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I had my lapband surgery with Dr. Mayes in Arlington, VA this morning. Everything went very well and I'm super excited to get started with the rest of my life. Thank you all for your prayers and positive energy sent my way for the successful outcome of the surgery. 2012 Here I come!!!

Today (12/30/11) is my 1 year Bandaversary!! I can't believe how fast the year has gone! I've lost around 79 lbs and I am thrilled! It is easier to move around, my ankles don't hurt anymore, and it always amazes me when I can just "stand up" from a sitting position without holding on to anything, or grunting on the way up. Buying clothes off the rack without going to the Plus size section, is pretty cool too. I can cross my legs again, fit, with room to spare in a movie seat, and ride rollercoasters with my grandkids again. I am often asked if I would do the band again. My answer is ABSOLUTELY!! It hasn't always been easy, but keep your eye on the prize and realize that the band doesn't DO the magic, YOU do the magic. You have to work the band, and follow the rules. The most amazing part for me is the food choices that I make now. I used to go into a restaurant and choose off the menu whatever I thought would "for sure" fill me up and how much can I get for my money. Now I look at a menu and think, gosh..I'll never eat all of that. Never in my life thought I would order a cup of soup at a restaurant or eat 2 to 3 pieces of popcorn chicken and feel full. Sure, there are times I have my own little pity party about not eating things that aren't healthy for me, like bread, pizza, and popcorn! But then I think to myself that eating those things are what got me to 254 lbs! I am at 175 now, and I feel great! Keep your eye on the prize and instead of thinking "I can't eat this" change it to "this isn't healthy for me". "can't eat this" is a negative. keep your thoughts positive and celebrate yourself everyday! Best wishes to you all.

I started a new job on Monday. On Wednesday a coworker said, "I think you went to school with my husband". She told me his name which sounded vaguely familiar....lets face it, I graduated 30+ years ago! She then went on to say, "He said you were heavy in school and I told him it must be someone with the same name because you were VERY THIN!"

i am sorry for the loss of your mom. i am 1 month out and lost 26 pounds. you are doing great. keep the good job.

Ok, my husband will probably kill me if he read this. Today for the First time I can rememberin my married life: I weighed less then my husband. Three pounds lighter. I was so excited. I felt so good. He laughed at how happy I was. Most skinny woman are smaller then their husbands,this is a new thing for me. I know I should be so happy but it was like christmas all over again.

I wanted the least invasive and nothing rerouted or cut out. It was a very easy decision for me. I needed to lose around 300 and stil chose the band, down 165 so far and love love LOVE it.

December 1 - 207.2 December 8 - 207.4 December 15 - 201. 6 December 22 - 200.4 December 29 - 196 This is the first challenge that I have met my goal and it was over the holidays which is really awesome! Good job everyone! Can't wait for the next one.

Yes, hang in there I am in week three and I can think of all kinds of things to eat but I won't I love cheetos. I have found that popsicles and pudding and yogurt are my best friends when I have those sweet fits and the cheesy fits. So, just talk yourself thru it and find another out and a healthier craving.

I was banded July 1 and now I'm down 87 lbs!!!! I've gone from a 269 to 182. From a size 20/22 to a 12/14!!! I LOVE my band!!! I hit the gym 4-5 days a week and have more energy than EVER!!!!! The nurse at my GP's office told me I look 10 years younger!!! Best choice I ever made!!

Dr. Ortiz at OCC in TJ, Mexico... $6800, my mom just got it done and I am on my way there in February. Awesome staff and facility!!! And way cheaper than the places here in the USA, Dr. Ortiz has been doing these longer since it wasn't approved in the USA for some time after they were doing it in Mexico. TOP NOTCH!