This site has been an amazing source of good information to get me ready for my surgery that happened on 04/16/2010.

I read these posts and get a bit frustrated sometimes. Not at my progress or my band but what others say.

Alot of people talk about how they only lost xxx amount or they are not losing fast enough. I scratch my head. I started at 380 pounds. I could not walk without stopping to take a break. Could not bend over without losing my breath. Haven't worn shoes with laces in years. So for me losing one pound was exciting. Let alone the 46 that I have lost so far.

I won't go from John Candy to Brad Pitt over night and if I think I will, then I will live life depressed. Also, I do not weigh myself like others do. I decided to only weigh myself when I go in to see the doctor or once a month.

When I look in the mirror and think I'm not losing, I don't blame the band, I look at what I might be doing that could hamper my improvement.

Attitude of Gratitude. We have all made a huge and wonderful life choice to use Lap Band as a TOOL to help us lose weight. I have to keep this in mind at all times. If I want to dig a hole, I can grab a shovel to use as a tool, but if i don't dig with that shovel I won't have a hole. I'll have me standing there with the shovel and no hole. Don't know if that makes sense, but it does for me.

We are all awesome for having this procedure done, we are on the path to a new and better life. So lets get walking down that path and see where it leads together!!!!

AMEN.... Well stated.

I have my tool (shovel) and still digging to find the treasure - A healthy better living ME.

So true...a positive attitude and determination are the key to success. Taking a look at what you can do to make the scale move in the right direction and making changes in eating habits, upping the exercise are proactive. Negative thinking produces negative results.

Good going on taking the steps to get the lapband and moving onto a healthy life!

Good to see someone who fully understands the process and is ready to take responsibility.With an attitude like this you will be successful.

I won't go from John Candy to Brad Pitt over night

It's been a year now and I still haven't turned into Catherine Zeta Jones.LOL Any suggestions?

LOL Thank you, your response made me laugh out loud!!!

I agree that having a positive attitude and belief that you're succeeding with every inch you move forward is very, very helpful.

But you have to understand that not everyone is made that way. Some people are more fearful that others. Some are more cautious. Some experience depression, or become overwhelmed easily. Some people VENT in a forum where they can get answers, but are otherwise positive and upbeat.

And telling them to snap out of it is...well, pointless. Scolding them for not having your personality attributes doesn't help them move forward in the more positive manner you'd like to see.

Offering them support, on the other hand, is kind. It helps relieve their anxiety. It can help show them a way that they had not even considered.

Your thread title says, "help me understand some things," but really, you don't need to understand anyone but yourself. If you want to, the best way to achieve that is not by belittling those who are temperamentally different from you---but by talking with them, identifying their concerns, and extending a bit of grace. Because, really---they may not be very different from you at all.

Amen, Betsy!!! And I really like your positive attitude, John!

Great attitude. I think it is hard to stay uplifted with the band sometimes when you look at others who have had the bypass also. You sometimes want that overnight result.

It took me almost 4 years to reach my goal weight, but the best thing about it is that I have maintained it for the last 3. I think discussion boards and groups are one of the best tools to accompany the band.

elcee----HA! Good one!! Well --- if it will make you feel any better I saw her on the side walk outside the theater the other day and she doesn't look like Catherine Zeta Jones either!!!

elcee----HA! Good one!! Well --- if it will make you feel any better I saw her on the side walk outside the theater the other day and she doesn't look like Catherine Zeta Jones either!!!

That is funny and yes it does make me feel good. It sounds as though all you need to look fab is some great airbrushing.:thumbup: