Hi my name is Cher I'm 41 and I'm still taking my journey.

I was banded 05/12/04- I started at 246, size 22 and I'm 5'2

As of this morning I am at 166, size 12 and still 5'2 ( oh how I was hoping to gain some heigthth with the weight loss)

My goal is 136, trust me the last 30 pounds are kicking my butt!

I got banded for two reasons, vanity and health purposes. How can that be? I was sick of being fat and being stuck dating losers I also wanted to do something good for myself, so I took the leap of faith and had this wonderful band placed in me.

Like everyone else I had tried every diet known to man, sure I would experience success but like everyone else it was short lived. I would gain the weight back and of course they would be bring buddies with them. I hate those pound buddies, don't they know they are not welcomed guest.

As a result of my journey my life as changed from the inside out. I am now a Life and Wellness Coach. I now help people who are pre-op and post-op enjoy their LAP-BAND journey.

Being a buddy to those in need is my passion- so if you need support, suggestions, encouragement or just someone to listen I would be honored to be your buddy.

Even being four years out still has it challenges, so really you guys help me as well.

I am looking forward to this new adventure!!

5' 2" and dating losers, now that has a familiar ring to it. I guess in my case it wasn't so much losers as commitment phobics. Of course that was / is my issue as well. Hopefully as I lose my weight I can face some of the issues in my life which got me there in the first place.

I'm slowly but surely getting my weight off and am looking forward to getting to goal or near to anyway. I have gone down a dress size so far so can't complain.

It's great to see long timers bandsters offering to be buddies and motivators for the newer banded people. Good luck on your last 30 lbs !

Cher, I am thinking about the lap band (since October.) I have vacillated mainly because I am concerned about dealing with "head hunger." I know that the lap band can't take that away. I am very clear on when I'm physically hungry and when I'm just eating for other reasons (most of the time.) In general, in life, I am highly motivated and get things done, except I obsess about food all the time. So my goal with the lap band is that once I cannot physically eat so much, I will just adapt to it, because I have to. I know I am not going to allow myself to eat too much and throw up and I know I won't "eat around it" with soft foods or soda. Those are not challenges for me. My question for you, if you faced this yourself, is that once you simply CANNOT physically overeat, does the head hunger (what I experience as obsessive thoughts about food) lessen? Thank you so much, Simone

I am so thankful for this band and the choices I now make. I have been dating post- op and I know within a couple of weeks or so if this is someone who is serious or someone just looking for a little something something. I don't stay in a relationship if it dosen't feel right, now that is priceless for me!!

Facing your issues are much easier because you start to lose your shame and guilt as you lose the weight. Be kind to yourself during the journey because you will have some good days and some not so good days.

I wish you the best of luck on your wonderful challenging journey.

Edited June 3, 200818 yr by CoachCher

I know what you mean Cher, I am doing the same these days. Only willing to go out with someone who isn't looking for something a bit more special. I'm not looking for a forever after relationship but definitely not looking for casual flings or dating losers. It is definitely a journey and I'm glad that I am on it. One step at a time...

Edited June 2, 200818 yr by Sades

Wow.. Cher, your weight loss is incredible! Congrats!! I'm also hoping you'll find your "happily ever after" guy. :cursing:

I'm at a very frustrating point in my journey. It's like, one day I can eat salad, the next day it gets stuck on the very first bite. It's that way with everything- I can eat it just fine one day, and the next time it hurts so bad that I have to give up after the first bite or two. I can't even think of all the food that I've fed to the disposal or trashcan. *sigh* On those days, I opt for easy food, like mashed potatoes. Bad for me, I know.. but it just feels so good to finally eat something that doesn't hurt. Does it EVER get easier to figure out??

I know what you mean Cher, I am doing the same these days. Only willing to go out with someone who isn't looking for something a bit more special. I'm not looking for a forever after relationship but definitely not looking for casual flings or dating losers. It is definitely a journey and I'm glad that I am on it. One step at a time...

Silly me, I shouldn't respond when I'm tired. I meant "Only willing to go out with someone who is looking for something a bit more special".