Starting out, I had so many questions, concerns, fears, anxiety...you name it, felt it. Worried I would be one of those unfortunate few who didn't let the band do what it was designed to do because I wasn't sure that I was disceplined enough. Let's face it, I've tried EVERYTHING in the past to lose the weight, only to gain it back so my track record wasn't so great heading into this. Sitting on pins and needles to get appointments and my surgery date, only to experience minor set backs and feel discouraged that it might never happen - I was impatient, the whole process was just over 2 months, but it felt like an eternity.

Here I am today, six weeks out of surgery and I already feel brand new - even though I haven't reached my goal weight yet...which by the way I have increased because I'm losing inches as fast as the pounds. I'm sleeping better, I'm off of my diabetes medications, I look much younger, my waistline is shaping up VERY nicely and I'm starting to turn some heads again. To say I'm happy with my decision is an understatement! Yes, there are challenges and I have new concerns: am I getting enough nutrition, can I eat this without it causing a problem, sometimes I just don't want to eat and it is often a challenge to get enough Water and Protein, but so far I am not experiencing any adverse effects.

I am going to post pics soon, I am just not the most photogenic person in the world and I always hate the way they turn out - because even with the weight loss, I still look 10lbs. heavier on photos - argh! So good luck to all of you new bandsters! You had other options, but you chose the band and I am confident that made the right decision. I have friends with the sleeve and the REY and things were much rougher on them than they are on me and I'm losing my weight just as fast as they lost theirs - without the complications and near-death experiences.

Cheers everyone...I am already 1/2 way to goal, far ahead of schedule. I look forward to reading your success stories, believe me when I say I am so inspired by many of you and appreciate all of the input I get from experienced bandsters. I attribute most of my success to what I have learned from others. If you're just starting out, this is the place you need to be. Listen to the "Guru's" and the "Evangelists" they truly are your friends and are happy to help you work through your tough times and they are your biggest cheerleaders when things are going well.

Gwen

Great job pretty lady!!

Congratulations!! That's an amazing amount of weight lost in just 6 weeks!

Congrats!!!

Prettythick, you need to start changing your name to "Prettythin" lol! I am so happy for you! I am also happy to have found this forum because I know that I would be lost or discouraged without it. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Thank you for sharing this and congrats on your success! As a newbie myself I am inspired to read your journey so far and I agree that the value of the people on this forum is tremendous. Best wishes to you with your continued success!

Congratulations! Great accomplishment in short time. Keep it up lady!

Sent from my iPhone5 using LapBandTalk

That is a great amount of weight loss. I am 6 weeks out as well and lost 14 pounds so far but am very pleased with that. All together since starting my jouney ive lost a total of 45 pounds. Its nice to see my pants getting bigger and waist.smaller.

I also love to hear the experiences of others, i look at what they do right, so i no it can happen, and what they did wrong so i no not to do it. Working with your band is the best thing to do.