so, the 8th was my 2 month surgiversary. my starting weight at the beginning of this process was 303lbs. i couldn't tie my shoes or get dressed without getting winded. at age 26, and dealing with my weight since age 6, i knew i wasn't going to do anything other than get fatter. i finally made the decision to get the lapband i was offered on my 18th birthday by my dad.

after 12 months of dealing with insurance, my information was finally submitted and after the longest 15 months of my life. i headed into surgery may 8th, 2014, weighing in at 284. 2 months later, i'm 256, and loving everything about my band. i've had one fill, which put me at 4.4cc's, and i have pretty decent restriction. the only foods i've had problems with so far are quinoa and dry chicken/shrimp.i dont see the changes as much as i like, but everyone else tells me how great i look, and i know i'm my own worst critic, so i'll go by their opinions.

i was cleared for swimming/light cardio 1 week out and lifting/all clear at 3 weeks out. since 3 weeks out, I have worked out in the gym 5 days a week lifting weights for about an hour/hour and a half, and 2 days a week i incorporate HIIT cardio routines. some days my port bugs me, so i take it easy, but for the most part, my body is really handling the exercising well. i was a college athlete (softball) so being active isnt really new. i kinda fell off the exercise train the last 2 years, and thats when my weight really crept up. i ENJOY going to the gym now; i look forward to it; and if i miss a day, i make it up the next.

the only thing i miss is my diet coke, but i dont miss buy size 22 pants and spending tons of money at lane bryant because it was the only place i felt comfortable shopping, spending an arm and leg each time. i'm in almost all of my 18s at this point, including my AE favorites. even my feet are getting smaller. i have more confidence and just feel better.

this band was the best decision i ever made. i only wish i had made it sooner, instead of being stubborn and thinking i could do this on my own.

Edited July 11, 201412 yr by betty_s

Good for you. Better late than never. Plus you're still so young! Congrats on your weight loss.

Congrats on your great beginning! Wishing you much continued success.

I don't think I realized at 2 months the one thing that the band was teaching me? Eating healthy! The band really opened my eyes to how badly I had been eating for most of my life. Now I love preparing healthy foods and the easy to fix, easy to eat foods taste like crap to me.

I can drive by any McD's or taco bell or even Papa Johns and no longer flinch

You look great. I'll bet you feel alot better. You're young and will do great with this.

You look great! I'm loosing a lot slower but it's ok.

You're a daily inspiration. You've got this!!!!

Look at you girlfriend!!! HUGE difference! WAY TO GO!! I am the same with my loss too... I don't see it unless I look at side by sides of myself. Decided to do that today and I was shocked!!

Thanks everyone!!!

So proud of you! Way to rock the band!

You are doing great!! You are a month ahead of me, and inspiring me to keep it up! Thanks for sharing your successes :-). Your positive attitude is infectious!

Cheers to a great start!!

You are a great inspiration to others ! Way to go ! Keep up the good work !

Thanks for the inspiration!

Way to go! It is very inspiring reading these stories. I am one week post op and hoping to report my success one day!

Awesome. Keep going girl!