Hello. New here hope I'm posting in the right place ?

Karianne Thank you and HELL YEAH a SOX FAN to boot  
Will keep you posted on the surgery..
Thanks again
John

Hey John,
There are quite a few of us successful bandsters still around,on OH, you have the advantage of being a guy and will probably lose pretty fast. Much to all of us, ladies, hating you (just kidding). Welcome and good luck on your new weight loss journey. It has literally changed MY life. The band is just a tool as you said, so you sound like you are prepared. I have learned many, many things from OH and still find support! I still love my band and would choose it again! (went skydiving this past Dec!!)
Keep us posted!!

Mari,
 Thank you for the words of encouragement. I'm not going to let those who had bad experience's because of bad decisions influence the decision I've made. That old saying keeps coming to mind
 " MISERY LOVES COMPANY " I feel bad for them, and there are other alternatives and I wish all of them the best in their personal journeys. I don't want the ladies hating on me, BUT .. LOL.. You gotta be NUTS SKY DIVING ??? Better you than me on that one. lol..

Thank again
John

Good luck John, I hope all goes well...you made a good decision. MOST of us are here to help!!!

Had my band last Oct & I've lost 35lb ....its tends to be steady & some would say slow, but I think thats the best way for long term results. Looking at your reply's you obviously realise you have to work at, and that its not a quick fix. So you have the right attitude!

I wish you all the very best!!

Jill

Thanks Jill,
 The more I read the more encouraging words I am getting, making me feel much better about my decisions. I think your right steady and slow for the best results. Your doing awesome 35lbs in 5 months, that's almost 2 pounds a week. If I can do that I'll be at my goal in less then a year. I'm sure it won't be easy but walking up the stairs or trying to tie my shoes at 400 lbs wasn't easy either.. So I'm ready. Keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Thank you again.
John

Welcome John!  Your surgery date is so close!  Make sure you take before pics and measurements.  Maybe journal your feelings on what it feels like to be obese, why getting healthy is so important to you.  It's fun for me to look back and realize how far I have progressed to getting as healthy as I can.  Farther along in  your journey, set behavior goals, not weight goals.  You can control your behavior, the scale doesn't always cooperate. hee hee
Let us know if you have any questions.  And remember, your surgeon is the best person to ask.  Make lists of questions and take it with you to appointments.
And please follow your surgeon's diet plan after surgery, so important to take it slow and follow the rules to let everything heal. And the first month or so after surgery is a time for healing and not so much for losing weight.  Sorry, I just see so many worried about the numbers on the scale right after surgery.  It will work if you follow your surgeon's plan.

Wishing you strength!
Kristi

John,

From reading your posts you are so mentally ready for this band, you know the band is a tool only and you are going to do just fine :o)

I was the same way when I went into surgery and I have lost 40 pounds and 25 inches in three months and that is going without a single fill so far .

I just love your attitude on things and that my friend equals 100% succes for you !!!!

You will have your ups and downs your bad days I do had a big oops last weekend lol but just remember we are human going to make them oops just pick yourself up and start again :o)

I hope everything goes as easy for you as they have for me and my band so far !!!

Thank you for sharing and your encouraging words, they mean alot to me. I saw you quit smoking That is GREAT. 2-7-11 made 21 years smoke free. Wouldn't go back if they were free! Keep up your awesome work and looking forward to sharing more.

Thanks
John

You're in the right place! Congrats on a great decision, and welcome

I just wanted to say THANK YOU very much. Reading your story and knowing you had a slippage and had to have the band removed but went back and had it replaced. Shows those that are encouraging others not to do the band that they are Wrong and the band is worth doing. You made my day. Congratulations on your new band I Pray all goes well for you this time around.

God Bless
John