Just a brief note I hope lol. Hope this gives anyone encouragement. My name is Paula and I just moved to New York in April. I once weighed 497pds. I did lose 175 on my own but as bad habits and loss of will I gained back a good bit of that. I decided to seek help and try another route per say. I decided to get banded Sept 4th 2008 and move forward with my life. I found an amazing Dr in Texas and thus my journey began. It was a very difficult one as it still is. I have had great success with the band, but more then that more determination then anything. I was banded weighing in at 432 last Sept and not even a yr out I am 110 pds lighter. I set realistic goals for myself and do my very best to make myself accountable for everything. Once I got past the poor choices and the mind games I began to see success. I still have about 125 pds to go to get to 200 which is a goal I set. I don't want to be Barbie so I told myself if I get to 200pds then Im sure 20 or 30 pds past that will be nothing. Who knows but it for sure works for me. I think we all have walked in each others shoes to some degree in this weightloss battle. It is a life long committment and one that will forever be a battle, but it's something that each of us must do in order to watch our children and grandchildren grow or to be that beautiful bride or groom someday. For whatever the reasons are that force us and keep us to be dedicated to our journey we must do it. It has not been easy but I am sure it will be worth it. If anyone would like to email me private my addy is majestic_one38@yahoo.com. I am not on this site as much as I perhaps should be but when I do come here I read a good bit of the stories and I want to thank each and everyone of you for putting urself out there for all of us and I do mean all of us to learn and share a bit of your life. Keep the faith and remember going backwards is not an option but keep moving forward one day at a time. It doesn't matter how we get to the goal just as long as we arrive safe, healthy and most of all HAPPY.

Congratulations on your success so far! It sounds like you have made the adjustment to the new lifestyle that the band brings.

I really like the message that your last sentence portrays, "It doesn't matter how we get to the goal just as long as we arrive safe, healthy and most of all HAPPY."

It is so important to maintain a positive attitude as we go through all of this. I wish you all the best during the rest of your journey :thumbup:

T-bonz

Ty for ur responce and for all that has read a brief look into my life. I really hope one day to share my story with the world but for now I share it with anyone who will listen. I wished so many times throughout my battle of obesity that I would have had someone I could talk to so I didn't have to feel so alone. Now that so many more are enduring the same battles I myself am battling, it just blows my mind at the kindness each person puts out to a stranger just for the simple fact " we all have been there".

Congratulations on your wonderful weight loss! Could you please explain to me how you got over the mind games and bad food choices. I think this is probably where some of my biggest pitfalls are.

Congratulations on your success! It is so inspiring to hear such a wonderful success story. Keep up the good work!

I loved reading your post and the quote about it not mattering how long it takes to get to goal is so true!

Wow!

Congrats Kel!! That's a lot of weight to keep off.

I wonder how Paula (th OP) is doing 5 months later.

My goal is 5 pounds short of posting here and I feel like I am under age and sneaking into a club.

Congratulations on your success! You have inspired me for sure! I'm going swimming now and I was going to be lazy and not go cause it's cold out... but hey, it's an indoor pool Keep up the great work...

I'd be interested in knowing what kind of meals you have been eating ? what's been working for you ?

Congratulations!