I posted this blog today, but felt I should add it to the Pre-Op section. I know this is a tough choice for many...I hope this helps you. Yes, I still have a long way to go, but it seems in reading many post by new folks fear of the process and concerns about if it can really work are the biggest concerns. I hope this helps.

299...When One Pound Makes a Difference

I stepped on the scale today and for the first time since 1992, I saw a “2” in the first digit. Yes, it was only 299, but it started with a 2! If anyone is on the fence about getting the LapBand…let this blog be the reason you go forward with the process. Intellectually, I knew if I got the band, followed the rules this should happen. Hell we all know that, but experiencing it is just a tremendous relief… I did not do all of this for nothing. It is also a motivational driver for me. Emotionally, I can now tell myself. If you can make a “2” the first digit then you can make “1” the first digit. The other thing I was thinking about were benchmark/goals for my weight relative to my height, build and desired configuration. I am 5’ 8” tall and have always, even while being fat, an avid weight lifter so I am not going to be scrawny guy. The best target analog I could come up with was an NFL running back. Most of them are 5’ 7” – 6’ 1” and weight between 190 and 230 lbs. So here are my key targets for the journey:

• 1. Break 300 (I have not been under 300 since 1992)

• 2. Break 271 (The highest weight I weighed when I fought MMA competitively)

• 3. Break 225 (Average NFL running back weight at 5'10")

• 4. Hit 197 (My school wrestling weight)

You have to move from the 300s to the 200s to make the 100s. It was only open pound, but it helps me believe that I can really make it this time, I did not waste $17,000 of my own cash and the hope of the LapBand is not an illusion, but an attainable goal.

Great post, Cingulus. Congrats on your terrific progress!

Awesome post--and congrats on your HUGE milestone!

Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations on meeting one of your goals. And you are absolutely right, if you can meet one, you can meet them all.

Great story! Yes our weight goals are obtainable so long as we can hold onto our determination and keep our eye on the prize! The prize is a new, improved, happier, healthier person!

Thanks for sharing. I'm one of the new people that have been on the fence. I've been struggling with my weight pretty much my whole life. I've been very active for the last year and still not the results I should be seeing. DH is still concerned about the whole surgery aspect and doesn't want me going through this. But I don't think I can live like this anymore. I want to have children one day which isn't going to happen the way I am. I'm so unhappy with my energy level and my appearance. I know I "should" be able to do this myself but I haven't and I've always been trying! Even though I'm fairly healthy I'm not getting any younger and I know obesity related comorbidities will be lurking right around the corner. So why not gain control now utilizing this tool designed to help me?

Congratulations on your progress! :thumbup: And I hope you have all the success you seek.

:thumbup::hurray::wink2: Congrats on the victory! :w00t::hurray::hurray:

Great post and congrats! I too was on the fence, for years even. My family and friends suggested I look into surgery years ago, but I thought it was a sign of weakness if I could not do it without surgery.

I went to the Dr a few months ago for bronchitis and it was the first time I saw 500 pounds. It was all I could do not to drive into a lake on the way home, after 2 drive thrus.

When I started to research, and discovered the support out there, I knew it was for me. It is all an integral part of my future life, from the psych consult, to all of the Dr's appointments, culminating to my pre-op meeting with my surgeon Wednesday. Every day I was more positive and less scared to do this. I am on my 4th day of pre-op diet, and it was a struggle to start, but everyday gets easier.

In the end, even with the band, i still have to eat better and exercise more, but it gives me the boost I needed to start on this journey. I am here for all of you, as I know you are for me. God Bless

Thank you so much....I needed to read this post. I am self pay and part of me has been feeling guilty about doing this. But I feel that this will be the boost that I need to make it through the day.