I wanted to post this on my one year bandiversary... Today is the day!

When I went in for surgery, I weighed 235, with a BMI of 41.0. I was embarrassed that I was 31 years old, and morbidly obese. I didn't suffer major health problems, except for sore knees, god-awful snoring that showed slight sleep apnea, and I was always tired. I had two little girls, ages 2 and 4, who I wanted to have a healthy active lifestyle with. I knew that in my current state, that was not going to happen. As a woman married to a man who could eat ANYTHING and stay underweight, I was frustrated and jealous. I didn't seem fair...

The most discouraging part was the constant feeling of hunger. I was not someone who was addicted to food; I did not grab the bon bons when I was depressed. I was ALWAYS hungry. That feeling never stopped, even after I stuffed myself full after Thanksgiving dinner. I tried the diets, and lost weight, but it always came back, because that hunger was always talking to me. My husband and I talked about all kinds of options: diets, exercise, and surgery. He threw the Lap-Band idea out to me thinking I would reject it, and go on a diet and prove I didn't need a device. But instead, I embraced it. I was so tired of the roller coasters, the hunger, the tiredness. So, I did my research. I knew the likelihood of getting approved for a band with my weight and lack of health problems was extremely slim, so we decided to check out options in Mexico.

I did my research. I did not choose someone with the lowest price. I wanted someone with experience, low rates of complications, and someone with the reputation of success. I settled on a few different surgeons as options, and made some calls. I felt comfortable with Dr. Ortiz's staff, and booked my procedure... to happen in 3 weeks. It became a crazy mind-shift. I immediately had to go on the pre-op diet of 2 shakes and a Lean Cuisine. But, I knew I HAD to do it, so I didn't suffer. I just 'bucked up' and accepted it.

I flew to Mexico and met a woman named Julie down there, who was being banded the same day. We because fast buddies, and it was comforting to me to know I had a friend down there (my husband was at home taking care of the girls) who also was a nurse! We were both impressed with the facilities and the staff. I have 'hard veins' that are impossible to get an IV into. Each time I need bloodwork, it is a nightmare, and it is impossible to donate blood. They had a hard time to get blood, and trying to get an IV in, was hopeless. Numerous nurses poked and prodded, and nothing. I almost called for Julie, just so I had somebody there to hold my hand. But, Dr. Ortiz came in a visited with me, explaining that IV anesthesia was preferred but not the only option, and that I was going to meet with the anesthesiologist and discuss my options. He made me feel at ease and I was instantly calm. The anesthesiologist explained to me some different options and told me he wanted to do the anesthesia via IV, but would put me under with some gas so they could find an appropriate vein without all of the poking and prodding. I agreed, and soon I was on my way down to the OR.

Recovery was a blur, pain was minimal. Julie, her friend Lynn, and I went to a beach in Tijuana for a bit to walk around and just get moving, and it was fun to take it slow, but get out for a bit. After I got home, I took motrin for about 3 days and was fine afterwards.

I followed the post-op diet to the tee. It was not easy, but I also knew in order to have success, and to protect my investment, that is what I needed to do.

Weight loss was slow, but steady. Julie and I kept in touch, and we started at the same height and weight before surgery. We've remained neck and neck in our weight loss, always cheering each other on, and giving feedback and help as necessary. Julie has been one of the best gifts I've received out of this whole journey. Most people don't get to experience a change from start to finish with a friend, someone who knows exactly what you're going through, with someone who can be so supportive. We're going to Las Vegas next month to Celebrate our bandiversary and I can't wait to see the new Julie!

I work in retail part time, a job where I am on my feet the whole time, running back and forth. The exercise I get from my job is great, low-impact, and I can't 'convince myself I don't have time for it.' I also have made a conscious attempt at keeping the time I spent on the computer 'on the couch' limited. My family and I have become more and more active as the weight has dropped.

Before my surgery, I lined up my aftercare surgeon who would do my fills. I chose someone who would follow Inamed/Allergan's guidelines when doing fills, as well as listen to me. Dr. Pleatman followed the specific guidelines for my VG band but also asked me if I agreed with those guidelines or wanted to 'tweak' that recommendation. He is honest with me in what expectations I should have with the band. He did not 'coddle' me and he did not allow me to have false expectations. At my last fill appt, he quite clearly told me, “You're getting down to the end.” His end and my end may be different. I will never EVER be complacent, and I am still losing... but he has kept me grounded.

The band is NOT a perfect fix. It is NOT an easy fix. YOU MUST WORK THE BAND. You MUST be conscious about what you eat and the exercise you get. You must have a dialogue and consistent follow-up with your doctor. YOU MUST REMAIN POSITIVE. You will plateau. Over and over. You'll go up and down. BUT, you must remind yourself that as long as you keep doing the right things, you will have success.

On my one year bandiversary, I weigh in at 164. I have lost 71 pounds. My BMI is now 28.6. I went from being morbidly obese, to the middle of the overweight category. I have gone from a size 18/20 to a 10. My shoe size has gone from a 9 to a 7 ½. My goal weight is 143, so I hope to lose another 25 pounds in the next 12-18 months. BUT, I am realistic. If I stop losing weight and am doing the right things, then I know I am at a good final weight. There are no disappointments with my band, because I'm so much healthier in the new shape I am in.

_____________________________________________________

Updated on Jan 22, 2009. At exactly 15 months post-op, I am now a size 6, and am weighing in at 142. I have exceeded my weight goal, and am elated with my band.

Edited February 2, 200917 yr by kgloverii

your story has made me very happy, I'm so happy for you, i can hardly wait for my 1 year on feb 29th.

congrats.

Hello,

Congratulations on your progress. . I need a bit of help. I was banded 8/04/08 with a starting weight of 210lbs. I now weigh 186 and have been up and down from there since october and need help. I feel that I should be losing more. Can you give me some tips? I would greatly appreciate it

Thanks for sharing. I was just approved by my insurance and will be banded February 24th. I'm still debating on which band...my dr. let's me choose. Any suggestions?

WOW What a wonderful story! I was banded 1/30/09 I can't wait to post my loss next year!! Congratsss:thumbup::tongue2:

Thank you for posting this. This is just the boost that I needed six months out.

Your story was like you were writing about me. Same weight and sizes too! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I was banded 3/31 and I am so scared I will not take off the weight. You give me hope!

I'm so happy for you. I'm waiting for the ok. all the tests have been done. waiting for my date and to start the liquid.

:thumbdown: Thanks for sharing your story. it's very inspiring!I was banded March 19, 2009. I had my first fill May 4, 2009. After the surgery i had no restriction and nothing in the band. They put 5cc in at first fill and I still don't have any restriction. I have been very disouraged with my physician. His approach is not individualized at. (Empty bad after surgery, 1st fill at 6weeks 2 fill 6 weeks later not a day sooner) i've done okay i guess, I've lost 28 lbs. But as I said I have no restriction and could eat the house down. I am keeping my self on track but just barely and the longer it goes on the mmore discouraged I get. Thay's why I was actually looking at this website today to try to find some encouragement.

Congratulations!!! that is super great. Just think that you kids will be able to play with mommy for so much longer.

I am a grandmother who at 61 said the same thing as you. No diet worked because I was always hungry and could not think of anything but food. I had my lapband surgery May 22 and feel great.

Keep up the good work. Am proud of you.

What am I doing wrong it's been over a year, actually it's been 14 months. I've lost 30lbs to date. I have a .9cc band and I'm at .6cc. Something is wrong

catchmi101 - you probably don't have the correct restriciton. I'm at 3.9cc in a 4.0 cc band. I did not get restriction until I was at 3.9 cc's. I had to have 14 fills and 3 unfills to get to the sweet spot. Don't give up and talk to your doctor about it. If you are following the band rules (eating protein first, not drinking with your meals, etc) I'm sure you need more restriction. Its amazing what a few drops can do.

July 1st 2009 was my one year anniversary. I only regret that I didn't have it sooner. It hasn't all been roses. I had to have a revision of my port because it tore loose. That second surgery went great. My ONLY problem is going to the bathroom. Seems after a year my body would have adjusted and I would no longer have this problem. If I don't take a stimulant, I don't go. I have tried every thing I read on here but nothing has worked.

I love my band though and would do it again in a heartbeat.

I have the same bathroom problem. I was taking stool sofeners twice a day before surgery. Since surgery I continued that but that is often not enough, and my PCP suggested something like Senokot on a daily basis. She was worried the straining would do something. She said cancer patients take it daily because of the effect of some of their meds. It has been better, though not perfect. I hate that bloated feeling.

I have tried it all. My dr suggests Miralax. It has no taste at all, but I wanted to throw up everytime I used it. Exlax pills seem to be the best yet. Just afraid to use this too often.

You look amazing!!!!