?'s about Lap Band Cost, etc.

[Jen_in_NH]

I'm just starting to look into it, so this is a really good thread for me. I've always been overweight, but it's just getting worse as I get older. Diet and exercise don't really help with the weight loss. We've had a huge change in diet since my 2 year old was diagnosed with diabetes. My DH has lost 30 pounds, I've gained 1.

I don't have HTN or hypothyroid, but I am insulin resistant and have PCOS.

I'm glad to hear all of the stories - good and bad.

Jen

 

[DISboardser]

I post here most so I turned here first! Anyway I am considering Lap band and am in the early stages of looking into it, made appt. researched on line and still have a few questions. Has anyone here done this? How did it work for you and how do you feel about it after the weight loss? Will I ever be able to at least "taste" my favorites or is it all high protien high fiber, no "foodie" stuff ever again for so long as I live? I just don't want to have regrets if I make the decision. Sure I have no issue never eating a whole dole whip again but to never taste one might be an issue! Is it all OOP or will insurance play any role?

I had it done in June '07 so I just had my 2 year bandaversary.
It worked like it was supposed to, and still does. At my highest I was 256, now I'm 136-140.
I had gained about 12 pounds back in June/July and went in for an adjustment so I lost those 12 pounds and am holding w/in +/-5 pounds.
Oh goodness, with the band you can for once in your life eat and enjoy your favorite foods w/o guilt. This is the 'no diet' way to weightloss.

But this is also the only eat what your body needs way to lose weight and maintain. Meaning, you will no longer be able to have a #7, super sized. If you do order it, you'll eat 2-5 bites and throw the rest away.

If you want to have this procedure covered by your health insurance- you will have to follow their guidelines listed in your handbook or their policy manual.

If you simply want to pay for it- just do it. Research surgeons and select the one that's right for you. You may hear some say don't go to Mexico...don't go to Canada....don't go to France...don't go to England, etc. But outsourcing is very popular and it just isn't reserved for corporations. There are many excellent surgeons abroad and most have been doing this procedure far longer than those in the US due to this is a fairly recently FDA approved procedure. And remember, many who live abroad wouldn't come to the US for healthcare unless it was at Mayo or somewhere else like that.

I chose a surgeon in Mexico who is highly skilled after meeting several of his patients. And over the past 2 years I've met many more who headed down that way for him...but don't just go with any doc....research.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

In regards to applesauce and such - my son's endocrinologist told us that the more processed food is, the more problems he wil have from the carbs. I've found that to be very true. generally I can our own applesauce every year with nothing but apples and cinnamon in it. This doesn't hugely chnage his blood sugar (so long as he's covered for the carbs). But if he has sugar free applesauce from the store, his blood suagr goes to heck in a handbasket.

Don't know if it even relates at all - just thought I'd share

Jen

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm having my banding done on Wednesday and I am totally freaked out about surgery. I know this is something that I have to do for myself but I am really scared. I've never had any kind of surgery, no broken bones, heck I haven't even had stitches. So I think that is why I am so scared.

I know in the end it will be totally worth it. I just wanted to thank you all for your opinions and such, it has calmed me down a bit this morning!

 

[okeydokey]

A friend of mine did the lap band and lost a lot then gained it all back because she continued to eat the way she had before.

 

[thelionqueen]

I'm having my banding done on Wednesday and I am totally freaked out about surgery. I know this is something that I have to do for myself but I am really scared. I've never had any kind of surgery, no broken bones, heck I haven't even had stitches. So I think that is why I am so scared.

I know in the end it will be totally worth it. I just wanted to thank you all for your opinions and such, it has calmed me down a bit this morning!

CONGRATULATIONS on your decision!! I too (and everyone I ever talked to who had LBS) was very scared and freaked out. I also want to caution you that immediately after surgery (maybe like the first 3 days or so) you will be questioning if you made the right decision. I can tell you that I was ready to march right back into the operating room and DEMAND they take it out. I was SURE I made the WORST decision of my life and was incredibly depressed. I took my pain meds and was back at work (from home for 2 days) but still thinking I'd made a BIG mistake!

Then on the 5th day, I literally felt 100% (although hungry). It felt like I didn't even have surgery, and I felt amazing.

Your doctor should have told you not to expect to lose weight for the first 4-6 weeks (although many do, but not a huge amount) and this is absolutely TRUE!! If you go into this EXPECTING NOT TO LOSE a ton of weight immediately, you will be MUCH better off mentally! MANY MANY MANY LBS patients expect to lose a pound a day or 5lbs a week after surgery but it doesn't happen that quickly. Your body is healing, and getting used to this band around it's stomach and does not let go of the weight for awhile. Your body is also swollen and recovering. This time is for recovery, not weight loss. PLEASE set your expectations correctly, and you will have a great outcome!!

I cannot tell you the number of people in my support group that are mad, upset, discouraged and not having a good experience with the band because they think their results should come faster. Even though we all have the same surgeon, and he told us specifically to anticipate small if any, weight loss for the first 8 weeks. I was fully mentally prepared to have little weight loss for the first 2 months and focused SOLELY on recovery and making sure I followed every guideline to the letter.

I have had perfect success with my band and couldn't be happier. I realized that it didn't take me 1 year to gain all this weight, and I could not expect to lose it in a couple of weeks. The average and target weight loss with the band is 1-2lbs per week or 50lbs per year. Keep in mind that you may not lose anything for weeks, then all of a sudden lose 2+lbs. This is a lifelong journey to health, and if you approach it with realistic expectations you will be much better off.

Getting this surgery has been the BEST thing I could've ever imagined, and has worked perfectly for me.

The other forum I frequent is www.lapbandtalk.com and I highly suggest you go there. It was truly a lifesaver for me on this journey, and there is invaluable information and support.

Best wishes on your new life! Take your pain meds and walk as much as possible and as soon as possible after surgery!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Thank you so much for all of your kind words. It really means a lot to me. I'm really worried about surgery and recovery so hearing an honest report of your experience is great!

You know, I am just not going to set myself up for failure with having this # goal to lose weight. Anything I lose is better than where I started, I try not to get hung up on the #'s.

My doctor has told me not to expect any weight loss for the first few weeks too so I know that going into it so hopefully I won't be too frustrated.

Thanks again!

 

[thelionqueen]

Thank you so much for all of your kind words. It really means a lot to me. I'm really worried about surgery and recovery so hearing an honest report of your experience is great!

You know, I am just not going to set myself up for failure with having this # goal to lose weight. Anything I lose is better than where I started, I try not to get hung up on the #'s.

My doctor has told me not to expect any weight loss for the first few weeks too so I know that going into it so hopefully I won't be too frustrated.

Thanks again!

Anytime! It sounds like you are TOTALLY ready for this journey! I was incredibly impressed with the realistic goals you've set for yourself, and you will not fail! I cannot tell you how level-headed your response was, and I have full confidence that you too will have great success with the band.

I hear SO many (seriously like 10 a week) tell me they are discouraged with their 35lb weight loss in 4 months. I'm like..WHAT?? I just can't believe how anyone could be depressed about losing 35lbs PERIOD!!

I dieted like a FIEND for 2 years and lost a total of 30lbs. I guess that's how I gauge my success, but man, it is shocking.

I've told you honestly about my recovery and hope yours is just as uneventful. There is a thing called "Bandster heck" which refers to the first month after surgery. It literally is one of the hardest times I've ever endured, but SO worth it! You are basically hungry this entire time, as your body heals and until you get your first fill. I found that focusing on walking everyday, and going to sleep early, helped me get through it.

This is not an easy journey, and definitely not the "quick-fix" some think it is, but it is worth the effort and so are YOU!!! I can't wait to hear your updates as you begin your new life (post banding). Please keep us updated!

 

[dawnn12]

i understand why your looking into the lapband when i was looking into wls thats what i was thinking about i figured if i lost it slowly i wouldnt have to worry about the extra skin well i talked to one dr i wouldnt want anyone going to him didnt answer any questions looked at me said this is was ill do.. ill see you on surgery day i dont think so so after that i was kinda upset and i was on the phone with my dh hes was at work and one of the irls he works with was in his office and she told him here give her this drs name hes great and does all the different types of wls i was kinda scared to talk to another dr but i did go to his info appt it was the best thing i did he told me straight out the lapband would not HELP me loose enough weight to be healthy(and no matter what type of wls i would still have the extra skin) thats what i needed to know i needed a tool to help me not do it all for me we talked privately for almost a hour before the group q & a and he also gave everyone there the website for obesityhelp.com its a great support system and every type of wls is there also you can also look up different drs and the people on the "oh" boards will tell you if a dr is good or not please do research.... the lapband maybe the right wls for you or it may not ...i have the duodenal switch on 9-29-08 it was the best thing i could of done to this day i lost alittle over 150 lbs and now i dont have high blood pressure or high chol. anymore if anyone has any questions pm i have no problems helping you anyway i can and good luck on you wls journey

 

[metime]

keep in mind a good number of people end up trading one addiction for another. Just something to be aware of prior to getting surgery.


http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Story?id=2210783&page=2

"About 140,000 people have weight-loss surgery each year, and it is estimated that somewhere between 5 and 30 percent of them pick up new addictive behaviors afterward. "

 

[Lady Lallie]

Anytime! It sounds like you are TOTALLY ready for this journey! I was incredibly impressed with the realistic goals you've set for yourself, and you will not fail! I cannot tell you how level-headed your response was, and I have full confidence that you too will have great success with the band.

I hear SO many (seriously like 10 a week) tell me they are discouraged with their 35lb weight loss in 4 months. I'm like..WHAT?? I just can't believe how anyone could be depressed about losing 35lbs PERIOD!!

I dieted like a FIEND for 2 years and lost a total of 30lbs. I guess that's how I gauge my success, but man, it is shocking.

I've told you honestly about my recovery and hope yours is just as uneventful. There is a thing called "Bandster heck" which refers to the first month after surgery. It literally is one of the hardest times I've ever endured, but SO worth it! You are basically hungry this entire time, as your body heals and until you get your first fill. I found that focusing on walking everyday, and going to sleep early, helped me get through it.

This is not an easy journey, and definitely not the "quick-fix" some think it is, but it is worth the effort and so are YOU!!! I can't wait to hear your updates as you begin your new life (post banding). Please keep us updated!

I really have to thank you again. You have completely made my day! This morning I was so scared that I was crying at my desk at work and now I feel so much better and optimistic. Thank you again!

Oh I realize the first month is not going to pleasant with all the food restrictions and liquid diet. I've already warned my husband that I will not be responsible for anything I say while on a liquid diet. He's also in the lapband process but he'll have his surgery later this Fall. So I'm kinda the guinea pig of the two of us.

I will post updates for sure! My friend will also be updating my PTR for me no Wednesday if you are curious that day. She'll be keeping in touch with my husband throughout the day and posting for those that follow that. The DIS in general has been so supportive as I journey through this and I am SO GLAD that I searched "lapband" today on here and found this thread.

I'm going to be thrilled with anything I can lose, I've lost 18lbs pre-surgery and I still can't believe that. I have never been so sucessful on a diet as I have been lately. Yay!

Thanks again!

 

[thelionqueen]

i understand why your looking into the lapband when i was looking into wls thats what i was thinking about i figured if i lost it slowly i wouldnt have to worry about the extra skin well i talked to one dr i wouldnt want anyone going to him didnt answer any questions looked at me said this is was ill do.. ill see you on surgery day i dont think so so after that i was kinda upset and i was on the phone with my dh hes was at work and one of the irls he works with was in his office and she told him here give her this drs name hes great and does all the different types of wls i was kinda scared to talk to another dr but i did go to his info appt it was the best thing i did he told me straight out the lapband would not HELP me loose enough weight to be healthy(and no matter what type of wls i would still have the extra skin) thats what i needed to know i needed a tool to help me not do it all for me we talked privately for almost a hour before the group q & a and he also gave everyone there the website for obesityhelp.com its a great support system and every type of wls is there also you can also look up different drs and the people on the "oh" boards will tell you if a dr is good or not please do research.... the lapband maybe the right wls for you or it may not ...i have the duodenal switch on 9-29-08 it was the best thing i could of done to this day i lost alittle over 150 lbs and now i dont have high blood pressure or high chol. anymore if anyone has any questions pm i have no problems helping you anyway i can and good luck on you wls journey

My doctor told me that if you had more than 100lbs to lose that the lap-band may not be the right choice, so it sounds like the Duodenal switch was your perfect tool and MEGA CONGRATS on your weight loss..150lbs WOW

Every doctor has different advice for every patient, and there are MANY WLS out there. I agree to do research as much as possible and get as many opinions as you can.

I respectfully disagree about the point made of "every WLS will cause the patient to have extra skin." Every successful Lap Band patient I know, that has reached goal, has done so without having surgery on "extra skin." That is one of the things that attracted me to most about LBS; that and the quicker recovery and less invasive procedure. With LBS, you lose weight at a MUCH SLOWER pace than almost all other WLS, therefore, the skin adjusts normally with the reduced weight loss pace.

My SIL and 2 other people I know who have had RNY (not duodenal) and both had over 100lbs to lose, DID have surgeries to "tuck" the extra skin. It makes sense that if you lose 150lbs in a year (3X the amount of "normal" weight loss of LBS patients) that your skin will be saggy.

Many, many studies have shown that LBS results are the EXACT same as all other Weight loss surgeries over a period of 3 years. So, if chose bypass, or duodenal procedures, and have 150lbs to lose, you could lose that in a year or 2 (one year seems unhealthy to me), you will have the same results with the band over the period of 3 years.

Again, I have the band, and if I had to choose any procedure at all, again at no cost, I would choose the band again in a heartbeat. That said, there are some who have complications with the band and wish they would've gotten a different procedure. Again, everyone is different and will have a different result with any given procedure. A lot of the decision making process has to do with you personally, and your path to weight loss.

If I had 100+lbs to lose, it's quite possible I would've chosen bypass or the sleeve (heard many positive comments about the sleeve, would suggest researching it). I have about 80lbs to lose total, and the band was right for me.

Many people will give you many examples of how one WLS procedure worked over another. But I can say from personal experience, the opinion from the Dr. who said that every WLS will produce the "extra skin" was just plain wrong. Lap band patients have much less chance of having sagging skin with normal, slower weight loss and exercise.

If you don't exercise, it doesn't matter which procedure you have, you will have saggy skin somewhere. My doctor told me specific areas that I needed to focus on (under arms and inner thigh) as those will be the first to sag. My doctor has been "right on" with regards to diet & exercise regime and what to expect. But this worked for me, and may not work for everyone the same.

 

[LisaInNc]

I had Gastric Bypass surgery almost 3 years ago. My insurance paid for all of it except 50.00!

The most important thing is if you are really thinking that you can still eat the old favorites you are kidding yourself. Sure, maybe a bite here and there but you have to change how you look at food. You have to change how you eat and exercise has to be a daily part of your life.

It's not magic surgery. It was a jump start for me but it took a lot more work than I ever imagined it would have.

What I wish more doctors would require is that people really see a therapist to work on WHY they eat. After my surgery I had a tiny pouch and I could not eat much, I didn't crave food my body didn't but ohhhh my my head screamed for it. The first time a saw a birthday cake after surgery I almost cried.

I never thought I was an emotional eater until food was taken away from me. It took a long time to reshape how I think. I realize that those old favorites are like a drug and just like an alcoholic one drink can set me off. When I had the surgery I got serious about food and health and I refuse to play around with cheating. It is just not worth it.

Having the surgery changed my life. How it changed it was of course physically but it changed how I look at my health, how I exercise and how I deal with food.

I LOVE working out. When I first started at the Y my trainer told me she loved exercising and that it was relaxing to her. Well, I looked at her 100 pound little self and thought that she was on crack. Had to be! Now I get it. But it took a year of non negotiable working out 6 days a week. I worked out no matter what. No excuses no BS.

It seems like for every success story there are 5 more with people that put the weight back on. I am determined not to be one of those people. It's a daily process but it gets easier every day.

Good luck to you.

 

[thelionqueen]

I had Gastric Bypass surgery almost 3 years ago. My insurance paid for all of it except 50.00!

The most important thing is if you are really thinking that you can still eat the old favorites you are kidding yourself. Sure, maybe a bite here and there but you have to change how you look at food. You have to change how you eat and exercise has to be a daily part of your life.

It's not magic surgery. It was a jump start for me but it took a lot more work than I ever imagined it would have.

What I wish more doctors would require is that people really see a therapist to work on WHY they eat. After my surgery I had a tiny pouch and I could not eat much, I didn't crave food my body didn't but ohhhh my my head screamed for it. The first time a saw a birthday cake after surgery I almost cried.

I never thought I was an emotional eater until food was taken away from me. It took a long time to reshape how I think. I realize that those old favorites are like a drug and just like an alcoholic one drink can set me off. When I had the surgery I got serious about food and health and I refuse to play around with cheating. It is just not worth it.

Having the surgery changed my life. How it changed it was of course physically but it changed how I look at my health, how I exercise and how I deal with food.

I LOVE working out. When I first started at the Y my trainer told me she loved exercising and that it was relaxing to her. Well, I looked at her 100 pound little self and thought that she was on crack. Had to be! Now I get it. But it took a year of non negotiable working out 6 days a week. I worked out no matter what. No excuses no BS.

It seems like for every success story there are 5 more with people that put the weight back on. I am determined not to be one of those people. It's a daily process but it gets easier every day.

Good luck to you.

What a GREAT post, and I TOTALLY AGREE!!!
This journey is not one of just shrinking your stomach and hoping for the best. It is even harder than I imagined it would be, but those things that are worth fighting for, usually are.

I too LOVE to exercise (did I just say that?)
It was my "addiction transfer" as PP mentioned. And what an addiction to have. I made myself go to the gym, religiously 5 days a week, and that really "fed" my addiction. The feeling of getting stronger week after week is just AMAZING!
I also made a conscious decision to stay @ SSR for our most recent Disney trip MAINLY for the workout facilities (and it was free with my DP's, but that's anothe story ). I worked out almost every day of my trip and it was fantastic!

It TRULY does change your life, in many ways you can't anticipate. I feel that those of us who have turned to surgery, have done so because we are TRULY SERIOUS about losing weight. So for the agony and effort we have to endure, we're ready for the challenge.

I am SOOOOO HAPPY to hear that I made your day! Someone did the EXACT same for me at the beginning of my journey, and told me one day I would do the same..apparently I did.

How GREAT that you and your DH are doing this together!! I was also the "guinea pig" for 2 other ladies at my work who were considering doing it. EVERYONE was anxious to see what the side effects were, would I make it, how much, how long, etc. Needless to say, they have scheduled their surgeries for this Fall

OH, one more thing I MUST add!!
Our last trip to Disney was the absolute BEST YET!! It was the SMALLEST I had EVER BEEN on a WDW trip, and it felt UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Next trip, I will be even smaller, and so on! The anticipation of an upcoming Disney trip gave me major motivation, and it was worth EVERY PENNY!!
As I watched the video of our trip, HONESTLY, I saw this girl and didn't realize it was ME!! I watched it over and over, just AMAZED how good I looked, and how I DID'NT stick out in a crowd!! Usually I was the biggest in any picture, and now you don't even notice me! Funny how much I enjoy just "blending in"

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm really happy that DH and I are doing it together, we've been really supportive of each other and it is so helpful. I can't imagine if I was doing the diet alone at this point.

We are planning a celebration trip in November 2010, which will be about a year after our surgeries. We are both really looking forward to going to Disney "new and improved". I'm planning a trip with my friend in January and I am sure it will be much much better than my last trip.

I can't wait to blend in.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

Good luck.

My aunt had gbs instead. She is a compulsive/emotional eater and it drove her into a serious depression. She is miserable and took up drinking and she is so sickly now. But she did lose the weight very quickly.

If you are just trying to lose weight and keep it off, it should work fine for you. From what I understand of the surgery you have to be careful not to overeat/eat what they tell you not to or you can not only gain the weight back but upset the lap band and you can get ulcers.

 

[crisi]

My brother in law had it done over a decade ago. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't a solution - since he's a complusive eater. Ten years later he is heavier than he was pre-surgery by over 100 lbs.

I think its a good option to consider, but having seen people do this, dieting, GBP, etc., I think its really important not to make your decisions in a vaccuum. Know yourself. The people with the best success seem to be the ones who were truly committed to the lifestyle change.

 

[thelionqueen]

My brother in law had it done over a decade ago. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't a solution - since he's a complusive eater. Ten years later he is heavier than he was pre-surgery by over 100 lbs.

I think its a good option to consider, but having seen people do this, dieting, GBP, etc., I think its really important not to make your decisions in a vaccuum. Know yourself. The people with the best success seem to be the ones who were truly committed to the lifestyle change.

Excellent post! ITA!
I know 3 people who had bypass surgeries, and they all gained every pound back they lost, plus some. With the bypass, you stomach can and does stretch back to it's original size with improper eating/nutrition (look at Carnie Wilson!).
At least with the band, if I start gaining or going back to my old habits, I can get a "fill" and feel the restriction I felt from day one. With bypass, once the stomach is stretched out you need another surgery.
Also, there is conflicting information regarding this issue but wanted to post. My SIL had bypass about 3 years ago and has only gained about 25lbs back (from orignal 100lbs lost) so I think that's pretty good. She still cannot eat sugar or she has "dumping"-don't know exactly what that is.
For her, it worked great, for me the band is great. Just my .02

 

[dawnn12]

My doctor told me that if you had more than 100lbs to lose that the lap-band may not be the right choice, so it sounds like the Duodenal switch was your perfect tool and MEGA CONGRATS on your weight loss..150lbs WOW
thank you
Every doctor has different advice for every patient, and there are MANY WLS out there. I agree to do research as much as possible and get as many opinions as you can.

I respectfully disagree about the point made of "every WLS will cause the patient to have extra skin." no not everyone will have the extra skin but when i said that to my dr he told me no matter what wls i had i would have it.Every successful Lap Band patient I know, that has reached goal, has done so without having surgery on "extra skin." That is one of the things that attracted me to most about LBS; that and the quicker recovery and less invasive procedure. With LBS, you lose weight at a MUCH SLOWER pace than almost all other WLS, therefore, the skin adjusts normally with the reduced weight loss pace.

My SIL and 2 other people I know who have had RNY (not duodenal) and both had over 100lbs to lose, DID have surgeries to "tuck" the extra skin. It makes sense that if you lose 150lbs in a year (3X the amount of "normal" weight loss of LBS patients) that your skin will be saggy. only my arms are bad but i had big arms to start with

Many, many studies have shown that LBS results are the EXACT same as all other Weight loss surgeries over a period of 3 years. So, if chose bypass, or duodenal procedures, and have 150lbs to lose, you could lose that in a year or 2 (one year seems unhealthy to me), you will have the same results with the band over the period of 3 years. i was worried that i wouldnt be around for the whole three years

Again, I have the band, and if I had to choose any procedure at all, again at no cost, I would choose the band again in a heartbeat. That said, there are some who have complications with the band and wish they would've gotten a different procedure. Again, everyone is different and will have a different result with any given procedure. A lot of the decision making process has to do with you personally, and your path to weight loss.

If I had 100+lbs to lose, it's quite possible I would've chosen bypass or the sleeve (heard many positive comments about the sleeve, would suggest researching it). I have about 80lbs to lose total, and the band was right for me.

Many people will give you many examples of how one WLS procedure worked over another. But I can say from personal experience, the opinion from the Dr. who said that every WLS will produce the "extra skin" was just plain wrong. Lap band patients have much less chance of having sagging skin with normal, slower weight loss and exercise.

If you don't exercise, it doesn't matter which procedure you have, you will have saggy skin somewhere. My doctor told me specific areas that I needed to focus on (under arms and inner thigh) as those will be the first to sag. My doctor has been "right on" with regards to diet & exercise regime and what to expect. But this worked for me, and may not work for everyone the same.

your right not every surgery is right for everyone and yes i now exercise i can actually keep up with my dds and i feel great

 

[bettyann29]

Lady Lallie.. Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!

I agree with pp regarding not expecting too much too fast.. I didnt lose a whole lot up front in the initial month or so.. I was also really hungry that first month up until I got a fill and even then I think it was until my 2nd fill that I started feeling that fullness feeling.. I am coming up on 1 1/2 years since I was banded and it is absolutely the best thing I have ever done for myself.. I tried every diet you could probably name and nothing worked for me.. Getting banded was not an easy decision for me.. It took me a good 5 years of researching and researching and decided which wls that was right for me.. I still struggle sometimes.. I honestly believe that if it was easy to be skinny we would all be skinny, but its not like that.. I do still struggle some days because alot of it is mental.. but I know that in order to be healthier I have to do what I have to do and if that means eating less food or not having a big fat greasy cheeseburger (yes.. this is the one thing I miss ) then I will do it.. I have finally found peace in this..

I also questioned myself immediately following the surgery on why I did this to myself and was maybe a little angry at myself, but once I felt better I pulled myself together.. I am down approx 100 pounds right now.. I have recently started walking and am really losing the inches now.. when I put on my pants today I could really tell the difference in how loose they are in the legs.. I am down from a size 22/24 to 14.. my 14's are big now too, so I probably need to start shopping for a 12.. when I started this journey I was 265-- I am now down to right around 165..

The ONLY regret I have with my band is that I waited as long as I did to have the surgery..

I look forward to hearing about your journey!! Im sure you will experience some of the same feelings that so many of us who are bandsters have had and I think you will come to the same place that we are..

The one thing I would tell you do that I did not and I wish I had.. measure every part of you that you can think.. so that you can go back from time to time and remeasure and see how far you have come.. I didnt do this and I wish I had.. I have people come up to me all the time and gush over how much weight I have lost, but honestly when I look in the mirror I dont see it.. I see the same person I have always seen and I cant even recall how I might have looked if it wasnt for pictures..

We were looking at a video the other day from about 3 years ago and I didnt even recognize myself .. I didnt think it was me.. but it was!!