Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

I want to give you complete honesty and not just some ?rah-rah? speech?



Recommended Posts

It’s been almost one year since my banding; and when first contacted to write about my personal Lap Band experience, I really did some soul searching, looking at what my life was like for all those years versus my life today.

You see, when I first heard about the Lap Band, I thought it was too good to be true: a non-invasive surgery that would be life-changing and bring me my dreams? Bring it on! :cursing: My decision seemed like a no-brainer! But during my six-month required wait prior to surgery, I studied, studied, studied about what my new life would be like, the good and the bad. So I was well-informed and knew the sacrifices I’d be making.

I honestly thought it wouldn’t work for me—nothing I had EVER done in my life to lose weight had worked, and we all know the torture we put ourselves through, only to fail time and time again. I thought “I’ll be the only one who actually gained weight with the Lap Band”! :mellow: Time has proven me totally wrong in that respect!

Mentality? Here are the two mentalities I tell everyone that are absolutely required for banding: Discipline and Commitment. I knew it coming into surgery and how well I know it now!

food? We obese persons (yes, I will always be mentally ‘obese’) develop a special relationship with food; and once we are banded, that relationship changes drastically. There are many foods we will never be able to eat again because of the stoma. I wasn’t much of a “protein” eater before—more of a “low-to-no fat eater”—but man, has that changed! :embaressed_smile:

Exercise? I’ve exercised for twenty-five years, so that hasn’t changed much (went from three days a week to four, and added weight training for two of those days).

Co-morbidities? Although I was solid fat, I hadn’t developed any of the physical co-morbidities. But mentally, I felt like I was a cast-out from what our society looks upon as an acceptable size; and I still feel there is a real societal stigma associated with obesity. :tt2:

Life in general? Life will always be about YOU once you’re banded: making sure you get enough daily nutrients and Fiber to protect your body, not eating the wrong type of foods, not eating too quickly.

Bottom line? I absolutely LOVE it when people come up to me and comment on how ‘thin’ I am now—I actually had an old friend say she’d seen me in a crowd and didn’t recognize me until I spoke! That’s the best part, along with wearing clothes that look good. I felt okay-to-good before, but I feel (mentally and physically) terrific now!

Do it again? Yes, I really think so. :cool2:

Edited by make33

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for sharing your story.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You look awesome! Thank you for your story.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Your story really helped me. I am also 5 feet tall. My lapband surgery is on Tuesday, Sept. 30th. Thank you for telling your story. I have many of the same feelings you mentioned.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks so much for sharing. I have oftern thought the same exact things you stated.

I feel more optimistic reading this.

Best of luck in your continued success

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've found that many of the stories here aren't just "rah-rah", and as I'm just beginning - actually, don't even have a surgery date yet - I want to hear ALL the stories. The good, and the not so good.

Thank-you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You have done a great job and should be proud. Banding is not the easiest route . . . but it sure can get you where you want to go if you are determined and committed. Congratulations.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dang! You really DO look 20 years younger!!! Congratulations!:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You look fantastic. Love how you explained your journey. I totally agree with you.

I would do it again also. Before I got to my sweet spot (proper restriction) I totally thought I would never get to my goal weight because I had tried every diet possible I thought. Well this is truly a life style change. When I look in the mirror sometimes I don't know the lady that is looking back at me but I tell you one thing and that is "I LOVE HER". I wish you continued success. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! :sad::sad:

_Lottie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, what a success story; I also felt that I would be one of those people who dont lose anytthing; well, I was banded on 8/17/09 and have lost 27 pounds already, but now I have hit a plateau and kinda scared; I am exercising and eating just right; I am hoping that I will continue to lose; I weighed in at 267 now down to 242; I am so glad to hear your story; Congrats! Janice at bbillingslea@bellsouth.net :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×