Being two years and about three months post op now, and totally at my three times adjusted personal goal, I have lost, and am maintaining at

210 pounds from a starting weight of 430.

Having a wide network of friends and business contacts, not to mention the drastic change in appearance over the past two years, everyone notices and comments. The most common comment, and one that bugs the crap out of me is the old, "Did you have surgery, or do it the healthy way?" My response was usually the healthy way followed by an explanation, stating that the surgery was the healthy way, having been under a Doctor, and Dietician's care and supervision. I'm not embarassed or ashamed of having the surgery, however its just getting a little old explaning, and have just started avoiding the question, or answering.

How has everyone else dealt with this?:paranoid

Life is good!

No regrets.

Hi. I am considering lapband vs. bypass. One consideration is that I thought lapband was for people without that much to lose, so I hwas very heartened to see your starting and enidng weights. I've heard widely varying statistics on projected weight loss -- from 35% to 80%. I'm 5'1" and 320. Why did you go with the band? Thanks.

I chose it for four big reasons. The first and most important was the down time, (minimally invasive). I had the surgery on a Thursday, went home Friday, and was back at work Monday. Second, I am a weenie when it comes to pain, (the minimally invasive thing again). Third, was the slower, more predictable weight loss with less chance of skin issues. I have done extremely well there, and would not even consider plastic surgery, having no major lose skin issues. Fourth is the lifetime maintenence issue, and being able to adjust at any time down the road when my body, and or metabolism changes with age, as it will.

I may also suggest you do your homework, and see how many people who have had the gastric bypass have faired. I personally work with four people who have had the gastric bypass, and their results were alarming to me. They are all from 2 to 4 years out, and what a rollercoaster ride for them.

Life is good, and I thank god each and every day for my transformation!

During a support group meeting one member brought up the very same issue. Her response to the people how did you lose all that weight- was...."I decided to take control of my life and my habits" that was it. She said it works well everytime.

During a support group meeting one member brought up the very same issue. Her response to the people how did you lose all that weight- was...."I decided to take control of my life and my habits" that was it. She said it works well everytime.

That's a great response. I'll file it away for when I am asked the same question.

During a support group meeting one member brought up the very same issue. Her response to the people how did you lose all that weight- was...."I decided to take control of my life and my habits" that was it. She said it works well everytime.

That's a great response. I'll file it away for when I am asked the same question.

Ditto. I LOVE this response.