My New Life Began Nov. 10, 2005

[josephine 1]

It is still inconceivable to me that I have been able to maintain my weight loss since July 25, 2006. I began my journey at 251 lbs, and a size 22 clothing, on Nov. 10, 2005 and I have been maintaining a 109 lb. loss for 1 year and 4 months. I am now 142 lbs a wear a size 6 clothing. Looking back in time prior to being banded losing weight was always a success but for 3 months and back to the weight I began with plus more. When I think about it I believe it has alot to do with age and the older we get the more afraid we are of life and what we have to look forward to. I know for sure with gaining, losing, gaining, losing is so unhealthy for a person but that is how most of have been, wouldn't you say?

I am the strange one of the bunch also that never had a fill. My band is empty and why I haven't needed a fill ever I will never understand it. My doctor has his own explanation but it isn't written in the books. Some people are able to acheive their goal even with 1 fill. He believes with some people when the band is placed is goes right onto a sensor that goes straight to your brain to tell you that you are full and that happens to very few people.

I know that I still have some kind of eating disorder because I am terrified to put anything unhealthy into my mouth. I have an addiction to fast food and I haven't even put it to my lips since Nov. 2005. I heard that having liquid calories are empty, unhealthy calories so I haven't had a drink since Nov, 2005. I don't miss any of the above and I am still addicted to the smell of the grease from fast food and that is the reason why I stay away from it.

I see my doctor every 3 months now because he wants to be sure that I do not lose anymore weight. I asked him since I am 2 years out with having this band what do I need to watch out for and he said Acid Reflux......... I am confused at what that is........ I know it is heart burn but is that only burping up your food and feeling a burning senesation? For the past week I have been experiencing heart burn from coffee, citrus, and even other foods. I don't burp up that feeling it is just there. I started taking Lexapro for depression/anxiety at the same time and this start happening. I don't know if it is from this or can anyone think of anything else.

I have never gotten sick from tha band or anything that I have ever eaten. I am not restricted from anything except broccoli . I am such an upbeat type person and I don't want anything to go wrong. I have my obsessions though and that is staying healthy and getting a little more muscular each time I am with my trainer.

I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on what to do.

Josephine

[salsa1877 10]

Josephine,

Congrats on your weight loss. I got my band in August of this year, and like you, must have had my band placed in just the right place. I am rarely hungry and have only had 1 fill. The only reason that I actually got the first fill was so that they could check in under fluoro and I could be satisified that everything was where it was supposed to be. I keep hearing about people going in for their 2nd and 3rd fill and almost feel that maybe I should. However, I have lost 46 pounds in less than 3 months, so I don't feel that there is any need to fix something that is not broken.

As for Lexapro, I had a friend who took it and I vaguely remember her talking about heartburn. I have not taken that one, but I have been on effexor and I would highly suggest staying away from that one. It took me over 3 months to come off of it because if you miss a dose it makes you feel like you are terribly sea sick.

I like you have stayed away from fast food (except taco bell) because I just don't want to go there right now. The only reason I have gone to taco bell is because it was either there or nothing when we were travelling. I have not eaten at mcdonalds or burger king since August 8, the day before I was banded. We do most of our cooking at home so it hasn't been a huge problem, but I know that if I tried it and it went down, I could be in a world of hurt! As for drinking, I was a big Water drinker before so that was not a problem. The only other thing that I normally would drink is milk, but for some reason I because lactose intolerant after the surgery!

We started out at almost the exact same size and weight, so you are an inspiration to me. Hopefully I can be just as successful as you. Thanks for your story!

[josephine 1]

Karri,

I thank you for your help. As always, because I am so different from everyone who has been banded, I barely ever get a response from anyone on lapbandtalk.com. When I go to support group meetings I don't get many responses either from anyone. It is hard to relate to them as I am sure it is hard for others here to be able to relate to me also.

I wish you much success with your new life and believe me, down the road it feels WONDERFUL. Just don't change who you are inside.

Josephine

[Jachut 487]

I'd say that your medication could definitely have something to do with the heartburn, its so unlikely that you would have this with an unfilled band.

its good to hear your story and know you're still enjoying your success.

[jtag10_4 2]

Hi Josephine,

I am not banded yet but have been mostly lurking since I started this little adventure in June. I remember reading somewhere on LBT that people who took Zoloft had heartburn, the quick solution was if they took it with a little food it took care of the hearburn. I'm sure you can do a search on here and find the thread, but Lexapro might fall into that same category.

Congrats on your success! I sure hope to be there in a year or so!

[salsa1877 10]

Josephine - I hope that your heartburn settles down. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I have a great support system outside of the bandster world so that helps a great deal. My dad, who is very large 400+ is not the greatest support in the world, but my BF and brother have been there for me every step of the way. They will also help ensure that I don't change. I know that I feel so much better now, I can't imagine what I will feel like in 52 pounds!