I was banded on 11-17-2008 My first month went great I lost 9 lbs the first 2 weeks. I go for my 6 week check up on 1-6-2009. I think I have lost another 5 lbs. I have had a bad few days around Christmas. Some one sent my some candy and I had some and then felt very guilty. I am trying to get back on track. It did not take long after surgery for me to find out I still have head hunger. Thats why I am here today. Any encouragement out there. The support group I go to has very few lap ban people and I find that gastric by pass people do not have the same problems that I will be having.

You had some bad days....well, you were knocked down but not knocked out! You've lost 14 lbs. WooHoo! Way to go! You've recognized you have "head hunger", that's half the battle. Don't beat yourself up with guilt. This is not a race, it's a journey and you're heading in the right direction! Be good to yourself.

I was banded 11/18/08 and have lost a total of 17 lbs. I tried not to set myself up during the holidays. I knew I didn't want to feel deprived or left out so I told myself to do the best I could and I put no expectations on myself. I was so pleased with myself because I didn't eat like I thought I might even though I did have Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. I even had cookies but I did not over eat and am back on track. Some people might not agree with what I did but it worked for me and I didn't have to deal with all that guilt. I'm pleased with myself and that's all that counts.

Thank you for your imput. It was encouraging to hear from you. Looks like you had your lap ban around same time I did and you are close to my age. I was so pleased to find this web site and last night as I was able to read about the problems and victories that others are having. The support group I attend has almost all gastric by pass people and I find that their challenges are nothing like what I will be facing. I noticed that some people have a weight loss graft at the bottom of their posts. Do you know how to acccess and make one of these? As of today I am back on track and lost the 3 lbs that I gained over Christmas. I really was pleased at how you prepared so you would not experience guilt. Guilt is something I am hoping to avoid because it is so self defeating. I knew I would face set backs but did not expect it so soon after surgery. However after reading some of the posts that talk about fillings and feeling full I think I am doing pretty well. How have you planned for your weight loss goals?

This website has been a real blessing for me. Between it and my support group, I've had all my questions answered. My support group has bandsters and bypass members but after the main meeting we divide up into our respective groups.

For the little tickers at the bottom of the posts, go to tickerfactory.com, click on the weight loss one, then follow the directions.

The only problem I'm having right now is remembering not to drink with my meal or too soon after eating or forgetting to take water with me when I'm out running errands. If I don't take the water with me then I don't get enough fluid in for the day. I'm working on it though. I get my first fill Jan. 15.

I wrote my goals down so I could look at them when I need to refresh my memory. Above all I want to follow the "rules"! I am doing a low carb - low fat diet, daily walking, and what keeps me mentally motivated is the idea of being able to walk into any dress shop and by something off the rack and it fits! Not having to go to the Bigger Ladies shops!!!