Kristen1215

Hi All Lap Band Friends!!!Those that are interested in getting the Lap-Band, GO FOR IT!!!   It has been one of the best things I have ever done in my life.  I can say the same thing for my husband.  My husband and I got the Lap-Band the same day and have lost a total of 275 pounds together.  I have never felt so good in my life. 

OUR STORY 

David and I (Kristen) have been FAT our whole lives.  I remember in the 3rd grade being called steam roller.  In the 6th grade I was over 200 pounds and the highest that I can remember was 325 pounds around my 18th birthday.  I have lost hundreds of pounds but would just gain it all back.  On my 18th birthday I got a gym membership and got down to around 260.  Then I got sick, got out of routine, and the weight started coming back.  I look up and I am back over 300 again.  David and I joined Weight Watchers sometime in 2005  and were surprisingly successful.  We did that for about a year.  We thought we could save money and do it at home, but that did not work.  I started Weight Watchers at 313 and ended at 265.  Within 2 years, I gained most of it back.  I weighed 303 at surgery date on 7/6/07.  David started at 414 and when  we left Weight Watchers he was at 347. David was able to keep all the weight off for about 2 years before the surgery.  So needless to say any more, David and I have struggled with my weight our entire lives.  We decided to get the Lap Band surgery the day we saw a friend for the first time in several years and she had the Lap-Band 2 years prior.  She looked amazing as she had lost over 100 lbs.  We talked with her about it and she expressed how it has enriched her life and we needed to check in to it.  David had diabetes which was causing staff infections and it was HORRIBLE.  We checked into it with Dr. Spiegel in May 2007 and had our surgery July 2007. The Lap -Band experience has been great.  I am proud of myself for making the commitment for it to work and using the tool like intended.  I had an addiction to food.  If I was not hungry, I would still eat.  If it was in front of me or even in the house, I could not control myself.  I diagnosed it to an addiction to food and the Lap Band stopped that.  I am able to eat pretty much whatever I want, (expect for Thick crust pizza and steak)  but I am just extremely limited on how much I can eat of it and how fast I can eat it.  As of today, I am 165 pounds and David is 214.  We are getting close to our goals and living life fuller than we ever have before.   Good luck if you decide to get the LAP BAND.  A few tips:1.   Exercise as such as you can.  Start off slow and work your way up.  You don't have to run a marathon by an means by exercise as much as you can 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes min.   2.   You will have Plateaus.  They are SO IRRITATING.  Hang in there.   3.  I feel the best when I drink my protein shakes.   1 cup milk, handful frozen strawberries or any frozen fruit, 1 banana, 1 1/4 scoop of Whey protein powder (chocolate or vanilla), a little honey and a few ice cubes.  Blend together and drink the shake.  Very good. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns.  I love to see the results of others and I will be happy to share experiences that has worked for us over the years!!Kristen