13 Months and 130 Pounds Gone Forever !!!

[ivyrose325 0]

I had emerged from a childhood of being obese as a slim size 6 teenager vowing never to be fat again. A decade later I was bigger then ever. There was no one specific event that made me decide that having the Lap Band placed was the right decision for me, rather it was all of the small indignities that were becoming common place in my life. There were many, but with each new indignity I became more hindered in my ability to live the type of life that I wanted to. At first not being able to cross my legs was just something that I would have to live with. Then I had to start looking for seats without arms, which made going to a movie an anxiety producing event. Eventually shaving my legs became a feat worthy of a contortionist. I was actually grateful that my then year old son was a late walker, as I could not fathom chasing after a toddler

I couldn’t understand why I was so fat. I had been a vegetarian for almost 15 years I was insulted whenever a complete stranger or doctor implied that I must be scarfing down whoppers and fries. Of course I knew the answer, I just ate too often and too much.I ate when I wasn’t hungry, I ate when I was sad, I ate when I had a argument with my husband, I ate when my feelings had been hurt because I had been ostracized due to my weight.

After delivering my son in May 2006 I weighed in at 375 pounds, six months later I was down to 330 and the scale wouldn’t go down from there. Both my mother and my husband asked why I couldn’t just lose weight on my own again. I could never express what I felt, inside “Why ? When I won’t be able to keep it off ?”

At that time I went to an information session at my local hospital, I decided that night that I much preferred having the Lap Band placed instead of either RNY or the Duodenal Switch, the only three surgeries preformed there. I also learned that I would have to wait until I was at a least a year post par tum to have the surgery, the hospital’s policy.

I would love to say that during the interim between the information session and my surgery eight months later I changed my eating habits and started a healthy new lifestyle, but in reality I ate like I was going to the chair. I went for all of the prerequisite exams and learned what I was truly doing to my health. I was at the cut off point for not needing a Cpap machine, my heart was enlarged, I had horrible GERD, and my joints ached constantly. Yet I couldn't stop eating.

Still when I received a call on July 26, 2007 saying that there was a cancellation with my surgeon and I could have my surgery in a mere 5 days I balked. “Could I really do this?” Resoundingly the answer that came from within was “YES I CAN ” I told my skeptical spouse and mother my decision and turned into a shrew waiting for my surgery day. I weighed in at 342 pounds the day of my surgery.

The band has been an amazing tool in my life giving me a sense of satiety that I never had before.

I have had success with my band because I keep reminding myself of my inner voice that told me I could when the closest people to me were skeptical. I walk 90 minutes a day at least 5 days a week and follow the Bandster rules. Today I weigh 212 pounds and am 47 pounds away from my goal. I will get there, although it is getting more difficult to lose.

The quality of my life is so much better and instead of learning to live with indignities I am finding non scale victories NSVs)everywhere... :thumbup:

[changes4me 0]

Hi Lisa,

I just registered to this forum this evening and I was getting ready to post a hello to everyone when I saw your post.

I just told my husband this evening that I have made the commitment to have the band surgery, he of course is worried but really wants what is best.

The first half of your story was so close to my own story that I felt like you knew me!

I just wanted to tell you how much your above post has encouraged me to follow through with the surgery and even though I don't know you I'm happy for you and thankful that you are willing to share your story.

LC

[Lovingit 3]

Dear

Just how did u manage a 130 pound loss?!!!

i am 26 i have had teh band for 11 mnths and i have lsot a mere 48 ponds till half n hor back i was proud of my weightloss but not any longer...

i feel crap now...i exercise atleast 4 times aweek for 40 mins...but ya i have had this nagging feeling for last 4 mnths and last 2 fills taht i can eat quite substantially compared to what i could after my first 2 fills...i mean one Mc Donald burger...regular not double...n no fries or drinks with that...but still...

pls tell me what are the bandster rules...i need u to guide me pls...:thumbup:

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Thank you Lisa,

Sharing your story helps those of us still waiting to be banded. I look forward to the day when I can post my own success story. Your loss is awesome - are you doing anything special regarding exercise? Do you feel you'll have to have cosmetic surgery for any loose skin?

Forgive me if these questions are too intrusive...:thumbup:

[ivyrose325 0]

You have already made great changes that are going to help effect your health for the better!!! Your exercising is a great habit to have gotten into! Also think about it, I know that without my band not only would I have not lost but I would have gained !! So not only have you lost almost double what my 2 yr old ways but you have taken steps to stop the scale from ever going up again!

Please remember that I had A LOT of weight to take off !!!! 170 lbs to get to a healthy BMI ( I haven’t done it yet) and 200 lbs to get back to my weight a decade ago. When you are super obese it takes more calories just to do everyday things, because your body just has to work harder. Also to have gotten as heavy as I was I had to be constantly consuming much then 2000 calories a day so then to suddenly drop down to between 600-1000 calories a day after banding made my body tap into my fat stores. Now that I am smaller my body uses less energy on daily activities so it gets harder to lose.

The bandster rules that I follow include drinking at least 8 glasses of Water a day to help me stay hydrated and for me it keeps cravings at bay. Not dinking for 45 minutes after a meal so u don’t push the food through your stomach or worse overfill your pouch and vomit. I try to eat Protein first like my tofu, cheese or Beans first then veggies. I rarely have carbs because they are hard to digest and don’t have much nutritional value.

I also stay on top of my fills food becomes to tempting when I am loose!!

Please try this thread http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f137/slow-losers-unite-49233/

there are lots of others who feel like u do !!!

Good luck !!

[ivyrose325 0]

Ebony- I walk 90 mins a day 5 days a week

I do have loose skin a lot on my arms, some on my stomach and thighs. Also my bust size really decreased and I have thought about augmentation more then once.

Maybe someday I'll go for plastic surgery but since insurance doesn't cover those procedures I'm not sure that it is within my means.

[gljjackson 0]

Hello so how do you do your meal every day I need help I no you have to drink lot of warter 64oz a day or more. Do you do shake as well if so what kind and how many do you do a day and the food you eat as well. I need to lose 100lb as well I got band may 27,2008 ..:sad: Keep up the good work ........

[MissMom24 2]

Congrats!!! Amazing!!! Good for you!!!

[donnabarney 0]

great for you, you have shown us that this can be done.

the exercise is great too.

good luck, and I am so proud of you.

[sneal 0]

I just had my surgery a week ago. Reading your story is like looking back at my life. Way to go. Hopefully next year I will be as successful as you...any tips?

[Lillie52 0]

Isn't it wonderful to be able to eat and actually get a full feeling! Yay for you! The lap band is an awesome tool.

[heidib 15]

GIRL, you're doing it!!!!! You look so great!!! I'm 3 days post op & you have inspired me! I have lost & gained so many times & enough is enough!!! WTG!!!

[stacy16 0]

Can I ask please what are you doing exactly that has made you so successful? I was banded on 3/07 and have gained 5 pounds. My band is tight where I do have to watch what kinds of food to eat. I am just frustated at still being hungry all the time.:cool2:

[jpb67 0]

Congratulations for making the decision to have Lap Band surgery. You have had amazing results. Anyone can see from your photos that you are such a pretty girl. Your husband, your son, indeed your entire family must be so pleased and happy for you. Keep up the great work.:thumbup:

[bambam 0]

Lisa -

I just read your post and have to thank you for posting and tell you CONGRATS!! on doing so well. I have just started the process but am so anxious to get the band. I've never been more ready mentally to make the changes I need to make and reading your post gives me encouragement that I CAN do this!

Again, you have dome awesome!!

bambam