backpacking5

ME!

I recently got a new PC and was transfering files from the old one. While doing this, I went through some old bookmarks; weight loss blogs I would read "for inspiration" when trying to stay on my traditional diet. The blogs I followed were people with situations similar to my own, i.e. bloggers with a substantial amount of weight to lose, bloggers who were also working on the psychological aspect of why we are overweight and bloggers who were losing weight sensibly by using diet + exercise. Most of these bloggers were following Weight Watchers, or a doctor's program. None of these bloggers had had WLS nor were they planning on doing so.
I stopped reading their blogs once I decided to have my lapband surgery, since I felt their paths were no longer that similar to my own. I switched over to reading WLS bloggers, finding more compatibility with this group.
It was a shock (and quite sad) to go back and see where the "traditional" dieters were today. There was the very famous weight-loss blogger (famous in the fatosphere, in any case), who had hundreds of followers cheering him down from 505 pounds to 140. I remember reading his post the day he hit goal; it was so moving and so incredible. He blogged daily and was a fantastic writer. He went on to self-publish a book and do seminars and weight loss coaching.
Today he has gained back 143 of those pounds.
Another popular blogger blogged her Weight Watchers journey from 400 pounds down to around 250. She was quite motivational at the time. Then she got hungry.
Today she is back up to 335.
Another young man with a well-followed blog started at 638 pounds, lost 300 of those and is today back up to 450 pounds with no plans to stop the regain. He's tired, depressed and just plain hungry.
One of the most famous writers in the weight loss world who wrote one of the first books of its genre (Passing For Thin) about her transition from 365 pounds to 140, is now back up to her original weight. Also depressed and beaten down by the constant hunger and teeth-gritting it takes to keep the weight off.
I don't cite these examples to point fingers or shame them. On the contrary, I feel such empathy for their stories which are all the rule, none the exception. As I read through my old blogroll, I just keep thinking that I wanted to tell them to at least look at the option of surgery. (But I didn't, as I'm sure my suggestion would have been met with much anger and opposing views.)
My takeaway from this moment of re-visiting my past "motivational blogs" was such gratitude that I surrendered to my inevitable truth: I could not be successful with traditional dieting. I could not beat the constant hunger and perpetural deprivation. My body's cravings and urges would always, at some point, override my willpower.
Had I not opted for WLS, I am sure that I would also be in the situation that these bloggers are today. My weight would be up, and my blog posts would be a constant refrain of "I have to get my head back in the game. I'm disgusted with myself. Why am I so weak?"
I know that the lapband is not magic, and it does not prevent me from gaining weight. But it sure does level the playing field, giving me a much-stronger shot at not only getting to goal, but staying there.

I am another of those people. I did Atkins for 19 months and dropped 170+ pounds. I am sure if you Google and Lowcarber.org and search for my username you will see my old journals and posts. From 2003 to 2004 I went from 393 to 219. 8 years later I put all 170lbs back on plus an additional 90!! I loved Atkins and it was a real easy diet for me but the problem was maintaining and embracing that lifestyle permanently. In the end I was depriving myself and that was part of the problem.
Now that I am close to goal with my band and I have re-lost all the weight I had gain from Atkins I do worry about history repeating itself. For this reason I get on the scale every day no matter what. For me its about accountability. Band has given me Portion Control and has helped my appetite but I also see stories on here every day about how people are starting over and that have regained weight. So I know that can happen just easily as it can with a diet if you let your guard down.
I like to think I have fully made the lifestyle change but really have I? Or is a combination of the band and my very strong will power.

ME!

i will def taking losing a pound.......who is with me??

Love this!

Love this!

Love this!

if YOU keep going, you will get there...

focus on inches LOST as that is true WEIGHT LOSS

My bands name is Tony, like the tiger, because sometimes I swear there is a tiger in there making lots of growling noises, that and 'it's grrrrreeeaaattt'

My bands name is Tony, like the tiger, because sometimes I swear there is a tiger in there making lots of growling noises, that and 'it's grrrrreeeaaattt'

A good friend suggested I post the following below so here I go.
I've just celebrated my first 'bandiversary' and so you are aware, I was one of the ones who was not excited about starting my weight loss journey. I was nervous, anxious, fearful of failing, fearful of the future...basically a mess.
I just wanted to say that that It just breaks my heart to read about others who struggle, who are fearful and question their decision to go ahead with WLS, and I just want them to know that we all understand the fears and anxiety but that given time, almost everyone will find success. Wishing you all well!
Also...for those who like the visual, I've attached before and 'after' pics of myself. I put the after in quotes because I'm not finished...no one is finished with this journey..not until you're cold and in the ground but for our purposes..this is as good an after shot as required.
 

You're truly inspirational and have done an amazing job! I too was not excited to start my WLS journey but rather desperate. I was a walking time bomb and if it wasn't for the support of my wife I probably would've given up. For me I went through various thoughts of what if I didn't survive the procedure? How long could I continue on the path I was on if I didn't do something? It got to a point where I had to choose. Continue the path leading to early death or face fear head on and get control of it. I had reservations right up until I got into the OR and my Surgeon looked down and me and said "You ready to go?" I remember looking back at him and saying "well we're all here. Lets do this thing and hope we all have a great day"
I never ever thought I would be where I am at today. I have no doubt WLS saved my life and I am forever grateful for everyone who helped me along the way and that includes many people on here.

Friday for the first time i heard those words i've been waiting 3 years to hear - "Hey girl you look great but you sure don't need to lose any more weight" LOL. Woohoo - of course i do still have at least 20 pounds to lose but that's ok someone thinks i don't need to lose anymore. Felt so good.

Hi, I am interested in being a mentor for a newbie. I had lap band surgery Jan, 2002. I have maintained my weight loss for 10 years. I am a nurse and oversee support groups. I am good at keeping you positive and won't let you give up. Contact me if you are interested. Mona

was watching my 2 grandaughters today. 1 is 4yo and the other is 1yo. both of them climbed up in my lap to have a book read to them. i didn't think about it until just now. 2 babies on my lap at once. wahoo!

My bands name is Tony, like the tiger, because sometimes I swear there is a tiger in there making lots of growling noises, that and 'it's grrrrreeeaaattt'

My bands name is Tony, like the tiger, because sometimes I swear there is a tiger in there making lots of growling noises, that and 'it's grrrrreeeaaattt'

I have begun to lose again. I was stalled for while but got my first fill and the scale is going down again. I hit the BIG 50! 50 lbs lost. I can't believe it. I never ever in my wildest dreams thought that I would mutter those words. Even as I'm typing this, it seems surreal. I can't believe that I only have 14 lbs to goal. I have never been close to my goal weight since I was 7 lbs 8 oz. lol
This forum has been my life line. Even tho I don't always post or comment, I am always reading others' stories for inspiration.
A big 50 lb THANK YOU to everyone on here.

Had my visit with my PCP today.....first a little background.
I see my PCP every 4 months...used to be every 3 months, preceded by complete lab workup 1 week prior to each visit, for the last 5-6 years!!!
...reason was, we were desperately trying to get all my medical issues under control...everything was completely out of whack...and each visit he would adjust or change all my medications trying to get thing in balance...when one thing was brought under control, another thing would go off the scale...all the while my Diabetes was getting worse and worse....while all this was going on, Cardiac issues were discovered and I had to undergo cardiac surgery...
Seemed like there was no hope, and I could read the frustration in my Dr....knowing that other complications were to develop.....
Fast Forward.....as a LAST RESORT...I had Lap Band surgery 3 yrears ago...I did not like the idea, but I wanted a "Cure All" to my many medical problems...
Today...all my blood work is right down the middle NORMAL !!!....and that is without the help of any drugs...I am no longer taking any meds, other than Cardiac Meds which I will for life because of Heart Attack....
My weight has not changed in 2 years, and fluctuates within the same 5 lbs...today was the lower end of the 5 lbs making it that much more sweet!
My weight is the same as it was in High School, over 40 years ago!
My Dr. said when he saw my name on the chart, it drew an image of who I was...but when he walked in the exam room, he thought either I was the wrong person, or he was in the wrong room...took him a minute, and he said it "Blew his mind" after he put 2 and 2 together...
THE ONLY Blip on the radar, was my Fasting Glucose was HIGH, and my A1C was at the top of normal...he laughed it off, said after the holidays with all the partying and alcohol, whose blood sugar isn't going to be high? He would think differently of me if it wasn't (a Joke)
Now everyday I can pat myself on the back, after getting on the scale or putting on normal fitting clothes, etc...
BUT THIS....This makes it official....I have been examined and tested medically, and have passed the test!!! I am Bonifide!!
I have my annual Nuclear Stress test in March...I CAN'T WAIT!!! I had them talking around the office last year...This year I'm gonna show them what this 62 year old man can do....I have been running my butt off - LITERALLY...5 days a week......my PCP says considering the strides I have made, I should ask to be taken off the Cardiac Meds...I'm not your usual cardiac patient....
My visits to the Bariatric Center are pretty much the same....they ask me one question.."Any Complaints?" I say "No", they weigh me in, then it becomes a 1 hour social visit with the staff talking shop.....I go back in May, and I think as an inside Joke, I'm going to bring them a couple dozen do-nuts for the break room....
Days like today...it just cannot get any better than this...what can happen that would be better??? It is a confirmation that everything I have gone through, and everything I am currently doing has been "Spot On"..at least for me...I would not, and will not change a thing....this type of affirmation will carry me for quite a while....
I am also on firm footing not to let the Negative Naysayers get to me....no possible way am I going to get sucked down....
I will NEVER make excuses or back down from what this surgery has done for me...never rationalize it away, never make it more difficult then it actually is, only confusing and clouding the issues.....
I'm happy right where I am at....and I have no intention of ever changing that no matter what others may say....they have their success stories, I have mine, and that's all there is to it....Happy happy, Happy....Everybody's Happy.
i HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBTS.......I'M WALKING ON AIR....
PS; I realize that many, the majority, of people here are just starting out, so I know I have to be careful of what I may say so as not to mis lead anyone....all I can say is follow your Dr.'s advice, and learn to THINK about what is happening.....and ask WHY....

when i get hungry (i mean really hungry and need to eat, i eat)
but if i am thinking i am hungry (someone snacking on chips or a TV
commercial from applebee's, then i just drink....i always got my peach t w/me.
ole man calls it my worry stone LOL

My bands name is Tony, like the tiger, because sometimes I swear there is a tiger in there making lots of growling noises, that and 'it's grrrrreeeaaattt'

My bands name is Tony, like the tiger, because sometimes I swear there is a tiger in there making lots of growling noises, that and 'it's grrrrreeeaaattt'

hey t
what a great question and i dont have an answer
catfish is dead on i feel.......when i am bored, watching tv, or
see hub snackig or people at work eating (all the time it seems)
sure i want to eat also.....i found during my pre op, what head hunger was
it turned out when i thought i was hungry and by me drinking, it would go away
so that is what i do now.......although if i am truly hungry, i eat..i do not deprive...i have
Protein filled Snacks everywhere ready to grab...(and drink alot)
so i am 19 months out and i still get that as well
i just hande it differently now