Hi Everyone!

I have been following this forum for quite a while and now would like to finally introduce myself. I am 30 years old, 5'1, and weigh 230 pounds. My highest weight was 250 which was in August 2008 and 9 months pregnant and my lowest was 130 which was about ummm let's see--maybe 8 years ago. I have a surgery date of June 18th and I am soo excited!!

I haven't been banded yet and I am already addicted to this board because of the motivation, inspiration, and wonderful information through out! Great group of people.

Just wanted to stop through and say "thanks" to my new family for the inspiration you have provided and "many thanks" for the future threads because I know I will be relying on this board to help me through my journey...

Take care and much success to everyone on their journey!

Hi Allie-

Thanks for the congrats and thanks for much for offering to assist me in my journey! I am sure I will be calling on you for help..

Wow!! 135 lbs in less than a year is AWESOME!! I love this board because people like you are my motivation and show losing the weight can be done!!! MANY MANY THANKS~~

Juliansmom2003-

Thanks! Like you, I want to lose 80-90 lbs as well. If I can get down to 125 that would be awesome too!!! Although statistics say LB patients lose about 50% of their excess weight, losing more than that isn't unrealistic...I've already set my mind to claiming 130-140 as my goal and I can already see it!!! :wub:

You are so right-- this board is wonderful and truly a blessing to people!! It helps to have great support behind you..

Good luck and much success on your journey!!!

Hey there..

I honestly believe if you set in your mind that you will only lose 50% that is all you will lose. I was determined to get to goal and I am almost there! I am at 99%. The band is a tool and if you don't use it nothing will happen. You won't lose weight. You have to get fills, follow the band rules and magically yes I said magically the weight will disappear. If you read posts from big time losers you will see they say the same thing. For all of you who aren't quite sure what the band rules are, here are some:

get fills!!!

eat slowly

Chew chew chew your food!

never never eat more than a cup of food at a time

eat Protein first then veg

no Pasta (can swell in pouch causing it to stretch)

no rice (same reason)

no liquids 1 hour before or after a meal (keeps food in pouch)

drink plenty of liquids

no carbonated beverages (can cause pouch to swell)

move your body as much as possible!

stay away from slider foods (puddings, shakes etc. this is just calories that will slide right through pouch. At the beginning is fine for shakes and such but after about 3 months you should be eating your Proteins not drinking them)

I personally stay away from breads as well. I have no room for them. I don't count calories or my proteins I just eat what I want just in very small portions. I do have dessert every day. I have a huge sweet tooth but when i have dessert for instance 1 lindt chocolate ball does it or a couple bites of ice cream and i am stuffed.

I hope this helps!

Edited June 3, 200917 yr by alliemorris73
forgot a rule

Thanks, Alliemorris! I will have to print out this list!

Thanks Allie for the tips!! You are wonderful and I'm sure we will be leaning on you for more help as we continue our journey...:confused:

no prob! I am excited for you guys! It really seems just like yesterday that I was banded. Amazing!