So many people will say that lapband surgery is the easy way out but there really is nothing easy about this process. I was banded on Oct 23, 2009 and I have thus far lost a total of 67lbs. Let me tell you what I had to do to get there. So before I had my surgery I was a whopping 304lbs. YIKES. Figure it out as to how much I weigh now. I have about 87lbs to go. Anyway in 2001 I had open heart surgery for an Aortic Anuerysm and a valve replacement. Since a porcine valve (Pigs valve..no bacon jokes please) was used I will need to have the surgery again in another couple of years because unfortunately they don't last more then 10 years. Why did I have that kind of valve put in? Because I was young and didn't fancy the idea of taking a blood thinner for the rest of my life. So I have been following a Cardiologist. Anyway for years I have been battleing a weight problem. I have tried every diet that you can think of. And I have actually lost weight. Only to gain it back again by hitting a major sink hole on the highway. One day at a check up my Cardiologist told me that it was time to start thinking about my surgery again. Then told me that if I didn't really think about losing weight I could possibly die on the table or run the risk of several infections. So I think that was the day that I really woke up and said, "Hey you need to do something about this." So I started doing research. And after attending a Bariatric Weightloss Seminar and 6 months of nutrional visits along with other types of doctor visits I finally had my surgery.

So now I am down 67lbs and EXERCISING!! But along with that weight loss comes endless calorie counting, vitamin intake, making sure you chew your food so it doesn't get stuck. And lots of will power. People think once you get that lapband in you aren't gong to be hungry. BULL CRAP. You are hungry and the thing is it does take alot of will power because you can keep eating. You have to teach yourself the difference between head hunger and real hunger. You can't let food control you. The band is a tool. It's not a get thin quick type of deal. It does require alot of work. And you can eat pretty much anything in moderation. I don't do bread, pasta or beef. They don't agree with me.

So here I am riding the Highway of Life without hitting the pot holes anymore. Oh I do hit those speed bumps once and awhile. I'm only human. I have to 'cheat' once and awhile. But unlike before I know how to control myself. And I know that if I want to be healthy and stay alive, this is the end of the road for me. I have to be serious. This is probably the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I have NO regrets and if I had it to do over again, I would.

Thanks for that post, truly inspirational.

I am happy for you. The band seems to be helping.

That is great weightloss so far. Keep up the good work and the good attitude!

This post made my day Thank you, you are an inspiration to all. I hit a few speed bumps and I do not like how it feels. Best wishes imaluckydog

That is awesome! I was feeling the same way you do. There are so many people who think that Lap-Band is a cure, and that you don't have to work at weight loss anymore.. Little do they know, they are WRONG! I have come to the attitude of, "Until you have lived it, and know what it's like, keep your mouth shut!" Anyone can make a judgment, but most of the ones that are judging have NO idea what they are talking about, and have no idea how the person feels that they are judging! Way to go! You should be proud of yourself! 67lbs is a lot to lose, and you are doing it, with the help of an amazing tool!!! Keep on truckin' down that road, I am with you!!! When I start exercising, I have to tell myself to keep on truckin', its almost a new thing to live by. I tell myself to do that, when I 'get off track' or when someone has a rude comment to say, etc. I just keep on going, because this is my life, my body, and I will live it how I want to! Have a great day!

beccao

Thanks. You have inspired me to start working out. I have had a hard time getting in the gym.