LLCoolNoe

I originally lost about 140ish my first year after I got it. After that, I got complacent and pretty much ate and drank whatever I wanted. I ended up staying at the same weight for about a year after that until I ended up getting in a little trouble over some dui's (don't drink and drive, trust me, not worth it) and wound up incarcerated in prison for almost six months. During that time, I was able to re-focus and am back down another 30 pounds. It was pretty hard in the joint, given the fact that we had to hurry up and eat during chow (got stuck twice), but I was able to maintain by cutting out carbs again as well as starting to work out. Now that I'm back out, I'm finding that I have a newfound respect for my band and all the great feelings that its successful use can bring. That awesome feeling I got when I went clothes shopping for smaller sizes again is all the motivation I need now.

They covered me. I ended up owing about 1300 out of pocket...they covered the rest.

I have drinks fairly regularly and haven't had any issues...just stay away from carbonated stuff. Living with the band has really made me love wine now

Highest weight: 459

Day of surgery: 413ish (i think)

Since last weigh in on 12/17: 330

Banded in July 2012

Pre-op I stuck to protien shakes and low carb/high Protein dinners (mostly chicken and fish). After that, I followed the phases (liquids, mushies, soft solids,...). Nowadays, for the most part I follow a low carb diet, with cheater days every now and again (gotta shock the system!)

I don't consciously exercise much, but I do find myself more active without really thinking about it. Lovin' the banded life!

OMG! I thought I was the only one! I remember early on having a dream about demolishing a carne asada burrito and getting stuck. It was the only dream I've ever had like that, so it really stuck out. Haven't had another since.

Welcome to the forums! :-)

Lookin' hot! Well done!

Non-scale victory. Things like dropping a pant size, getting more notice from the opposite sex, basically the stuff that don't show up on the box-score

I gave up the soda too but it was hard. Maybe two months after getting banded I tried a rum and diet but even that gave me a stomach ache. I did cave one night and took a sip of some rootbeer, but even then I got scared and spit it out...lol

liquids was the toughest part for me too. Just remember what your overall goal is. You were strong enough to make this life changing decision, let that strength carry you through this rough patch. It sucks right now but stay on plan and it's totally worth it! Drink lots of water! You got this!

Were you having your period too' date=' or are you just really really shy.. hahahhahaha!!![/quote']

LMAO...the nurse gave them to me and told me to put them on. I liked her take charge attitude so I did as I was told. Admittedly, I was quite comfortable!

Mesh panties aren't just for the ladies. I rocked them like a champ though!

I may as well have taken an ad in the paper! I told everybody I know, made no secret of it at work, and even posted it on my Facebook. Everybody I know has been very supportive. They do ask a ton of questions, but I'm an attention-***** so I don't mind the questions. Plus, since this is such a huge part of my life, I love talking about it anyway

Woot Woot! Way to be!

If anything, I toke more now

I'm not at the "new clothes" stage just yet, but from what I've seen, everybody seems to LOVE Spanx and other body shapers. Everybody likes how it smoothes everything out and brings it all in. I can't wait to necessitate a body shaper!

I'm also in AZ and was banded July 12th as well! I also went through True Results and was happy with the entire experience. I'll be going in for my first fill on 8/7

^{I have been very open about making the band. Posted in on Facebook, told all my friends, shouted it from the rooftops (you get the idea). It's just made life easier for me, and people have been extra nice knowing I've recently had surgery}

Not sure if anyone is still interested in meeting but i'm up for it. I'm 28 and live in South Phoenix (yes, the very same that was featured in Gangland )

The weekend before my preop diet began, I drank every beer in sight and ate everything battered and fried I could get my hands on (which was conveniently at the same bar!). Been on the Protein Shakes ever since and it hasn't been so bad. I'm glad I was able to have that epic weekend before the real work begins.

I'm on 2 shakes and a sensible dinner (low fat, low carbs). I'm on day 11

Just got back on it: LLCoolNoe

1: Sit in a booth at a restaurant

2: Do a pullup

3: Dunk on somebody (I'm not a huge basketball fan/player, but I've always wanted to do this)

4: Take a jog around the neighborhood without feeling self-conscience

5: Be shirtless in random places ("oh, I spilled my drink on my shirt...better take it off!" lol)

LOL' date=' that is so funny! I remember that- but now, being on the other side- it is sooooo worth it. So hang in there, don't hurt anyone (I'm talking to you, LLCoolNoe) and keep the end in sight!!!!

Good luck!![/quote']

lol...i'll try not to

That's what's up! Git'r dun!

Right there with you! Watching the game with my buddies tonight was a mistake. They had wings while I had a salad. Can't believe I fought the urge to throw their plates to the ground while yelling, "If I can't have 'em, nobody can!"