Here is my story: On New Years Day 2012 I realized my worst fear of hitting 400lbs would soon happen. My weight had ballooned to 369lbs and I really didn't think I could win the battle. So I decided to look into the lap band surgery, and after weighing the pros and cons along with the good and bad reviews I decided it may be my only option at saving my life. On April 1st 2012 I had my first consult with the Weight Loss Surgery Center Springfield Missouri, which lead to my choice to move forward with the surgery. My band surgery was scheduled for May 9th 2012 in Overland Park Kansas. After my liquid diet my preband weight on May 8th was 342lbs, in the month following my surgery I've lost another 30lbs and haven't yet had my first fill. For those of you considering the surgery I'd say its no worse then gallbladder surgery, you'll hurt for 7-10 days following the surgery. Your appetite will diminish right after the operation. I've lost 52lbs of my 192lb goal and still have a lot of hard work ahead, but I believe I will get there much sooner with the band, then I would have without. I'd be the first to say I truly believe this surgery will save my life.

James Perkins

OMG it's true mashed potatoes are my go to food when eating out, and I crave them at home... don't have them but once or twice a week but when I want comfort food it is mashed potatoes , or mac and cheese true 4 oz is enough but I do not want to ever get hung up on a certain food again any body else have the mashed potatoe thing going on???????????????

I have a question, has your dr. or anyone else's given them specific foods they can't ever have again? I figure junk food and soda etc will be no-nos but what about "regular" foods? My one banded friend can't seem to eat any bread, pasta, etc. at all or she gets plugged...

I live in a small town in southern nebraska i had my surgery done 1.5 hours away and iv been askin around but no one knows of any other than over eaters program!

Hey james congrats on your weight loss so far! I see you live simewhere in southern mo I just moved to bolivar a month ago from kc if we could find enough people in this area id love to start a small support group it would be nice meet up with some bansters!

I live just south of Springfield.The support group is a great idea,i would join!

I don't know if anybody still responds tot his post. I go to see the WlSC and I'm have my surgery at the same hospital Overland Park, Ks on the 21st I'm so excited and a little nervous.