Hi Robin, I didn't realize the divorce rate was that high for WLS patients, hmmmm, thats interesting. I read of all the success stories, how happy the people are, life being geat, etc, etc. and I get envious, please don't misunderstand me...I am happy for them and would never wish my experience on anyone. People need to know that not only is death from WLS a possibility, divorce is another. If one does all the proper research on this surgery, as I did, and considered the risks, should also be aware that the breakdown of a marriage ia another risk. I smile when I add that my grown children think I should be content to be alive and healthy, nevermind that I am lonely, divorced, and struggle to keep motivated. I have not thought of any civic clubs, thats a good idea. I think I will check them out...I did try eharmony and met this pitiful, boney fellow, that his ex wife was in a mental hospital, he was raising 2 grandchildren, and yada, yada. I ran like hell. Thank you for responding, Hugs and love, Marilyn

I have tried several so called "dating services," which were not only disappointing, but expensive. Do not let my post discourage you or anyone that is considering WLS, it is a powerful tool, and life changing. I don't think I was ready for that last change though. I have days that I miss my old life...with lots of good memories, but I am healthier now. Thank you for caring, and good luck with your journey. Hugs and love, Marilyn

I lost 145 pounds, and my husband. Yes I'm much healthier and feel oh-so- much better, but,....I lost my best friend/husband also. I had surgery in 2001, he and I divorced in 2003. I still am not clear on the why's or what for's.. I just go on day by day. I am nearing 60 (next month) and for the most part, a attractive lady, energetic, christian, and would like to just share conversation with a gentleman. They are not to be found at my age. Would I have the surgery again?????hmmmm, thats a tough question, my health say's yes...if I had known I would loose my best friend, lover, pal, fishing buddy, camping fellow.....no. I am not trying to discourage anyone from making a decision about WLS, just the "rest of the story" as Paul Harvey would say. Hugs and love, Marilyn

If you lost 30lbs within your first month, that may have been too much too soon. I lost a bit too much in my first few weeks and even got a little dehyrdrated. I increased my fluids and gained some back. It's been three years since my RNY (8/8/03) and I am down from 260 to 155. (I fluctuate between 152-159) and I hope to get down to 140 after PS. It takes time to get the full effects for you. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!! We can all give you our opinions or stories of what happened to US. but the truth is that we are all different and your journey is not going to be "just like" anyone elses, similar yes, but never exact. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. PS. Over the past three years, my ability to eat certain foods has changed so if you have trouble with something now, that may change later. Keep trying. Also know that things you can eat now may not be tolerated later.

Stephanie, I am truly sorry you are having issues with your band. I hope you have not decided already that you regret your surgery. Feel free to email me at any time, I would love to share my experiences with you. I hated the band the first 2 weeks for sure, and wasn't so sure for the first few month. To everyone out there-THERE IS NOT A MAGIC SURGERY OF ANY KIND- out there. THEY ALL HAVE THEIR ISSUES. I have 2 sisters that have had RNY (with the same surgeon). Neither have had any real compilications. Sister 1 has BMI of 39.14 now (She lost 165 lbs). She really did not follow the rules from the very beginning, doen't take her vitamins regularly, overeats, etc. Sister 2 has BMI of 22.86 (She lost 130 lbs)(had less to lose). She follows the rules religiously. Takes a butt-load of vitamins, makes sure she gets her protein, etc. Honestly, neither really did much exercise. Great friend who had DS. Lost lots of weight initally. Probably an average rule follower. Little exercise. Starting to put weight back on, some minor complications, almost 1 year out. Myself, Lap Band 8-19-05. BMI of 24.66. Average rule follower. I don't know maybe not. I do not follow all the rules, but I beleive I follow the number 1 rule of rarely eating past full. I have vomited maybe 5-6 times in year. The majority of those times was from drinking while eating (forgetting not to do that, taking a big gulp) and up it came. I have the 4cc band with a fill level of 2.2 cc. I am no longer losing without really working at it. I sometimes want to get a fill so I am unable to eat, but i know that is not the right thing to do. This is when complication will occur from being to tight. Like soooooo many have said the band it a tool to help us. I tell me Dr all the time, JUST BECAUSE YOU FIXED MY STOMACH DOES NOT MEAN YOU FIXED MY HEAD. I still LOVE food. I have always loved food. I just have to get my self in check every now and again. Listen, I eat things I am not suppose to eat (ie. Rice/gravy, pasta, bread,etc). I know there are foods I can eat more of and sometimes I want to eat so I eat those foods. Like with any WLS, if you eat the meat and vegetable that they all want you to eat you will be able to eat less. Sorry this has gotten so long. Hang in there, it will get better if you follow the rules. I too went through many periods of no loss, then lose 4-5 lbs in a week. It's just the nature of this game. This is a big adjustment to our bodies, and they have to catch up sometimes. I do believe 500 cal a day is way to little. I know at one time I tracked my cal on Fitday.com and was surprised at how many calories I was eating. It was alot more than I thought. The little grazes throughout the day really added up for me. So did the Latte's, etc. My surgeon too like many, did not really push the not so good things. I know some things are mentioned but not pressed. I also believe we are really wanting to hear how this is going to change out life. THEY ARE ALL LOOKING AT $$$ AND ARE DOING WHAT THEY ETHICALLY HAVE TO DO TO GET IT. That is how all business' work. Every surgeon out there is going to tell you how great there surgery is and why you should do, and then a 30 second talk on the complications or not so great results. You are on the right track here on the boards. I remember going on every night for the first 7 months or so. Believe it or not, I was not really a poster on them though. Won't believe it from this book I am sure. Again, I would love you talk to you about my experience. You can email me at [email protected] if interested. Good luck, you will do fine. Renee