neddickman

Today I am celebrating my 4th year of having the lap band. I have definitely had my ups and downs. I originally began my journey at 336 lbs. I am 6'3 and was at the point of knowing I needed help. Today I am 295lbs and still working on losing more weight but not so much using the band to assist me for over 3 years. I know I know, but I have struggled with food for most of my life and I wanted to learn to beat these demons without running to the band when it got hard for me. The lowest weight I achieved was 289lbs before I stopped the band adjustments. Also I did a heck of a lot of exercise that I have cut back on and I do think that exercise helps lose weight and builds a more healthy looking body. I have started to get back onto the work out horse but slowly. I am transitioning from recently selling my company and feel this is a good time to re-engage into my own health. Selling the company was a stresser for sure and that also does not help with the goals of losing weight. Band issues. Sometimes I have restriction and sometimes nothing. Sometimes it burns and sometimes nothing. It all depends on what I eat, how fast I eat it and chewing. There are foods that are always a struggle, Pasta, some veggies, eggs sometimes, it all depends. Protein which I would expect to be problematic is for the most part easy to work with. I do have vomiting sometimes when I eat too fast and it will not go down the opening, I call it a "clog" Overall I think it was a good decision for me and I want to know from other longtime band wearers what decisions that they have made. I am still thinking this all through even after 4 years because every day I wake up with it and know i have this unit in me that reminds me of the decisions I have to make. 41 lbs is not bad I know 60 would be even better, but liking myself is the key to winning this battle and I am beginning to like myself..a lot. In Oakland CA...best to you all. Gar

Just had my surgery last Wednesday the 28th of May, I stayed overnight. I did not need much hospital took care of everything. The velcro shoes to avoid blood clotting that make air noise are very annoying after awhile...relax and enjoy