I posted this on some of the Yahoo boards, but wanted to share with you all, too. Thanks for the genuine support on this board, it is always so refreshing.

First the SV's......I was banded 11-05-04....I have lost 40lbs and 41

inches!!!

Now, the NSV's.... I am wearing clothes that have been hanging in my

closet for over 3 years (some even have the tags still hanging on

them). Some people notice...some don't. I sleep better. I no longer

take my acid reflux med. I can sit in some chairs and movie seats

much better. My daughter commented that it is so weird to see such

small amounts of food on my plate. And, this is a great one....my

hubby (who is greatly overweight) has decided he wants to get the

band also, after seeing how well I've done.

I was really disappointed at first after the surgery because I was

not losing like I thought I should, however, I made it through the

holidays without gaining an ounce. I have had 2 fills in the 11cm

band and I'm up to 5.25cc in the band. I still think I need another

fill.....and I'll probably get it in a few more weeks. I can feel the

band working for me, now, and I, in turn, am working it. I will

start Curves, I think, in another month or so. As soon as I

can "move" a little easier and can get MY confidence up. I'm working

on it, though. Everyday I get closer and closer to making that all

important step to get out there in front of others and exercise.

I will encourage everyone...if you do nothing else to....DRINK LOTS OF

WATER!! It is KEY to losing. It's habit forming. I sleep better

when I've had all the Water I need. I feel better. My skin is

healthier. My joints don't ache as bad. AND the scale moves

downward!!

Way to go Becki!! Congratulations on a superb loss and a great attitude! You go girl! By the way, Curves is a great place to start. There are many folks there who are just beginning exercise too. You'll see the inches come off even more. Get out there and get started!

kuddos to you Becky,

You have done very great in your loss. I joined Curves 3 months ago and have been toning up or at least trying too. It's a good place to spend 30 minutes to help my band & body (not to mention mind)..

This has been a marvelous source of information on the lap band procedure. Those of you who have been through lap banding can offer so much by telling us what you've been through, and also of your success. My story: I'm 55 years old, 5'1 and as of last week weighed in at a disgusting 210. I know you've probably all heard this story before, and rolled your eyes, but I swear, I must have the metabolism of a snail! I started on a rigorous campaign on January 1st, and without exception have held to it. I have eggs and grapefruid for breakfast, and Lean Cuisine for lunch and supper. I excercise for 20 minutes every day by doing an inhouse walking video. I have never been so motivated nor so determined to lose weight. After 3+ weeks of this I finally got up the nerve to get on the scale. You have no idea how depressed I was to see I'd only lost 1 pound! What in the world is wrong with me??? This weight is affecting every area of my life. I think about it when I get up, and I think about it when I go to bed. I've tried every plan in the book, and lost 20-30 pounds only to gain it all back and more. I work full time and am covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. I live in Minnesota. Do any of you think the lap band procedure might be the answer for me. I am really getting desperate. Thanks for listening!

Fantastic job Becki! 41 inches is a lot to lose, and 40 pounds to go with it! You must feel great!

BigBand, read some of the past posts on this forum (especially those that the moderators have marked with an electronic "sticky") and you'll get a better idea of whether the band is for you. The "General Discussion" and "Introductions" forums are good places to start.

Meanwhile, Becki, congratulations! You'll be under the 300 mark soon! A couple of people on this board have called your next stop Twoville or Two-nesia. Welcome.

You all are all so great!! Thanks for all the well wishes. I still have to tell you, it hasn't been easy. I sat at a 10 pound loss after surgery for about 6 weeks!!! I say most of it was just trying to get through the holidays. I do much better in a controlled environment, like my own house. I'm learning to control my eating habits outside the home much better, thanks to the band.

I am so impressed the people on this board and how well you all have done. You have been the inspiration.

WTG, Becki!!!! You're doing awesome!!!

WooHoo!! Hey, and Curves is great. It's affordable, all girls, and lots of different sizes. You should feel very comfortable exercising there, no matter how fit (or unfit) you are. I LOVED it but had to quit when my daughter started Kindergarten. I have a 2yo son and needed childcare so I could exercise during the day...he gets to play and I sweat! So I'm paying more at the gym than at Curves, but it's a great program...a good combo of light cardio and weight training...stronger muscles burn more fat. You go girl!

Dylansmom.........

Hold on....don't go gettin jealous...........I lost 15 of that pre surgery!!! The other is 25 AFTER surgery....so, you are ahead of me as far as weight post banding goes!!! I was just absolutely blown away by the inches!!! I am so glad I took those measurements the day before I went to surgery. When the scale is not showing me what I want to see all I have to do is pull out the tape measure and it generally shows me something positve. Hang in there.......it comes off some way or another.

Becki, you've done fantastic! And how wonderful that you've positively influenced your husband to join you. You'll be Band Buddys!

Congratulations!!!! 41 inches!!!!!!!!! That is AMAZING! Keep up the good work!

I am going to the gym next week (cleared at 4 weeks to excercise beyond a daily walk of 30minutes) and am actually looking forward to it! LOL

Keep up the great work! You are inspiring to those of us that are newly banded.

Congratulations! These are all great SV's And NSV's. You are doing great!