Well, it has been 1 year. I can't believe it! I am soooooo glad I did this. Having the Lap-Band is everything I wanted it to be, an amazing tool. I feel very lucky. I want to thank my friends, family, my doctors and all of the wonderful people I have met through the message support boards. My Non Scale Victories are piling up and this next year I hope to cross them all off my list. The big ones gone are: crossing my legs, fitting in an airplane seat, no extender needed, Getting ready in the morning and not feeling like I need a nap afterwards, Going from a 4x/5x TO A SOLID 1x. No more Diabetes, My depression has subsided for now and I am grateful. I have true hope for my future. The scale victory is a good one too. I have lost 121 pounds and 19 BMI points this year and am confident I will get off the 55 more I have to go. This journey takes a lot of work physically, emotionally and spiritually, but isn't that what life is all about? Deb 2/7/05 Weight: 332/211/156? BMI: 52/33/24? VG BAND: 1st Fill 4.4 cc's on 4/15/05, 2nd Fill 11/14/05 5.0cc's, unfill to 4.6cc 12/20/05, fill 2/6/06 4.8cc's Dr. Rosenthal, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL Fills: Dr. Jessee, Suncoast Hospital, Largo, Fl

Congrats and you will definitely make the century mark by your anniversary! Great job!

I would be happy also to provide any suppport you need, again, not in New York, but had my surgery last Feb 7, today is my one year anniversary. I had open RNY and did great, so far lost 120 # and have 25-30 to go. Good luck and feel free to email me anytime. Chris

Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming surgery. What to pack? Do not, I repeat DO NO leave home without chapstick (the most important item I packed), slide on slippers and a robe for walking. I stayed in the hospital gown, it was easier with the IV and if any leakage why soil your PJs, I did bring body wash, shampoo and face wash but wasn't allowed a real shower until I got home, just a sponge bath and I used the stuff the hospital provided, a toothbrush and toothpaste and my deodorant and a brush. You won't need the vitamins nor the protein supplements in the hospital. Oh, I also bought a pillow, used it in the hospital (more comfortable than theirs) and for the ride home to help get comfortable. Items to shop for ~~ Depending on what your surgeon's post op plan is. I was allowed clear liquids only for 9 days (water, broth, decaf tea and coffee) then went straight to lean meats and green leafy vegetables so basically I bought broth and decaf coffee and tea only. Your surgeon or nut should give you a list of what is allowed, don't overbuy your taste will change, just because you like it today doesn't meal you will after surgery. My boys were 3 1/2 and 5 when I had surgery, I told them mom was going to the hospital to get well and would be home in 2 days (actually went home one day after). They didn't understand so why try explaining it to them. When I got home they asked question because I couldn't pick them up and I showed them my boo boos, they wanted to see them all the time but it gave them comfort and helped then realize mommy could hurt herself if I picked them up. They would each sit on the side of me and hold my arm, it was priceless. Best wishes, Dana

I too have a hard time believing that it has been almost a year... my anniversary is on the 22nd! I am very excited but also sad that the first year is over... I felt like it passed too fast and I should have documented my changes more than I did. That and I looked forward the the surgery for a long time and did a lot of research so I feel sad that the major change time has mostly passed... anyone else feel this way?I struggle with my eating. I usually make good food choices but for awhile there we were eating out too much and I was taking in too much sugar and breads. Have renewed my commitment to stay on the right path but I still have to remind myself DAILY! Also, I have had trouble with my hips since surgery. Did not have any trouble prior to surgery but now my hips hurt. My support group thought it may be that my body is readjusting and the exercise physiologist thinks it may be a little bursitis or tendonitis... has anyone else had this problem? I have gone from a size 22/24 and 289lbs. to a size 10/12 and 165lbs so I am definitely NOT complaining : ) Congrts to everyone on here and happy anniversary to everyone... I am going to try and figure out how to get my pic on here ... not very computer savvy : ) Bye for now, Meryl