For those of you who have lost a lot of weight with the band, how has your life changed? I have been warned about changes that might happen after losing the weight (I'm only 3 weeks post-op), and I'd like to hear about the good and the bad of having lost a lot of weight that REAL people experience. Thanks.

Well, since you asked, the first time I lost weight right after surgery I totally began to freak out emotionally. I dropped over 130 lbs. and couldn't deal with certain things, so I had the fill removed. It took me around 18 months to lose that weight and less than a year to put back every single pound.

Got help, via therapy, had the fill done again and have lost 85 lbs since August. I am extremely motivated and no longer fear a future without my fat to hide behind.

This time around, I truly am changing my lifestyle. I am following the bandster diet, within reason and exercising daily. It is already becoming a habit with me and I couldn't be happier about it. I got rid of all of my fat clothes and refuse to think about ever going back.

My change is in my thinking, my relationship with food and denying myself exercise. I have been a couch potatoe before the term was ever coined. Exercise, I'd rather eat shoe leather, but now I love it and I love the way it makes me feel. Health wise, I am improved beyond my wildest dreams, no more insulin, reduced blood pressure medications and just more energy than I know what to do with.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

I wake up each day without a sleep apnea headache. And I have dropped the lethargy of apnea, too. I get things done.

I have an apron of skin. It's very ugly. It sweats. And chafes. Ewwwwww. I could have my hanging belly skin tatooed in a plaid and people would think I was wearing a kilt! Yuck.

I have to eat slowly now. This means I can converse. What a joy! Talking with people during a meal! Amazing!

I no longer have to pray for my immortal soul before I attempt a flight of stairs. In fact I like 'em now, they're faster.

Sometimes I forget that I'm over a hundred pounds down. Then I take too big of a bite and remember. Ouch.

My bottle of diabetes pills sets where it always has. Dust on it now. No, don't dust it. I like it that way.

Did you know that the car seat can move FORWARD? Astonishing.

For the first time in my life I must deal with clothes that are too big. Wow!

Bad side? I can't eat a small third world country any more. That can be bad, because, you see, food is my drug. Actually eating is my drug. The food doesn't matter. I have bad bouts of nerves.

When night has fallen, and I have time to review the stresses of my life then I want to eat. Graze. Open the refridgerator and dive in, like a man on a mission.

That's hard. I must, instead, deal with my feelings, my issues. Tough. But getting easier.