Maincat

Hello all, It's now five years since I had my lap band. Seems strange to think it's that long. It's true to say it's been a great move and one that changed my life. I've maintained my weight loss because of a changed lifestyle. Gone are the days of failure to understand my own body. Exercise and good eating are just parts of my natural day. It wasn't always like that. So to all of you perhaps just setting out on your lapband journey, good luck and best wishes. The effort and work is worth it, not just for you but your loved ones too. KIng regards, Steve

Thanks again for the kind posts. The face images still surprise me. I never saw that coming. I remember that some people who hadn't seen me for months didn't recognise me, even after I started speaking! Losing a lot of weight can have some surprising and unexpected results. Kind regards from Nottinghamshire, UK.

Thank you for your kind replies. Below are my 'before' and 'after' images, and I promise that they are both me:) Success to you all.

Just to say that after my major weight loss in 2008, I've kept a consitant weight, mainly through the changes I made to my lifestyle, including exercise, eating high quality foods and maintaining personal responsibility for my body. Having a lapband for me was the start of a journey that will never end. It's effects have enabled me to be functional, much healthier and fitter and just more alive. I'm convinced that people can succeed in the Quest to lose weight, and I wish everyone great success and best wishes. Kind Regards, Steve

Hi again everyone from Sherwood Forest, UK, Had my band in November 2007 and lost 69kgs in a year. It transformed my life in many ways. You can view my images here. I've kept the weight off and I've not had a fill for two years. A great experience. Hope all is well with you all. Regards, Steve

There is a change of location for the Derby Support Group from next month. The group be based at the City hospital (soon to be called The Royal Derby Hospital) from July onwards in Room 2, The Education Centre (which is near to A +E). Best accessed from car park 4. Last Wednesday of the month 7-9pm remains the same. Steve

Well done for your operation. You've started a wonderful and exciting journey. Just follow the rules, be positive and enjoy the new you. I had liquids for four weeks, which wasn't a problem for me. A variety of foods help, not just eating the same day in, day out. You will be sore, but it does go away. You're doing the right thing by walking around, better to go for short walks when the weather improves. So, good luck to you with your weight loss.

Nope I'm here. Your email didn't require a reply. But if you'd like someone else, feel free.

Hi, Your body has been shocked in to action by the radical change of diet, so I'm not surprised that you can feel it. As your body gets used to the new regime, it will feel better. Stick with it. You may find that you lose an amount of weight during this phase - got to be good. Best keep in touch via email as I don't look at this forum every day. Hope that's OK with you. Take care,

My weight loss chart November 2007 to November 2008

Great - probably the best way is for you to email me at steve@milward.org.uk and give me an update as to exactly how you're doing. The more information you can give me the better. Also, any questions, big or small, that you may have. Don't forget to ask the questions that you may think are silly ones - they won't be! Let's get this going straight away. Drop me an email when you can. Take care

Hi Lisa, I had sleep apnoea, diagnosed after taking a sleep study at my local hospital. Sleep apnoea is a very serious condition and the hospital would take it under consideration as to your treatment and operation. In my case, I had two nights in hospital when I had my band fitted, instead of the normal one. If you are a bad snorer, have you seen your GP about this and possibly considered a sleep study? Are you certain you don't have sleep apnoea? It will be raised at the consultation - or at least it ought to be. It isn't an operation stopper per se - I had mine when I had sleep apnoea. I made a TV program last year called 'Inside Out' with the BBC about my sleep apnoea. If they don't raise the subject at your consultation, you should.

Hi Lisa, Welcome to the forum and good luck with your consultation on Saturday. As for Dr Toh, I don't know him, but I'm sure everything will be fine. Is this a private hospital, or are you being referred by the NHS? (I'm guessing private). The liver shrinking... this is to make the operation as easy as possible for both you and the surgeons. The smaller the liver, the easier it is to move around so that they can do their work. That means just about everyone goes on a special diet for a while (mine was two weeks). It's in your interests to follow this diet closely. Some doctors may call off the operation if the diet isn't followed. Questions to ask - how long a stay in hospital, what about any co-morbidities (sleep apnoea, diabetic conditions), the fill situation (especially if you're going private), aftercare arrangements, support groups... there are potentially so many questions that you could ask. Make a list of them before you go and go through them with your doctor. Thank you for your kind words -I didn't know that I had fans!! My success is due to planning, good food decisions, exercise and wonderful support from my family, friends and medical staff. I may have been the one carrying the weight, but it's been a real team effort to lose it. My life has changed radically for the better, as I'm sure yours will too. You can do this, remain positive and look forward to the exciting weight loss journey you are about to embark on. Please let us know how you get on on Saturday - I'm sure we'll all be thinking of you. Take care and be happy,

I may not seem the most appropruate person to help you - male, different continent - but I do relate to your post. I'm 51, had the band for about 14 months now and am in the maintenance phase. The person I was is a memory and I'm looking forward to the rest of my life with renewed vigour, health and optimism. Check out my web, blog and images (addresses in my signature) to get an idea of who I am. If you think that I can help you, I'd be pleased to. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE! Let's get that straight right now. You just need support, time and guidance. You'll find that a plenty in these forums. Take care, and get in touch if you would like me to mentor you.