JULIEM81

I had toyed with doing this years ago and went as far as scheduling myself for gastric bypass and then backing out. Last year, I got to the point where I'd had enough. It dawned on me one night that I was lying in bed and even at rest I was breathing heavily. The next day I called my surgeon's office and never looked back. I had to do a 6 month program before my insurance would approve me and more often than not I felt like a dog jumping through hoops. When my surgery came I was thrilled. I had what I think was a positive surgery experience. I had surgery very early on a Friday morning and went home the following day at lunchtime. I was sore but it was manageable. I can't say I was a good bandster at first though. I tried to follow the liquid diet but after a few days I began trying mushies. After a week or two I reintroduced regular food. Definitely not what my doctor planned but luckily I didn't have any problems. I've been very aggressive with fills since I was 6 weeks out. I currently have 9.5 cc's in my 10 cc band and I've lost 84 pounds. I went from a size 26/28 to a 14/16. I have tighter restriction than normal but for me this is necessary. I still am not a model bandster according to my doctor but he and I are both happy with my results. I eat very carefully but I do not obsess over how much protein or carbs I am eating. I keep my calories low enough and try not to eat anything that will get stuck but if I want something I'll have it - even if it's only 2 bites. I am thankful everyday that I did this, for me it's been the best choice I could have made. I've never hidden the fact that I did it from anyone and for the most part, everyone has been supportive.