:cool:Hello all and thank you to those of you who responded to my initial introduction... your info and encouragment has been very much appreciated.

I guess now Im just trying to get my mind set for doing this. I mean I know I need to. I cant live like this anymore and everything I've tried hasnt worked. which brings me to my apprehension, what if this doesnt work too. I know you see the statistics but thats not real faces to me you know.

I was wondering if some of you could share with me your successes. How long ago were you banded, how much you lost and how well its working for you. the earliest consult appointment I could get isnt til Feb 23rd and I guess I just want that first step behind me so in the mean time I'd like to hear if there are a lot of successes, I have read quite a few who had to have their band removed for various reasons... now I'd like to hear about those who havent. and if they have were they able to keep it off after the band was removed?

Check out the threads where there are success stories.

Lap-Band Success Stories (NEW!) - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Check out the before and after picture threads. Those are always inspirational.

I have been banded for 2.5 month and have lost over 30 pounds. I am doing well. I don't regret getting the band.

Good luck!

Hello, My name is Tia. I am happy to share my success story with you. I was banded 9/15 and have lost 80 pounds. I started at 274 and 5'2and now am to 194. I feel so much better and more healthy. I exercise 5 days a week and lift weights. The band is so awesome. Its the best decion I have ever made? Have I had some issues, yes, but the benefits have totally outweighed those situations. Its all a journey and u live and learn. I have no problem with what i eat and i treat myself once in awhile to foods i love. If you follow the rules , follow the lifestyle, and exercise it will work for you. Not all are fast losers and that is ok. Its intended to provide steady weight loss 1-2 pounds a week. Read the boards they are so helpful and so is the chat. Good luck on your journey

Thanks for these encouraging replies. one of my other concerns is that Im not able to exercize at all... other than short walks (no more than 20 min or so) because of severe spinal damage from an auto wreck back in 05. thats what has brought me to this decision. after I get the weight off I am facing spinal surgery as well. but after I lose about 50-80 pounds the neurologist said I should be able to get a bit more exercize in so long as I dont over do it. I guess I knew all along that this would be the decision that had to be made... I look forward to hearing from more success stories.

Let me begin by saying that I love my band! My pre-op wt. was 267 lbs. I'm 41 yrs old and 5'6. My surgeon required a 2 week liquid diet prior to my surgery on 11/5/08. I did not require a fill at 6 weeks nor when I went back at 11 weeks. I'm 12 weeks out and I'm down to 211.5. I walk alot and ride a recumbent bike. Last weekend I spent the day helping my dad load firewood (just for the exercise). I do not eat for 30 minutes after I've had something to drink and I wait a minimum of 1 hour to eat after I've had something to drink. I think I've been successful thus far because I Do Not rely on the band to tell me that I'm full. I know what my portion size should be and do not eat more than that. The best thing - I'm not hungry! (waiting an hour after meals before drinking helps with that) Following the rules is most important. A gentleman in my support group last week was disappointed because he'd been banded since Feb '08 and has only lost 45 lbs. However, his downfall is that he's doing ALOT of grazing throughout the day. Following the rules is most important!