When I first started this process I really appreciated hearing peoples experiences (good and bad), so I thought I would return the favor. About 1 1/2 years ago I had an abnormal mammogram and it really scared me. 3 big contributers to breast cancer are drinking, smoking, and obesity. I quit drinking and smoking immediately and made an appt with the lap band surgeon. Tomorrow will be 1 year since I had my band placed. I consider the band to be a complete success. This morning I weighed in at 151.8. My highest weight was 270 lbs. I was 250 when I first met with the surgeon, 231 after the 6 month supervised diet, 218 on the day of surgery (after 2 weeks of liquid protein diet). I am wearing a size 6/8 pant and a medium shirt. I didn't think it was really possible since I had failed at so many diets and diet programs in the past. I am still surprised when I pick up my jeans and I think, "look how tiny these are, how is it possible that I fit into these". I follow a high protein low carb diet 80% of the time. I don't count calories, but I estimate about 1000-1200 calories per day. I work out about 5 days a week. I mostly do cardio, but I want to start adding weights to see if I can help this sagging skin. I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on Friday to see about a tummy tuck. This has really been a life changer for me, I am back to running which I used to love to do. I have done a couple of obstacle course 5k runs and a 4 1/2 mile mud run. I am taking my son to Chicago to do the Lucky 7k on March 16th. In 18 months I have gone from being morbidly obese to 2.8 lbs from being considered a normal weight. I think I have had 2 stuck episodes. I have vomited due to eating too much or drinking too soon after eating, mostly in the beginning while I was learning to work with the band. I have been on these boards pretty regularly since I started thinking about having this done, it seems like the journey is different for everyone. For me it was a fairly easy, complication free experience. I think the hardest thing for me is that I keep thinking it is going to quit working. Every time I go clothes shopping I think, "I better get these now, I don't know how long I will be able to stay in a size 6". I have had a biopsy and I still get mammograms every 3 months, but at least I know I have done absolutely everything I can to live my healthiest life.

What a wonderful success story. You should be proud. Happy Bandiversary tomorrow!

Amazing thanks for sharing!!!

what a great story! I appreciate you sharing it. It gives me hope that I will reach that point in good time too.

Thanks for sharing! It is encouraging. I hope to be such a success one year from now.

Blessings to you!!

Good story....could not have said it better...the band does work...

I especially like the fact you were allways afraid that somehow all this is going to stop, and you were afraid of purchaseing too small clothes....I have felt that way also,

but then, I tell myself...this is surgery! This is a llifestyle, not a diet...how can things go backward? Other than a medical emergency causing the band removal or total unfil?

No, this is forever....

Wow Happy Bandiversary!! Congrats on all your work. Wishing you good health.