I started out at 341.  I landed solidly between 195 & 200 for YEARS.  I got sick and was unable to exercise & gained 35lbs.  I had a hysterectomy 6 weeks ago and am back on track.  I've already lost 7lbs and am ready to lose 43 more (so I have a bigger cushion for slippage). 

Listen, I never got down to the incredible weights that I see on this forum.  I've NEVER seen 150lbs & don't expect to.  I am fine with myself if I can maintain somewhere between 180 & 200.  That is the weight where I feel prettiest, most comfortable and not deprived.  I still enjoy my life whi*****ludes food.  Now that I am approaching 50 though, I think I want to find a plastic surgeon to deal with my panis & arms. 

I have had several nutritional issues over the years but I have to say that having this surgery really was one of the best things that ever happened to me.  I am now watching my family members that didn't think it was a good idea go through a lot of health issues related to their obesity. 

 

I am currently 8 years out since I had my surgery.  I have been successul with my weight loss.  I know several people who have had the surgery who were not successful, but if you follow the guidelines of the diet you will suceed.   I started with my hightest weight of 350 lbs. but I did lose weight before the surgery (I had a gastric bypass), and I am now down to 125-128 lbs.    The key is to stay with the diet, no overeating, I still can't eat too much because it makes me too sick.  This is no magic bullet, as they say, it is work.  You still have to control what you eat, I have a hard time with beef, pasta, bread, and ice cream,  but I can usually eat what I want.  If your stomach says your full, then you're full even if those last bites look really good, you have to stop eating.  Don't forget to work out after the surgery because you will have alot of excess skin and it has to be firmed up.  I am too scared of the plastic surgery ( I didn't get on well with the surgeon) so I didn't do the plastic surgery, but if I had I would look better and be about 25-30 lbs. lighter, The "daisy-duke' shorts are not in my wardrobe, but I can go anywhere and find clothes to fit me. 
The surgery is the best decision that I ever made, but everyone must make their own decision.  As I said surgery is no magic bullet, but it can be a start of a whole new life.  Remember there is a reason  that you were overeating in the first place, you have to get that straightened out first or you will substitute something else for the food. 
 Best of luck to everyone.  God Bless.

and I am at 115. This has been a great experience.

Hi Patti, I'm 41/2+ and maintained my 135 for over 3 1/2 years and recently i gained about 11 pounds. I went and had my band checked and there should have been 2.2 cc's and i only had 1.6 some had evaporated. He put me back up to 2 and going back to water, water and more water. Get back to basics and you'l get going again. Beth

Does anyone know what I could do? My right calf where I have had some knee problems in the past that dont bother me as long as I take glucosamine, is significantly bigger than the other. I dont know what to do? Anyone know anything about this type of problem?