There Is Life After The Band

[Sojourner 2,446]

It has been just about a year since I visited this site. That date coincides with having my band removed for medical reasons. I am not writing this post to "bash" the band. I am thankful for my opportunity to lose weight with my band, and to get my life back.

I wanted to let others know that should they have the misfortune of having to have their band removed, it is not the end of your healthier life. I wanted to share my experiences, as I know what an emotional journey it has been for me, and to perhaps inspire others to never give up on themselves. Unlike many others who opted to revise to another WLS, I chose to not have a revision because my PCP advised me to give my inflamed GI tract a rest, as there was excessive scar tissue at my band site. I am amazed that if not careful, I am still able to get food stuck, even after the initial adjustment post band removal.

I believe I knew from the beginning that I would not have a long relationship with my band. I decided to make the most of my banded life, and embraced my new banded lifestyle. I was the poster child for diet and exercise compliance. And I feel I was reasonably successful with losing 90+ pounds during the 22 months I was banded. Now, about a year later, I have gained 5-6 pounds. The surgeon who removed my band told me to expect to gain around 10 pounds. I feel good about not gaining 10 pounds, but I need to be vigilant every day post band, as I was while I had my band to make healthy food choices and control my portions.

What has worked to help me to maintain a healthier weight:

Continue to eat like a banister. I still choose a lean Protein and a produce carb for every meal.

My portions are still band sized, with the exception of adding a couple of ounces of lean protein for meals.

I look for signs of satiety, and leave leftovers on my plate.

Exercise continues to be a priority, both cardio and toning.

Snacks are limited to Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, and a few raw nuts.

Above all I am thankful for the opportunity to have lost weight, and with continued good choices for diet and exercise am so far maintaining a healthier weight. I never achieved my goal weight, a huge disappointment for me. However, there is so much more on the positive side for me. I am now in training, and on pace to complete my first Half Marathon in February. This event is on my bucket list!

There are the same challenges every day, with or without the band. I have to manage my hunger, drink sufficient Water to help avoid eating between meals and in the evening. I keep my mind active with other focal points. My best practice I want to share, is that awareness and mindful eating is a life long event for anyone who has had to battle their weight. So is getting active with exercise, and continuing to be dedicated to your goals.

My enduring motivation to continue to make good choices is always to remember how much my overall health has improved. I had several serious co-morbidities prior to being banded, and now am able to walk for miles with no pain and without getting winded. Most of my health issues are resolved. I am mindful that I could lose all of the benefits I have gained through weight loss if I lose my focus on my healthier habits. Those habits have become internalized, and now are second nature.

Can I eat more if I wanted to, yes. I feel good about choosing not to. Can I choose slider foods that are high in fat and calories? Of course, we all can. But for me, it just feels better, both physically and psychologically not to. Am I hungry? Yes, most times than not. It is my accepted "normal".

I wanted to let others know that losing your band can be a very scary and anxiety provoking event. This past year has been a proverbial emotional roller coaster for me. But it does not mean that it is the end of a healthier life and inevitable excessive weight gain. Do I sometimes question the wisdom of not choosing to have a revision? Yes, and I know that if my weight ever were to get out of control I do have the option to choose another WLS. Above all, I understand that my future with my weight is dependent on the choices I make every day. I am up for the challenge, every day. And we all take a day at a time.

Best wishes for continuing success to us all!

Edited December 6, 2014 by ♥ Sojourner ♥

[Sojourner 2,446]

Technology challenged, as always. A couple of pictures taken this Fall, 2014. Life is great! 

[Jim1967 3,569]

Hi Carole,

It is good to see you. I often wondered how you were doing, hoping you were doing well. You were one of the first to welcome me to the site and offer me advice and encouragement and I thank you for that. I am happy to hear you are doing well and considering you've had the band removed and it is great you've been able to maintain. Now that I have made it this far in my journey I have often wondered myself what life would be like without my band and quite frankly the thought is terrifying. I have even had some bad dreams about it. I still do not trust I could do it without help. Even now I still weigh myself daily to hold myself accountable.

wish you all the best, Jim

[JaGo 16]

@Sojourner, all I can say is wow! Your post is such an inspiration. All I could think abt was that although your band has been removed, the effects of it are still working for you.

It seems to have given you the jumpstart needed to get to a healthier you. You have major disciplime that many veterans like myself are still trying to aspire to.

Thank you for your encouraging post and reminding us of what our focus and goal should be and CAN successfully be.

Its been 4 years since I've been banded and I've been having emotional interference which is causing me to lose all discipline and I am gaining weight. Your post has inspired me.

Thank you.

JaGo

[Kitt3000 757]

Hi Carole,

Thank you for taking the time to help by coming back to post this message onthe board. You have given us a gift today, I hope and wish for you, success. I think your name Sojourner,says it all.

Best wishes,

Kitt

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I am grateful for your post as well, and happy for your success. So much of our battle is mental and habitual. You look happy and healthy and gorgeous. Thanks for your inspiring post!