6 years banded, but beginning the journey anew!

[AudreeS 24]

Hello, my name is Audree. I was banded in January of 2007, so over 6 years ago. My surgery was done in Mexico by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I am a self pay lower bmi bandster. I also have the Inamed 4cc band, low profile port. My highest weight before surgery was about 195. Prior to that after I had my daughters, my highest weight was 240. My lowest was about 160 and I am around 166. Its been a few years since I was able to go back to see him for a check up or fill, so I can eat with almost no restriction. The only exception to this is right before my cycle, if I am stressed or eat to fast.

I recently got married and have a new insurance. I was happy to find out that I could be seen here for check ups and fills by my new doctor in the States Dr. Phillippe Quilici in Burbank. I had my band checked and they said it was fine. I got a .5 fill which supposedly put me at 3.5 I thought they said. I felt very little restriction. So, I am going back this month on the 24th to get another fill. I am excited to use my band again after all this time and finally get down to my goal of 150. I am really looking for encouragement as a lower bmi bandster who is close to goal. I am about 16 pounds away from my all time goal. Then I know that maintaining it off will be the new goal. With little restriction I had to maintain and/or lose maintaining between 175-165 for the last few years. But I know the band still keeps me from eating as much as I could without it. There are days I don't feel as restricted, then there are days I can definitely feel it! I am doing a 5 day pouch reset currently on day 2 before I get my fill next week on Thursday.

I am super excited to get back on my journey!!!

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

Sounds like you have done very well over the years! Congrats on your hard work, dedication and success. I wish you much success getting back with your dr. and getting off those last few pounds!

[AudreeS 24]

Sounds like you have done very well over the years! Congrats on your hard work' date=' dedication and success. I wish you much success getting back with your dr. and getting off those last few pounds![/quote']

Thanks for your encouraging words Im really excited to finally cross the finish line to my goal!

[blacktxbelle 99]

You've done a great job! All those years without maintenance to you band, that is truly impressive. With a will like that I'm sure you will get to goal. Congrats on the new insurance. It's amazing the differences from one to the other.

[Bandista 7,466]

Way to go finding a new doctor and getting the band checked out and now the fills to get you where you need to be. I love it that the band is adjustable. You are so ready to do this -- very happy for you! We have similar stats but you're much closer to goal. I am 5'6" and started at my all-time high of 250 and am now at 190. Feeling the pants loosen which is usually a sign I'm about to drop a little chunk. My goal is 148 -- I think. I actually have no idea what will feel right. But I'm sure happy to have this sixty pounds off! And now I'm an exerciser -- just back from my daily one-hour walk and can't believe how good I feel. Yippee!