I am down 82 pounds from July 2nd. Jan. 2nd will be my 6 months out - and I have an appointment with my Dr. on Jan. 17th! I can't wait to see my awesome bloodwork! I have been doing really well and eating pretty much on target. I feel like I should be a poster girl for this surgery. I have never thrown up, been in pain, and things are going well. In fact, my 18 year old step daughter is coming to stay with us and see if she qualifies - what a life changer to have this tool so young. What a difference it could make in her life.

I am a huge advocate of this procedure. I would never TELL anyone to do it, but if people ask me - I am honest and open about it. I feel so good! I know not every one has had my experience - but for me, life changing!!! I have more energy, every one has told me how much happier I seem (I didn't think I was unhappy before - but maybe I was....)

I feel like - at 38 - I have a new life. Food doesn't control me. I don't think about my next meal or how much I can have....I am not embarassed about my back fat rolls and not fitting in a chair. My husband's arms wrap all the way around me and clothes shopping is FUN!

If you are on the fence - jump over it! I was so scared before surgery - I am so thankful I pushed through that fear.

God bless you - and email me if you have any questions -

ssmonte72@yahoo.com

I would love to be support for anyone that needs it.

That is very inspiring! I haven't been aleeved yet and love reading about great outcomes

wow !!!! u look absolutely amazing !!!!i am into my third week and dont regret this surgery one teeny bit !!!!i hope i lose as well as you !!!cant wait for the summer to get her and enjoy my new skinny self !!!

thanks for the inspiration! i hope mine goes half as well as yours!

Awesome...I am in my 2nd week out I had a Conversion I started with the band at 277 lbs I am 5'4 I was converted at 198 lbs and Then on the day of surgery I weighed 196 I am now 186 lbs. I am nervous My Post op appointment went really well. My Next appointment is January 7th and that is when I can start eating regular Food and I am scared!! LOL. Any pointers? Since you are doing so well?!

Just listen to your body! I weighed out my 3-4 oz in the beginning so I could LEARN what that actually looked like. Crab, shrimp and fish went down the easiest - and had the most protein! Drink water even if you are not thirsty - that was the hardest part for me.

One of my most favorite quick meals is tuna is sunflower oil and a little mayo, cracked pepper and I COUNT OUT 5 crackers - yummo! I still get my coffee in the mornings, but I also use Advocare's spark for the vitamins and boost it gives me.

If I am full - I stop eating, even if I didn't eat it all. I cook good meals for my family,but I generally only eat the protein and some veggies....

I dance with my kids a lot and like to walk, but honestly have not done any serious exercise...that's my next step. This is a great tool - almost fool proof I would think. I CAN'T binge eat - so I do other stuff.

Best of luck to you!!!

Yay Shannon!! So happy for you and you look fantastic!!!

So what is a typical day for you? And also what was your starting weight?

So what is a typical day for you? And also what was your starting weight?

Highest weight when I started the medically supervised diet was 307, day of surgery I was 292. This morning I was 210. I was wearing size 24, now a 14. I am tall - 5'10'', so I am very happy with how I look!

A typical day is maybe a muscle milk or eggs for Breakfast, a babybel cheese for a snack, tuna and a few crackers for lunch - or maybe some rolled up cheese and lunch meat. dinner - whatever Protein we are having and some veggies. I do like chips and cheese dip, but only once in awhile....not good for me.

I love crab. shrimp and fish - I really like the smoked salmon/cream cheese pinwheels at HEB - but they are a little pricey. I also like the greek yogurts for breakfast.

Today - I actually ate a piece of leftover venison backstrap for breakfast, ate a little popcorn at the movie theater (no butter), then had shrimp on a skewer at Beef O'Brady's....I am stuffed! I didn;t touch the rice or even the broccoli - I didn't even eat all my shrimp! I did have a bite of my hubby's OMG burger - yummy!

I don't feel like I am missing anything.....

I am a happy camper!

Good luck!