I'm down 104 pounds!

[quakergirl 2]

I'm now about 11 months out, and I've lost 104 pounds!

From a high of 372 (medically considered "super morbidly obese"), I am now at 268 (close to no longer being "morbidly obese").

I feel great - more optimistic about life in general than pre-op.

My hormones were all out of whack when I was heavier. I had just about every PCOS symptom you can think of - but thankfully that seems to have improved as I've lost weight.

I just started a job where I have to be on my feet most of the time (very time consuming, so that's why I don't post much lately), yet I feel fine at the end of the day. I think my feet would be killing me if I were walking around that much 100 pounds ago. I am glad for the activity though - I think moving around more is just what I need to keep losing weight.

I'm not quite as self-conscious as I used to be. I am still fat, but no longer the biggest person in the room everywhere I go. It feels nice to be able to find clothes that fit at "normal" stores (not just the "fat" stores). It feels nice to "fit in". However, my empathy for fellow fat people has only grown as I have gotten smaller. It was hard to see at my highest weight, but NOW I see that we who are fat really aren't inferior to smaller people.

I am not sure yet where my ultimate goal will be. Even if I don't lose any more weight, losing 100 pounds has made the surgery very worthwhile. However, I do believe I'll keep losing - so we'll see what happens!

Based on my experiences, here's what I'd say to new bandsters (no big surprises here, but worth repeating) :

-Take full advantage of resources like this messageboard! The long-term bandsters on these kinds of sites know more than the average doctor does about this surgery.

-You do need to get more exercise, but it doesn't have to be at a gym. My focus is on little things like walking a little farther each day, or going up and down the stairs more often. I'm also going to start swimming once the weather warms up. Swimming is probably the least painful exercise for those of us who are bigger.

-Don't be discouraged if you're not losing as fast as someone else is. Focus on small victories and "mini goals", and soon they'll add up. Remember, no surgery is guaranteed to make you look like a super model, but with the band, you'll almost surely end up feeling better than you were pre-op.

-PERSONALLY, I don't feel that it's necessary to count carbs or calories with the band. I just focus on eating filling and nutritious food. I eat plenty of rice, noodles, and Gardenburger products even though they have carbs. Maybe I would have lost faster if I had restricted carbs or whatever, but I know I wouldn't be able to stick with low-carbing forever. My priority is with having a lifestyle I can sustain for life so I know the weight won't pile back on when I get tired of the regimen.

Bottom line: The band has been the easiest and most pleasant way I've ever lost weight, and the ONLY way I've ever been able to lose 100+ pounds!

Good luck to everyone else out there!

[Graceful One 4]

Here Here...Cheers to you! You are doing so awesome!

[mrwindt 12]

Congratulations. What a wonderful achievement!

Mary

[shellyj 5]

WOOOOHOOOO!!!!

thats AWSOME!!!!! i CANT WAIT to join you!!!

[bbrecruiter2000 1]

Congratulations on losing 104 pounds. That is truly fantastic and you should be extremely proud of yourself.

babs in TX

334/231/180

-103

6/23/03

[Alexandra 55]

Wow, Quakergirl, what an achievement!! It's so wonderful to read success stories like yours, and to learn that even if you're not freaking out about carb or calorie counting it's still possible for the band to work for us.

You go, girl!! :D

[gretat 0]

What an inspiration you are! I like your mind-set. That this is a pleasant way to lose weight----I'm days away from my surgery and having thoughts about doing the right thing. Thank you for sharing your experience---I'm feeling better having read it!!

Greta

[~c~ 1]

Wow 104 that's amazing!I am so happy for you.Keep up to loser work;)

C

[Vera 7]

Congratulations

The long-term bandsters on these kinds of sites know more than the average doctor does about this surgery.

Thanks for your knowledge and insights.

[Audrey 21]

What a FANTASTIC post !

Good on ya !

Aud x