kca1fan

I just realized, 3 years ago today I was banded....and it was just as cold and snowy outside....
Nothing unusual, went through the same as everyone else...6 month diet ( which I failed at like any other diet), all the hoops I had to jump through, clearances from cardiologist, pulmonary, psych, etc, .
Went in for surgery at 7 am for prepping, wheeled in around 10am, home by 5 pm...became one with my lazy-boy recliner, a warm comforter and my pain meds for the next 24 hours....wife kept me supplied with broth and Water...(also had coffee...can't live without it)
One week after surgery, had my post-op appointment with surgeon...check incisions, few questions, released to go back to gym, etc...also returned to work after 1 week....
4 weeks after surgery went in for first fill....then had 2 more after that, all 4 weeks apart....have to say that this was the most difficult and hardest phase of this entire experience...the band was there, but not adjusted....I was as hungry as ever....I actually gained weight during this period...I was told I needed to count calories, measure portions, keep a journal, etc....all the same things I gave done over the last 30 years with every diet under the sun....I WAS FURIOUS! I did not need surgery, and all the prep work and anxiety, not to mention the $$..... Just to repeat what I tried and failed at for all those years...I thought surgery was going to be different....
Fortunately...my surgeon sat me down and explained the process, very thoroughly, and assured me that if this is what I really want, and willing to make the many small sacrifices and not retreat and back down, that it will work for me....
After 4 months and 3 good fills, it hit me like a storm....could not keep anything down, was getting stuck numerous times per day......called the Dr., he reminded me of our conversation and asked to hold out one more week....also made the point it was my old eating habits giving me the problems, not the band....he was right, I had to learn the hard way...
Fast forward.....4 months to hit the green zone...then another 2 months, at least, to learn the lessons, apply the rules, learn new habits, give up certain foods, in order to find that harmony.....my groove.
After that it just continued to get easier and easier.....and still is today.....I stopped counting calories and portion sizes, learned to live by the band...rely on it to set my portions-eating habits, and to relieve me of hunger and cravings.....food no longer interests me, and if am rarely hungry...
Today, three years later, I have learned there us a life after lap band.....a life where I don't have to remind myself what I need to do or not do....all those rules and hard lessons have become a part of me...the new me.....living a new life day to day....the new normal...
I have been at my goal at the 12 month mark, but living the new life my body simply continued to "level out" until it reached a normal body fat %..... We gradually went from normal to obese by living with bad habits, and we gradually return to normal by living everyday with new habits....
I go to the gym at least 5 days a week...even though I have lost the weight, it continues to "tone" the body and tighten any loose skin....
I have not gained, nor lost weight for almost 2 years now....I have no fear of ever gaining weight back, falling off the wagon, etc....only fear is medical complications and for that I perform certain maintenance routinely....
Absolutely the best thing I could have ever done for myself....reversed all my health problems, boosted my self confidence and social life....
Never had a single complication in 3 years with the band....I'm at the point where there is simply nothing left for me to do....
This thing does work!

I am so happy for you! Way to turn your life around. Amazing what happens when we truly invest in ourselves. Thanks for the inspiration!

Congrats and this is an awesome testimony!

Congrats

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

I really saw how much I was overeating the first time I measured a serving of Cereal and poured it in a bowl. I know my normal bowl was 2-3 times more.

Water exercise. Also maybe cutting carbs if you are not already.

I really saw how much I was overeating the first time I measured a serving of Cereal and poured it in a bowl. I know my normal bowl was 2-3 times more.

I really saw how much I was overeating the first time I measured a serving of Cereal and poured it in a bowl. I know my normal bowl was 2-3 times more.

A year of transformation......Congrats on the: weight loss, the lack of complications, the hard work, and the new job !

Congratulations!!!!

CG, you should really try to show a lot more enthusiasm and excitement. Your laid back calm approach is underwhelming:

Congrats!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello fellow Bandsters. This is my one year update one day late. I was banded January 21st, 2013. I was 326 pounds. I went to the surgeon today and my official weight is 235. 91 pounds in a year makes me very happy. Not only was it my Bandiverary but I had a job interview and nailed it. I will be starting work Jan 27th or Feb 3rd just waiting for the call. I have been on disability since Jan 2012 and am more then ready to get back in the work force. I am 47 years old and feel I am in better shape then I have been since my late 20's. My journey has been complication free. I wish all banded would have it as easy as I have. That is not to say I haven't had to do the work because I have. I think about everything I eat and I exercise. The biggest change in my diet is I as a rule don't eat bread, potatoes, Pasta or rice. Not to say never but very far and few. As long as I follow the rules I have no problems. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. Me Going back to work exactly one year later is proof that 1/21/2013 was the first day of my new life. They told me I was permanently disabled. HA!!!

Hello that's amazing! I will do 1 year in January 27th! I have to start going gym lol. I'm a size 8 uk now and was a massive 18!!! Was 14st4 and now 8st13! Feeling great

Reaching one year for a lot of us...how are we doing thus far?? I'm down 55 pounds and finally started working out lol!! I'm a gym rat now :-)