I had my lap band procedure on October 2, 2006. I started out at 282 and today I am 168. I've lost a total of 114 lbs! For the first time in my life my cholesterol is in a healthy normal range. I am off the heavy duty heart medications (I had a quadruple bypass in '99 and an ICD implant in '03). My life has been given back to me. I am in tune with my body more than I have ever been in my life. I love the way I am eating. I gave up meat and have fish, fresh fruit and vegetables. I juice a lot and make fresh soups. It took me a while to learn to sip water because I realize that I was a guzzler before. I don't really want to lose any more weight but for my height, age and activity the charts say I should be 155. I don't know. I have to talk with my doctors. I never thought I would be saying "I don't want to lose any more weight." Gosh, life is good! Thank you Dr. George Fielding of New York University Medical Center and your team for the procedure and your wonderful staff for getting me on this wonderful journey.

Congratulations Lois, you are just the inspiration I needed this morning

Awesome what do you think was the best thing to teach the rest of us...

I have found that lap band surgery immediate removed so much stress from my life. Aside from the fact that I can't eat a lot, it taught me to relax and eat slowly, chew thoroughly and to sip, not gulp. As a result, I learned to relax. I've always been a fast eater. No more. And in learning to relax, I learned what made my body feel better. I gave up meat almost immediately--even chicken. I eat fish, vegetables and fruits. I have eaten some sweets but find that my body really doesn't like the sweets, fats or lactose. I feel calm, not stressed out or edgy. I lost my taste for coffee but love tea. If I were to take a bite of junk food, the minute I'd put it in my mouth to savor the flavor, I have to spit it out because I know it will not agree with my stomach. I've met other lap banders who still eat junk--even in small amounts and they don't lose the weight and have problems with their band. The band is a tool, not the magic answer. Treat it wisely and your life will change for the better.