I was banded in November, 2007. I did very well but it was a long journey. I lost and then I would plateau, lose again and then plateau. It took 5 years to lose 90 pounds. I then had a tummy tuck and breast lift. I had a few issues with reflux so the band doc removed most of the fill. I began to gain and now I am up 40 pounds. I just got a small fill and I really hope I can get back on track.

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Hi Jill!

I just read your story and can empathize with you. It may have taken you five years to loose your weight, but you did it, regardless of what the "status quo" says about how quickly or how you are supposed to loose it. Keep yourself surrounded by those who encourage you to reach your goal and if you "fall off the wagon", hop back on and give it another go. There is not set time, method, or perfect regimen. We are all imperfect people who are striving to be a "better me. " So do just that. Be a better you one meal at a time. You can do it!!!!! Stay encouraged

Hi Jill,

your story speaks directly to me! I can only imagine all the feelings you have had over the course of your journey. I've been going through a really rough head space for a while, and can I say that your words are actually very reassuring to me? My journey does not and has not looked anything like I thought it would. I thought I would be 100 pounds down 1 year post-op and that would be my one and only surgery.

Instead, I lost 45 pounds in about 7 months. I started having trouble with what I thought was my band, but turned out to be gall bladder attacks. my husband and I decided to have a surgical fertility procedure done shortly before this, and 3 weeks after that surgery, I was under the knife again to have my gall bladder removed. so in 11 months, I had 3 different surgeries. I had Fluid removed before my gall stones were diagnosed, and my band has not been the same since.

Now I am 14 weeks pregnant, and whereas I am excited by this (ecstatic, actually!!) I am mentally freaking out because I am not "on plan" or where I thought I should be. of the 45 pounds I lost, I've gained 30 back. Not all at once, and obviously I will gain during pregnancy.

I know I am blabbing but what I am trying to say is I love knowing that there are others who are success stories who take a little more time. That gives me hope that I can start over once this baby is born. I'm trying to remember to give myself grace in the meantime and to just let my story be what it is - my own story.