I was banded on March 18, 2013 - over a year ago. I remember when I was thinking about having the surgery, I was obsessed with the speed... I had upcoming events (weddings, vacations, etc.) and I continued imagining what I would look like in 3 months, 6 months, etc. I was so frustrated and disappointed as I read on this site about everyone just dropping weight left and right. I lost about 20 pounds pre op (and so my real starting weight was about 240) and then another 10 or so in the first 6 months. I had fill after fill after fill... I took small bites and ate high Protein, but I was still pretty hungry and could eat 1.5 cup portions without a problem. So, I read - these pages and posts and guess what? My story was a dime a dozen, so I just didn't post or complain, because what everyone says - and what I needed to hear, was that THIS IS MY JOURNEY. It might not be the same as everyone else's. Not everyone starts losing immediately... I needed 7 fills before I reached the green zone and I really didn't start losing until 8 months after my surgery. BUT, I learned a ton about patience and I believe I needed those months to adjust to my lifestyle and to learn to love myself a little more. So, today I'm just under 180 and I feel great. My goal is to be 150 - 160, but I'm happy at the pace I'm losing (about a pound a week). Slow losers, don't get discouraged. Stay in contact with your doctor and just keep going For those of you that do post often, thank you - although I wasn't posting, I was certainly reading and feeling supported.
Peace, Rina

You should be happy. You look great. And fit too!!

You've done an amazing job! You look fantastic!!

Wow! Very inspirational!! Not that you wasn't cute before :-), but you look amazingly fit and healthy!! You go girl!!

Congrats! You are looking really good. You are correct, everyone has their own journey. What counts is that you are on a journey that is working!