Greetings to All,

I am scheduled to be banded on Dec. 29 in NYC with Dr. Kurian. I have been doing much research and I have been on-line with MA Bandsters. Some of the people there have been so kind and helpful, but I feel like an outsider because they all seem to be in a clique in the Baltimore/Virginia area, and the postings are few. I am so excited to have found a new site where I might share with others. In these two months before my banding I am feeling doubtful. I am worried that I will not lose weight, and whenever I read about the odd case here or there about someone who did not lose weight, I get scared all over! So, I guess I need some assurance that I will be able to lose some of my excess 314

(5' 8") pounds. I have read so many of the messages here that I feel like I already know some of you.

Sultana

Sultana ~

I can totally understand what you are saying. I will be banded on November 25th and there are a lot of things that are running through my mind........a lot of what - if's. But then I think of all the diets that I have tried and failed and then I realize by being banded I have nothing to loose trying this......but weight. For every one person that you hear that isn't loosing weight there are 5 more that are. Granted, the weight loss is slow but I would rather loose it slow and HEALTHY then to do it fast and become sick. I am 5'5 and weight 303 and if I loose 5 pounds in a month then that is 5 lbs that I don't have and are gone forever!!! As long as you follow the rules you too will loose weight!!! Don't worry about that part cause it WILL work for you. But if you aren't sure of it then I would say (and this is my opinion) don't do it until YOU feel confident in your decision.

Girls~ Trust me I know what you are saying. You read all these bad storys and even might run into a website by a law office for people that have had bad bands. It is crazy! But then you find a site like this one and you sit and read.. And read.. And read.. So many of your questions are on this site and if you have one you can't find ask. There is no dumb question.

I was banded on 10-8-03. I had my good days and bad days after surgery but you know what?? I have lost 19 pounds and I just got started. I am so glad I got my band. I feel great !!

You found a home now on this website. Just relax and enjoy the holidays and get ready for a new start on life. What a great way for you to start 2004!