Some of you may know that I had lap-band surgery last year, but just over a month ago I lost my band due to complications. Now, I'm trying to make the transition and adjust without my "tool". I've done pretty good so far, and I'm trying to keep my spirits up.

I've been working my butt off every day. (Counting calories, fiber, protein and working out every single day.) Through all of this, I've managed to maintain my weight loss. Now, I know that is a success in itself as most people start gaining weight immediately. However, it's still frustrating that I'm working so so hard and nothing is coming off. I also know that if I screw up one little bit the weight will come back on.

I came home from work last night late (1am). I wasn't quite ready for sleep and needed to unwind, so I sat down on the couch and started flipping through the channels. There they were-- all the lap-band commercials.... all the happy people that have one-- and I just couldn't be strong anymore. I lost it and started crying. I couldn't stop either.

I paid cash for my lap-band. I went through three surgeries, three blood transfusions, several infections, and 22 nights in the hospital. This hasn't been an easy road. At the end of it, you'd think I'd have a happy ending. Instead, after all the struggles, it was taken away. I feel cheated.

OK. I'm done feeling sorry for myself. Thank you for letting me vent.

Now, I'm just in need of some encouragement to keep me motivated and going. I still have weight to lose, but more importantly, right now I can't afford to gain any of it back. I've paid too high a price already to let this fail me.

You can do this. Many of us have had setbacks . The important thing is "Do not give up". You have come a long way. It takes a lot of courage to have surgery and must be terribly disappointing and frustrating to have so many complications. I still believe that you can achieve your goal , it is not an easy road but it is worth every step.Good luck.

Just jumping over here out of my "usual" to tell you I'm proud of you and your story. Not once did you mention the urge to overeat last night -- you had emotions (we all do) and dealt with them -- sometimes that includes showing our weaknesses and breaking down and, it's okay

Stay strong, you have the tools to succeed and you will. Unfortunately, it did not turn out they way you would have liked, but you know how strong you are (look what you went through!!) and once the magnitude of it all settles down, you will and can do this for yourself!!

You CAN do this! You're already doing amazingly well by making use of new tools. Little adjustments here & there, and you WILL lose the rest of the weight.

I think you are an inspiration! You have had terrible set backs, and yet you still pick yourself up, brush yourself off and keep trudging ahead. The fact that you haven't gained any weight back is reason for you to get up and dance!

oh honey. my heart goes out to you. you've had such a rough road - and MAINTENANCE IS FABULOUS!!!! in fact, that's all any of us really wants [well, and a few other things, maybe!!!!] i PROMISE you - with your determination, and after all you've been through, you're going to accomplish whatever your goal is. won't be easy, but you knew that!

those lapband commercials really and truly bother me - they make the process sound SO EASY, and it's not. and 'risk free,' and you're living proof that it's not. and the company that's paying for the commercials is primarily a COSMETIC SURGERY company - the makers of BoTox cosmetic! it just feels sooo wrong!

there's a movement out there to stop direct to consumer advertising for medical products [and lap band is one!], and i hope with all my heart that it succeeds.

hmmmm. letter writing campaign, anyone???

I am so sorry that you encountered so many complications with your lap band. I am sure that you will find success without your tool, you are determined and have the will. Success is yours!

i want you to succeed as much as you do. we are here for you, whatever you need.

what ever doesn't kill us makes us stronger! Maintaining for a while, like jiff said, is a miracle to us yoyo dieters! I am proud to hear of a person that is strong and yet can be volnerable, hopeful and yet wise, positive and upbeat in all they are trying to do and yet knows when to turn to friends for support!

My signature reflects my feelings on giving up...Don't!

Angela

Thank you all so much! You have no idea how much it means to me. The encouragement is great.

Yesterday was a rough day and I couldn't get things off my mind. However..... I'm back on track today! Already went to the gym and even put in an extra 10 on the treadmill.

Honey, you are SOOOO strong - I so admire you for handling all that stuff you've been thru, and you're already back on track! That takes nerves of steel. You WILL succeed - as the old saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll get there. (Life can be so unfair ) But just keep on keepin' on!
Love, Carol

I almost cried reading your story. Saying to keep on is easy because I didn't have to go through your story myself, but I wish you the best of luck and trust me, everything that's earned so hard, will be worth it.

You are both right! One foot in front of the other... and it will be worth it. Thanks again to all of you. You have been an inspiration and just the encouragement I needed.