What the band did for me

[Joel 126]

Hi all!

I havent been on here in a while. I was banded almost 2 years ago. I was on here every day in the months before my surgery, and the months following.

Just a quick re cap for all that dont feel like searching my old posts, My story began at the age of 29. I was right at 360 ish pounds give or a take a cheeseburger or two;) and going up. Miserable, High blood pressure. It was taking a toll on my marriage, However my wife was always supportive and loving. I can see now how much it affected our marriage though in the size 32 pants I wear today. It was also effecting the life I wanted to live with my two little girls. I could not be the daddy I needed to be for them. So with that being said, I took the leap, lost the 30 pounds needed for my surgery and went for it.

I made a solid, silent commitment to myself before my surgery. I took what my doctors had said to heart. This was not a fix all cure all. I would need to change my thinking process. The band was there to help and that is it. So Oct 25th 2011 I had my surgery.

The next week was hell as all you bandsters know. All kinds of crazy pains to get through. Then came all the steps up to moving back into regular foods, and very small amounts as you all know. As soon as I could I was back i the gym 6 days a week. I walked 2 miles a day, until i was fit enough to run. Weightlifting 2 hours a day. In the month of december following my surgery I dropped 33 pounds alone. I have never been so focused toward a goal in my life. My doctors were and still are today at what I did in the amount of time I did it.

By June 7th 2011 I had hit my goal mark of weighing 180 pounds.And I did it in less than 9 months. The band is the real deal, IF YOU make up your mind to use it properly.

Today I stand at a healthy 200-205 pounds pending a piece of chicken Breast:) I have been able to maintain my current weight for a good year without any issues whatsoever. The single best attribute of the band is not the fact that it creates a little pouch so you get full faster, but it TRAINS you on how to eat properly which is the best gift of all. My high blood pressure is gone, I can run with my daughters at the park, I am still in the gym 5 days a week and I absolutely love being healthy and fit. I am so addicted to fitness and weight training, my wife has threatened to commit me to an asylum.

180 pounds lost. Exactly 1/2 of me in under 9 months

To all the nay sayers that come on here and bash the band, and I have seen plenty of them. It is what YOU and a band make of it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

For all the people on here that are struggling with staying with it and miss the food. Press on;) The gift of health, the gift of wearing normal clothes, the gift of a longer life. Is is far more valuable than that value meal:)

And to all the doctors out there that are slowly moving away from the band, saying "you can only lose 40% or so of the excess weight" Ha!!. Dont let that move you from your choice of the band. Because again. Its you, Not the band.

I am here for any and all guidance, questions and or concerns any time. I have a few pictures before and afters as well on my gallery for you guys to see.

God bless

Joel

[Sharpie 3,306]

Great post Joel.. We need more of you on here.. I agree with everything you said.. You made the choice to be a healthier Dad.. No greater gift to your children than that... God Bless You...

[jfc193 718]

Wow very impressive, Thanks for sharing your success. It really helps everyone around you with your choices, you keep up with your children but I am having so much fun with the grand children.

[bandedblake 34]

wow its like looking in a mirror before the band that is u are amazing dude im just starting my journey i also plan on hitting the gym like its my job as soon as im fit enough i feel the same as u did with the kids and long 2 run and play as i should be u r an inspiration many thanks blake

[NWgirl 574]

Lovely post and encouragement to keep on. I think a lot of people go into this not realizing how many changes have to be made in order to truly embrace the band. I love that I was given a second chance and will never regret my decision.

[dawalsh 919]

What an inspiration! I'm in it to win it with my band. My battle over obesity has been a lifetime event and the band is helping.

Thanks for such a great post!

[Ladybandito 516]

Nice! Thank you for a heartfelt post!

[Joel 126]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. Like I said feel free to message me anytime if you have any questions. I love to help:)

[catfish87 3,471]

Congrats on a job well done!

[catfish87 3,471]

Congrats on a job well done!

[Bandista 7,466]

Wow! And thanks for sharing your story. Looking forward to putting down a couple of heavy suitcases worth over the next year or two -- and to being able to romp with children, feel good on a sailboat, bike for fun, etc. As I'm waiting for a date to begin it all, this kind of update is so encouraging.

[SillyAuntDi 1,610]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing. I'm eager to be banded and get started on my journey You gave me that little dose of inspiration I needed today.

[Tomander 614]

Joel

I LOVE this point in your post... couldn't agree more.

"To all the nay sayers that come on here and bash the band, and I have seen plenty of them. It is what YOU and a band make of it. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Congratulations on your success.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

[kll724 3,055]

Congratulations Joel, you are definitely an inspiration to the men who see mostly women on this site. I hope that others can follow in your footsteps. You and your family must be very proud of the job well done! bet wishes to a wonderful future!!Karen

[MikeFromNY 14]

Do you have a permit for those guns?

LOL, nice going doode!