How are you all doing? Have you made your goal weights yet? I was just thinking about how my two year bandiversary is coming up and I haven't even come close to the progress I had hoped for on surgery day. It's totally my fault. I know what to do to lose the weight but have chosen not to all the time. I was all gung ho during 2011 and then lost motivation often during 2012.

I have never regretted getting the lap band. I felt so out of control before. I was gaining weight every year and hadn't changed my eating or activity levels. I was scared. Post lap band, I have such a sense of control and security knowing that I won't balloon up despite good eating and exercise efforts. I'm embarrassed for people to know that I had it done and to seem like a failure. They think the lap band is ineffective and that it was a waste. No, it's all me. It's not the lap band.

The most I'd lost was 70 pounds. I was so excited about fitting into clothes at regular stores. I was doing it! I then got discouraged about my appearance under clothes. Also, my fertility didn't seem to improve so fell into depression losing motivation. I ended up regaining weight over time. So now my total weight loss since beginning this journey is 42 pounds as of today. I want to get back on track and start losing again. I just have to discipline myself and make good food and exercise choices.

Thank you so much for your honesty. You've given me the courage to admit my shortcomings by failing to maintain what it takes to be successful with the band. Perhaps by starting to get involved in these posts I will find my motivation and inspiration once again.

I really admire you guys for wanting to make the band work. There's a lady I work with and I swear I have no idea why she ever got banded. I always hear stories about her over-eating and not following any of the rules. I know you ladies can do it!! This forum is so supportive and not judgemental. Also, Myfitnesspal is a great, great app! It's free and if you decide to use it, my name on there is PBTango so feel free to add me as a friend!

Today is a new day!! You journeys starts here!!

The band is a tool and it's not going to work unless we use it correctly. We can do it! We just have to keep ourselves motivated. I am already seeing that number on the scale go down little by little. I just have to keep at it. I love myfitnesspal! I do make better choices when I log my food and exercise on it. I also like the little posts announcing my weight loss every so often.