Doctor visit, 7 months out

Alexandra · March 24, 2004

So I saw my doctor today, a follow-up visit a month after my last fill. He was very pleased! Since my last visit in January I've lost 13 lbs, and I could see him watching me closely to see if I expressed any dissatisfaction with that at all. I guess he gets a lot of that!

But I'm not dissatisfied, and know that I'm exactly where I need to be. I mean, I've been over 300 lbs my entire adult life (except for a few months in 1990, after Optifast), and I know it's important to take time to make this change. Just the fact that I now weigh 275 and comfortably wear a size 22 is MIND-BLOWING!! If this is where I settle I know I'm MUCH better off than where I came from, and healthier, stronger, more energetic, and, yes, prettier. ( shhhh, I didn't say that, did I?)

My doctor shared a great analogy. He said the band behaves sort of like a tollbooth on the parkway. It is a barrier that is open to a greater or lesser degree. Sometimes the barrier creates backup, and other times traffic moves smoothly through it. The more traffic, the more likely there is to be a backup. NOW I get it!!

On the medical side, it's easy from here. I'm to call in my weight to their offices once a month, and if I hit a long plateau we can talk about another adjustment. But I've already learned that a "plateau" to my body isn't two weeks of no loss--I've had that happen several times. What tells me I need an adjustment is that food isn't being held up at the tollbooth to my stomach. Numbers aren't the whole story, especially since I'm exercising.

Tomorrow I'm going to a new support group my doctors' office has organized, and it will be interesting to hear what my doctor hears from other bandsters. People here seem to have a pretty good handle on banded life! :eek:

I do love my band. And just as a topper, the weather is getting warmer, finally!! :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny

sassaay · March 25, 2004

Alexandra,

Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on getting to know yourself and your band so well. I hope to gain such knowledge as I go through this journey.

I am anxious to hear what you think about your new support group. There are no bandsters in my doctor's group even though they seem to be doing more and more LapBand placements... maybe more will join and we can eventually have our own group like you and your local bandsters.

Thanks again,

donali · March 25, 2004

What a wonderful update, Alexandra. I love your approach to your journey. Wishing you continuing peace and success!

mrwindt · March 25, 2004

Alexandra

Congratulations on your progress. Sometimes slow can be frustrating, but you have such a good attitude. I hope you find the support group helpful. I go regularly to my doc's support groups and find them very helpful and encouraging.

Keep it up!

Mary