250 pounds down in my sixth year and finally coasting

[sandi2004 2]

I have been fighting the fat war since I was 4 years old. I finally won the war, leaving only small skirmishes that crop up regularly. My friends tell me these little battles are what a “normal” person always deals with.Just five years ago, I was 424 pounds, had arthritis in my right knee, and had trouble walking across a parking lot. My asthma forced me to stop and catch my breath several times across those parking lots. I rented a scooter to be able to take my grandkids to Disneyland. I let my husband go into the market while I waited in the truck. People looked fearfully at me when I was getting on a plane, hoping I wasn’t sitting next to them.

In March 2004, at 424 pounds, I had a hypertension crisis that got my attention. To this point, my arthritis, asthma, reflux, and sleep apnea had not yet been enough to make me take notice.

I have succeeded at most everything I have tried in life -- I have a wonderful marriage of more than 40 years to my soul mate, a great daughter, four awesome grandchildren, and a successful business I built from scratch over 20 years ago. But I could NEVER get a handle on my weight for longer than five minutes.

On 5/28/2004, at 55 years old, I had life-changing, and life-saving, Lap-band®®® surgery. Within 28 months I had lost 250 pounds. Now, more than five years after surgery, I am holding at 175 pounds and loving it. I am off all my medications and move freely and vigorously through my new life. With the help of this tool and a great support team I have reached a place where it is fun to go anywhere and try new things, and I actually enjoy looking at pictures of myself (well, most of the time).

[crzytchr 3]

Congratulations! You have done an amazing job. It is wonderful to hear from a long-time bandster who is still doing so well! You are truly inspirational.:thumbup:

[btrieger 21]

Wow!!! Congrats is understatement here!

Do you still keep in contact with your surgeon and get any kind of maintenance fills here and there?

[sandi2004 2]

thanks for the kudos guys...and in answer to the question do I still keep in touch with my surgeon the answer is yes. I go to see him about once every 6 months- he still checks my Vitamin levels and I can still have a fill if I like(I had one about 6 months ago). I also volunteer and do testimonials at his seminars and am very active in our LAP-BAND® support group and our entire support group network- we have regular events in addition to our monthly meetings.

I still wake up every day extremely grateful for living in this era of wonderful innovations like the LAP-BAND® which allow me to live a normal healthy life.

[CASSIEME1 1]

Woow you look great hopefully i can be a successful testimony someday.as of yet i am still obese.dying 2 b thin

[sandi2004 2]

Thank you. You can do it too if I was able to! where are you in your journey? I offer my assistance as a mentor on the mentor forum if you have questions, need help, or just need someone to talk to throughout your transformation. I could not have done this without my support team which was the doctor, his staff, the Lapband support group and some friends I made in the group as well as my family. Use every resource you can. Good luck, I look forward to seeing a post from you thay says- I did it!

[krstjump03 0]

Just amazing! I am being banded in the morning and your story is truly inspirational. Just what i needed! Thanks!

[sandi2004 2]

You are at the first day in the rest of your life!

[FunnyFlamingo2010 0]

Congraulations.

I can only imagine how much your life has changed.

You are beautiful!!!

May I ask if you have had to have any skin surgery since losing your weight?

[sandi2004 2]

I didn't have to have any skin surgeries but I did choose to. If you would like some of the details please feel free to send me a PM. I am defiitely enjoying the new me!

[fjg 0]

What a wonderful story!!! I have heard about Dr. Billy. How do I get started with my journey?

Thanks

Fred

[sandi2004 2]

you n eed to find a seminar in your area and attend it. You may want to call your insurance company first to find out a little about what may be covered. Ask me any other questions as they come up. If you like, you can follow my journey from the very beginning at my new blog www.sandisbandedliving.com or just keep asking your questions here. Good luck to you on your journey!

sandi2004

[MommyOf1 1]

Congratulations x 1000! What an amazing feat! I don't even know you but I am damn proud of ya! Muah!

[sandi2004 2]

Thanks for the congrats. I worked hard to achieve it and could not have done it without: 1- the band....2- the support of my friends, family and surgeon's practice. If you would like to read more about my story and the past 6 years of life around the surgery take a second and take a look at my blog at www.sandisbandedliving.com

[shadst8 8]

You are so inspiring. Since I had such a high BMI, I know I have a great deal more weight to lose than some, but you have really encourage me. I know my goal is very achievable. Congratulations on the tremendous success:thumbup: