I was banded in August of 2006 at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way Washington by Dr. Srikanth. I was 263 pounds at my heaviest and while my weight fluctuated over the years I am now at 170 and have maintained this weight for three years. I certainly have not regrests, shopping in "normal" clothing stores, exercising without being out of breath after just a few minutes, energy, no more diabetes and I could go on. It was a hard decision to make, because there was always, one more diet to try, but I have to say I don't regret it at all. The crazy thing I miss the most is still being able to "pig out" when we go out for family dinners or at the holidays, and I know it does not seem like a thing I would miss, but I believe there is alot of emotional ties to food, and it comes out during those times. I am so much healthier and happier now, and have more confidence than I ever had when I was very over weight. I still watch what I eat, I still give in to cravings, but I know that I can keep the weight off and the band was a great tool to get me where I am today., I have attached a photo of what I used to look like and another of where I am today.

You look fabulous. Great job on all your hard work AND maintaining for an equal amount of time.

I too miss Pig Outs, but I have learned to love the fact that when I indulge I no longer have a desire to overindulge. What a difference a silly lil band can make ey?

Congrats again

thank you for posting a great (success) story.

Congratulations indeed!! I love reading success stories. We're all addicts in one form or another and while the band is there to help there will always be those head issues that get in the way sometimes but at least the band is there as a constant reminder to help you put your brain in check. Your story inspires me that with this tool I can have the long term success that I am seeing now.

Thank you and I wish you continued success and happiness!!

Thank you for the post! Being only 5 days post op I am in the "what the heck did I do to myself stage!"

It's nice seeing veteran bandsters so successful and knowing with hard work this tool can and will make me just as successful!

Congratulations!! You look GREAT!!!

I was banded in August of 2006 at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way Washington by Dr. Srikanth. I was 263 pounds at my heaviest and while my weight fluctuated over the years I am now at 170 and have maintained this weight for three years. I certainly have not regrests, shopping in "normal" clothing stores, exercising without being out of breath after just a few minutes, energy, no more diabetes and I could go on. It was a hard decision to make, because there was always, one more diet to try, but I have to say I don't regret it at all. The crazy thing I miss the most is still being able to "pig out" when we go out for family dinners or at the holidays, and I know it does not seem like a thing I would miss, but I believe there is alot of emotional ties to food, and it comes out during those times. I am so much healthier and happier now, and have more confidence than I ever had when I was very over weight. I still watch what I eat, I still give in to cravings, but I know that I can keep the weight off and the band was a great tool to get me where I am today., I have attached a photo of what I used to look like and another of where I am today.

Congratulations on your success. You are an inspiration and proof that the band works but is not a magic bullet or an easy way out. I am in pre op phase my surgery is the 21st. Seeing your pics gives me even more inspiration to move forward.

Well I wish you all the best for success. I really think that if people keep in mind, this is not some miracle cure, but a tool to help you get the weight off and keep it off, you will have alot of success with this procedure. There is absolutely no way, outside of some medical condition, that you could not lose weight with the band. The trick is keeping it off, once you have lost the weight, and I think each persons body will naturally come to a weight that is right for them. I have been at this same weight now for several years, I exercise regularly and enjoy it now, mainly walking and three times a week I do weight training. I eat what I consider to be normal foods, but you will find many foods that you used to eat, which now you will not be able to. Keep me posted on your success.

Hi Garfield, thanks so much for the inspiring post! You look so healthy and happy -- love, love these success stories and am determined to be one myself. Best wishes!

Great, what an upper reading all your posts this morning!

Great, what an upper it is to read all your posts this morning!

Thanks for sharing and congratulations on maintaining.

You look like a different person! You look great !

wonderful .. You look fantastic.. I always enjoy seeing everyone's progress.. I agree that the band is not magic.. I have lost weight before on other programs.. (all programs known to man) however the weight came back with a vengance.. This time is different.. I feel confident that with the band I will be able to maintain my new body.. I hope to be a long term bandster...

Congrats on you success as a new bandster your success inspires me????

You are certainly an inspiration. Tell us more. . . . . .