ms.rhonda

You have lost 128 pounds, that is amazing! Use that and go with it. If the band does have to be removed look at it as it was your ticket to get started to a healthier happier lifestyle. We have all been preached to about how the band is just a tool. It factors in to a change in life choices we have to make to eat healthy and to exercise. You have a head start! Just so you know I am facing a chance at a removal also. I will know for sure February 6th. I was 370 pounds and I am now 247. I still have a long way to go. Yes I am scared to lose my band, but with a positive attitude and all the support on here, we will make it! Much love and blessings!

Mis73 so very true! I asked a friend that have the sleeve how she felt about the excess skin and she said the exact same thing!

Yep I fit the 40 something category and have been overweight my entire life. I have not been under 200 since 1988.

My highest weight was 370 the day of surgery I was 352. It has taken me all this time to get to 248. I have just now started exercising so I hope it is not to late to tone and firm. I don't think I will ever be able to afford skin removal.

I just now have started exercising even though my surgeon expressed how important it is. I had my surgery April 2010 and it has taken me all this time to get a 100 pounds off because of not exercising. I plateaued a full year and almost got discouraged but then I realized if I would start exercising it would start coming off again and it has!

Do you think it is possible to lose all the weight without having to have the skin removal? What I mean is, is there a way not to have excess skin after all the weight loss?

Zandile, I just now am feeling restriction good. I am at 8.5 cc. What are you doing to get your protein in? I can not do protein powder it is so yucky!!!

Absolutely Amazing!! You are very much of a inspiration! Thank you for sharing!!:smile2:

I had my surgery April 8, 2010 and have lost 32 lbs. I always get discouraged when I think that 32 lbs. is not alot, but we have to keep in mind it is a LOSS not a GAIN!! We just have to say goodbye to that and look forward to the next pound gone. Remember that slow and steady wins this race. Your doing great keep up the good work!!

Two days before my surgery at my pre-op visit I asked my Dr. if I was making the right choice by being banded rather than gastric by-pass or gastric sleeve since I had around 200 lbs to lose. He told me that the gastric band is far better and that you can lose any amount of weight you want to lose as long as you remember that it is a tool for weight loss and that it will come off slow. On the plus side of it being slow, less chance for extra skin!

I was at 350 lbs. Banded on April 8th 2010, and down 13 lbs. I know it can be done and to read your postings gives me extra encouragement!! Theresa if you want a buddy just PM me.!

You are amazing and such an inspiration!! Keep up the great work!!

Hey guys, :frown:I am having a hard time getting in the groove of things. I know I need to walk but at 337 lbs. its not the easiest task. I know if I could find some good upbeat music for my MP3 player it might help. So my question to all of you is what is on your MP3 players? And how did you get started on an exercise program?:biggrin:

Newme, That could have been me writing that. I guess what I am trying to say is your not alone, I feel the exact same way. I am really trying to make the right choices, but sometimes it is so difficult, especially watching your loved ones eat your favorite foods. I know it is hard, but we can and we will do this. Hang in there!!

I ordered the DVD set off of zumbafitness.com, it hasn't came in yet but I can't wait. I do not feel like I could or would feel comfortable joining a class at 337 lbs.:biggrin:, so I am hoping the dvd's will still help:thumbup:!

Tiffany, I am so proud of you that is amazing, keep up the great work. You give me hope!!!

First to Biker Jon, It doesn't matter male or female we are all in this together! I just want to tell everybody, I know it seems like it is going to take forever for your date to get here, I felt the same way, but it really didn't seem to drag on. I am sending positive vibes to each and everyone of you and I can't wait for each of you to get to your date! This is the best decision I could have made to go through with the surgery. I will be 2 weeks post op on Thursday and I am down 13 lbs. Slow and steady wins the race!!!:smile:

I have experienced some pain when bending over, but mainly if I flip on my tummy at night or lay on my right side. I just assumed it is because I am so big that they had to cut deeper. I wish I had suggestions on how to make it stop for you, but I can't figure it out.

I was banded April 8th by Dr. Robert "Bud" Thompson at Park Plaza Medical Center Houston. I live about 50 miles south of Houston. Nice to meet all of ya'll!!:thumbup:

I didn't have to do a sleep test but it seems like a lot of people do. I don't understand why they make you do a sleep study and want to put people on CPap and Bipap machines when losing the weight usually helps in the long run.

Awesome!! You are doing great, keep it up!!

I had my surgery 4/8 and I had to go through a 6 month pre-requisite for insurance. My doctor did not have any pre-requisites, but due to having a high BMI and worried about my liver being to fat, I did start drinking more water. All went smooth with my surgery other than I had a difficult time coming out of the anesthesia. The day of surgery was a whirlwind of emotion, but never once did I second guess my decision. If there is anything I can do to help just message me or email me. Good Luck on your journey!!

Hey guys!!! Checking in for the 1st time since surgery. Surgery went great, but I had a hard time coming out of the anesthesia. Today is the first day I have felt like doing anything. My main problem has been I am allergic to most pain killers that they send you home with, so I came home with no pain killers. It has been easier to sleep than deal with the discomfort.:confused: I did get out and walk today and felt so much better. I am telling you, I know it is going to be worth it. It is a difficult journey but we can and we will do this. We have each other and the support that we can give each other will help us through!!

Checking in first time since surgery. The surgery went well, I just had a hard time coming out of the anesthesia. Today is the first day I have really felt like doing anything. I do well with the liquid diet until someone else in the house starts cooking, then I feel hungry. I hope all is going well with everybody! It is worth it and we can do this!!