I posted this in introductions, where, technically, it belongs. I am reposting here because the people in this section have been the ones that have helped me the most.

I am going to introduce myself the right way, the honest way. I dont have a metabolism problem,I dont have emotional issues, bad parents, or any other excuse. I eat too much and drink too much.That simple. I had the surgery in January of 2010, it went well, and I was off to the races. I did my fills, and did ok. I didnt excel because I would have a few beers, a chip here and there, but all in all I had gone from 350 on the first visit, 340 on day of surgery to 290 in early October. Work got busy, I got lazy, and didnt get a fill for 5 months. Two weeks ago I weighed myself and was 333. I was disgusted.

THe band is pointless, I thought. I did not do ONE THING WRONG, I told myself. I had the band, I ate slow. So what if I had a few beers, some pizza, candy, more candy. No, I didnt do one thing wrong. I did everything wrong. Two weeks ago I turned myself in. At first I thought I would be humiliated, but the doctor was actually very understading. I got my fill, went on my way, and started a new life.

Then came Saturday. Basketball. One beer led to two, to five, to seven, to three white castles. I was back in form. Went home, melted mozzarella cheese in the microwave

And two beers, a glass of wine.

No more. I decided last Saturday this is it. I have been given a chance. Not a cure, not a miracle, not a panacea, a chance.

When I got the band I thought why should I go on message boards? I can do this on my own. I am here now as one of the steps I must take to accomplish what I want. Not what I deserve, not what I should have, not what I paid for, but what I want and must earn,

I have read a lot of posts and am glad I am here. Some good stories, some bad, some downright troubling, and some really uplifting ones. I have been on the board almost constantly since Saturday reading. My initial purpose for reading was to see if this board was worthy of my time. Usually people pay me for my time, I figured, so why waste it here. It didn't take long to realize that I am the one who isn't worthy of your time. I hope in time I can contribute here, and assure you I will when I can. For now, though, I apprecite you guys letting me ride your coattails.

I applaud you for being aware of what you are doing. It's a tough road no matter how much we think we are ready for this life change, it's a constent battle.

I stopped drinking years before I was banded, so thats not an issue I can give you personal advice on.

Stay with this forum, hopefully you will get the support, guidence, information and maybe a little tough love you need.

Well you said a mouthfull but however only you can change your ways. If beer, cheese, pizza, burgers are worth it then by all means continue. If you want the band to work then work with it. Its that simple. We all fail because of food because we are addicted to food if you want success then stop thinking about booze and food and start living what you paid for. Its all or nothing. You cant drink and eat like a sailor and weigh 100lbs it doesnt work that way. Good luck and I hope you find yourself the person that you want to be.

I was banded in Jan 2010 too. And I must admit, I have an occassional beer and chips, but in moderation. If you have your band at your "sweet spot", you shouldn't be able to eat the cheeseburgers and pizza. Work with your surgeon and get the band tight enough to do it's job. Mentally, it's difficult to change the way we think about food. Also, have you started exercising? That really helped me kick things off in a good direction. Not only have I started losing inches, I feel so much better.

Good luck and hang in here on the message boards. Like you said, there is a lot of good information here.

"Standing Ovation" Kudos to you for taking the first step to your new life, admitting to yourself that you need to make changes.

Don't beat yourself up...just get back on the horse. This is a lifechanging experience and very few of us are going to immediately 'fix' what got us here in the first place...but we keep *trying*. Your doctor's response doesn't surprise me. The intelligent ones know the band isn't a quick or easy fix. It is, in fact, a learning experience in itself because the band works differently for everyone.

So decide on a WOE that you can live with long-term and then 'just do it' as the Nike commercials say...and when you fall (and I guarantee you will because we all do), pick yourself right back up and take the next step forward.

Your discovery that you need this forum is dead on. I honestly believe that the only reason I've been as successful as I have and not given up through all my trials with the band, is because of the support system I have here. So, I look forward to seeing you around.

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