Bandster Heaven?

[mermaidpuppy 0]

I'm scheduled for surgery on August 23. I'm very excited, however, I've been reading a lot of posts on her in the last week or so that are starting to slightly dampen my spirits. I know it's a tool.......I know I have a long road ahead of me to get where I want to be. But I'd like to hear from a few people who are doing well with their bands. Who loves the band and being banded, and can't imagine life without it! I need a few sucess stories! Thanks so much!

[JulieNYC 4]

mermaid,

I love my band and can't imagine life without it! I hope I never have to find out! Yes, it's not a cure-all for every eating problem, but it is a MAJOR tool to help you. It is absolutely worth the time, effort and money -- don't let the negatives we all discuss overshadow that. Look at the overwhelming number of people who would get banded again, if they knew then what they know now (there's a poll thread on that). The numbers speak for themselves, and forums naturally highlight problems over successes, as problems require solutions and discussion where successes require nothing but enjoying life!

So, my story in a nutshell is that 15 months ago I weighed 350 lbs. Today I weigh 165. I did nothing special other than try to eat sensibly (which is MUCH easier to do with the band, even when facing head hunger and not real hunger), and get a modest to moderate amount of cardio in when possible. I was a volume eater pre-band (meaning very big meals, but not really picking at food throughout the day), so the band really worked well for my type of bad eating habits.

Pre-band, I was super self conscious everywhere I went. I felt bad taking up too much room on the bus/subway/airplane/elevator and I wore a size 28. I was almost always the largest person in the room. I didn't want to get regular haircuts/nail appts/stylish clothes because I didn't want to confront mirrors. I wasn't very social because I had trouble keeping up with my friends (or if I did keep up, breaking a sweat when no one else did).

Now I wear a size 8 -- single digit size! Now I take the inside seat on the bus or the middle seat on a plane and it's no big deal. I get a haircut every 6 weeks and don't mind looking in the mirror. I got a better job, bought an apartment, and have a date tomorrow night with a super-hot colleague!

The band didn't fix all my problems. When my band is loose (I have big fluctuations), I'm still prone to the occasional binge and I haven't learned how to deal with that guilt in the most effective way. I still have issues with my family and my profession and I still need to take depression meds. But life is a WHOLE lot better.

Good luck.

[sherilynn 1]

Julie,

You once again have inspired me. Pre-band, your posts were a driving force. Post-band, they are priceless.

Thank you.

[JulieNYC 4]

Julie,

You once again have inspired me. Pre-band, your posts were a driving force. Post-band, they are priceless.

Thank you.

Thank YOU for the comment, sherilynn. I appreciate it very much!

[carol1951 0]

OK, so I was band on 3-30-07 and have lost 30lbs. I know thats not a lot, but I can only imagine where I would be right now if I hadn't had the band. I truely love my band and sometime I hate my band. I only hate when I really want to binge. But the band is there to remind me not to do it. I try sometime to overeat, but there is not room for that, so I go and do something else. I try to keep busy. Not all people lose fast and some of us have to work really hard to lose. Just remember that you are an individual and we all lose a little differently. I know you will be great at it and don't give on the people who write on this site to vent and to brag. Lots of people have right to brag. Just remember you will do just great and I know there is a lot of sucess stories out. Just look at the before and after picture. Good luck.

[juliegeraci 7]

I have lost 86 lbs so far in the last year or so. I have only lost 55 lbs after being banded however. I see that as a success because I have totally changed my behavior around food. I no longer binge for one thing. It is nice to not be as hungry. I started in a 24-26 and now where 18 bottom, 14-16 top. I see that as a huge success.

[mermaidpuppy 0]

Thank you all so much. This was exactly what I needed! I think there is such a thing as "too much research". I think I was just burned about with all the "PB's, reflux, port pain, Constipation, NO weight loss" talk. So your words of wisdom were a major help in getting my excitment spark back. I'm sure I'll be back to read these words more than a few more times in the weeks leading up to the big day. Thank you all so much!

[METALBAND 0]

Check out the thread in the general discussion called "whats improved for you" or anything that says NSV.

You will be amazed!!

[Jeni 85 0]

im 4mths post-op and im loving everyday ..... things just are getting better day by day... i lost 42 pounds so far and i have a lot more energy... i am finally excercising and going to the gym at least 3x a week!!! It's an exciting thing... dont let the negatives get your spirits down always be optimistic and things will turn out great.!!!!

[Iluvharleys 15]

Just remember that you are reading on a support board so you will see more problems than usual. You aren't hearing from all the people that are out there enjoying life without any problems. It's good to know all the possibilities of things that "could" happen though, and what to do in case they happen to you. I think we all worry so much the first year of banding, then we settle back a little and start enjoying our bands without so much worry. I don't think you can get enough information while researching, just remember that everyone doesn't have problems.

Good Luck!

[beachgirl 2]

I agree with Harley,

People with problems are on here more trying to figure out what to do next and people who are doing great are out living they're new life.

I am not a fast loser but it's been 12 months since I was banded and I've lost 80 pounds. The 80 pounds itself isn't a whole lot but the nsv's have been great. I was wearing 26's and 3x shirts. I'm 5'8". Now I go into Old Navy and buy 16's or XL pants and they're a little baggy. I wear large shirts, I can paint my own toenails, I don't worry about food or when I'm going to eat because I am very seldom hungry. I can run on the treadmill, I can get in the floor and play with my 2 year old granddaughter and I have a grandson due in 2 months. Life is great once again. I still have another 40 pounds to go but I'll get there and knock on wood, not the first problem with my band.

You'll do great and the band is the best tool in the shed by far.

[sherilynn 1]

The 80 pounds itself isn't a whole lot but the nsv's have been great.

You kidding girl????????????????????? 80 pounds is a tremendous amount of weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You lost a WHOLE Nicole Richie!!!!!!!!

[joanielll 0]

The 80 pounds itself isn't a whole lot but

80 lbs is a huge deal - congratulations!!

I can only dream about that much weight loss!!

Joanie

[wombat712 2]

Sherilynn: You lost a WHOLE Nicole Richie!!!!!!!!

That is too funny :0) lol