My Lap Band Surgery Journey

[magneto1138 14]

14 months ago I embarked on an incredible journey. I have struggled with severe depression since my early teens and, like most, I took to eating as a coping mechanism. Throughout the years I have tried many diets. All of which were soon abandoned within the first couple of weeks. Towards the end of 2009 I had an injury and knew exactly what the cause was. The gavel in my mind slammed down. It was time to make a change and change for good, even if that meant taking drastic measures.

I had always been against any form of weight loss surgery. Thinking, "Why can’t you just lose weight like everyone else on a normal diet?" I finally caught myself in a huge pit of denial. After much research and consoling with my family; I decided to opt for laparoscopic banding. I knew that if I was to be paying for something this drastic, I would do it right and stick with it no matter what.

On 8/9/10 my 10 day pre-op liquid diet began, and my weight was 435 pounds! My surgery took place on 8/19/10, with no complications. I remained on my liquid diet for a total of 28 days. After that I was slowly re-introduced to foods. Having cut out all fried food, fast food, and sweets (I have had NO FORM of rice, bread, or Pasta since beginning). I now love my new diet. Fresh and healthy is a lifestyle I have learned to love. Sure, someday I will enjoy what I cut out from my diet, but I will be way smarter and more health-conscious when doing so.

After losing a hefty amount of weight, I was ready to hit the gym! I started a membership in January 2011, and have been dedicated to going at least 4 times a week since. Through the months, as the weight has been melting off, I begin to feel superhuman! Things I have not been able to do since my early teens, I now enjoy and love doing! I will stay true and dedicated to this lifestyle, even after my goal is met.

Thank you everyone for your support and love.

Life is good.

Oh, by the way, I have gone from 435lbs to 244lbs. A loss of 191lbs, as of 10/22/11.

Before:

After(pic is a couple weeks old):

[elcee 3,342]

WOW. That is amazing - you have done so well.

[Allison0927 329]

EXCELLENT WORK!!!!!!

[WEESIE 5]

You look AMAZING! Good job!

[FadnoMore 4]

you look absolutely amazing , I am too was 408lbs when starting this journey on 4/2011 and as of today 10/24/2011 I weigh 300lbs and I also go to the gym frequently. Keep up the great work

[Rachel412 116]

You should be so proud of yourself!!

[katwomantexas 2]

You look great. you should be so proud of yourself.

Kat

[justmermp 6]

Magneto is a villlian and in my eyes you are a hero! Definately someone to look up to. You have done fantastic and even though I don't know you I am proud of you!!! Great work.

[Sue Magoo 71]

Congrats! You look fabulous!

Sue

[DucksHockeyFan 0]

Hey there... Im a young guy too and started this journey at 416 lbs... This story made me decide to join this board... Congrats and I am hoping to be right behind you.

[byrd 28]

YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!!

[transforming jlaroux 78]

AMAZING transformation!

Its funny, you mention feeling superhuman, and I get that. Someone commented on a post of my 2 pics that both women looked beautfiul, and my response was, but the woman who is smaller FEELS beautiful!

It's amazing how this journey changes your aspect on living, isn't it?

[magneto1138 14]

Thank you all for the kind words! It truly has been an incredible journey! I had many clients come into my job, whom I haven't seen in almost a year, and they all ask me, "Where is Jordan?" That's always a great feeling, they are in total shock and disbelief Most are curious about how I did it, but feel hesitant to ask, and I always tell them I am happy to inform!

[kll724 3,055]

Magneto, you look fantastic! I know friends and family are proud of you. And you should be proud of the great job you are doing! Congrats! Karen

[MelindaH 3]

14 months ago I embarked on an incredible journey. I have struggled with severe depression since my early teens and, like most, I took to eating as a coping mechanism. Throughout the years I have tried many diets. All of which were soon abandoned within the first couple of weeks. Towards the end of 2009 I had an injury and knew exactly what the cause was. The gavel in my mind slammed down. It was time to make a change and change for good, even if that meant taking drastic measures.

I had always been against any form of weight loss surgery. Thinking, "Why can't you just lose weight like everyone else on a normal diet?" I finally caught myself in a huge pit of denial. After much research and consoling with my family; I decided to opt for laparoscopic banding. I knew that if I was to be paying for something this drastic, I would do it right and stick with it no matter what.

On 8/9/10 my 10 day pre-op liquid diet began, and my weight was 435 pounds! My surgery took place on 8/19/10, with no complications. I remained on my liquid diet for a total of 28 days. After that I was slowly re-introduced to foods. Having cut out all fried food, fast food, and sweets (I have had NO FORM of rice, bread, or Pasta since beginning). I now love my new diet. Fresh and healthy is a lifestyle I have learned to love. Sure, someday I will enjoy what I cut out from my diet, but I will be way smarter and more health-conscious when doing so.

After losing a hefty amount of weight, I was ready to hit the gym! I started a membership in January 2011, and have been dedicated to going at least 4 times a week since. Through the months, as the weight has been melting off, I begin to feel superhuman! Things I have not been able to do since my early teens, I now enjoy and love doing! I will stay true and dedicated to this lifestyle, even after my goal is met.

Thank you everyone for your support and love.

Life is good.

Oh, by the way, I have gone from 435lbs to 244lbs. A loss of 191lbs, as of 10/22/11.

Before:

After(pic is a couple weeks old):

Thank you for sharing your story and giving me hope. You look awesome. Your resolve is tremendous. Keep it up.

Melinda