Although some would say i've ultimatley been successful on my weight loss journey (I've lost 70lbs since last feb), the truth of it is I have another 50-70 lbs to go.

For me, the lapband is a slow process, i can only get my band tightend a little bit a time (believe me, i found out the hard way through trial and error) I get so frustrated when I hear people who drop the weight so quickly and here I am plugging along like a tortoise. None of my clothes fit, and I can't buy new ones becasue I was apparently so fat I have a ton more to loose.

Sorry to sound so negative, but i'm just TIRED of this whole process and I really NEED to get to where I am going to be weight-wise so I can move on with my life. This transition period is really frustrating me now. Is is just me, or others get to a similar place along the line? I know I sound ungrateful, that 70lbs is quite an accomplishment, but when you are only halfway there and stuck in the middle things get tricky. It's depressing, i can't buy anything new but shoes because at least i know they will fit 2 weeks down the road. I know, i know, i brought it on myself....but how long does it REALLY take to get to where you want to be? Can anyone shed some light at the end of this for me?

I'm sorry to hear you're so down and depressed. I've only got another 15-20 to go so am in a bit different of a boat, but I get where you are coming from. HOWEVER, you can shop/buy clothes NOW if you choose to. I got sick and tired of the comments I was getting when I was wearing clothes that were notably too big, but I didn't want to spend much money on new things when I knew I'd lose more weight and have to shop all over again. So, I went to Goodwill (or any thrift store or consignment/resale shop). I've had a blast! I've got plenty of clothes to wear, I haven't spent much money and I've got all my favorite designers. I get compliments every single day about how nice I look and I know once I get down to the next size I'll be able to replenish my wardrobe again.

I know, second hand clothing is not for everyone, but I LOVE it!!! I did a bit at yard sales when the kids were little, but nothing before or since then. I only buy outer garments and I only shop when I have time to be selective and really look through the clothes, but I've gotten some great things and I love the prices.

It can't hurt to give it a try.... you may end up loving it too!!!!!

I'm sorry to hear you're so down and depressed. I've only got another 15-20 to go so am in a bit different of a boat, but I get where you are coming from. HOWEVER, you can shop/buy clothes NOW if you choose to. I got sick and tired of the comments I was getting when I was wearing clothes that were notably too big, but I didn't want to spend much money on new things when I knew I'd lose more weight and have to shop all over again. So, I went to Goodwill (or any thrift store or consignment/resale shop). I've had a blast! I've got plenty of clothes to wear, I haven't spent much money and I've got all my favorite designers. I get compliments every single day about how nice I look and I know once I get down to the next size I'll be able to replenish my wardrobe again.

I know, second hand clothing is not for everyone, but I LOVE it!!! I did a bit at yard sales when the kids were little, but nothing before or since then. I only buy outer garments and I only shop when I have time to be selective and really look through the clothes, but I've gotten some great things and I love the prices.

It can't hurt to give it a try.... you may end up loving it too!!!!!

Cori, this is exactly what I'm going to do! A friend I worked with for 8 years shopped this way all the time, and she had a great figure and a constantly changing wardrobe. She spent Saturdays shopping the consignment shops with her mom, and had a great time - and designer fashions that changed all the time. In the 8 years I worked with her, I don't remember her ever wearing the same outfit twice! Once she got started with this method, she was basically exchanging her clothes each week (or month, whatever the time-frame was), because she was putting the older outfits on consignment and purchasing the newer outfits at a much reduced price with the money she was paid by the consignment shop. She had an interesting - kinda Bohemian - style, and an ability to put great looks together - it was fun to see what she would be wearing each day! Anita, I want to be like you when I grow up!

Go shopping and make it FUN!

Also, if you'r so inclined, eBay can be another great clothes resource.

Halloween....I agree with everyone about buying new clothes! You are looking at yourself in clothes that you wore 70# ago...so how the hell can you see that NEW you? Go to Target & treat yourself to some new outfits. They are not expensive & they have some cute stuff!

My clothing story...I've been banded since the end of March & I'm down ~40#...last week I asked my husband if I looked like I had lost weight & he said "YES! Don't you think so?" I said....NO. After that we decide to go run some errands so I'm looking in my closet & find a pair of shorts that I have not worn for 7 (yes SEVEN) years & guess what...they fit! So I pull them on & a top that I bought recently that was a bit snug....uh it fit too!!! So I come out in my "new" outfit & my husband was beaming. He says "NOW do you believe you have lost weight?" Well, I must say I looked fabu! All it took was something that I had not worn at my highest weight for me to see the new me! So that's my story about putting on some new clothes...

So WHAT are you waiting for??? Target has GOT to be open by now...get going, come on. I mean it....run along little pumpkin. And that goes for anyone else who is still wearing fat clothes.

I've also used a couple other "tools" when I've dieted in the past that may help you.

Our eyes see what we've been, not what we are. People who don't see us for a month or two see way more than we do because we see ourselves every day and don't always notice the subtle changes.

For that reason, I am huge (no pun) about taking pictures either monthly or when I hit certain goals, and keeping an inches-lost chart also helps you to see the continuing success.

Our eyes and brains trick us, telling us we still look the same. These tools help you really SEE that you are morphing into that beautiful butterfly. And what's nice is when your brain tells you you still look the same, you can pull out these tools and say, "Huh-uh, THAT'S not true!" :tongue2:

This journey is emotional and it can take a toll on you. Were all so seriously obsessed with numbers... That includes me. First you have to congratulate yourself on such a great job with your weight loss. Secondly you need to go find a good clothing exchange at your local support group or just go to a thrift store and get a few nice things for 20 bucks.

Any loss is worth something.......it is so much better than it was 5 months ago....... there are other things that come than just the numbers going down....many have said that they got to go off medication.....I have left my knee and joint pain behind. I also like the response from Jachut.....getting there is not the end of the battle...........

The bottom line - it is a lifelong battle.....but now I (we) have the tool to finally help make some significant strides. Thank God!!