I'm just here to share my story in hopes of encouraging others, because this has not been easy! I was 318 about this time last year. I had my surgery on Janaury 9, 2013. Went fine, super easy. I was not successful on the pre-surgery diet and entered the process feeling like I was already a failure. I also had no restriction after the surgery. I could go to Wendy's and have a burger and fries. Again, I had no confidence that I could/would do this. When the Dr asked me my goals, I was so unsure I said lose maybe 30-40 pounds if that's possible. I had never successfully lost weight in my life.

For me personally, it wasn't until I had about 5 cc's in my band that I started to feel restriction. Over the past year, I have seen the bariatric nurse specialist at the Dr's office every month, talking wiht her about diet, how much restriction, and often getting a small fill. Seeing her regularly has kept me on track! It's kept the goals clear in my mind and provided such great support!

The first 4-6 months were sheer hell, I have to say that. I didn't know that else to do when I wasn't eating. I craved crabs. I felt like I would die without bread and Cookies. I was restless and unhappy, even as the scale started to show results.

I finally figured out some things to do at times when i used to eat. I also figured out that I could, actually, eat half a serving of reese's peices and satisfy my sweet tooth. I had no idea what a serving was much less the idea of having half of one!

I eat a high protien diet right now. I'd like to get down to 149 and i think that might just be possible!

Nov 2012 318

Today 199

What a great post! Onederland, yippee! Congratulations on all the hard work and perseverance that brought you this success -- and here's to 2014 and achieving your goal.

Great post. Especially because you didn't sugarcoat it. You struggled for several months before learning the behaviors that would make you successful. New bandsters should read this to understand the band is not a miracle cure, there is still alot of work we must do, but as I note below...if you are compliant, you will be successful. Congrats to you cantwait. What an inspiration you are!

Yes, thank you for an honest post about your struggle and the importance of continuing to go to your appointments. Congrats on your success!

<p>I'm just here to share my story in hopes of encouraging others, because this has not been easy! I was 318 about this time last year. I had my surgery on Janaury 9, 2013. Went fine, super easy. I was not successful on the pre-surgery diet and entered the process feeling like I was already a failure. I also had no restriction after the surgery. I could go to Wendy's and have a burger and fries. Again, I had no confidence that I could/would do this. When the Dr asked me my goals, I was so unsure I said lose maybe 30-40 pounds if that's possible. I had never successfully lost weight in my life.</p> <p> </p> <p>For me personally, it wasn't until I had about 5 cc's in my band that I started to feel restriction. Over the past year, I have seen the bariatric nurse specialist at the Dr's office every month, talking wiht her about diet, how much restriction, and often getting a small fill. Seeing her regularly has kept me on track! It's kept the goals clear in my mind and provided such great support!</p> <p> </p> <p>The first 4-6 months were sheer hell, I have to say that. I didn't know that else to do when I wasn't eating. I craved crabs. I felt like I would die without bread and cookies. I was restless and unhappy, even as the scale started to show results. </p> <p> </p> <p>I finally figured out some things to do at times when i used to eat. I also figured out that I could, actually, eat half a serving of reese's peices and satisfy my sweet tooth. I had no idea what a serving was much less the idea of having half of one! </p> <p> </p> <p>I eat a high protien diet right now. I'd like to get down to 149 and i think that might just be possible! </p> <p> </p> <p>Nov 2012 318</p> <p>Today 199</p>

Great post! Thank you for sharing!