punkinvine

How are you working in my life "Lap-band" ? Let me count the ways! I wa on an uphill slope of knee replacement, arthritis in my hips and feet so bad my activity was lagging. I hated it. We had visions of using our pond paddle boat in retirement years. They were approaching and my weight issues and pain had progressed. Getting in the paddle boat was painful and not worth the risk of losing my balance without help. The future was not bright and we had 3 years to go for Hubby's retirement. He had no idea just how upset and angry I was inside that our dreams were being dimmed by my weight and the side affects from it. He is looking over my shoulder with " THE LOOK". Maybe he did! A dear family friend who was losing weight and looked and acted like a new woman caught my eye. She is a lovely sweet gal but not telling others her secret. She did tell me about her quest and that "lap-band" had brought her along with her new health and wellness . I needed more and went with her to a group meeting in Indiana. That was the beginning of hope. I had so many lifetime or full time memberships to weight loss groups and techniques I could wallpaper with the programs a large wall. This was a real physical change to the person I needed to fix and I pursued it. It was a rough battle as my BMI was under 40 only by a speck. Our insurance fought tooth and nail to deny my case. We continued the push and after 2 denials and about a 2 year lull it was approved. I was scheduled and my current plan and life began. My how it has transitioned. I had a smooth surgery and did not miss much work. The schedule of eating and using protein shakes was all new but since it was working I could manage it. Those early days were not complicated but I did exactly what was needed... high protein and commitment to walking held me into the first few weeks. I lost some weight and was down about 15 pounds in a few weeks. As I gradually lost weight and gained a few menu items the love of new activities and a few pairs of jeans kept me on the straight and narrow. I progress to this new plan. I have had 2 lap-band fills. Both were helpful and my hunger was kept to a minimum and eating about 4 hours apart has been comfortable as long as I drink low cal drinks between meals. Currently I am feeling hungry after half hour and have a fill scheduled soon. I am keeping you all in my prayers who read about my story and welcome you to at least go to a support group and check it out. I love my "Lap-band". It is a beginning for my best health in years. Punkinvine