My name is Joleen and I got the Lapband in Tempe, AZ on 3/8/12. Everything has been going pretty good so far. I do feel sluggish and don't have a lot of energy, but I know that can happen when you are not eating a lot of food. I also thought that my rib had broken and was stabbing me but that was just a gas bubble stuck up under my rib cage. It SUCKED! Today was my week anniversary and when I weighed myself I was down 17 pounds! Awesome! I am very excited to start this journey, but I am also nervous about failing! I refused to fail! I can't wait to see old friends in a couple of months and for them see me looking skinnier and healthier!

Congratulations......just remember it is a journey and things don't happen instantly like we all wish they did.

But you will make significant progress by following your Dr's advice and not get discouraged.

just be warned, as good as this site is for information and support, it s just as bad for negativity and getting

one frustrated and confused.

You need to learn to know the difference.

Hey Joleen...congrats!!!! Had mine done three years ago and it's life altering, it's a rebirth!. Stick to the instructions your doctors and nutritionist gave you and you'll do fine. Just remember that the band is just like a speed bump in the road...it encourages you to slow down so as not to damage the suspension but if you choose to ignore it you will do damage. You will find that you will, over time, be able to eat and drink all the things you like...just more slowly and in smaller quantities. The band will help you lose the first 50% of your excess weight easily, you will find that the weight loss will slow down on the next 25% and then you will have to work on the last 25%. The best thing you can do is get into the habit of walking every day.