Tell me band fam, is it all worth it? I'm not scared nor nervous, I'm just ready to do this.

Before going to college in 2003 I was 163 standing at 5'5. I love my size and was very comfortable within myself. By 2004 sophomore year I was at 202, I said, "I still look great!" By 2005 I weigh 223, 2006 I was at 236; I never thought I was going out of control. By 2007, I had climbed up at 247, I then decided it was time to lose the weight, so I worked my butt off by eating less, healthier, and working out 7 days a week, and twice a day. Thus, I went to school full time and worked a full time job (Retail). Eventhough I did, I manage to make time and get into shape. By summer 2008, I was a whopping 142.3, well that change after I met my now ex, but boyfriend at the time. He was free spirit and ate any and everything. I mean we would eat out "EVERYWHERE" fast food galore.

By 2011, I had weigh 258. I couldn't believe it! People would see me.and say, "Wow you've gotten big." However, to me I was healthy because I was happy. But, I learn quickly it's not true, and definitely its unhealthy.

By the end of my relationship I ended at 276 (2010). Today 2013, I haven't gain anymore weight, but I haven't lost either. I'm tiredof doing the "yoyo diets." I've gone down in the last 2 yrs, but I've found myself going back up to the high 270's. I'm tired of being tired, so I decided WLS is the best thing for me. Yes, its only a tool I have to put in the work. I'm willing and ready to commit to this life long journey. This is why I asked, "Is it worth it?" I'm sure it is, but how has it work for you? Your progress and etc?

Btw: The relationship didn't end because of the weight, just to let you guys know. Hell is was 300 when I met him and bigger after I left. We had our difference, also he didn't want to change for the better. "I guess old habits die hard." He like being big and smoking "Pot" all day (5 months after we started dating)...so I said, "Bye."

Your story is my story. Up and down weight over the years. VERY good at dieting' date=' horrible at keeping it off for any length of time. I truly spent much of my adult life either on a diet or thinking that I should start one, and feeling bad about that. I am a couple inches taller than you and fluctuated from 130 to almost 240 and in more recent years could not get under 180 no matter how hard I tried,

I researched WLS for 2 years before getting banded 1/18/2012. Was it worth it? God, yes.

I really can't explain the power and control it gives you over eating, but it is the first time in my life I can eat like a "normal" person. And maintain!

I am currently maintaining at 160 pounds, and I am pleased as punch.

In my opinion, I think the band works very well for those who have dieted successfully in the past (because it does require following a diet of sorts). The key is that you don't gain it all back immediately (I don't know about you, but I could lose 10 lbs in a month and then gain 5 back in one day?!!) and with the band, that just hasnt happened for me. I've lost slowly, but it's always been a downward trend for the past 2 years.

I hear your frustration, and been there. Yes, the lap band helped me. Tremendously.[/quote']

Yes, I've had those days. Lose 10 and gain 5 in a day...man I was always like, "UGH, I give up." But, with this tool I am more than willing and ready to work my a$$ off and keep it off. I'm trying to lose about 120....don't kind being where your at in weight. I haven't seem the 100's I'm a very long time. Btw, congrats on your weight lost. Thanks again for the reply.

Is it worth it??? It changed' date=' AND saved my life....I too have dieted for over 30 years...up and down, always failing and feeling more down about myself than before...and my medical issues are, WERE too numerous to mention....WERE because they are all gone!

So I NEEDED WLS as a last resort...to do what I was unable to do with dieting on my own....surgery to correct my eating habits and personal behavior....And I can not be more pleased with this new life I now have....

For me, I have lost all my excess weight, reaching a good muscle mass and body fat %, all without dieting, counting calories, or any of that stuff that used to drive me crazy....this is truly the easiest thing I could have ever done....

I don't even think about the band, or feel I even had WLS, or the constant worry of loosing weight anymore....people all around me are always commenting how they need to go o a diet etc, etc, and when I hear this it brings a big smile to y face....NO MORE of that for me....

Granted, the first 3-6 months were very hard and frustrating, because the band is adjustable and it can take some time to get everything...including myself and my behaviors, in perfect balance with one another...it can be difficult, and I read here people never finding that balance and always complaining about gaining their weight back, uncontrollable hunger, etc, etc...Most of it, IMO is because the band is adjustable and that is where they choose to be....but it does not make it right or wrong, it's where everyone wants and how to live with it....

But I love it...it is indescribable and way beyond my expectations....it really is a new lifestyle, I never worry about overeating and being fat again....

(cannot ignore the band, and it calls for some routine maintenance...but other than that...)

Everyone will have a different story, because everyone IS different, and have their adjustable bands set to their desire...that does not make anyone right or wrong....it is a very flexible thing and it all comes down to how you want to work it...that's another thing people like about it as compared to other surgeries....it is more flexible...[/quote']

B-52, thank you for your response and the inspiration you have given me. I can truly say your right, everyone is different and will have a different story. When its my turn I want my story to be a success as yours and the other bandsters on this forum. Thanks again, and congrats on your weight lose journey.

It is worth it! I lost 100 lbs and eat to live' date=' not live to eat. i maintain and at 65 am happy and healthier than I was for 20 years. I lived a yoyo life, also. I was on blood pressure mends, cholesterol meds, others. I am off all meds except Vitamins, now![/quote']

Man, another success story. Makes me even more anxious to do this surgery. I can't wait the day I lose 100 pounds like you...by the way congrats! I'm gonna throw myself a party. I'll be in the 100 mark...gosh I'm excited. Thanks!!

Absolutley' date=' Positively worth it... I am 66 years old, had been on thousands of diets.. Like B52, I had to have WLS to save my life.. I was diabetic, high blood pressue and high cholesterol..after losing nearly 55 lbs since January with the band I no longer take any medications.. I am able to enjoy life .. I can actually walk without panting for breath, I can tie my shoes,, It's not easy but it's doable... I feel in control for the first time in 30 years... I was always small, 5' 0" .. and weighed 93 lbs when I married my husband.. 38 years ago.. I gradually went to 200 lbs. over the years of dieting , losing and regaining for years.. It was the best decision I ever made and I feel confident that as long as I do my part, the band will do it's part...[/quote']

Sharpie, you are right. The day I can tie my shoe will be a blessing. I also can't wait to get off my HBP meds. Congrats on the awesome weight loss. Thanks

yep' date=' def worth it...i went from the pic in red who could hardly walk and had trouble wiping her butt to the image on the right who now does step aerobics..down from size 30 pant to that size 16 in the picture..

the band/plication

not only saved my life and gave it back to me to enjoy

but gave me something i thought i'd never see again...myself[/quote']

Girl you look stunning! Man...speechless. I'm more and more anxious to get this on the road....hehehe Thanks!!

It's hard work friend. Your not going to wake up and be back to that college size but if you invest the time in yourself and take it one step at a time and have the commitment and perseverance that having the band requires you will be one of the many success stories I read about and one day hope to be!

Having a good sense of self and body image even at a larger size is a great benefit to you. You will be able to take things easily and work to improve your health and well being and the weight loss will follow.

It has been only 5 months for me' date=' but I can tell you even through all the hard work it's been MORE then worth it to me and my husband. I would do it again tomorrow if I had to.

I wish you all the best on your journey![/quote']

First and foremost, congrats on your 5 months post op. I do realize I may not get back that size. I actually don't want to be lower then 160, however, with determination, persistence, and perseverance all things are possible. "You right about taking it easily and work to improve my health, and weight loss will follow." I totally agree with you in everything you stated. Thanks for sharing, and good luck on your journey. Congrats!!!

I finally figured how to reply back to each post. Again, I thank everyone for their comments, statements, replies, inspiration, and etc. I will take all advice into consideration and use it to benefit me when my surgery approaches. I'm ready for this weight loss journey and the new lifestyle that's ahead.