OI812

Heaven or hell? I would like to see a forum about positive experiences only. It's not right that pre-ops and new post-ops see so much complaining. I've had my problems, but who's fault was that. This isn't an easy way out. I am almost 5 years post-op, and think about everything I buy, cut up, chew and swallow. This is a wonderful tool, if you use it correctly. My band has reshaped me. I feel great, look even greater, go figure I'm a 135 lbs. after being 228 for 20 over years. This has given me a second chance to live healthy. Slow weight loss! No healthy weight loss, the right protein, exercise and mental status will only give you success. Remember that a lot of banders that are doing well are not on here any more. They don't need the same support anymore. My advise to you is read only good forums, yeh, you should know all risks and complications. Most complications have very low percentages Love my band Leslie

Almost 5 years for me, and its been a rewarding journey. This TOOL has given me a second chance. Love my band! Leslie 10/17/2002 228/125 to thin/135 is better

Thank you all for your posts. Souixb, don't be to discussed with the reflux. Been there, I was drained at one point to heal and now I'm using Nexium daily, what a difference, than they refilled me. One major thing I noticed about post-ops, mainly no patiences, the 1st 6 weeks are to heal from surgery. Not to loose weight. If most did their homework they would see that. And it up sets me that they are willing to give up so quickly, follow the rules read the post and learn. The doctor gave me a booklet at my consult, and I read it and took it to heart. Remember the support wasn't there like it is now. I needed to remember that it wasn't the bands fault that I didn't cut and chew my food into small pieces. I got my small 7" plate, small salad fork and always a sharp knife, to cut all my food before I took a bite. The most important thing that I do is exercise, 5 weeks post-up I started going to Curves for the 9 months, being to heavy for regular exercise, I started off with an easier program. Then I felt it wasn't doing enough for me. So I joined my husband at the gym. We go at least 4 days a week. 4 days I use the ecliptic machine, 10 minutes to warm up, weight train at least an hour for 3 days, do 1 or 2 arobic classes and always finish on the treadmill at for a mininum of 30 min. If your going to have weight loss surgery, than you need to fix the things that got us fat in the first place. Maybe,this wouldn't have happened if I took better care in the first place. Like I said in my first post. I love my band, it has given me the chance to change my life for the better and healthier. Leslie 10-17-2002 228/125 my lowest/ happiest at 135

I was looking over most of the treads and noticed I'm a veteran, I had my surgery seems like a long time ago. My surgery was 10/17/2002. Had some minor problems with it. No, let me restate that. I needed to learn how to be patient with my new addition. It is a complete change, mentally and physically. I started at 228/125/ happy at 135. When I had this done it was just approved in the USA. And support group were just starting, I didn't like to hear all the complaining from the new post ops. So, I would just read and hardly ever posted. I'm doing this to let people know, I am a big supporter of the band, and it was right decision for me. I do suggest it to certain people, always letting them know that there are other options. Many people don't know I had weight loss surgery, It's been so long, it's not the maim topic of conversation anymore. This was one of the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Leslie 10/17/2002 Dr. Davis Hackensack, NJ 228/125/better at 135