Excited to be here. I have, off-and-on, read many posts from this site. My only concern is my slow weight loss; I have lost only 26 pounds in 1 month and 3 weeks; which I lost most of it on diet protein drinks. My first fill was last month and the surgeon put in 5cc; never told me if any was in, like some have had during surgery. Basically, I count all my calories and have staye at 900 approximately daily....except for like two days of going off the diet. Because I am self pay....it feels like I could have just gone on protein drinks and more liquids to lose what I have so far. Consequently, I am not convinced that this was the right decision. Any ideas for scar help???....my main one is ugly, three inches and spread out a little....still reddish looking. However, I FEEL blesse to be on a better path in life AND look forward to my future with Hope and happiness that I can finally run after my new grandkids! Love to all of you from Arizona!

Hello, I just wanted to say, hang in there and stay positive. Slow weight loss is the best and longest lasting way to go. I have been banded since last week, Thursday, and have lost a little weight. I am hoping to keep it slow so that I don't get discouraged, time is on my side. I think that the initial weight loss is a bit misleading, we get very excited to see the lbs. dropping off and think, "this is great!" But I don't believe it will be like that forever. Having done some homework, I have found that the people I know who lost the weight slowly have been better at keeping it off and not gaining a sizable amount back. I don't know about you, but I want to be in that group; the ones who have taken time to mentally adjust and train themselves how to think about exercise, food, and eating. You and I are in the very early stages of this journey, we are making a change for the better. I'm sure you will enjoy that grandbaby even more as a leaner and healthier person. I don't have any as of yet, but when the day comes, I look forward to being able to keep up with them. I wish you continued success and much happiness. From Arkansas, Beth