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.

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)

My journey began in Oct. 2012. Since then I have last 40 pounds. I will Celebrate after this next ten pounds because not only will I be at 50 pounds loss but I will be out of the 300s. I am motivating myself to see that goal like never before. Six months ago I would have said it was a lost cause. But now I am more thrilled than ever. I changed my picture today to this pic I found on Bandster's blog. CHANGE! I can see it happening now. I am excited not only for me but for all of us. WE can do this!

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!

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

MsRhonda:You might want to use punctuation and spell-check. I think you might have some good points or at least interesting ideas. But it is hard to tell.

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! :-)

Yes. It's now been 2 years and 3 months since my surgery and I have lost a total of 70lbs. (From 223 to 153) It took about 6 months before I started losing. It came off slow and steady. The first year after I posted this, it was mainly because it was too tight and I just couldn't eat anything. But, the past 6 months, I've been able to eat and I'm still losing. So, after all this time, I'm finally at that "sweet spot".

Figgy, please do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself with others. We are all so different when it comes to our rate of weight loss. This does take times and all of us want to be thin or thinner as quick as possible. Sometimes we set unrealistic goals, so as long as your doing what your suppose to do than eventually the weight will come down. Do your measurements so when you do not have a scale victory you may have an inches victory. I always measured my success by sizes of clothes along the way. Sometimes, I would buy something too small so I could shrink into it. Stay positive and it will happen. Merry Christmas!

Not that! Lol!
We went to the movies and sat right next to each other... Comfortably! instead of leaving a seat in between us. My mom did point out that between the two of us we've lost 110lbs. Pretty much that was like a 110lb person missing from the arm rest between us! Woot woot!
I was banded aug 7, 2012. Hubby was banded Sept 25, 2012.

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

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

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

I know there is a full moon coming on, but I have to say, this is the third or fourth thread I have read today where people are taking offense when none is meant and then the fight is on! First time since I joined this site that I have seen this, so either everyone is on the same cycle, or the moon is calling...Please, can everyone just take a deep breath and remember not all posts are attacks on you? Thanks.

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

I had the same concerns. I felt like people wouldn't understand and I felt like I would be admitting to the world that couldn;t do this on my own and I would look fat and weak. However, I started to get so excited about it that I just couldn't keep it in any longer so I told everyone via Facebook about preparing for the surgery. EVERYONE was so supportive it make me feel so much better. I've started posting pictures of me as I lose the weight on FB for people to see and even a year later the support is amazing. It's up to you if you want to tell people about it because it is something personal. However, you might be suprised and the amount of love and support you get!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ok my little non scale victory.I've lost 57 lbs since my pre op diet 3/23/12 banded 4/6/12. Other than the boobies dropping I couldn't really tell in my clothes.yes some stuff fit a bit loose but I can still where most of my size 26 and 24 clothes. So today I decided to go into the Avenue a plus size store and I tried on size 22 jeans.They fit good.then I said " what the he'll ?!" and pulled a pair of size 20 from the rack.I thought at least I will see how close I get to buttoning them then I can gauge how far I have to go. Well they slipped on and zipped ! I had trouble with the button but managed to get it closed.I had a bit of a muffin top but was excited none the less.I actually use to wear my jeans that tight 15 years ago...this. Was very inspiring to me !! And it helped refocus me.Now I can actually see a size 18 and maybe even 16 .my mind can't comprehend single digit pants sizes yet but I feel good about where I've come.