Hello All,

My name is Stephanie I am 23 with a BMI of 49. I am looking into the band again. One day before my pre-op appointment in December I found out I was pregnant so I put the LB process on hold, I lost the baby on New Years Day and have tried losing on my own again. When origionally inquiring about the band in July of '08 I was 283, Jan I was 307 and today 3.11 I am 295. That gain is no suprise to me and am trying to finally nip it in the butt once and for all!!

I have some questions if you guys don't mind taking the time to answer them. I've got about 160+ to lose to make it to my goal weight, has anyone lost this amount or close to it and have had problems with lose skin?

Does anyone who has been banded find it hard to excersize due to lack of energy in result of restriction the band gives?

Does anyone have GERD, Eating Disorders (emotional eating, binging, etc), and/or addiction to food? If so, how has the band helped, and what struggles have you come across since being banded?

Sorry for the million question post but I believe it's important to collect all the facts :confused:

Thank you all for your time! It is very appreciated!

~Stephanie

Hi Stephanie. I met you today in the chat room. Nice to see you again!! When I began my journey in August 2008, I had 135 pounds to lose. I've lost 68 and have 67 to go - so I'm about half way there. I know I will have loose skin once I get to goal, but.... I would rather have loose skin and be healthy than have tight fat filled skin and be unhealthy. You are MUCH younger than I am and that might make a difference with the skin. I have not noticed any difference in exercising since I now have restriction. I do know that I can exercise better, and for longer, now that I have lost some weight. I feel so much better. I am up and moving a lot more and it is much easier. I was/am an emotional eater and a binge eater. I still struggle with these issues, but I know that this time it is different. Getting the band was such a big step for me, and kind of the final step, and I am determined to do it this time. I know I will have slip ups, but when I do now, I pull myself right back up and get right back on track. I think it has something to do with how I felt right before I made my decision to get the band. Being here on LBT, I have made some really good friends, and when I need support and encouragement, I talk to them about it - they know how I'm feeling, where I've been, where I want to go, and how to help me get there. I wish you all the luck in the world and I'm here if you need somebody to talk to. Take care. Becky