I just had to ring in and share some lessons I've been learning throughout my short journey so far (Banded April 28th) I know and am open to learning more but wanted to share in the hopes of helping others in their journeys through lap-band-land.

Things I've learned:

1) I don't blame my lack of weight loss on my band, it cannot force me to exercise or eat the right things.

2) I don't give all the credit of my current weight loss to my band either, I still have to monitor my calories and nutrients to continue to lose.

3) My skin will sag if I don't do weight bearing exercises to offset this, and in areas where my fat is concentrated (for me its my INNER thighs...) I will still have some residual sagging skin.

4) Unless I get a boob job, my breasts will sag and never be 'perky' again...this is meaningful to me, to others its not, and I respect that.

5) If I PB, I don't curse the band, I curse myself.

6) I love my band, I love the choice I made, some days are better than others, I accept that and I do not dwell on the bad (even though its hard sometimes)

7) I am learning everyday about things I can and cannot eat. I can eat things others that are banded can't just as others can eat things I cant.

8) I get my fills when I need to, i.e. if I'm not losing, I don't go on a timed schedule.

9) I've had a bad fill experience (overfilled) I had some taken out and have been fine every since. I don't blame my fill doc, or myself for not noticing right away, but I learned from the experience.

10) I respect everyones individual journey, I think everyone needs to take responsibility for their own weight gain/loss. IMHO, the lap band has made many unhealthy people healty. Like anything, everyone handles change differently and each person has their own individual expectations. I sincerely admire everyone who is on this journey and respect your choice to change....GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to the day I can share my input on these things!

You've learned a lot!

Very valuable post, and your lessons would be helpful to others. Especially if the concept of personal responsibility was really, really, thought about carefully.

Well done!