Today is March 1, 2009. In only 17 days, I will have had my band for 7 months. I knew that it would be a long and hard journey with several bumps, twists, and curves along the way and still I chose to take this road.

I still remember the day that I got my band just like it was yesterday. I got up that morning, got the kids up, ready, and off to school, then my husband and I started for my 2 hour ride to the hospital. From the time I sat down in the van until they put me under, I was nervous and scared. Until I recieved my "Happy pill", I was crying. I remember being wheeled into the operating room just asking the Lord above to take care of me and to please let me wake up. Once in the operating room, I dont think there was not 1 single person that was in there that I didn't ask their name, what they did, why they were there, and ask them to please whatever happened, let me wake up to go home to my husband and my kids.

I was in the operating room less that 30 minutes. My surgeon said it only took him 20 minutes to do the whole procedure. I remember waking up in the recovery room asking, Where is Mark (my husband). But I don't remember the answer that I was given. The next thing I remember was waking up in my room to my darling sweet husband holding my hand sitting down beside me saying he loved me and everything went wonderfully.

You know, they say as long as you get up and walk around your chances of getting a blood clot are very slim, well, I remembered this and my first words were, I need a Nurse and I need a Nurse now. My husband was scared and ask what for, I looked at him and said, I don't want a blood clot so I need to get up and walk. He laughed at me, rang the Nurse bell and withing 30 minutes, I was up walking the hall with my husband and my IV poll:laugh:.

I remember walking atleast 6 times that day, but I don't remember drinking or anything else. The next morning, my surgeon come in and I was sitting in the recliner and my husband was laying on my bed snoring his little heart out. All my doctor could do when he saw and heard him was smile and laugh. He told me everything went well and that as long as nothing come along that couldn't be handled, I could leave and go home that evening.

Someone come in with a portable Ultrasound machine and checked my legs for blood clots and I was fine, someone come in and wheeled me down to someplace, I stood up, drank some nasty liquid and watched my band at work, everything was fine. By 12 that afternoon, I was being dismissed from the hospital and by 3:15 I was pulling up in the drive way. They only way I knew that it was 3:15 was as soon as I finally got out of the van and made it up the steps onto the porch, my kids were getting off the bus and running up the road to see me.

I don't remember anything about rest of that day. Mark says I don't remember because as soon as I hugged the kids and used that bathroom, I come straight to the bedroom proped myself up on some pillows and passed out..lol. I don't argue with him about it, because that probably what I did.

For 2 weeks after my surgery, I was allowed nothing but clear liquids. I don't have to tell any of you that have already had your band placed, those 2 weeks were nothing short of hell on earth. I had 4 days left of my 2 week liquid diet and I couldn't take it anymore and I found myself on the phone crying to the Nurse and the doctors office begging her to please just let me eat something that didn't pass straight through my band. She assured me 4 days would go by faster than I thought it would and Id be able to eat some mushy foods. And it did, and I did!!! I had never in my life, been so grateful to put something on the end op my spoon that wouldn't fall off just by barely moving it. lol

Now, today almost 7 months later, I am on a full food diet. There are things that I can eat and then there are things that as soon as I swallow, I know it was a BAD IDEA. I am still learning what I can and can't eat and every now and then, I want that HUGE BACON CHEESEBURGER WITH A SIDE OF FRENCH FRIES AND A MILKSHAKE. But I know I can't have it, so I go on.

Eating out has gotten alot easier, mainly because anytime I go out, I order the same thing, grilled chicken and a couple vegetables and a to go plate.

People that haven't seen me in a while, and even people that see me regularly, tell me that I am looking better. And even my Ex-husband new wife, tells me I look good now.

I am 52 pounds lighter and have dropped 4 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes. Only bad thing about losing the weight, my boobs are saying buh bye too...but I can deal with that.

On the 6th of this month, my wonderful husband and I will celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary and our 3 years anniversary of being together. Starting on the 17, we are taking a 1 week vacation just the 2 of us.

This time last year, we went to Disney World with our 4 kids and my mom and I had to ride in a cart the whole time because I was so overweight and my back hurt so bad, plus I had a really bad sprang on my ankle. This year when we go, I will be able to walk the entire time and ride some of the rides that I was afraid to try cause I didn't think I'd fit in the seats.

I love my band and it loves me. I wouldn't change any of these last 7 months. This is the journey I have choosen and this is the path that will lead me to a better and more beautiful person!!!!

Reading your story brings me back to that day. I was banded on 8/14/2009 and so far I have lost 49 pounds. My story is a little different. I was by myself before and after surgery but had similar thoughts and concerns. I feel like I have been stagnant in my weight loss lately and have stepped up my exercise/walking a little lately so I hope that will do it. I feel so much better now that I am on the loosing side. My energy and flexabililty are improved and I feel like a new person. Hope you do to and have a wonderfull vacation!

I am inspired by your journey. Sounds like you are well on your way to a better life. I cannot wait until I am 7 months out and can look back and feel the same way. Thanks so much for sharing!

What an amazing inspiration your story is. I am having mine done on the 9th of March and I have been very nervous, yet very excited. I am really looking forward to my one year mark. Thank you for sharing. It means so much to have found this site and hear all the stories, good or bad. Have fun on vacation!!

congrats! so nice reading peoples success stories! I am 10 days post op and can not wait till 7 mos.! Hope you have a wonderful vacation with your darling hubby! My husband too was very supportive and I thank god for that! Congrats again and keep up the great work!

Hello..Fabulous story :cursing: Good luck!!

Congratulations, what a great story. I have not been banded yet but I look forward to that day. Still waiting on insurance approval. Hopefully it will be soon. Have fun on your vacation.