Has the lapband changed your life in the way you thought it would?

[Fauxnaif 1]

I guess my expectations for the band back in 2002 were:

1. get under 200 from over 300 lbs.

2. be able to shop in regular stores, not plus size

3. see if I felt like having a child and do that successfully if so

4. have more energy, be able to walk comfortably at malls, etc.

5. feel fairly normal

Here's what the band has done for me:

1. under 200 (184 and still losing)

2. wearing 12/14s in the regular stores!

3. have a healthy son whom I CAN chase around and play with and not get exhausted

4. have lots and lots more energy

5. working on the feeling normal part still

Unexpected effects of the band:

1. I thought I would be much smaller at this size. I've never been thin as an adult. I thought that with my large frame a 14 or 12 would make me look normal weight. But I don't think I do.

2. Still feel self-conscious when people look at me or comment on my weight loss-working on it.

3. My sex life has improved a million percent. I'm less inhibited and things are physically possible that weren't before.

4. I have dealt with so many emotional issues that helped me get fat that it has brought my husband and I a lot closer-talking the stuff out.

5. I'm turning into an athlete!

6. I now love shopping!

7. Feeling more confident and empowered I left a job that was sucking the life out of me and found something more suited to me and am now much happier.

8. I still feel fairly weird around men. But I'm working on that too.

9. Realized I am worth it and found a very, very effective medication regimen for my depression.

10. It's been slow. I've had to stop and get psychologically used to the changes then go on and lose more several several times. It's a big emotional deal when your body changes so much. But at least with the band I had the perogative to stop and wait a while then lose again.

All in all, I am so thankful for my band. It's been much better than expected and the things I still need to work on are getting better with time, a little therapy and exercise.

[Fauxnaif 1]

Thanks for your reply...Yes, I know the physchological stuff doesnt go away and you have to do that on your own...I have just admitted out loud that I have a problem a year ago and have been in therapy

Congratulations on going to therapy. I know that's a big step and takes A LOT of courage. The help of a good therapist is more beneficial than most people realize. Keep up the good work!

[Woodys 0]

The weight loss as a result of being banded has dramatically changed my life. My attitude towards so much in my life has changed. My overall appearance, not just the weight loss, has changed. I enjoy being a busy business woman, before the weight loss it was difficult to do a lot of things so I dreaded certain aspects of my job.....like serving in my restaurant...it was a very tight squeeze between chairs to serve my customers...now its not.

I breath easier, I climb stairs carrying a basket of laundry and don't have to stop to catch my breath, I sleep better, personal hygiene when using the loo is much much easier...its normal. Sex is great, I'm a lot less inhibitted and no longer self conscious. I like to shop for clothes now and experiment with new styles, hair, and makeup.....I didn't care before.

I love my band, I wish I had known about this option a long time ago.

Carol

[Victoriana 10]

Yes its made my life better and I m only half way through. Lots of the same reasons above apply here.

Just one more,, I can wear cute shoes again!!