My journey began as a 56 year old, 427# woman who was slowly killing herself with an addiction to food. I was definitely the classic stress eater who could consume huge amounts of calories without even realizing that I had eaten anything. During the two years before my lap-band I had developed adult onset asthma, COPD, had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was Pre-diabetic. I couldn't walk more than 100 feet without being out of breath...in short... I was a total mess. The sad thing was that I was also a highly intelligent professional who made wonderful decisions daily that impacted the lives of others. I just was blinded to taking the steps to help myself.

It took the birth of a beloved grandchild, who struggled to live for six months, to make me step back and realize just how precious life was, and to re-evaluate what I was doing to myself and to my family. Once I made the decision to get my band, I have not looked back. I have carefully followed my wonderful physician's advice. I never lose sight in the fact that the band is only a TOOL, and it is still up to me to make healthy choices in the foods that I eat.

Although my current weight flexes between 195-200# I am very comfortable with where I am at and not actively looking to lose more weight. I am very active now and love to walk everywhere. My health is excellent. I no longer have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, nor any symptoms of COPD or asthma. I am also no longer Pre-diabetic.

My doctor and I talk often and he recently asked me why I felt I had been so successful. My response was pretty easy:

1. I have never forgotten that the band was just a tool... It was still my responsibility to make good choices

2. I have never forgotten that I was a recovering addict ... I was addicted to food.

3. I remind myself daily to eat slowly, to listen to my body, and to stop eating when it told me it was full

4. I remind myself the importance of drinking my Water...and try to drink 6-8 glasses a day

5. finally, I make it a priority to check in with my doctor every 3 months. Even though I lost most of my weight during the first two years after my surgery, I personally needed the accountability factor-- knowing that every 90 days I was going to get on the scale with my doc helped me to keep my food demons at bay.

So, wow, as I read back through this I just realized that this is the first time in eight years I have ever put my journey into writing. Thanks for the opportunity to do so. Life is very good. My advice to anyone looking at taking this journey is to do it first and foremost for yourself, go into it with your eyes and heart wide open, it can be difficult at times, but the journey is worth it...YOU ARE WORTH IT!

I am so thankful to read your post.... 8 years of loss and MAINTENANCE ... Very inspirational!

My journey began as a 56 year old, 427# woman who was slowly killing herself with an addiction to food. I was definitely the classic stress eater who could consume huge amounts of calories without even realizing that I had eaten anything. During the two years before my lap-band I had developed adult onset asthma, COPD, had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was Pre-diabetic. I couldn't walk more than 100 feet without being out of breath...in short... I was a total mess. The sad thing was that I was also a highly intelligent professional who made wonderful decisions daily that impacted the lives of others. I just was blinded to taking the steps to help myself. It took the birth of a beloved grandchild, who struggled to live for six months, to make me step back and realize just how precious life was, and to re-evaluate what I was doing to myself and to my family. Once I made the decision to get my band, I have not looked back. I have carefully followed my wonderful physician's advice. I never lose sight in the fact that the band is only a TOOL, and it is still up to me to make healthy choices in the foods that I eat. Although my current weight flexes between 195-200# I am very comfortable with where I am at and not actively looking to lose more weight. I am very active now and love to walk everywhere. My health is excellent. I no longer have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, nor any symptoms of COPD or asthma. I am also no longer Pre-diabetic. My doctor and I talk often and he recently asked me why I felt I had been so successful. My response was pretty easy: 1. I have never forgotten that the band was just a tool... It was still my responsibility to make good choices 2. I have never forgotten that I was a recovering addict ... I was addicted to food. 3. I remind myself daily to eat slowly, to listen to my body, and to stop eating when it told me it was full 4. I remind myself the importance of drinking my water...and try to drink 6-8 glasses a day 5. finally, I make it a priority to check in with my doctor every 3 months. Even though I lost most of my weight during the first two years after my surgery, I personally needed the accountability factor-- knowing that every 90 days I was going to get on the scale with my doc helped me to keep my food demons at bay. So, wow, as I read back through this I just realized that this is the first time in eight years I have ever put my journey into writing. Thanks for the opportunity to do so. Life is very good. My advice to anyone looking at taking this journey is to do it first and foremost for yourself, go into it with your eyes and heart wide open, it can be difficult at times, but the journey is worth it...YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Thank you that was great. I had the band 1 1/2 years ago and I am from 190-195 and my doctor is thrilled with that. I would like to lose 40-50 more but I am not perfect. I am happy just like you. I am older , 63.

You are so inspirational! Amazing story! You have changed your entire life!

Love this story! Thank you so much for sharing it! I'm 5 1/2 years out, working to lose my 'rebound gain' after I got complacent with my success (banded Nov 2008, lost 85 lbs in 14 mths), and you have given me additional motivation to keep on truckin'! You're an inspiration! :-)

My journey began as a 56 year old, 427# woman who was slowly killing herself with an addiction to food. I was definitely the classic stress eater who could consume huge amounts of calories without even realizing that I had eaten anything. During the two years before my lap-band I had developed adult onset asthma, COPD, had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was Pre-diabetic. I couldn't walk more than 100 feet without being out of breath...in short... I was a total mess. The sad thing was that I was also a highly intelligent professional who made wonderful decisions daily that impacted the lives of others. I just was blinded to taking the steps to help myself. It took the birth of a beloved grandchild, who struggled to live for six months, to make me step back and realize just how precious life was, and to re-evaluate what I was doing to myself and to my family. Once I made the decision to get my band, I have not looked back. I have carefully followed my wonderful physician's advice. I never lose sight in the fact that the band is only a TOOL, and it is still up to me to make healthy choices in the foods that I eat. Although my current weight flexes between 195-200# I am very comfortable with where I am at and not actively looking to lose more weight. I am very active now and love to walk everywhere. My health is excellent. I no longer have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, nor any symptoms of COPD or asthma. I am also no longer Pre-diabetic. My doctor and I talk often and he recently asked me why I felt I had been so successful. My response was pretty easy: 1. I have never forgotten that the band was just a tool... It was still my responsibility to make good choices 2. I have never forgotten that I was a recovering addict ... I was addicted to food. 3. I remind myself daily to eat slowly, to listen to my body, and to stop eating when it told me it was full 4. I remind myself the importance of drinking my Water...and try to drink 6-8 glasses a day 5. finally, I make it a priority to check in with my doctor every 3 months. Even though I lost most of my weight during the first two years after my surgery, I personally needed the accountability factor-- knowing that every 90 days I was going to get on the scale with my doc helped me to keep my food demons at bay. So, wow, as I read back through this I just realized that this is the first time in eight years I have ever put my journey into writing. Thanks for the opportunity to do so. Life is very good. My advice to anyone looking at taking this journey is to do it first and foremost for yourself, go into it with your eyes and heart wide open, it can be difficult at times, but the journey is worth it...YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Thank you that was great. I had the band 1 1/2 years ago and I am from 190-195 and my doctor is thrilled with that. I would like to lose 40-50 more but I am not perfect. I am happy just like you. I am older , 63.

Thank you for your response! My personal goal was never to get to a certain number on the scale...but it was to feel good both physically and emotionally. I am 63 now too and feel wonderful every day. ... Peg