My name is Michelle, I am a Registered Nurse who had my band done a year ago here in Batesville, Arkansas. I have been obese for about 14 years and have tried every diet on the market only to lose and then gain back the weight plus some. I suffered from sleep apnea and severe hypertension(requiring 3 pills a day) as well as back aches and leg aches constantly. I didn't want the gastric bypass for fear of malabsorption and malnutrition as well as the permanency of it. Knowing that the band didn't interrupt the GI tract at all and it was reversible if need be, I chose this route. I am so glad I did, if I had it all to do over again I would in a heartbeat. I have lost a total of 88 pounds so far, going from a size 2x (22/24W) to a Medium scrub and (12/14's) in clothes. I don't have any sleep apnea problems and I only take 1 blood pressure pill a day now, I am hoping to get off of it soon. I need to lose 28 more pounds to be at my goal and I am hoping to have it off by mid June when I am going to Mexico. I have had 4 fills so far on my journey and will most likely have one more to get to my goal. The band has been a very positive experience for me. I have had the occasional "clogging up" as I call it when I eat too fast or don't chew properly. And you learn that things that seem harmless such as rice just won't go down! But it passes on its own after some discomfort and you learn from it. I haven't had any complications and I just love it. :biggrin:

Thanks for your story Michelle, it is helping me alot. I am being banded in a few days on Apr 23rd and I need to hear these kinds of stories to let me know I am doing the right thing.

Take care

Yvonne

Michelle, congratulations on your success! I'm so glad you found this site. There is lots of info and wonderful support here. Keep up the good work, it was nice to meet you!

I am being banded on 4/23 and as nervous as i am getting that just makes me feel a whole lot better!!! Thanks you sooooo much your an inspiration!!

thank you soo much for posting that inspirational story!!

i'm gettin banded soon, (may 13th) and im a little nervous, MOSTLY EXCITED!!

its always good, and encourging to read things like that

good luck at reaching your goal!:biggrin:

Congratulations Michelle, you've done so well. It's great to hear that you've had no problems with the band and I hope you achieve the goal you've set yourself. 28 lbs by June... I have a June goal as well (my niece's 21st birthday party) and I want to lose 20 lbs by then, hope it's doable. :biggrin: