For everyone out there that is feeling down about the choice to be banded, The band is a true blessing, IF, you work with it. Follow your diet, and lots of excersize and you will see amazing results. I was banded October 25th 2011. Started my pre surgery diet Sept 1st, and as of today I have lost 119 pounds. I have followed my diet to a "T" and work out at the gym 4 days a week, with 10 miles a week in cardio at my local track rain or shine. My starting weight was 356, today I am 237. My goal is 180 and I hope I make it;) Keep your heads up out there and focus on the big picture!

Thank you for posting this. I dont think I can do as much exercise as you (yet) but I will do as much as I can.

Oh yeah it took me baby steps to actually be able to work out like I am now. Don't push to hard:) Your body will let you know when to much is to much.

Baby steps. As long as I do it. And I intend on doing it. I enjoyed reading your post.

thanks for the post, i was banded 7/11/11 on the day of surgery, i was 211, today, i am 174.5, i think exercising plays a big role, when i was first banded, it came natural for me to work out, now that is cold, i'm having a hard time. You are doing great!!!! can you give me a sample of your daily routine? and maybe what types of food that you are eating? thanks in advance for all of your help

Yup!, you got the right idea. I started walking 1 mile every day of the week. I made myself do it no matter what. I got a good distance tracker on my phone that tracked the exact distance I was doing so i could visually see my progress. Then I gave myself a weekly goal of a certain amount I wanted to cover for the week. I did that for a month. Then I slowly started upping my goals per week. Now I can actually run! If you ever need any guidance, you got my name.

I dont know if i can walk that far per day YET, but I intend to get there. One step at a time.

Hi Byrd. My days consist of roughly 1000 calories absolutely never exceed 1200. 440 of which are my Protein shakes. I eat 3 mini meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2 ounces per meal and this is measured. I keep ALL sugars out of my diet, with Low calories. Sugar is the devil!

I go to the Gym for weightlifting only 4 days a week. One day in between for rest. I run 1.5 -2 miles a day minimum of 5 days a week. My weekly goal is 5 pounds lost, I have hit it very consistently. I drink Gold standard whey protein, it is hands down the best for losing weight.

As far as food, I eat a lot of Soups, Potatos, eggs, Salsa, Very low calorie food, NO breads, pastas, ect... And I drink nothing but Water.

In december alone I lost 33 pounds!!, My doctors were amazed. They actually asked me to be a speaker at their seminars! The best gift is motivating others.

Wow well done you r doing fabu must b so proud of urself once again well done.

AMAZING, what a true inspiration! I was banded on Dec 22nd, and I have had my share of trials. My port flipped, so I was not able to get my first fill until last week when I had my port repositioned. I have lost 3 lbs since last week, but I have to limit my exercise (again) because I have the incision to deal with. I know this is just a small speed bump, but its sure slowing me down quite a bit. I cant wait to be able to get to the gym and work out like my head wants to (not sure what my body will think of that idea haha). I am actually going to try a Zumba class tomorrow, I am excited but hope I dont re-open my incision doing the exercises

WOW that is absolutely amazing......2 oz is a tiny portion a lot smaller than I eat has this always been your portion size or has this got smaller as your restriction has increased?

2 oz has been my meal size since day 1, and will be for the rest of my life.

joel, what did you eat after surgery? how do you if its enough? I keep reading not enough peotein could make you gain. what about coffee? diet soda? i keep thinjing i am gonna mess this uo somehow.

After surgery I was liquids for 1 month. Then I went to mushies for a month. I ate only mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cream of chicken, crime of mushroom etc..... NO soda. No milk, no juice, I drink only water. The hard part is shutting the door to your past life. I pictured a door closing and that was it. I was done

You are an inspiration to all here. I am 3 weeks out PO and started working out the week after surgery. I started slow in the treadmill and did a slow mile but now I'm up to 3 miles of walking and jogging on the treadmill 3-4 times a week and 5 min on the elliptical and trying to work up the time on that as well. I also enjoy Leslie Sansone's "Walk away the Pounds" video's that I alternate with the treadmill, etc. I feel I have lost more in inches but haven't measured myself yet PO. I'm waiting for 1 month PO and then measure myself.

Great job Meredith!!