Hi from an old friend 18 months out...

[Kelly Ann 0]

Hey everyone! I have not posted in a long time...I read but don't post. I was dismayed to see how many prominent bandsters had lost their bands like DeLArla, La Madam, and Penni. They truly helped me early on and I wish them the very best here today. I have managed to stay within 147-152 pounds for most of the time except when I needed an unfill due to illness. I have learned when I get sick with a mucus related thing I don't tolerate it well with the band. Both times I was unfilled and gained.. I just wanted to say hello and say yes I am so much happier and would do it again today. If i ever have any problems I will get a new one and this latest weight gain has brought me to my knees emotionally making me realize again I have no control. I never have never will. I just was filled today and am getting mentally ready to stay focused and start losing again. I never thought I would go up two sizes again... I was in Florida over spring break and covering up my stomach in my bathing suit. It hurt to come this far and start to go backwards... I must pull myself up out of being down and keep using this tool. I should never have put off my refill for 8weeks!!!!! I won't let that happen again!!! Cheers to you all out there !

[DesertDiva 0]

Hi Kelly Ann,

I have not been banded yet. I hope to have mine done about mid-May. I can relate to your concerns, though. I am a compulsive food addict and I have not EVER had control over food. The best I ever did was in OA. For a year I was abstinent and had reached my goal. Then I went through some emotional junk and started eating...gained everything plus a whole lot more. One gal wrote that she sees a therapist on a regular basis to help stay on program since she's done the band. I may have to do that because of my cravings for sugar/sweets in general.

After your surgery, did your cravings go away?

I want you to know that I hope that I can do as well as you have done when I get my surgery. All I can do is hope for progress, not perfection.

Take care, and write sometime.

Robin:clap2:

[Elisabethsew 50]

Thank you for posting your update. It's great to hear from "experienced" people who were banded and to be reminded that the lapband is merely a tool and not a substitute for healthy eating. I think it's wonderful you were able to maintain your loss and hope to see more postings from you as you continue your downward journey with the refill.

[Alexandra 55]

Hi Kelly Ann, nice to see you! Glad to hear you're doing well.

I can totally relate to the problems you have when congested with mucus. I have the exact same issues, and I think I'm just going to have to stay on allergy medications at certain times of year. It's a drag, but just now my band is completely unfilled and though I'm not gaining, I do worry what I'd do if I had another congestion/reflux attack. There's no more Fluid to remove! The good news is that I'm fine with my level of restriction, and not gaining. Thank goodness.

Good luck and keep posting!

[Kelly Ann 0]

thank you for all of your comments and good wishes for my continued journey. Yes Robin I do still crave sweets at times. Those times I find are the typical week before my period. I emotionally crave them too I think. My posting and coming back on a regular basis to this site is probably my first step toward getting more emotional help. I am deep full of pushed down hurt over many years and eating, drinking, shopping , getting on a plane and getting away when I get overwhelmed are symptoms of something I need to deal with. I am very happy with this weight loss it has been incredible! A true re-birth. The reaction I have had from people has been great. I had a 20 year high school reunion, my daughters sweet 16 party, holidays and so forth where I wore things I never dreamed I would ever again. The months and the pounds coming off the past year and half are something you new people will relish like I did. Already this tool of a lap band in( 24 hours) has already stopped my overeating . I can feel the fill working however my allergies are killing me and the mucus thing did bother me last night ... I forgot all about my allergies until you said it Alexandra! I am hoping to get back on track and feel better about myself instead of (dare I say) a failure again??? I have no right to say that because I am lucky to have gotten even to this point. It is just me and my own deep issues that I think I better finally do something about. I have told so many people at my doctors' office about this site because it is so great and the people on it the best. I may consider the OA Robin that is a good idea. I also am planning on going to a support group at my doctor's office next week for bandsters 12 plus months out from their operations. I have never been before. I still am a closet bandster except for my kids, and hubby. That may explain me a little more....