Hello,

I am new to this website. I was banded on Dec 28, 2007 (great Xmas gift). I started at 302lbs witha BMI of 40.5. I am now down to 257. It has been a challenge, but if I had to do again I would.

welcome alsobrook71! glad to hear ur great progress! i am in the process of getting banded and it makes me feel better hearing someone being honest saying it has been a challenge but yet they would do it again. thanks and keep truckin on! good luck to ya!

There have been four challenges.

First, the first few days my chest hurt incredibly bad. This was from the CO2 trapped in chest that eventually went away once I started moving around.

The 2nd thing was having to get use to battling the mucas that gets trapped in the "pouch" I am still trying to battle that.

The 3rd thing is the way some people are less than thrilled that you are doing something to better yourself. Sad but true.

The 4th and hardest thing for me is giving up Olive Garden bread sticks LOL.

I am sure each persons journey is different, but I still would not change anything. I have more energy than before and a much better self image. I would not trade that for all the bread sticks in the entire Olive Garden chain..........

Good luck.......