Hi Everyone,

I joined this website back in November I believe. I had been in a weight loss program for over 12 months and was scheduled to have my banding on January 9th. However, that was not to be.

During the surgery the doctors encountered massive scar tissue from my cancer radiation treatments over 18 years ago. The scar tissue was so thick that the doctors could not see what they were doing. They tried in two ways to install the band. In the end, my stomach was cut in several places, the banding had to be stopped and here I am almost 5 months later just finding my way back to good health.

I saw the surgeon on Friday. I have to go back for some more tests. I am having a great deal of trouble with acid reflux. An endoscopy will be done to see if there is a blockage. Then I have to go back and have my venna cava filter removed which was placed to precent bloodclots during and aftr surgery.

The good news is that when I came home I was determined to "act as if" the band was in place and that is what I have done. I have managed to lose 40 pounds which is far more than would have been expected with the band in place. So once I can beyond some of these other little problems that have cropped up I will be literally racing towards my healthy goals.

I have not had a chance to read the messages on the board so I am not sure where everyone is at this point. I do wish you all well and I would encourage you to move forward with your plans to step into a new, healthier lifestyle. If I can do this ANYONE can do this. If you need the band or bypass to do it then so be it. The important thing is that you DO IT!

Here's to success, health and happiness in each of our lives.

Sincerely,

Libby

SunriseinPA, you are definitely an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm sorry to hear you had to go through all of that, but you should be so proud of yourself for making the lilfestyle changes as if you had the band. You must be so incredibly proud of yourself! Keep up the good work! We all know the band is just a tool and then it's up to us. You are doing it without the tool! Way to go!

I'm glad you posted and updated us. You're definitely a success story and I hope your health continues to improve.

Wow thanks for the inspirational post. I hope you get to feeling better.

I am sorry you had to go through all of this.

i am so impressed by you and so happy you have had success despite all your challenges. you inspire me!

Well done on the changes you have made following your surgery sunrise. How wonderful to read of your success.