Hi Everyone!

I love this new format!

I tried 2 times already to post this introduction so let's see if 3rd time is a charm.

Were to start?

I was banded on June 22, 2001 by Dr. Raul Rosenthal at the Cleveland Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I weighed 264lbs the day of surgery at 5'3. Today I weigh 147, a total loss of 117lbs. I lost 95lbs the first year and 22lbs the second year. I am hoping to lose the remaining 10-15lbs this next year. Doesn't that sound amazing? I am actually happy and thrilled that I "only" lose 22lbs in one year...tickles the heck out of me!

When I would diet pre-band, I was in such a hurry to lose all the weight NOW. With the band I knew this was going to be a life style change, not a diet. I was ready!

What a ride it has been! There have been ups and downs...but happy to report there are more ups then downs.

This surgery has changed my life in so many ways! I am living life, instead of just existing!

Originally posted by wednesday

I look forward to watching you conquer your goals!

Thanks, Wednesday! It's so cool to have this group of people who are as excited about this experience as I am. Few of my real-life circle are really interested, and sometimes it's all I can think about. I'm so glad we have this place to come and share our hopes, dreams, and progress!!

Originally posted by Lulu

I physically cannot do it. Walking is ok if the surface is flat, but any incline, no matter how slight, has me huffing and puffing and going into an asthma attack.

Lulu

This used to be me also, Lulu!

I was at a point were I couldn't walk my dogs at night because I couldn't see exactly were I was stepping. There were many times that I would step on a tiny pebble in the road and it would put me flat on my face. There was a time, about 6 months preop, that I fell on 4 seperate occasions and either twisted my ankle or did something to my knee or wrist. It was humiliating and frustrating!

It is a long road to recovery, but well worth it! Good luck!

Originally posted by Alexandra

Few of my real-life circle are really interested, and sometimes it's all I can think about.

I know what you mean! It is really hard for the people around us when we are obsessed! My poor husband has gotten that glassed over look in his eyes many times!

On-line support is very important as well as group meetings either through your surgeons office or from the on-line support meetings. They are not only good ego boosters, but it really helps other preops and postops when they can see someone who has made it work.

You are such an inspiration to me and you help me believe that this band will help me reach my goal. I was wondering any excess skin you might have had after the weight loss. Thanks.

Originally posted by Chris S. - L.I.

You are such an inspiration to me and you help me believe that this band will help me reach my goal. I was wondering any excess skin you might have had after the weight loss. Thanks.

I am glad that my story can inspire and give hope!

I actually faired pretty well on the loose skin. I have noticed lately that as I approach my goal weight that the skin is getting looser, especially on the butt/thigh area. I have a consult with a Plastic Surgeon next month just to see what my options are. If it doesn't pan out then I will be ok with how I turned out...though a part of me will be upset.

I actually faired pretty well on the loose skin. I have noticed lately that as I approach my goal weight that the skin is getting looser, especially on the butt/thigh area.

Can I ask how old you are? I'm going to have a big problem with loose skin, I think--but I could be wrong. The last time I lost a lot of weight it didn't even occur to me, but of course I was only 30 then (and the weight didn't stay off very long, anyway).

But 11 years and two children later, my stomach skin already has a mind of its own. I'm hopeful it's not a foregone conclusion that I'll need plastic surgery to cure hideous rashes! :sick

Wednesday,

I will be seeing Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic on 8/13! I just hope I'm as successful as you have been!

Keep up the GREAT work!

Marsha