Okay, so here's a thread for us. My story to start us off. Was overweight/obese my whole life. When I look back at pictures of myself as a young kid (7-8), I am surprised that I didn't look as fat as I thought back then. But by adolescence I definitely was. Had some hard life stuff (Mom got cancer when I was 8, friend in high shool died sophomore year, dad had stroke sophomore year of college, got diagnosed with PCOS, lost a few important friendships) - each contributed significantly to my weight gain. Then I just got so big, I felt like there was nothing I could do. I just ate worse and worse, because I felt so trapped.

I was banded about 5 weeks ago. I have lost a good part of my weight, still have a ways to go. I now find myself constantly looking at my body, trying to figure out what it is going to look like. Unlike lots of bandsters I see on boards who are 30+, I am not married. I worry about my body, about whether I will need plastic surgery, about if I will feel comfortable. About dating after losing weight but before PS. About doing this forever, even though I feel confident. About keeping this weight off forever. About what happens if I lose my band. About the fact that at 22, I'm really going to jump in and start my life, and whether or not I'm sorely behind.

So anyway, there's my story. Here's my stats:

9/28/05 (1st consult): 333

4/17/06 (2nd consult): 318

5/2/06 (Surgery day): 315

6/9/06 (today) : 278

Goal (I think) :170

I was banded on 7/27. Like a few others on this thread, I am also an attorney. My job is fun - but being overweight has its challenges even in this profession. I too relate to so many of you when it comes to life, socializing and dating. I've been overweight for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a small rural town and had horses. I loved it! But then I just kept getting heavier and heavier no matter how active I was and before I knew it, I didn't have much to do with many activities I love so much!

I'm excited about the band. I'm pretty active as it is playing volleyball and softball and swimming, and i know that this band will help me with my eating. I'm honestly nervous about all the bad things you hear about the band, so i'm trying to follow my doctor's orders so that nothing goes wrong. I don't want to be one of those "complication cases" so I'm hoping that I do everything right.

I'm excited about this thread. It is so nice to see and hear of people my own age going through the same things both physically and emotionally. I am scared of getting the sagging skin but have heard to use firming lotion and to exercise and drink lots of Water. I'm afraid my boobs are going to sag to my knees and I may someday have to have a lift (which is something i've thought of anyways). Mostly, I want it to work out for all of us and with hard work and some determination and an attitude to NEVER GIVE UP, I am sure it will!

GOOD LUCK to everyone - even those beyond this twentysomethings thread. This is a thread I will come to daily for support and more reading. By the way, CONGRATS Olive. That's awesome you've reached your first goal. My first goal is not on the scale - but to fit into my favorite pair of jeans I have since outgrown. I haven't tried them on yet, but maybe next week!

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and wish everyone luck who has surgery coming up...Today is my 1 year mark and i am down 77.5 and loving every minute of it..I can't wait to see what the next year will bring ...

Have a great night

PS//just turned 23 two days ago..What a great gift to myself...Also getting my eyebrow pierced tonight

Olivia & Leona- thank you guys for the support.

Aww kristen, you have a great smile!!! keep smiling for that 77.5 wieght loss! :scared: congrats!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys,

Here's my story. I'm 27. I have struggled with my weight my entire life...i joined weight watchers for the first time when I was 10....never was successful until my sophomore year in college. I lost some weight on the atkin's diet, taking metabolife, and walking constantly....not a healthy way to do it, but I lost 60 lbs in 3 mos. It was weird though....even though i was down to a size 10, which I had never seen before, I still felt as big as a house. I got into a very serious relationship, slipped into the "relationship comfort zone" and started putting on wieght like the speed of light. I'm now back to where I started before Atkins. I started feeling like crap about myself and my confidence went into a fast downward spiral. I was constantly looking for reassurance from my boyfriend and questioned everything he was doing....was always worried he was going to upgrade to a hard body college girl. My insecurites killed our relationship and it ended after four years. I never believed it when people said you have to love yourself before anyone else can love you.....but it's true! I've never had trouble dating and am now in another wonderful relationship, but I am still extremly insecure.....i know that i need to feel good about myself before anything in my life will work out. I want to feel healthy, and engergized, and confident with myself.

So, here I am....ready to take the plunge...I will be banded August 17 and can't wait...less than a week to go!

KATE,

I AM 25 AND WAS BANDED ON JULY 21ST IT WAS A BIG STEP FOR ME. i HAVE SINCE LOST AROUND 25LBS. IT HAS BEEN A VERY EMOTIONAL MONTH FOR ME BUT I AM SOOO GLAD I DID IT. I HOPE ALL GOES WELL WITH YOU AND IM GLAD YOU DECIDED TO START LOVING YOURSELF!!!

YOUR THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE

Congrats on 25 down! That's awesome. I can only imagine the emotions that will go along with this change....i'm excited though.

Thanks for your warm wishes!

any time! Good Luck

Olive ~ Congrats on getting to Onederland!

NatesMommy ~ 25lbs since July 21 is so awesome! Congratulations.

Olivia ~ Good luck with your journey, I am sure you will get into those jeans in no time!

Kirsten ~ Happy birthday!! And Congratulations on 1 year, and 77.5 lbs.

Kate ~ Hi and welcome the the thread! You will be banded 2 days after I have my op (tummy tuck), so I will take the opportunity to say congrats in advance!

Hey Everyone! How is everyone doing???

Welcome to the group, Kate. There are a bunch of amazing people on this thread! Keep in touch and best wishes with your upcoming banding. You'll do fantastic!

Hey everyone... getting my first fill today! woohoo! I'll let u all know how it goes!

Bumping to see how everyone is doing.

I am doing ok..Lost another 5 lbs so i am down 82.5 lbs..Just think 17.5 lbs to go til i finally hit 100 lbs off ..I cannot wait..How is everyone else?????????????????????????????????????

~Kristen

August was a rough month for me, but I finally got myself back in gear. Down to a total loss of 76 lbs, 58 since surgery.

Aussie... I've seen you on other threads, but I forgot you were a 20something. Your TT looks amazing.

Hi All!

I am in Monterrey and got my first fill today. It was a little scary. I ended up with 1.6cc/4.0cc. It was pretty cool seeing the barium flow through the stomach. I am staying the night here so hopefully if there are any problems with an under/over fill they can be fixed tomorrow! Wish me luck.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Olive