My journey began about a year and a half ago. I had seen several people I work with have the gastric bypass and was always scared of the complications and results. I had heard about the lapband and decided to research it.

After spending several weeks researching it I bit the bullet and made an appointment for an information class. After the class I was torn between the gastric bypass and lapband. I once again researched the band and told myself why I was choosing it in the first place. I filled out my paperwork and turned it in. Soon I was approved through insurance and my journey really began.

On September 28, 2007 I had surgery and have never looked back since. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself! On March 4, 2008 my husband also had lapband surgery and we are now much healthier and happier. It has also helped our young sons with their weight control.

I am now 105 pounds down and feel like a new woman!! I exercise five (5) days a week faithfully and my energy level is through the roof. It is still a struggle to stay away from certain foods I have always loved, but carbonated beverages, bread, rice and Pasta I have not touched in almost a year. It is unbelievable but I do not miss it a bit.

I have read the horror stories and please realize this is only one person's story. Do not let the negatives get you down. I know you have to weigh all your options, but I have not had any complications nor has my husband. I am healthier and happier. Plus everyone says I look 10 years younger!

Edited September 12, 200817 yr by hestie

Great job, Hestie. You look fabulous. We have similar stories. I had my surgery on Sept. 27, 2007. Our journey began about the same time. I have lost 111 lbs. However, I have only lost about 10 in the last six months. That worries me a little but I am very happy with my decision to have this surgery. I still have 75 lbs to lose. I went for a fill yesterday because I didn't think I had enough restriction. Well, today I have no restriction after the fill. This is the first time that has happened. Have you ever had this experience?

Way to go! You definatly looke 10 years younger!! Your eyes even look younger :wink: Congrats on a sucessful journey!

Hestie, I am scheduled for surgery on 4/15. I am starting out at the same height and weight that you did! You look absolutely beautiful, ten years younger than your Before picture, and your lifestyle changes really inspire me. Thank you for sharing your story.

so glad to hear a great and sucessful story, I am having my lapband this Thursday May 21, I am really nervous but It help me to hear your story.

U look GREAT! Congratulations on your new body :-) This is very inspiring for me :crying:

:thumbup::thumbup:yOU REALLY DO LOOK GREAT! THANKS FOR YOUR POSSITIVE INPUT. I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS. MY CO-WORKER HAD THE BYPASS AND IM GETTING JEOLOUSE. THE LAP BAND IS THE WAY THAT I WANT TO GO, BUT I'VE BEEN SO AFRAID TO DO IT BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE NEGATIVITY THAT COMES ALONG WITH WLS OF ANY KIND. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR INSPIRATION.

first of all YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!! Thank you for sharing your Positive story I get so discouraged by hearing all the negative posts but when I read the postive posts in motivates me. Thank you! you really do look amazing! :smile2:

Congratulations on your success. My story is similar, though I am a little taller. At 5'7" I began my journey at 252 lbs. Had to do 6 month diet for insurance, lost 10 lbs on that, 25 more on pre-op liquid diet. The rest is post-op.

I exercise almost every day (try not to take off more than one day, two at the most), mostly just walking in a park near home, around 3-4 miles at a time. When I can't walk, I belong to Curves, and I recently joined the rec center gym that has treadmills and weights and stationary bikes. I also have Water aerobics classes to go to at an aquatic center. Fortunately all are on the way home from work (gotta think of gas prices too). Other than a good pair of walking shoes, Curves costs me $29/month, the rec center is $2/month (that is not a misprint--$24 for the year, prorated from when you join--I joined May 1st so I paid $16 for the rest of the year--it is open until 830pm during the week and 1-5 on the weekend, closed when the county holidays occur). Water aerobics are prepaid classes, about $115.00 for 20 classes, around $5 or $6 per class, and they never expire, so I do the other stuff more, but have that to fall back on. I even bought a new bathing suit because my old one didn't fit me anymore--a good thing.

I eat almost no bread at all. I do use fat free croutons on my chicken caesar salads, because they crumble and don't get chewy. Once in a while I will make spaghetti, but what used to be 2 or 3 meals is now 6-8 meals. Pasta is a little hard to get down, but once in a great while it is not so bad. Same for rice. I love Mexican food, and I make a fat free dip that has cream cheese, refried Beans, salsa and shredded cheese, all fat free and high Protein. PM me if you would like the recipe. I also make a crustless pizza so I can avoid the bread but still enjoy the sauce and toppings. I will be glad to share. My posts get kind of long so just PM me if interested so my post won't be even longer.

My weight this morning was 142. I have read several articles recently (in OH and prevention) that say people who weigh themselves daily are having more success losing and keeping the weight off. I will admit, I do weigh myself daily, so I can adjust if my weight is up or down what I eat that day. This advice is counter to what the bariatric team tells us. They say once a week. I may be compulsive, but the proof is in the numbers for me. Once a week would be too stressful for me.

Again congrats on your success and keep up the good work.

I am new to this site..You look awesome! Your "before" looks just like me NOW! My surgery date is 2/23/10. I am very nervous so I keep reading success stories to keep me focused on the WHY I am doing this.......

Reading your success story gives me inspiration!

Louise Marie,

I was also very nervous, but here I am almost 2.5 years out and am still feeling great. It is the best gift I have ever given myself. You will not regret it. I am still on my awesome journey.

Hestie:smile2:

Hestie,

I just read your success story. What a great story. I struggle with my decision - band vs. bypass. I also LOVE my band. Thanks for sharing!