My before and after pictures are in the thread: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=89392#post89392

Hi! I am new to the board so here is a little about me...

I was banded July 4, 2001 in Sweden by Dr Lundegardh. I weighed approx. 250 pounds and got to my goal weight of 125 pounds, a size four. I have a website at www.myagb.homestead.com that has been up since before I had my surgery.

The first six months after I was banded I didn't lose a pound. In fact, I gained back all 17 pounds I'd lost during the liquid and mush food phase. However, once I started getting the restriction I needed the pounds slowly started to fall off. In all it took nearly three years for me to get to my goal weight. The last 10 pounds coming off the slowest.

I honestly did not expect to do so well. I would have settled for a size 10. But I'm even happier being a size four!

People always ask me if I do a lot of exercise. I don't do any. I HATE exercising. However, I do make a point of moving around as much as possible. I do love to walk (but not if I'm forced to for weight loss!) so when its nice out I take advantage of the weather by walking my dogs. I don't use the closest parking spots at the grocery store and I try to use the steps versus the elevator. Those little things add up and I think they help a lot.

I also always substitute low fat foods when possible. I use "Light Done Right" ranch dressing, I always use fat free or 2% cheese and light mayo with 99% fat free ham. Unless I'm really stressed out I try to stay away from a lot of chocolate. I don't eat greasy fast food often but I do get healthier foods like chicken with no skin - I practically live on El Pollo Loco Chicken. I drown myself in light healthy smoothies which taste like dessert and are good for me too! Jamba Juice's Enlightening Smoothies (get the smallest size) are the best!

I was able to make those healthier food choices since the band made it so that I don't feel hungry or unsatisfied after every meal. I find it much easier to control what I put in my mouth. Its amazing the difference it made to have the "control" put back in my hands instead of my hunger controlling me. Its one of the best feelings in the world.

The reason I am back in the "cyber space" band circuit is because my band has slipped and I am getting a revision August 4th with Dr Ortiz in Mexico. Having a group of like minded individuals to communicate with is a nice when dealing with something like surgery. I've gained back a few pounds since they took out some of my fill. I'm not the least bit worried about it though because I know when I have the band put back in place I'll be fine - AND it'll get rid of the acid refulx I've been suffering from (yippee!).

My only concern is whether I'll have enough fill in my band before I take off for a long trip and with a six month stint in South Africa following it. I just don't think they have a lot of fill doctors in South Africa.

Last few details - I'm 26 years old and I'm 5'4"

Its nice meeting you all!

Mae

Hi did go to your website. Wow you are a great success. I also had my band repositioned and now I am dealing with the extra pounds. When did you notice weight loss again? I have had two fills but I feel like I can eat too much. Tonight for dinner I had chicken breast and I ate an entire one and no problem? The doc seems hesistant on my fills? Can guzzle water never could I do that prior? Your thoughts? If you have time please respond.

Dody

Welcome. I think I've seen your website. Did your mom and dad go with you? I think it was you... Too bad about the slip but you've done so well! I am only a couple of months out.

Hi Mae!

I remember "meeting" you last fall and throwing a fit because I wanted my band right that second and couldn't bear the waiting. Ever since then, I've had you in the back of my head, reminding me to hang on because it will all happen in due time. You were right! I want to thank you for being such a great example. Not an example of someone who had a perfect journey, but someone who had her fair share of bumps along the road and STILL got where she wanted to be.

I wish Mae would post more often! Did she get her revision???