It is about time that I introduce myself since I have been lurking on these forums since early 2008. Hi, I am Charles. I am from Louisiana (land of the best food).

I was banded in March of this year and I have lost over 100 pounds. My wedding band is falling off (i need to have it resized). I have moved down 12 pant sizes.

Other acheivements is that I haven't had a soda since a month before being banded. I rarely have more than a bite of any snack foods or any fast foods.

I am rarely ever hungry so I would consider my banding a success even though I some more work until I hit my goal.

By the way, anyone ever fantisize about getting your band unfilled before Thanksgiving and then having it refilled the following Monday? It can't just be me ... lol.

wow - great job so far ! keep at it. so many times when my eyes are bigger than my stomach, I am so gratefull the band does what it does. i can sit at t-day table with a big plate, eat about a quarter and now be just as happy...

Excellent weight loss bossstar. You know during the final consult with the surgeon he also said they would unfill for "special" occasions like Thanksgiving and trips. And I actually thought that was funny because I wanted this so that I couldn't eat as much during those occassion. Don't get me wrong, I did think about it, but that's what got me into this situation. Maybe once I get to my goal weight I may think differently but now I'm wanting to get there first as quickly as I can!!

In my experience, once you have hit that "sweet spot", and are comfortable with your eating, there is never a need to loosen the band...

Bosstar:

Good to meet you. I am blown away by your loss thus far.

I am in New Orleans. I am planning to have surgery performed in January by Dr. Todd Belott at Surgical Center of Louisiana in Jefferson Parish. I will be self-pay. I had my consultation today and all is well.

I'm looking forward to continuing this journey. Thanks for your encouraging story.