I was banded in 2007, when I was 18 years old (at 132kg) . I didn't want a lapband, or really know waht it was about. Anyways my parents wanted me to have it so I did - to make them happy. Anyways of course it didnt work for me because it wasnt what I wanted. However, I'm now 22 and far more mature. Im getting back on the band wagon, re-saw my surgeon two weeks ago and got a fill (I weighed 124.4kg), and I've been pretty good since. However - I need things to keep me motivated, like little rewards.

But I can't think of anything, other than food! Any suggestions on what I could reward myself with? I'm in major need of support as I have somehow dodged all the co-morbidities but I know that my luck will be up soon and I need to lose weight before it seriously impacts my health. I'm hoping that being young is on my side! Another thing is that my mum is really driving me crazy, I'm the only one with a weight issue in the family these days (My mum also had a lap band and lost a significant amout of weight) anyways.,, She will buy chocolate, or make cakes and slices or make dinners that are not suitable for someone on a diet! She said she would support me going back and getting into it, she said she'd do anything I needed to help me. But talking to her doesnt help, she says 'well you dont have to eat it'. Ahh the stress! Anyways any advice and or support would be much appreciated! I know that I can do it!

Hannah

If the weight is coming off, that should be enough of a reward. I'm completely against rewarding yourself with treats, because when you see the scale go up the next day you realize it just isn't worth it. Take pictures of yourself once a month and compare them.

I was recently on vacation with my parents, and they were doing the same thing your mom is doing. They'd buy all this junk food and I'd tell them I wasn't hungry, and they just kept pestering me and it got to the point where it was getting me angry. I had to sit them down and explain what they were doing, and they stopped after that.

Your rewards have to be things you actually will look forward to and enjoy. Some people buy a new outfit for every 20lbs they lose. I don't like trying on clothes, but my boyfriend bought me a gift card to the mall when I lost 75lbs and it was pretty cool trying on clothes in stores I'd been to scared to even go into before. One lady on here has a charm bracelet and she buys a charm for each milestone she reaches. I'm saving up to get a tattoo when I hit 199lbs and I'm also putting money in a savings account for plastic surgery when I reach my goal weight.

I agree with Hannah about taking pictures. Take tons of pictures and measurements! You'll be glad later when you can look back and see the difference!

I haven't told my parents I have a lapband yet, but I have the same problem. My mom compliments me on my weightloss and then wants to go out to a buffet for dinner. I find it easier just to go instead of arguing. I don't really consider myself on a diet and I don't eat "diet foods". For me, the lapband is more about portion control. Now I can eat 3/4 a slice of pizza and be stuffed instead of eating 3 whole slices! So if my mom bakes a cake, I'll have a few bites of a slice, then pack the rest to take home. I know my mom isn't going to change and I'm not going to stress myself out trying to make her change.

Good luck!

Janiece

I get my nails done to reward myself It makes me feel pretty & is calorie free!

I have been thinking about putting ten dollars for every pound I loose in a savings acount, the when I reach my goal I will have money for a new wardrobe! Down 24, so I guess I owe myself 240 bucks...maybe five for each pound!

Katie

Pandora type charms are quite popular but how about.

A new lipstick

A massage or beauty treatment

A new CD/DVD/Game or whatever you are into

New shoes/bag

Or maybe a special trip away when you reach a certain goal.