Today is my 3 year Bandiversary. My Primary Care Physician advised me that my blood sugar and cholesterol numbers were not good and were getting worse. I asked him what can I do ? he said you have to lose weight and keep it off. I was at about 200 lbs at that time. I am 5 ft.0 inches tall. so, my mobility was limited and I was spending most of my time in my recliner watching TV and eating. I had zero energy and zero ambition or motivation . I made the decision to contact a friend who I knew had weight loss surgery. She had her lapband done about 10 years ago. She had lost 100 lbs. I knew she would be honest with me about her experience. She said it was the best thing she ever did. Her health has improved and her mobility is 100% better. I contacted the bariatric center and consulted with my surgeon. My surgery was scheduled for the 15th of January 2013. I am now 70 lbs lighter, My diabetes is under control I do not have to take any medication and my A1C is below diabetic level. cholesterol is normal, I do not take anything for cholesterol and my blood pressure has returned to normal. I am more active and happy than I have been for years. At age 66 it was a big decision for me to undergo surgery but I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you are considering taking the step to improve your health and well being, talk to your Dr. Be aware that this is not the Easy Way Out as people like to say, it's hard work but the rewards are well worth it.

Sharpie, you're a wonderful inspiration to me and other banders! Congratulations on your success and thank you for your involvement with this forum. You've helped me a lot!

Well...technically we're not band twins but since we're only one day apart, it's close enough. So from one band sister to another, job well done, congratulations, and here's to many more healthy and happy years to come.

Liz

You're a wonderful example of what success looks like! Congratulations!

Thank You ladies, I am happy that I became involved on this forum. We all have stories of why we chose surgery. As I tell anyone who asks, this is not the "easiest" thing to do to lose weight. But after years of trying to do it the conventional way or the way most people try to do it, I was a failure. I lost weight many times only to re-gain it shortly after stopping yet another diet or program. There are many more on here who had more of a challenge than I did but due to my health concerns I felt an urgency to take that step to fix it. I love reading all of your success stories and looking at photo's of before and after. Each person who writes their story or tells of their NSV's gives me the hope that this is my last weight loss program. After maintaining my loss for 3 years I am very hopeful. I do have some moments especially the last few months of my husband's health crisis that I did not follow all the rules but I have since tried to re-group. I have not gained but have not lost. The best we can all hope for is a comfortable place with ourselves and our weight loss situation. I do feel liberated somewhat in that I do not stress about every bite I take and whether I should go out to eat, etc. Take Care my friends and be well.