4 Year Anniversary - Highs And Lows

[neddickman 0]

Today I am celebrating my 4th year of having the lap band. I have definitely had my ups and downs. I originally began my journey at 336 lbs. I am 6'3 and was at the point of knowing I needed help. Today I am 295lbs and still working on losing more weight but not so much using the band to assist me for over 3 years. I know I know, but I have struggled with food for most of my life and I wanted to learn to beat these demons without running to the band when it got hard for me.

The lowest weight I achieved was 289lbs before I stopped the band adjustments. Also I did a heck of a lot of exercise that I have cut back on and I do think that exercise helps lose weight and builds a more healthy looking body. I have started to get back onto the work out horse but slowly. I am transitioning from recently selling my company and feel this is a good time to re-engage into my own health. Selling the company was a stresser for sure and that also does not help with the goals of losing weight.

Band issues. Sometimes I have restriction and sometimes nothing. Sometimes it burns and sometimes nothing. It all depends on what I eat, how fast I eat it and chewing. There are foods that are always a struggle, Pasta, some veggies, eggs sometimes, it all depends. Protein which I would expect to be problematic is for the most part easy to work with. I do have vomiting sometimes when I eat too fast and it will not go down the opening, I call it a "clog"

Overall I think it was a good decision for me and I want to know from other longtime band wearers what decisions that they have made. I am still thinking this all through even after 4 years because every day I wake up with it and know i have this unit in me that reminds me of the decisions I have to make.

41 lbs is not bad I know 60 would be even better, but liking myself is the key to winning this battle and I am beginning to like myself..a lot.

In Oakland CA...best to you all.

Gar

[Jim1967 3,569]

Hi Gar thanks for sharing your story. I have only been banded a short time so I don't have long term experiences to share. From what I read in your post it sounds like your putting a lot of pressure on yourself. What drove you away from working with the band? What is the point of having it if you don't utilize it? Needing help with your demons is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. We have one trip down the road of life and it's all about health, happiness and longevity. I suggest getting in with your doc and get your band assessed and adjusted if needed.

Several years ago 2003 to be exact I went on a low carb diet at 393 pounds and dropped 174 pounds in 19 months. I was walking around at 220 and felt great. Fast forward to 2011 I was back to 486 pounds. At 44 years old I decided wls was the way to go because its about quality of life and I need help with my food addiction both physically and mentally.

I wish you good luck and hope you can find your way.

Best, Jim

[Mamarotten 1]

Gar, sounds like you are on the right track. Getting my Lapband is the best thing I have EVER done for myself. You got it for a reason and it sounds like to me, you should let yourself rely on it a little more. Keep your positive attitude and keep up the good work. GO RAIDERS!!!!

[1QueenB53 0]

I am also celebrating my 4th anniversary with my band. I am 5'7" and weighed 243 when I had my surgery. I was miserable. Mentally it was difficult because until I was in my 30's I weighed 125. I never lost my weight after having my children. I was totemic with both and I weighed 218 lbs. when I delivered each one. Now at 59 and 4 years into my band, I am still struggling with my weight. I currently weigh 208. I work out at the gym and eat mostly Protein, but my body just stays the same. I have been faithful on having my band checked and adjusting fills. It thrills me that other banders have so much success, but it also is disheartening that I am unable to lose similarly. I could use some suggestions if any one else has had major, long lasting plateaus.

[Humming Bird 275]

I agree with what the others said. There is no shame in using the band. That is the point in having it. I dropped 100 pounds in the first year and I would give using the band 80-90% of the credit for the loss. I spent very little time "working at it", beating myself up, or struggling to do it on my own. Fills and staying in the green zone/sweet spot is the key to my success.

I say go get a fill and use that band!

[judych 225]

Today I am celebrating my 4th year of having the lap band. I have definitely had my ups and downs. I originally began my journey at 336 lbs. I am 6'3 and was at the point of knowing I needed help. Today I am 295lbs and still working on losing more weight but not so much using the band to assist me for over 3 years. I know I know, but I have struggled with food for most of my life and I wanted to learn to beat these demons without running to the band when it got hard for me.

The lowest weight I achieved was 289lbs before I stopped the band adjustments. Also I did a heck of a lot of exercise that I have cut back on and I do think that exercise helps lose weight and builds a more healthy looking body. I have started to get back onto the work out horse but slowly. I am transitioning from recently selling my company and feel this is a good time to re-engage into my own health. Selling the company was a stresser for sure and that also does not help with the goals of losing weight.

Band issues. Sometimes I have restriction and sometimes nothing. Sometimes it burns and sometimes nothing. It all depends on what I eat, how fast I eat it and chewing. There are foods that are always a struggle, Pasta, some veggies, eggs sometimes, it all depends. Protein which I would expect to be problematic is for the most part easy to work with. I do have vomiting sometimes when I eat too fast and it will not go down the opening, I call it a "clog"

Overall I think it was a good decision for me and I want to know from other longtime band wearers what decisions that they have made. I am still thinking this all through even after 4 years because every day I wake up with it and know i have this unit in me that reminds me of the decisions I have to make.

41 lbs is not bad I know 60 would be even better, but liking myself is the key to winning this battle and I am beginning to like myself..a lot.

In Oakland CA...best to you all.

Gar

Gar... thanks so much for sharing this.. you are very encouraging. im only a couple of months out post banding and i want to be successful long term .... so i need to read these stories more. thanks again. judy