Being newly banded on Nov. 2, 2011, I realized how many questions I still have about lap band, post-op, nutrition etc... I did alot of research before getting the band but the realization that I've been doing this on my own has set in and I truly don't feel its a good idea for anyone to go through lap-band surgery, nutrition and this lifestyle change without the help of other people. I think a lap-band buddy is a GREAT idea, so I am seeking one.

First off, my name is Justin. I'm 23 years old and live in Falling Waters, West Virginia (tri-state area of MD and PA). Starting weight after being banded was 353 lbs. To be honest I carry it pretty well because I was always active in sports in school and was never really a couch potato (even though potatoes are good). I work at Citicorp full time 8am-6:30pm 4 days a week Monday-Thursday. I enjoy my job but I enjoy spending time with family and friends more than anything. My mother is absolutely my hero. She was a single mother raising two children on a waitress salary. In addition to that, she weighed over 240lbs at one point. Over the course of a year she combined diet, exercise and hustling at her job to drop over 100 lbs which is more than I can say I was ever able to do. I don't think getting a lapband was a cheat but I sure have alot of respect for people that are able to lose weight with diet and exercise.

I am looking for a buddy that considers theirself to be rather knowledgable about lap-band in general but also someone whom I can share the experiences I am having as I make take my journey to lose weight. Male or female doesn't matter to me... Age, weight, what you look like etc.... Doesn't matter to me. I could care less. So long as you are an outgoing person that isn't shy. I am DEFINITELY not shy. I consider myself to be a very comical person. Everyone at work would agree that I am the comic relief and I was definitely the class clown. Its just my persona I suppose. If you can deal with those things, I'm sure we will get along fine.

Thanks!

Hi Justin, I was banded a couple weeks before you on Oct 14 2011. I appreciate a sense of humor and am on here all the time, If I can help any let me know! So have you had any fills? How much have you lost? I am really slow to lose the weight, I am down 24 pounds but hey I am not complaining!! 24 is 24 I am not carrying around anymore!

Justin - hope things are going well for you. There is so much to learn on this site and connections to be made. Finding this site was great for me. Not a day goes by that i haven't found a topic of interest or a question that I was going to ask. I haven't been banded yet but if you need a good laugh or need to scream i'm on here....

Hi Justin! I've been banded almost 10 months now so I'm a little bit ahead of you. Haha! I am trying to make some friends on here as it keeps me coming on here and accountable. I find when I let myself of this site for awhile I tend to lose focus. Send me a message with any questions or anything and good luck to you!!