With the average EWL expected with gastric banding being in the 50-60% range, so many variables among WLS patients and doctors' pre and post op protocols, how do you measure your success?

For me, it's pretty cut and dried: I followed my doctor's recommendations for diet (exercise, not so much), was cautious with fills and let my band do it's job.

Weight Loss) year 1, 60 lbs, year 2, 10 lb (lots of problems), year 3, 20 lb so far.

Clothing) starting size 26 4x now 16 bottom, L/XL top. Shoes 9.5 now 8.5/9. Bras 42DD now 38G(!)

I don't need seat belt extenders on airplanes!

I can walk a mile

I walk by mirrors and wonder...who is that person?

My knee and back hurt LESS...

There are some areas where I haven't reached expected goals...I'm still on all my meds + 2 new ones :-/

My band and I may not be suited for a long term relationship...I go to the doctor tomorrow to determine next steps.

I want to lose at least 30 lb additional and 50 would be ideal.

I don't measure my success by anyone else's yardstick...how do you define success?

Excellent thread and congrats on your success!

I personally gauge my own success by how healthy I am. When I was over 400 pounds I had obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressue, borderline diabetic, and I needed a cane just get around my house. I had to use a motorized scooter just to do my grocery shopping and even that was exhausting.

Now, not only is the sleep apnea gone but I don't even snore anymore. My blood pressure is normal, I am no longer borderline diabetic, and not only do I not need a cane anymore but I walk 2 miles a day with ease (and I seriously love my walks!)

I've had some incredible NSV's too

• I flew on an airplane for the first time in 15 years and didn't need a seat belt extender
  
• I can cross my legs for the first time in 20 years
  
• I've gone from a size 46 (not kidding, I needed a 7x) to a size 18 (almost 16 now)
  
• I can do the splits again (lol I was in gymnastics when I was young)
  
• I can sit in booths at restaurants without worrying if I'll fit
  
• People who've known me for years don't recognize me when they see me. Literally.
  
• I'm very active in my kids lives now. I'm no longer a bystander watching it pass me by from the sofa.
  

To me, these things are my success much more than what the scale says. These things reflect how I feel and that is what matters to me.

I just posted in success stories and it surely applies to this thread. I wrote the following:

Something really significant happened at lunch today at work. I was eating my half of a tuna sandwich and chatting with my colleagues when another colleague came into the kitchen with leftovers from a late St. Patrick’s Day celebration happening somewhere else on the floor. I’m not a big corned beef and cabbage fan so that was not a temptation,but the big crockpot full of mac and cheese….well that’s a horse of a different color.

Except that this time,when asked if I wanted any, I was able almost automatically, to say thanks but no thanks. And it wasn’t to look good in front of my friends…it was understanding that the satisfaction of losing weight was more important than the momentary satisfaction of eating that mac and cheese….and then likely paying for it long after the enjoyment of the food had passed.

This is a real big shift in my thinking and even now, I am not unhappy that I walked away from that temptation. In fact, I am proud of myself for making a good decision without agonizing over it. Boy do I hope I can still do this when I’m at a plateau or stressed over something, or feeling entitled to eat whatever I want

These are so encouraging! Thanks! Can't wait to post a success story of my own.

Oh I love this thread..thank you for reminding us to all take a moment to reflect on ALL our accomplishments, not just the number on the scale.

Following your lead...

I started at 250 lbs (BMI 40) and am currently 166.4 (BMI 27).

I started with a 44DD, now a 36-38D size bra.

I lost avg of 10" from my chest, and 10" from waist, and an avg of 3" from my legs and arms

I was a size 20, now a size 10

I can not only touch my toes, I can see them

I'm much more active and have more energy

I suffer from disc degeneration and the WL has helped tremendously with the symptoms ( stenosis, sciatica)

I feel happy, sexy and healthy

My ultimate goal is to feel comfortable in my own skin and to never be restricted again.

Thanks again

Great Post, thank you.

The following changes I have had/made in the past 3.2 months. I have lost 60 lbs and very very pleased. No fills here yet.

282-222......

My goal is 206 by May 29th, which is my birthday. I WILL DO IT!

• One week after surgery I sleep through the night. Which is so amazing for me. I used to get up every 90 minutes!!
  
• When I go to a restaurant I don't have to ask for a table anymore, I can now sit in any booth, without adjusting it or having my friends switch sides with me to accomadate my fatness.
  
• I've have gone from size 28 to a size 18, and they are getting baggy!!
  
• I am working out regularly again without back pain and without being sore for days.
  
• I don't have any acid reflux anymore
  
• I am saving $300.00 a WEEK on food. I used to go out lunch and dinner and have HUGE meals with alcohol. 14 meals out a week, 7,000 calories plus a day, now I consume between 700-1200 calories a day and I now I cook at home
  
• I am constantly on the GO GO GO!!!
  
• I am a happier person overall now and look forward to my future.
  
• I can wear my necklaces again.
  
• I can Tie my sneakers without getting winded from bending down.
  
• I actually now have a wardrobe to pick from now and not just wearing my live-ins all the time.
  
• I DO NOT DRINK ANY ALCOHOL ANYMORE, nor do I even have the desire 2! I have been drinking for 20 years!!
  

This is only after 3.2 months.....I can't even WAIT in 9 months how many more accomplishments I have made.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

REEN

Oh these posts are great. Haven't had surgery yet but am looking forward to it very much...especially after reading these!

Oh these posts are great. Haven't had surgery yet but am looking forward to it very much...especially after reading these!

Yes, me too. Getting banded on Wednesday.

This thread is very encouraging!!

Congrats on success stories. I was banded 4 1/2 month ago and I have lost 63 lbs. I credit my success to me and my own determination. I knew it was now or never. 59 years old ( young) lol and tired of being overweight. Lap band with plication was the best thing I ever did. No need for a fill yet but will get one if I need it. 7 lbs from goal. Have not been back to doctor since December ( he is a jerk) but will go see him when I reach goal. Protein and low calorie intake. Haven't had one bit of all the things I loved. Good luck to all. It's up to you if you really want it.

9 months ago, i could not hardly walk. i wanted to have this surgery to be able to push my granddaughter around the block in her stroller...now i can..that to me is success......my success

your accomplishments are WONDERFUL you should all be so proud of yourself! I will be banded soon and will have my own accomplishments in the future. Untill then keep up the AWSOME work you are all insipring!

I love this

I was banded 9/4/12. I was 260 at my first drs appointment now I weigh 192. I have lost 7 inches in my waist and 35 inches over my whole body. I started in a size 20 pants, I now wear a 14, XXL shirt now L, 40G to a 36DDD.

I workout 6 days a week and love it.

I can feel more than just flab in my belly. There are muscles and hip bones under there!!

My legs are looking lean and defined and my arms are getting those cool definition lines too.

I can wrap a towel around me and tuck it in and it stays!

I don't get winded going up stairs.

I can cross my legs easily and comfortably.

My belly doesn't touch the table at restaurants.

I can shop in normal departments and stores and sometimes even in the juniors dept.

I don't cringe when I look in the mirror anymore (even when I'm naked!)

I did cartwheels and handstands (ugly ones) on the grass with my daughter the other day.

My workout dedication inspires and surpasses my skinny friends

Being banded is the best thing I've ever done!!!