Wow! I love reading all of this encouragement! I wish I had found this site prior to my procedure in June 2009!
I had my band placed on my birthday in 2009 to signify a rebirth. I began at 274# and am now stalled between 200 - 210#. This is a choice, and it isn't for everyone. People that show their ignorance by being negative are best to remove from your circle of friends, in the end they could sabotage you. Try to keep in mind the 'why' of your choice...I know people that have been successful and unsuccessful on this journey--to be successful you MUST remember this is a tool to help you achieve your goal. Be realistic in your expectations, and most importantly--listen to your physician's guidelines! This journey will be difficult, but when you see the results--well worth the wait! I remember thinking that the scale wasn't moving, why did i make this choice above others, this is sooo hard...and before I knew it--my clothes didn't fit! Too big! Whoo hoooo! Time to reward myself with a little shopping! LOL Then I began to think, hmmm--I am still losing--sooo, I found a friend and we swapped clothes during this journey--FUN!
I am currently looking into my 'remodel' because I don't ultimately want to be the 'skinny' weight that I had thought. To confess, I do need to get back with the program and quit cheating myself with my progress, or lack of...LOL So, here I am--ready to recommit, and finish what I started!
Cheers to your decision on getting healthy--you won't regret it!