mccookie

Overweight/obese for 20+ years. Tried everything, finally knowing I was getting close to my 50th birthday I made the decision to take action. I was in a situation where my insurance would pay most of the cost so I got qualified and within 6 months from my decision I had the surgery. I received a Realize lap band. It has worked wonders for me. Lost most all the weight within 2 years. However the last 20 lbs have been hard. It's been 3 years now and this past year has actually been the most challenging in a different way. I'm use to the band, have little to no problems with it but I did start gaining some weight, I travel a ton so finding my usual 4days a week work outs difficult to do. I know that self discipline is still needed but the band is my weight manager. I must stay working with the band and not against it. You cannot over eat without causing yourself problems. Erosion can happened if you over eat too often or gain weight. Once you have the Band you must must take care of it or you will have to have another surgery, period. I don't regret my decision and have been so happy to go from a size 22 to a size 10-12. Just love it!!! BUT you have to follow what you have been taught. If you abuse your band you will have to "pay" with another surgery or worse. So, never stop doing what you have been told to do by your MD and dietitian.