TracyW2

I also have the Realize Band, but have never been to that other site.

Thank you!!! I could not imagine life without my band now!

Wow, that just seems crazy!! I have also heard of putting your fork down between bites, but never waiting 10 minutes. Chew well and take your time. You will be fine.

I am now a year and a half out from surgery and have lost 142lbs!! I can not believe that I have made it this far. I should also say that during that year and a half I also got pregnant and had a baby. My weight loss does not include any baby weight that I gained which was 30lbs. I love my band! And I have found a new love and addiction in going to the gym. Yes I am there a good 5 days a week for a hour and a half at a time. I still have about 10lbs that I want to lose and I will slowly get there. Plus I have been left with an extrme amount of excess skin on my belly that I will hopefully get removed next year. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself! Picture from me yesterday

I use to be on the scale a dozen times a day. Now I have cut back to about every other morning. But I like to keep track of how I am doing and hold myself responsible. I know that if the scale is up a little, I need to work harder.

I have lost 142lb and am within my drs goal for me and yet I still feel fat. I look in the mirror and still see that fat woman looking back. Yet I will see a pic of me and think who in the world is that skinny woman. I think it just takes a while for your brain to catch up.

My biggest thing I wanted to get was a Victoria Secrets bra. I finally went and got one a couple weeks ago.

I agree with the last poster. You need to allow yourself a treat every now and then. to me, the band is not about being on a diet my whole life. I enjoy the foods I love, but just in moderation.

Congrats that is awesome!! Size 10 has been my goal to see. Cindy - I also started out at a 28 and am now in a 12...wonderful feeling isnt it?

The only one I have trouble with is Pasta. I can have it, just not a lot. I find it to be thick and I get filled rather quickly on it.

I love me some margaritas! And I have noticed that it doesnt take much alcohol these days before I am tipsy and a tad drunk.

Laura - Congrats. I hope you have a happy and healthy nine months!!

Congrats!! You look fabulous!!

Joleng - thank you. It hasnt been easy, but has definitely been worth it! It has taken me a bit to get it all down pat, but you do figure out what works for you. I also have PCOS so I know that has made it a challenge. Would love to buddy up and support you. And good luck with ins, I know how the waiting game goes. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

It wasnt until my fourth fill that I started feeling restriction.

I am having the same issue. I do not see the same person that others see. I still see a fat girl looking back in the mirror. DH even has some of his coworkers telling him that he has a hot wife. It is so weird for me to hear things like that.

I was on a liquid diet for 2 weeks and lost 26 pounds.

I lost 134lbs in 16 months and had to take off 9 months to have a baby. A huge factor in my weightloss was exercising. I go 4/5 days a week and am there for at least a hour at a time. I also watch what I eat, but dont deny myself to occasional treat. I do still go out to eat and have drinks with friends. Breakfast is generally either a breakfast bar or a Protein shake. lunch is a smart ones and I always have a couple Snacks throughout the day. dinner is whatever I am cooking for my family. You can see before and after pics of me here: http://www.lapbandta...ss-story-w-pic/ I have already hit my goal and have reevaluated to where I want to be.

I get psycho cravings about a week prior. I want nothing but chocolate and sweets and I feel like I could eat anything and everything. I swear my band takes a vacation and allows me to eat mass quantites during that time.

agreed

Welcome to BandsterHell! The upside? It does get better and this part will only be a memory soon. Now that I am almost to goal weight, I look back and barely remember those first few weeks. Believe me, it is sooooo worth it. Best of luck on your journey!

Congrats on your success!!

I have had 3 c/s and the recovery for them was much harder than my lap band surgery. I was back to work 4 days after getting my band.

I got pregnant 4 months after being banded. Me and baby are just fine. I was able to get all my baby weight off and get back to losing weight in no time. My baby was actually born one day before my band anniversary.

My son was 16 months when i had surgery. I had to wait a week, but as long as I sat down first, I was able to pick him up.