band and can't imagaine life without it. In this time a lot of things have happened, as they always do. First, I had breast cancer, which came with chemo, a mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction etc. But through it all, I happily kept the band. I had only one hurdle with it though... after the mastectomy I had a wicked reaction to the anesthesia so after heaving for hours in the recovery room, the band was dislodged and I had to have a "revision." Unfortunately the next year I had another slip and another revision. I'm really quite careful now and am relieved that I am basically at the year mark and intact. I did have to have it loosened recently, then quickly gained 8 lbs, but am now back on the way down. It is distressing to regain but a relief to know that I can get back on track again, without too much damage done. So you can see life with a band is much like life itself, somewhat unpredictable and not a straight line of perfection. But the band is the tool that I feel has saved my life and self esteem. I am grateful for it every day. It gives me something that other people have, but I either don't have or lost along the way, an internal brake telling me that I'm full. It's that simple. People who know ask what I miss... not much. Bagels? I had enough for a lifetime, but sometimes I'll pick at the outer crust. Steak? I can live without it. Lobster? Oh well... nothing is really a big deal. I feel I can eat a little of almost anything... To those who are on the journey, good luck. Questions welcome, of course.

Man, I need to get my libido checked out. I wasn't even thinking of wanting to try.

My Unjury Protein samples just came in the mail. Cant wait to try one tomorrow. Ive read many recommendations for Unjury, especially the chicken broth. Got a free plastic shaker container and meat thermometer with it. That made the hubby happy. So far I've tried the following ready to drink protein drinks: Muscle Milk - LOVE, love, love it! But only 19 grams protein. Others are higher. Pure Protein - good, but I can taste the protein in it... 32 grams oh Yeah! Very good! Cant taste the protein, but it is thick. I blend with crushed ice and banana! Unjury - I'll let you know tomorrow!

Go ahead, Girl! Hurray for you!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!! EXCELLENT PROGRESS!!!!!

woohoo congratulations!

AFB- I weighed in on Friday at 277. When I started this journey I was 298.

You're going to a Center of Excellence so you shouldn't have any problems at all with your surgery, in fact, being self pay, you should be able to go home the same day (bring a driver), and be back to work in 3-4 days. I don't see why anyone needs to know anything you don't really want them to know. This is strictly your affair and if you need to say anything, say your health requires you to loose a little weight, and that's what you're doing. Don't forget your slippers and PJs, I hope you do well.

I have lost weight also just by working out and eating better also....just to have it come back, MANY times. I needed bariatric surgery, perhaps as a last resort. I have met my goal, and still loosing. I have no desire at all to over eat, nor do I have any bad cravings. I say bad, because everyone has "Head" cravings, say for Cookies. But when I pick one up and take a bite, I quickly realize I really don't want it and throw it away. being banded is the best thing I have ever done, don't regret it for any reason. cannot predict the future but the way I feel right now I cannot see this as ever failing.

Well good luck with all your tests but please dont hate on the cheaters...we all got to the point of needing weight loss surgery for the same reason...we cheat on diets! Also wait to pass judgement until you have walked a mile (a year?!) in our (banded) moccasins!