bmomma2323

My journey began as a 56 year old, 427# woman who was slowly killing herself with an addiction to food. I was definitely the classic stress eater who could consume huge amounts of calories without even realizing that I had eaten anything. During the two years before my lap-band I had developed adult onset asthma, COPD, had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was Pre-diabetic. I couldn't walk more than 100 feet without being out of breath...in short... I was a total mess. The sad thing was that I was also a highly intelligent professional who made wonderful decisions daily that impacted the lives of others. I just was blinded to taking the steps to help myself. It took the birth of a beloved grandchild, who struggled to live for six months, to make me step back and realize just how precious life was, and to re-evaluate what I was doing to myself and to my family. Once I made the decision to get my band, I have not looked back. I have carefully followed my wonderful physician's advice. I never lose sight in the fact that the band is only a TOOL, and it is still up to me to make healthy choices in the foods that I eat. Although my current weight flexes between 195-200# I am very comfortable with where I am at and not actively looking to lose more weight. I am very active now and love to walk everywhere. My health is excellent. I no longer have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, nor any symptoms of COPD or asthma. I am also no longer Pre-diabetic. My doctor and I talk often and he recently asked me why I felt I had been so successful. My response was pretty easy: 1. I have never forgotten that the band was just a tool... It was still my responsibility to make good choices 2. I have never forgotten that I was a recovering addict ... I was addicted to food. 3. I remind myself daily to eat slowly, to listen to my body, and to stop eating when it told me it was full 4. I remind myself the importance of drinking my Water...and try to drink 6-8 glasses a day 5. finally, I make it a priority to check in with my doctor every 3 months. Even though I lost most of my weight during the first two years after my surgery, I personally needed the accountability factor-- knowing that every 90 days I was going to get on the scale with my doc helped me to keep my food demons at bay. So, wow, as I read back through this I just realized that this is the first time in eight years I have ever put my journey into writing. Thanks for the opportunity to do so. Life is very good. My advice to anyone looking at taking this journey is to do it first and foremost for yourself, go into it with your eyes and heart wide open, it can be difficult at times, but the journey is worth it...YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Thank you that was great. I had the band 1 1/2 years ago and I am from 190-195 and my doctor is thrilled with that. I would like to lose 40-50 more but I am not perfect. I am happy just like you. I am older , 63.Thank you for your response! My personal goal was never to get to a certain number on the scale...but it was to feel good both physically and emotionally. I am 63 now too and feel wonderful every day. ... Peg

Hi Heather. I don't know if I am the best to give advice. But since you asked...here goes. My doctor has said that my success rate is not what he typically sees. We have spent some time discussing this together and what has worked for me is the following: 1. I am very vocal in the fact that I view my band is a tool...by itself I will not find the success that I want...life long health...I have had to learn to make good choices in the foods that I eat 2. I schedule routine appointments with my doctor -- before I leave his office from one visit I ALWAYS schedule my next one -- usually 5-6 weeks later. This has helped me because I KNOW that I am going to have to get back on the scale and then talk with the doctor about how I am doing -- accountability. 3. I weigh myself every morning. The scale helps me to set some mental goals for myself for the day. 4. If you think you might need a fill you probably do. 5. And, finally, find yourself a good support system. I have made good friends with several people who have also been banded. We are able to share both the successes and also the bad days. I hope this has helped a little. Don't worry if things slow down a bit -- you may need to start drinking more Water, or need a fill. Remember that every pound you lose represents weight that you NEVER have to see again. Happiness and health to you, Heather. Enjoy your journey. Peggy

Good response...this is a realistic way to look at your future successes. Again, my best wishes to you for continued successes....13# is awesome...and the best part is that you will NEVER have to see those pounds again. Take care...Peggy

As already stated by others you probably will not feel the benefits of the band until you start getting some restriction from the fills. One word of caution though -- it is importamt to remember that the band is a "tool" -- inorder for you to see the positive and life long effects that the band can provide you need to learn to make good choices about the foods that you choose. Foods such as pizza were probably not a good choice before banding and will definitely be problematic once you start getting fills and feeling restrictions. I was banded in 09/06. I am about 14# from my goal weight and have lost 186# so far. Believe me when I say that it has been a lot of work...and learning to make better choices in the foods that I chose to eat was difficult too. My life has changed for the better --I am so happy to be able to take long walks again and to really enjoy my health. Be patient as you continue to work through the early stages of your journey---you will be fine and I am sure will do well. Happiness and health. -- P

What a wonderful inspiration you are. This is my first time at any chat site for Lap Band and it was great to see that others are following the same general path that I have been on since I began my journey Sept 06. Like you, I have a goal of losing 200# -- I am currently down 186. I would like to get the other 14 off before May when I am scheduled to get all of the extra skin around my middle section removed. Nervous...but also can't hardly wait.