Joni B.

FINALLY! I am 5 months out and 30 pounds lighter. But I have been wondering when I would get here. Im not having trouble getting anything down and I have 10 ccs in my 14cc band. I eat 4 ounces and fell full for over 5 hours. Ive lost 4 pounds in one week. I still have to make smart food choices to utilize this wonderful device to it's fullest. I jest now realized how this all works. It's been a wonderful journey getting here. I almost lost focus and gave up on this journey a few times. But I jumped back and now the plan is coming together. #excited@

I have been overweight for my entire life (54 years...except for brief periods of thinness that I didn't know how to control) so, thinking of myself as fat is a natural thought process. Even though I've been at my target weight for about a year, it's still tough sometimes not to realize that I really am thin! I'm getting better about it and try not to make this a problem for myself. I know it's hard not to compare myself to celebrities (esp. since they are always visable) but, I really try! Sure, they are thin and beautiful but, so am I ~ and I choose to think that they are not s strong as I am about getting heir "look" and keeping it. It's very nice to know that a few other people understand how I think and feel about myself, as well as that I'm really trying to get past it.

CONGRATS on your success!!! I was banded 5-24-2010, lost 71 lbs and have been at my "goal" weight for about a year. I am just now getting comfortable with wearing my new size of clothes! My husband (who has never been overweight in his life) really couldn't understand that I still think of myself as fat. But I've been working very hard at getting past that.
Whenever I start having "fat thoughts", I stop and say to myself things like "a fat person doesn't wear size 4 jeans!". I've also been "forcing" myself to dress thin...tuck my shirt into my jeans, etc. Also do something you never used to think of doing because "only skinny people can do that".
It's kinda hard to do (makes me feel vain) but DO look in the mirror...alot...and tell yourself how good you look! Sometimes it helps when I'm sitting in a chair and I notice that I don't take up as much and/or "hang over" like I used to. Thinking thoughts like this WILL get easier (I promise), you just need to start making yourself think thinner. DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF "FAT" OR "UGLY" THOUGHTS ABOUT YOURSELF!!!
Read some self-help image books & practice their lessons, if that helps you. Also, DON'T let yourself hang around people who say/do negative things to/about you! Good luck!!! You know you're beautiful...and strong...so start acting like it!!! (my daily mantra and you're welcome to it, too)

I have read so many posts about nsvs and how good they make you feel....but today, it was my surprise. My daughter insisted on going shopping with me today because yesterday my jeans were literally sliding down my hips. Today she kept picking clothes for me to try on. I used to be a 22 and I kept telling her to pick out things close to that size. Instead, she insisted I try on 18's and guess what? They fit and I looked great in them! I was so surprised, I just couldn't believe it. I came home and began to empty out the 22's in my closet. Everything from winter in that size is now in a bag for the Salvation Army. It was so exciting and so motivating. Thanks to everyone for listening. I am just floating I am so happy!

U jus described how Ive been feeling n Congrats!!
My name is Yolande. I was banded on March 8... it's been 10 days n I have lost 15lbs. I'm continuing on a liquid diet but throughout the day I might include something softer ( Soup blending all ingredients). My only problem is... I like to sleep on my stomach n find myself turning trying to find a comfortable sleeping position at night but overall that is sooo minor. I and hopefully, you too will adjust to all the positive changes.
Let's keep in touch.
Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I've had my band since 24 May 2010; lost 71 lbs. in 10 mos. It was the easiest weight loss I've done (& I've done them all) and KEEPING IT OFF IS THE EASIEST THING EVER!!! My lapband is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing ever ~ I swear by it!!!
It is "an insurance policy" to be able to take/keep the weight off, but you still have to do your part. The first few months after you start ARE weird but, that's because you're learning a whole new way to eat and think about food. If your friends will support what you are doing, it will be MUCH easier. If you can find a weight loss surgery (esp. lapband) support group (yes, there are some ~ ask your lapband clinic), that might help, too. If you make sure the way you think/act about your band stays positive, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.
It's a good thing that you want to lose your weight by the time your brother moves back from Japan. That will help you with what you're doing (yes, you should be able to lose at least quite a bit, if not all, of it). Once your brother sees you, you won't have to say anything! But, when you tell him about it, he should feel good that you're doing something so positive for yourself (seeing the results should convince him). By the time he does get back, the "lapband life" will be totally normal for you!
The most important thing for you to remember is that if you have a question about anything concerning your band, ask the clinic that's doing it for you!!! That's their purpose in life!
I haven't had any problems with my band that couldn't be "fixed" (remember to talk to your clinic and do what they tell you). Just BE READY FOR YOUR LIFE TO CHANGE (not in a bad way, just change) with your band. If the clinic you go to offers counseling to help you know what's going on and how to handle it (maybe how to tell others, too), USE IT!!!!
If other people have trouble understanding/dealing with your lapband, that's their problem. Do not allow anyone (even your brother) to affect what is right FOR YOU!!! (may take some time/work to adopt that attitude but, it will help you succeed with this ~ I promise). GOOD LUCK!!!!!

I've had my band since 24 May 2010; lost 71 lbs. in 10 mos. It was the easiest weight loss I've done (& I've done them all) and KEEPING IT OFF IS THE EASIEST THING EVER!!! My lapband is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing ever ~ I swear by it!!!
It is "an insurance policy" to be able to take/keep the weight off, but you still have to do your part. The first few months after you start ARE weird but, that's because you're learning a whole new way to eat and think about food. If your friends will support what you are doing, it will be MUCH easier. If you can find a weight loss surgery (esp. lapband) support group (yes, there are some ~ ask your lapband clinic), that might help, too. If you make sure the way you think/act about your band stays positive, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.
It's a good thing that you want to lose your weight by the time your brother moves back from Japan. That will help you with what you're doing (yes, you should be able to lose at least quite a bit, if not all, of it). Once your brother sees you, you won't have to say anything! But, when you tell him about it, he should feel good that you're doing something so positive for yourself (seeing the results should convince him). By the time he does get back, the "lapband life" will be totally normal for you!
The most important thing for you to remember is that if you have a question about anything concerning your band, ask the clinic that's doing it for you!!! That's their purpose in life!
I haven't had any problems with my band that couldn't be "fixed" (remember to talk to your clinic and do what they tell you). Just BE READY FOR YOUR LIFE TO CHANGE (not in a bad way, just change) with your band. If the clinic you go to offers counseling to help you know what's going on and how to handle it (maybe how to tell others, too), USE IT!!!!
If other people have trouble understanding/dealing with your lapband, that's their problem. Do not allow anyone (even your brother) to affect what is right FOR YOU!!! (may take some time/work to adopt that attitude but, it will help you succeed with this ~ I promise). GOOD LUCK!!!!!

I'm not one for giving advice on this matter, because I haven't told either of my sisters, and probably won't for vary different reasons.
However, since you have mentioned it to your brother and received a negative response, take advantage of the fact that he's overseas and write him a nice long letter explaining the facts: That the band is only a tool, you still have to do the work.
The way I feel about my band is that I know I can lose weight on my own, I've done it dozens of times; however, I am a complete failure at keeping that weight off. So I look at my band as sort of an insurance policy, I know I'll lose the weight and it will be the tool that helps me keep it off for good -- that's my goal anyway!