I'm a spinster librarian from southeast Louisiana. My house and I both survived Katrina, and I was banded by Dr. Thomas Lavin in Slidell, Louisiana on 11/21/2005. I got through the soft food phase and was able to eat waaaayyy too much food over the holidays. However, I only gained two pounds, so I didn't think that was too bad.

I had my first fill on 1/5/06 and my second on 2/1/06. I've lost 12 pounds since that first fill. I still get fairly hungry between meals, so I don't think I've found that perfect fill level yet.

I took Meridia for several months prior to my surgery to try to get in better shape for the surgery. In May 2005 when I started the Meridia I weighed 342 pounds. Right now I weigh 277. So, my grand total is really 65 pounds.

I've been on diets since I was 10, and like most of you I'm guessing, I've lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the years. I'm really hoping that the lap-band will be the tool that finally works in the long term.

As I was pondering the surgery I came up with this analogy--for me, dieting is a lot like swimming. I can do it fairly well, but in the end I'm a land mammal and simply not designed to live in the Water. I get tired of being wet, and my fingers get pruny, and I just have to get back out onto dry land. The lap-band is like scuba gear. It's going to help me be much more comfortable living in an environment that isn't really natural for me. And, if I'm lucky, in time I might even develop some gills.

It's nice to be among so many other folks who are trying out the scuba gear with me. And, if you haven't had the surgery yet, come on in...the water's fine.

Smilo

Woohoo! I liked this post and your analogy!

Welcome to LBT, Smilo! 65 pounds over the last year is awesome. You go you spinster librarian! I'm betting you won't be a spinster for long once you hit your target weight.. or before You have a great personality that just shines through.

I also just hit 277 so I'm right there with ya, with my scuba gear on!

*hugs*

Glad you're here! As an English teacher, I enjoy a great analogy, and yours was perfect! I got tired of "being wet" also! I love the band, and hope I can keep it healthy; that's the goal, anyway! See ya around, Cindy

I am not yet banded.....but jumped in today to the forum and was warmly received by many. I think I'm going to like it here : )

Hope to see ya around....smiles...diane

I like it too!:eek: :grouphug: :pray2:

Welcome to LBT! Glad to have you aboard!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: