Dear lapband friends,

I've been gone from here for some time and wanted to say hi and let everyone know I'm still around (AND still banded). Before I left I had resolved to get my band out and was very unhappy with banded life. I had had little success with weight loss and was disappointed and frustrated. I have had many ups and downs - mostly related to my many issues surrounding food, eating, following the band rules, etc. I know we all face pretty much the same issues - maybe to differing degrees.

I've since moved back east and traded my ski bum lifestyle for a very hectic life in DC. I'm back working a bit crazily but love my job. Even though they cater lunches 2-3 times a week and feed us ANYTHING WE want - (lordy) I have been able lose almost 30lbs and finally accept I have a band.

For me that means finally realizing how much I need to eat (versus how much I want to eat), eating three meals and no Snacks (not grazing all day), being able to stop eating and watching others eat, leaving food on my plate (almost the hardest) and making and meeting goals instead of just hoping I lose weight.

I've been banded since November 2005 and I finally feel like I got it. It's not just because I am experiencing success in terms of weight loss but it's taken me this long (god, I am a hard headed woman) to really accept I have it. I pray now every day I can keep my band as I know I will always always need it.

I thank many of you who wrote to me personally and apologize if I did not answer. I was in a bad place for awhile - no excuse for bad manners but that is where I was mentally.

I want to offer hope to bandsters who are struggling or frustrated. You too can experience success but for some of us it takes a lot longer. I always said 'this is for life' but living it and saying it (like a lot of things) is real different.

I also realize everything can change in an instant but this is where I am now. Back to being thankful I had the chance to change my life and ACTIVELY working to make it better. I think I wanted the band to magically change me - again I didn't verbalize this but I think mentally felt it.

I've missed you all. I hope to be back again more often. I wish everyone success and patience with this crazy band.

Hugs,

mary s

surgery - November 17, 2005

Weight loss to date - 29lbs yippee

Good luck! I hope we see more of you around here!

Marys,

You have no idea how happy I am to see your post! I'm so glad for you and you know LBT is always here to help. The new job sounds great too!

All the best, Julie

Hey you!

I've thought about you now and again and wondered how you were doing. Sounds like things are GREAT! I'm so happy for you.

Good to have you back!!!!!!

Hi Marys,

Looks like you have got your head to a really good place hon!! Your life sounds pretty packed too!!I actually think that the head issues are harder to deal with than the tummy ones, my eating habits sound very similar to yours, luckily I had been reading the board for ages before I got banded so I had got my head around the fact that it cant help with the 'mmmmmm I want a snicker' feeling!!!LOL - doesnt mean that I dont still want em though!!

Hope to speak to you more soon.

Nina xx

I am glad to hear from you. I have thought about you and am happy that things are working out well. Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your continued progress!

mary, I'm so glad that you and your band have kissed and made up! =) I hope your new life is good to you in every way!

Way to go Mary. Glad it is working for you. Donna