Today, 1/31...marks 2 years with the band, and all I can say is I could not be more happy and pleased.....

61 years old, going on 40.......

A little background on MY JOURNEY....

first 6 months was HELL!! Very frustrating to say the least...all that anticipation only to be told I had to count my calories and measure my portions...I did not go through surgery to do that!! I've done all that before, many times.....But the Dr. explained to me until they get the band properly adjusted, dieting is the only thing I could do...be patient....

3rd and final fill 4 months after surgery, and it still took me 2 more months to figure this thing out....I wish I had a dollar for every time I got stuck, slimed and spit everything back up! But I was determined to make this thing work....and after 6 months things finally started to sync...in other words I FINALLY BEGAN TO LISTEN AND OBEY THE BAND....forcing me to break all my bad habits that made me "Morbidly Obese" in the first place.....once I got my act together, eating (and avoiding) the right foods, etc, etc....then and only then I found that "GROOVE" where everything became effortless and easy...that's why I do not call the band a "Tool", but rather the "MASTER"...if I do what the band tells me to do then all is good.....

I have not been stuck in over a year.....I have automatic portion control, and I am seldom hungry...and most times have no interest in food.....all because of the band and truly being in the Green....I do not need to count calories nor do I worry about portion sizes......just choose good foods and listen to the band when it says stop, I stop....

I have not eaten Breakfast in 18 months....

I reached my goal app. 13 months after surgery.....but my body continued to change and tone due to exercising....(I don't have much excess skin)

And now, 2 years later, I have to say there is a life after lapband surgery...there is a time when there is no more dieting nor is there any worry about gaining weight.....I do what every other normal weight person does every day...I enjoy certain food pleasures, have a beer or 2 (I know how to do it), but the bottom line is i NEVER (cannot) OVEREAT....and I REMAIN ACTIVE...running 5 miles a day, 5 days a week....

And always...get my daily Protein, Water and Vitamin requirements......

I know other people have a different approach....and that is good.....as long as people are successful and happy, then nothing else matters....

YOU CAN"T ARGUE WITH SUCCESS!!!!

And to all who are starting out...STAY AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVES>>>>THIS THING DOES WORK!!!!

Great success story! Congratulations on taking over your life!

You look very trim and fit. I'm impressed!

You go B!!! You look awesome!

You look absolutely amazing... Wonderful story, great journey! Thank you for inspiring new bandsters that this DOES WORK! I am also 1 year out (2/14) and am at goal. Like you, it hasn't been easy but I'm soooo happy!!!!

Wow! look at you b-52! Congrats on your 2 year bandiversary!And congrats to you jennybee for being at goal on your almost 1 year bandiversary

<---- just showed my hubby your picture.

Hes sulking now.........

Happy Bandiversary! Awesome job!

Thanks for sharing and giving us newbies hope!

Congrats amazing uplifting journey

I too showed your picture to my hubby. Wishing he looked like you. hahaha.

Wow you look awesome! How much total did you lose?

What an inspiration! Great words of wisdom!

Thanks for sharing your story. You inspire me to do better. Congrats!

I LOVE reading your posts! I am in that long still-not-there stage, and have had my sleepless nights (hungry grumpy sad) wondering what the hell I was thinking putting the price of a new car into my stomach only to have it not do a damn thing for me. Going for another fill tomorrow, will be my third. I think I am getting close, and I hope to soon come back here and post "hey, you're right!" Thanks.