Have any of you read this article in People Magazine? It's beyond me how these people do it. I can't stick to a diet for more than a couple of months -- then I gain it back with bonus pounds. These people lost incredible amounts of weight just by dieting and exercise -- no extra help! Where inside themselves do they find that stick-to-it mindset??? I'd love to get inside their heads to understand what drives people who succeed at this level. Amazing. I applaud them, but it make me feel like a failure -- a little jealous, I guess. I can't help but admire them.

Debbie

OK... let's have People do a followup on them in another 5 years and see where they are then.

I have always been great at losing with little effort....have done it twice, almost 100 lbs once. But, gradually it all came back and then some so.....I agree.....don't put too much credit on the here and now, lets see what happens in a few years. The main reason I chose the band was to help me keep the weight off once it was gone.

Carol

For the past two years I have run out and bought that issue, read each person's story and couldn't wait to try AGAIN to lose weight.

This year, after being banded, I'm not even interested in reading their stories. I have finally realized I canNOT do this on my own. I have tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly. I have tried everything from pills to therapy. There is something in me that doesn't have the follow-through.

Ever since I came to this realization and made the decision to have the surgery, I've been at peace with myself. I don't CARE if someone else can do it without the band, I don't CARE if some people tell me I'm cheating. I'm doing what I need to do for ME to be successful, for ME to live a longer life.

For the past two years I run out and buy that issue, read each person's story and can't wait to try AGAIN to lose weight.

This year, after being banded, I'm not even interested in reading their stories. I have finally realized I canNOT do this on my own. I have tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly. I have tried everything from pills to therapy. There is something in me that doesn't have the follow-through.

Ever since I came to this realization and made the decision to have the surgery, I've been at peace with myself. I don't CARE if someone else can do it without the band, I don't CARE if some people tell me I'm cheating. I'm doing what I need to do for ME to be successful, for ME to live a longer life.

AMEN!!! :clap2:

I walked right by that issue and never looked back! I'm happy for them--they did it their way.

I think it's one thing to become heavy at one time in your life due to major surgery that keeps you from exercising, a pregnancy, etc. and quite another to have fought weight gain since childhood. I didn't read their stories, so I don't know why they said they were overweight.

I do know from a lifetime of experiences that there really is something wrong with the "wiring" in my body. The band is a tool that will help me outsmart my "short circuit." I'm not embarrassed that I got the band at all. I know it was the right thing for me to do!