One year ago today I was wheeled into surgery at 10.45am with a very rumbly, hungry tummy for a rather simple procedure that would change my life forever. 1.5 hrs later I awoke minus hunger pains.

The next time I felt a hunger pain was about 2 weeks later. I struggled a little in the beginning putting some or most of the weight back on that I had lost immediately post op. I have the 10ml VG band and finding good restriction took 7 mths. I reached optimal restriction about 5 months ago but unfortunately reflux came along with it. I was reluctant to have some fill removed as it had taken me so long to get ot that point, so I went on reflux meds and havent felt it since.

This operation has changed my life in so many ways. I was fat. My DH suffered and my kids suffered. I was paranoid and self conscious. I couldnt go to a restaurant or a fun park...basically anywhere without thinking everyone was looking at me and talking about me. Alot of the time they were. People can be cruel, some would openly look and stare...nudging their friends and laughing. I felt like a freak. I hated myself, thought I wasnt worth the time of day. I ended up anti depressants and even though they helped, they also helped me pack on some more weight.

The crutch for me came when my Dh told me at times he was embarresed of me. You got to be cruel to be kind type of thing. I took it badly, I cried for days and withdrew into myself. It was then I decided to start researching things I could do. I came across the lap band and researched it till I was blue in the face. I had my mind set on it....as fate would have it a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. I put banding on the back burner and when my bub was a few weeks shy on 1 I had my band.

I have overcome so many fears since losing weight, fears that I have had for life. I am healthy...I am not starving myself, I have energy, I have confidence. I am a new person.

Without this band I dont know where I would be. I really dont think I could have gone any lower than where I was pre op. I love my band and I think it is the best invention since sliced bread, even though I cant eat bread anymore :clap2: .

Life is good!!!

Hugs to all my banded and non banded friends.

Paul and I at the restaurant tonight...its 3am here now I really should go to bed :ban:

Kelli, you look absolutely wonderful. Congratulations, thanks for giving me hope!

Thanks for your post Kelly. It came at just the right time. I am being banded on Friday and going through all of the last minute "Am I doing the right thing?" anxieties. I feel better and more sure now. And your pics are an inspiration - wtg!!!

Linda

Dr. Rumbaut

April 7, 2006

You changed your name!!! Yay!

Our daughter's name is Kelly, and I've always called her Kellybelly. :ban:

My goodness, just look at your face. The glow that's shining from deep inside of you is so beautiful. You really are radiant, Kell. I'm so happy for you! I know I'll be facing PS after this is all said and done. Thank you for sharing all the details about your own PS. It's really helped me relax about things and even look forward to it! *big happy hugs*

Oh my word, Kel! This thread is awesome! I'm so bawling now!

Your pics are amazing!!! Congrats on your bandiversary! :ban:

AWESOME! :clap2: