Weight Loss Surgery was such an out of the blue decision for me -- I'm not even sure exactly how it came about. We live in the boonies, I don't watch TV, and I didn't know any one else with a LapBand (or any other WLS). I am kind of a health food type and had never been an overnight patient in the hospital before. I guess I heard that a cousin's doctor had recommended this for him and so I started digging into the research. Almost right away I realized I was the perfect candidate. I think what this means is that I was READY. I had spent two decades dieting and working every weight loss angle under the sun, yet I always put the weight back on again plus a little more. Each year I was a little heavier, and since I'm in my fifties it was really starting to add up. I ate well, just too much. Now I eat well, just in much smaller portions and at appropriate intervals. What a difference this makes over time.

Here I am today 75 pounds down from when I started 17 months ago. I honestly can't believe it. Next month at a year and a half I hope to be able to report 80. It's been a long winter and I have not been exercising as much as I'd like. I know from experience that for me the exercise is really the magic ingredient. I hate the gym and as soon as this sleet and snow clears off I can't wait to resume outdoor walking again. Last year I bought a bike and I look forward to that. I have arthritis and being able to do these things is a real gift. So much easier without carrying around all that extra weight!

The scale is the scale and sometimes it doesn't budge. I tend to lose some and then hover a long while around a particular number for a while. This can be frustrating but I've learned that it is okay, that the scale will eventually move. Meanwhile, its all about the pants, the pants. I have gone from 18 jeans down to size 10 in the same brand. Right now I have a pair of size 10 jeans in another brand that I picked up on sale and they are way too tight. But I'm going to get into those jeans over time -- and I also have a couple of pair of linen pants in my closet. I try them all on from time to time and that helps keep me motivated. It's all about the pants, the pants.....

Determining a goal weight is hard -- I guess I will know when I get there (and I know I'm not there yet). I'm fairly tall and don't want to be "skinny" -- I like my curves. For now I am thinking 155 might be a good weight for me and I am thrilled to be just 22 pounds away from that goal as of this morning. Oh my goodness, I am so happy!

...and I'm happy for you!

You're a daily inspiration to me and many others here. You're always encouraging and it helps me to be kinder to myself. One of the things you always say to newbies is "good for you for choosing you".

You deserve all the joy that your WLS success brings. You are rocking this!!

@@Bandista, that is AMAZING!!! Congrats!

Congrats Bandista! You always have such a positive voice on here.

Loving this success story! Congratulations bandista!! You are inspirational!

@@Bandista Congrats! I'm extremely happy for you! As many have stated above you truly are a positive inspiration on this site for myself and many others. Good for you girl!

Thanks, everyone! Love it that spring is coming and I can work this new body of mine -- feel like a horse that needs exercise.

Way to go! Congratulations and continued success

I love positive posts...keep'em coming and congrats!

@@Bandista your posts and comments on post are ALWAYS encouraging and supportive! Congrats on your loss and I have no doubt you will reach your goal!! ????

Wow that's great!! I am looking at all these posts, i am new here and some of these stories really make me belive it can actually happen!!

Well I had lap band surgery about four years ago. I have lost 130 pounds. But here lately I find myself craving sweets all the time and I have gained 10 to 15 pounds. I'm still in my size I ended up with but fear daily I will go back to my old ways. I don't want to be big again my health is too bad for that. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice. Is there something I can take along with the lap band to get things going.

so nice to see a positive post - keep em coming. Congratulations Bandista on your success.

Dfaulkner, I have an incredible sweet tooth too, I have something sweet every day. (MnM's are my kryptonite ! Sigh...........) I just finally gave up trying to fight it, and just limit my portion. I love WW ice cream, Yasso brand frozen yogurt bars, and anything crunchy and/or sweet. Try looking up "diabetic desserts" for healthier ideas, and while I've never tried "Stevia " sweetner in anything beside a cup of tea, ive heard it's just as sweet as sugar but better for you. Good luck !

@@dfaulkner hi there and congratulations on your tremendous success. I think we all worry about going back to old habits or complacency. I was a restricter for so many years. Now if I want something I let myself have a bit and then I am not in that mental state of Can't Have. It's a head game, for sure. Boredom can be a factor; if I'm busy I'm not thinking about food.

Pink Dahlia's suggestions are great. Maybe you need a treat so why not find the right one for yourself. I have those 100 calorie yogurts that have real sugar and Steevia in them -- I mix in chia seeds and a little gluten-free Cereal, maybe a few nuts to make it chewy so I get the signal for satiety (otherwise yogurt is a slider for me). This appeases my sweet tooth and my craving for something creamy, plus it's a meal. If I'm short on Protein I put in a spoonful of GENEPRO Protein powder for a 30 gram hit. But that's rare.

I have a bottle of Steevia that I like -- it's from Trader Joe's. There is a lot of variety in taste and you need to be careful to make sure you get one that is 100% Steevia as there are ones out there with less than desirable ingredients. It's super sweet so just try a few drops in something.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing. Four years out is so inspiring!