I saw a similar thread by the May bandsters. I think the Butterflies should let each other know how much we lose! I know that the month isn't over yet, but those of us that are banded, or are doing preop diets should have somewhere to share our success!!!

I'll start. I have lost 13.5 lbs. since starting the preop diet!!!:eek::thumbup:

Please share!!

I am at 110 pounds... I feel so fortunate to have done this well so far. Am at a point where the inevitable inner 'stuff' associated with my lifetime of weight and weight issues has started coming up. Needless to say am on a stubborn plateau, but not gaining, so I am thankful for having learned enough to not be gaining in this mentally challenging period of my journey. Has anyone else gotten to this place and if so, any words of encouragement or advice?

Thanks, and congratulations are in order to all!! Way to go everyone!

I know exactly what you mean! I last posted in Jan and had to have 1cc taken out because I was having some problems. Well, I made it through that time and after two small fills, I am doing well-back at sweet spot but not quiet as restricted as I have been and would like to be. I have lost 113lbs, am almost at goal and I feel as if I am forced to face all the "stuff" that caused me to become so morbidly obese in the first place. I read about this part of the journey and it is not easy! I would rate it up there with "banster Hell". I have started journaling and considered finding a therapist to talk to. Going on the different threads here helps alot.

Edited April 15, 200917 yr by Barb12590

I hope this works. I found some pictures from last year in May....wow...I was sooo big. I hope I never look that way again. NO, I know I will never look that way again...thanks to the lapband!!! That picture was a couple of months ago and I don't have a more current picture.

Bella, what an accomplishment in such a short time! The difference is amazing. Are those your beautiful daughters in the before pic?

You know, seeing the difference between your before and after pic I kinda get why fat people are "invisible." My eyes slid right over your before pic but lingered over your after pic. It's almost as if you see a big person you think it's rude to stare and just look away.

Bella, what an accomplishment in such a short time! The difference is amazing. Are those your beautiful daughters in the before pic?

You know, seeing the difference between your before and after pic I kinda get why fat people are "invisible." My eyes slid right over your before pic but lingered over your after pic. It's almost as if you see a big person you think it's rude to stare and just look away.

You are so right.

You look awesome Bella. Congratulations!!!

You look great bella! I can't wait until I am down over 100lbs!

I am now down 51 lbs. It seems slow, but I am still losing on average more than 1 lb a week. I am well within the healthy 1-2 lbs a week group. I'm kind of glad that it is going slow, so that it will be easier for me to keep off in the long run. That is why I did this anyway right? If I wanted super fast loss i would have had GB.

Bella, what an accomplishment in such a short time! The difference is amazing. Are those your beautiful daughters in the before pic?

You know, seeing the difference between your before and after pic I kinda get why fat people are "invisible." My eyes slid right over your before pic but lingered over your after pic. It's almost as if you see a big person you think it's rude to stare and just look away.

Thanks so much. Yes those are my daughters and my son. I have one daughter in college, one in high school and one in preschool. I know what you mean about being "invisible". What I remember the most is how people would look and I know they were saying to themselves...wow...how fat she is.

Lotza, you are right about losing slow. You are right on track with what all the experts say is the right thing to do. I have always been a fast loser but never stayed with it longer than a couple of months. That is why the lapband has been my lifesaver.

sunshine i am with you there!!! slow and steady wins the race!! sometimes i get a bit discouraged by seeing all the people that have lost over 100 pounds. but i feel i am doing great! keep up the good work!

thelonedaisy, where have you been? I still adore your avi. Is that just one you picked out somewhere or is it a pic of someone in your family?

Well, I hit my 60lbs down mark. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I am now in the 240's. I still feel (in my head) that I am over 300. Sometimes I have good days and feel really good about myself, but those bad days are getting to me.

I understand what you mean, Marie...I have lost 80 lbs, but still can't believe that I am not bigger than everyone around me. I still see myself as 300. I wish I could fix my brain.:thumbup:

I am having problems with body image. I still see my self at 300lbs. I never thought I would have this problem. I have never been thin. I have always been obese or dare I say super obese (scary). I have only lost 8 lbs since the last week of January. The last two months I have just stayed at the same weight. A very long plateau. I knew this would happen eventually, but emotionally I was not prepared. I think watching the Biggest Loser on TV does not help me. I expect those kinds of results.

I am having problems with body image. I still see my self at 300lbs. I never thought I would have this problem. I have never been thin. I have always been obese or dare I say super obese (scary). I have only lost 8 lbs since the last week of January. The last two months I have just stayed at the same weight. A very long plateau. I knew this would happen eventually, but emotionally I was not prepared. I think watching the Biggest Loser on TV does not help me. I expect those kinds of results.

If you click on my weight loss ticker you can see that I have had my share of plateaus in the last few months, starting in January. I have hit two! BUT, the weight is still headed in the right direction, so I can't complain. Also, if I would exercise, I am sure it would begin to come off faster.:rolleyes2: As long as your weight loss goes downward and doesn't move up, don't worry.

I do excersize. 5 times a week minimum sometimes all 7 days. I run on the treadmill for 2 to 3 miles and then walk the dogs 2 miles. I always walk the dog 2 miles a day. I talked with a personal trainer and he told me to switch my routine and do 4 day work outs but very intense for about an hour. I made the changes this last week and I hope it will work. I do not have the restriction that I had from July to December. I had my last fill in March and my doctor was excited with my progress. When I am on my period or a day before I start, my restriction is perfect. I think that is why the weight loss has slowed. I need to be just a little bit tighter. I have a fill next month. Hopefully that will kick start me again. My goal was to be under 200 by my anniversary. I am so close, yet so far. I hope that once I am under 200, I can start to see myself for how I really look. When I look at pictures of myself now, It does not look like me. If feels like I am looking at someone else. I just stare and it does not feel real. This is a tough time for me in so many ways.

You are doing a great job, a lot better than I am. Plateaus are normal and it will pass. Hopefully your next fill will give you the restriction you desire. Good luck, and keep up the good work!:rolleyes2: