Haven't been here in a while...today out of the blue I get an e-mail from a member asking me questions (?)
How (or why) they found me I don't have a clue.
For you newbies, I was banded Jan 2011. Met my goal weight (100lbs down) in one year. Band did everything I had hoped it would. Suppressed appetite, cravings, limited portion sizes. blah blah blah. Because of this I was forced to develop a new lifestyle, new foods, new eating methods, throw in some exercise and presto...a new me. Got my life back. Now, every day is just like any other day...I don't worry all that much about what I eat or how much (thanks to the band) it all comes natural now. I'm not worried, or have been since a few months after surgery about gaining any weight back...how can I? Over eating is impossible....and certain foods are just as impossible....It all comes very natural and effortless.
I know, I probably already pushed a few buttons but I am only speaking for myself and my experiences.
Prior to surgery I was a insulin diabetic, plus I had all the other ailments you read on this forum associated with obesity...could not get anything under control no matter how Dr. s regulated all the drugs they were prescribing. I also had coronary artery disease resulting in heart surgery. While they were in there they noticed I had had a Heart Attack, although I never knew it which is common for diabetics ( and women) but I am fortunate to be here. All that is behind me, and at age 65 my Dr.'s still are amazed...My cardiologist said I am getting younger, not older.
I am going to make an appointment with my surgeon.....I am contemplating having the band removed...not because I am having issues..I have never had problems with the band. It's just after years of forming new habits, perhaps I can continue without the aid of something foreign in my body. Besides, one of the selling points was that it is reversible. At the least I will ask him to take out all the fluid and see how that goes for a while.
Ok, so where have all the veterans gone? Are they still out there? Successful? The answer is yes..we are out here. No Offense, but there is not much happening here for us. When I logged in today, which hasn't been in a while, I looked down the list of trending topics and they are all the same as they were 6 years ago. The same hot topics also. And after a while, after you're thru the early stages, you start to realize things. I used to get roasted for saying some of the things I did from someone who just went thru the surgery whereas I after years, had a different take on things. The majority of people here are new to this, and sorry, just don't have that much in common with veterans.
Ok, that should make up for years of not posting. But to all my fellow banders out there, remember this...THIS THING DOES WORK !! Don't sweat the small stuff...give it chance, it is adjustable and takes a little time to get it just right. After that it is all easy-peasy.
See ya!