REALIZEinCT

I'm still a work in progress but had to share... I was banded on 4/1/09. When I started this journey in 11/08 I was 273 pounds. Today, I'm down to 197.2! Still want to lose another +/- 35 lbs but I can't believe I'm under 200 pounds...already! :biggrin:

Keep with it! When I started it I was like you describe. I'm now on week 8 (after 10 actual weeks) and I'm running for 30 minutes straight! Just keep with it. It works! Pete

Glad to hear that your progressing well Mike. I'm hoping to get in a round this weekend. The 71 pounds I lost includes pre-op...about 20 lbs pre-op and 51 so far post-op. Pete

Mike, Your recovery sounds similar to my own. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about my golf game as compared to yours...! Pete

It was 6 to 8 weeks for me before I felt comfortable swinging mainly due to pain from the port incision and the port itself. I think the only danger is dislodging the port. My doctor told me to do whatever I felt up to as well so if you feel good then go for it and stop if you start feeling discomfort. Good luck!

I started receiving compliments after I lost 40 pounds. I did not see it myself until I lost 60. Now, at 71 pounds down, I can really see it :thumbup: These are great motivators to lose the rest!

Right side.

Congratulations and good luck!

The pictures of you all are amazing! This morning I did a side-by-side of my starting pic and current pic. It's still a work in progress but even I can see a change

Welcome to LBT and congratulations on your decision. Good luck in your journey :thumbup: Pete

Hi Karen, Greetings from a fellow CT bandster! Congratulations on being banded. I was baded by Dr. Floch on 4/1/09. He's great. Good luck with your journey. PM me with any questions. Pete

Keep up the good work! Congrats on your success so far :thumbup:

My surgeon mentioned to me that he has operated on a couple contestants from the show.

1. WEIGHT- -64 lbs so far. 20 before surgery, 44 since. Surgery was 4/1/09. 2. FILLS- 3 fills so far totalling 5 cc's in a 9 cc Realize Band. 3. RESTRICTION- I thought I had good restriction after the last fill about a week ago but now think I will need more. 4. RULES- Been trying to follow them as religiously as possible. 5. ANYTHING ELSE- With some motivation from a fellow bandster :wink:, I started running and it's paying huge dividends. I am on week 5 of the Couch to 5k program (find it on Runner's World) and am getting addicted to running. Planning to run my first ever 5k on 9/5/09 :sneaky: So far, an all around excellent experience. :crying:

No regrets whatsoever. In fact, I'd say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself :wink:

I got my 3rd fill last Friday... 5 cc's in a 9 cc Realize Band... wow what a difference! I think I'm getting close to the "sweet spot". :bored:

My doctor told me it takes about 2 cc's to fill the tubing.

Good Work!

Congrats! That's an awesome achievement (and awesome time to boot!) I am working on my first 5k (later this summer) and I'm looking forward to the day (soon?) that I can do the whole thing without walking. Thanks for the inspiration :cool:

I think everyone has the pre-op doubts but I definitely have no regrets about my decision. Best thing I have done for myself! I would do it over in a second.

I started the c25k program 4 weeks ago. It's been awesome. I've been doing it at the gym on a treadmill. As the saying goes, "Just Do It"! You'll be amazed how much fun it becomes. Good luck!

Welcome Lisa and congratulations on your decision. The adjustment to your new lifestyle and eating is largely mental. As is often said, but very true, the band is only a tool and you have to make a commitment to make good choices. Good luck, keep us posted.

The simple answer is to do as much walking as you can tolerate at this point. The more the better!! Good luck and congratulations!

Congratulations on your decision Danielle. For me the surgery and recovery was surprisingly smooth. I had no issues. I have absolutely no regrets with my decision. It's normal for a mother to be worried about her daughter. Maybe if she meets your surgeon she will feel better as she will be able to get her questions answered and he will (hopefully) inspire confidence. Best of luck with your surgery! Keep us posted on your progress.

I never heard of either Cathy but I just did a quick Google and found info here: EASYBAND Site says it's not yet approved in the U.S.