hi everyone,

just thought i would introduce myself. i found out about your yahoo group and
thought i would join. i had lapband surgery sept. 18, 2008 by a sentara doctor
in norfolk (dr. wohlgemuth).

i started out at 301 at my first visit with him, lost 13 lbs before surgery, the
rest afterwards, and am now 203. it is not far till i hit the hundred pound
mark. i hope to get to about 175 and his office agreed that would be a
reasonable goal for me.

i've learned a lot about the band and myself in this process. my knees couldn't
hold my weight and they have shown a great improvement as a result of the weight
loss. i had a handicapped plate and had to ride carts at walmart and food lion,
etc., and now i don't. i feel so much better. i am still big, but so much
smaller than i was.

the band doesn't do your work for you, but like a hammer in the hands of a
roofer, it makes the job possible when you put forth the effort. they can't
band your mind when you want to emotionally eat, or your lips when you just want
to chew, but it does help with the REAL problem of REAL hunger.

i am grateful every day i got my band, even on days when i test my limits and
get a refund on my meal or discomfort from overdoing it. :-)

good luck and God bless you all on your on weight loss journeys.

mary
n.c.