Hello all -

I've been a regular lurker for several months, but since I received my band a little over a week ago I thought it was about time I made my introductions!

I'm 35, single, have a demanding job...though more importantly have a strong network of supportive friends and family (I am eternally thankful). Hoping to continue to use LBT as a source of information/inspiration and to connect with other "bandsters" as I continue on my personal journey.

Lesly

Hi...Welcome to the site! Congratulations on your band! I am from WI also. What town are you from? Who did your surgery. I am from Cambridge and Dr. Erickson from Fort Atkinson did my surgery. They have a great program with support groups every month. It looks like we started at about the same weight, I was 267. I am glad you found this site, it can be a great support. I encourage you to join challenges, it really is a motivator. You can also get a ticker, which is also motivational. Any questions feel free to ask. Good Luck and Congratulations on your journey.

Hi...Welcome to the site! Congratulations on your band! I am from WI also. What town are you from? Who did your surgery. I am from Cambridge and Dr. Erickson from Fort Atkinson did my surgery. They have a great program with support groups every month. It looks like we started at about the same weight, I was 267. I am glad you found this site, it can be a great support. I encourage you to join challenges, it really is a motivator. You can also get a ticker, which is also motivational. Any questions feel free to ask. Good Luck and Congratulations on your journey.

What is a challenge? Are those the "10 pounds by Thanksgiving" lines in the signatures? How do you join one?

HI Lesly... I am in the same boat, 33 and just banded this week. Hope we can share success stories and questions. You did better than I, I didnt do too much research, just made up my mind what I wanted to do and did it. How are you feeling?

Deana....The challenge that I am doing right now is the Halloween challenge. As soon as this is done they will come up with a new one which will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. What you do is decide the amount of weight that you want to lose by the end date of the challenge. Post it on the challenge site with everyone else and you will change your weight weekly as you lose (or Gain). It really seems to keep me on track. The only thing that I would suggest is do a realistic goal. I sometimes get over zealous and think I can lose more than is possible and it becomes discouraging instead. Good Luck and I hope to see you on the next challenge.

Laurigee -

First, thanks so much for saying hello. It is inspiring to hear from someone who is doing so well with the band - I appreciate the tips as well. I'm in Madison and have been working with Dean Health's Weight Management program here. My surgeon is Dr. Sunby and the whole experience with the St. Mary's outpatient clinic was excellent.

Hi Renee -

I was on the fence for a long time, so I did a lot of reading and information gathering. I am feeling a little better each day - not as good as I hoped I would be by day 8 but I think I was a bit over optimistic. Still a little sore and tired, but making progress. You?

Deana....The challenge that I am doing right now is the Halloween challenge. As soon as this is done they will come up with a new one which will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. What you do is decide the amount of weight that you want to lose by the end date of the challenge. Post it on the challenge site with everyone else and you will change your weight weekly as you lose (or Gain). It really seems to keep me on track. The only thing that I would suggest is do a realistic goal. I sometimes get over zealous and think I can lose more than is possible and it becomes discouraging instead. Good Luck and I hope to see you on the next challenge.

Cool...I will look for the challenges and see if I can participate. Thanks!