I have finally made it and I got to tell you, it is better than I thought it would feel. It is exactly 5 months to the day that I had surgery and I have reached it by losing 69 lbs...:thumbup:. I know many people who read these posts and try to make that decision in their life whether or not to "Go for it" and get the band...I am here to say that I would not change it for the world. I remember the day that I actually started considering the band...I was watching "True Life" on MTV and there was this younger guy who had lost over 100 lbs. with the LAP-BAND®®. He was battling the urges to take Fluid "in and out" of his band because he thought he could control his eating habits but found out he couldn't. I began asking myself, "Is this the direction I need to go in order to lose weight?". I studied, asked questions and made the final decision one year ago (June 09). Seems like it was just yesterday, so for those of you who are thinking that the process seems so long, it really does go by fast!

I have a 36 waist (on the last hole on my belt and they are fitting very loose! Woohoo). None of my shirts have an "X" in front and I am proud of my accomplishment! If you ask me what was the biggest thing I learned during this change that I never learned before was simple "Calories in, Calories out"...it is that easy! So many of my "diets" I tried before were unsuccessful because I never paid attention to the caloric intake like I do now. I still have a hamburger w/Cheese (Once a month), still have a donut (One every once in a while) and I still enjoy a beer (Ocassional only). I know I have conquered the PHYSICAL aspect, but I feel confident that I have the MENTAL part in check as well...because I have NEVER had a fill to my band. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and only use the band as a tool. It keeps me honest by letting me know...slow down and chew (still PB sometimes and have only gotten stuck 2 times...both at work but nobody around to witness...Whew!) I just want to thanks to everyone on this site...for making the move, sharing their stories, keeping everyone motivated during the hard days and cheering on the good ones!:smile: I THANK YOU!

Good job, man. Can't wait to be where you are. Thanks for the inspiration!