Coming up to 5 years with my band.
The 23rd May is my 5th anniversary. I am currently 154lbs which is 15lbs heavier than the 139 I was at about 18 months post-op but that is a good thing. I never dreamed when I got banded (or at any other time in my life!) that I would ever say this, but I got too thin. At my age and with my build, about 150 looks and feels right. My details are in my signature line.
I live a normal life. If you were to join me for a meal, you would not realise I was banded. You would just think i had a small appetite. While losing, I made healthy choices about 80% of the time, now I tend to make them less than that but weigh every day and if the scales creep up, I deal with it and lose the pounds - just as all my friends who have never been over-weight do!
I worked hard with my band. It did its bit but I did mine as well.
I am fortunate in that my 5 years have been almost trouble free - this does not happen for everyone but I believe that the risks associated with the band can be minimized (not avoided entirely, all surgery can “go wrong") by following the rules (please, no-one read that as saying we always cause our own problems. People like N.M., Zee, Melly, Hislady and others also followed the rules but did not have my good fortune).
After 30 years of serial dieting, I am now extremely fit for my age (60), I take 5k races as minor events and am about to start training for my first ½ marathon. I take part in everything. I run upstairs 2 at a time, I run with my grandchildren. I have just returned from a holiday walking in the mountains.
If I were to lose my band tomorrow, I would not regret this surgery for one instant. For me (personal feelings not medical reasons) it was the band or nothing and my choice has been totally justified. Sometimes on here we get the impression that the band is nothing but problems. It doesn’t work for everyone, it needs total commitment from the bandster, but it can be the most marvellous tool. And remember, many successful bandsters are out there but, like me, move on from this board. I came back for this one thread because I wanted, once again, to share the positive.
Also, please remember (as many of you do!) that although I rarely come on this board now, i still go on the Band Grads board and so if anyone wants to send me a question in a PM, I will see and answer it.
Work your bands, folks! Kate
I live a normal life. If you were to join me for a meal, you would not realise I was banded. You would just think i had a small appetite. While losing, I made healthy choices about 80% of the time, now I tend to make them less than that but weigh every day and if the scales creep up, I deal with it and lose the pounds - just as all my friends who have never been over-weight do!
I worked hard with my band. It did its bit but I did mine as well.
I am fortunate in that my 5 years have been almost trouble free - this does not happen for everyone but I believe that the risks associated with the band can be minimized (not avoided entirely, all surgery can “go wrong") by following the rules (please, no-one read that as saying we always cause our own problems. People like N.M., Zee, Melly, Hislady and others also followed the rules but did not have my good fortune).
After 30 years of serial dieting, I am now extremely fit for my age (60), I take 5k races as minor events and am about to start training for my first ½ marathon. I take part in everything. I run upstairs 2 at a time, I run with my grandchildren. I have just returned from a holiday walking in the mountains.
If I were to lose my band tomorrow, I would not regret this surgery for one instant. For me (personal feelings not medical reasons) it was the band or nothing and my choice has been totally justified. Sometimes on here we get the impression that the band is nothing but problems. It doesn’t work for everyone, it needs total commitment from the bandster, but it can be the most marvellous tool. And remember, many successful bandsters are out there but, like me, move on from this board. I came back for this one thread because I wanted, once again, to share the positive.
Also, please remember (as many of you do!) that although I rarely come on this board now, i still go on the Band Grads board and so if anyone wants to send me a question in a PM, I will see and answer it.
Work your bands, folks! Kate
Highest 290, Banded - 248 Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.
Happily banded since May 2006. Regain of 28lbs 2013-14. ALL GONE!
But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,
I will succeed.
Oh kate, congrats! 
You are such an inspiration! I can only hope and pray I am a success as you were. I will be 7 weeks out tomorrow. I started at 286 and I am now around 255. I keep bouncing up and down between 255-254 and its been that way for about a week and its driving me NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!! Im sure in the 5 years you have seen a lot of this. I love hearing any advice on what helped you through out the years!
Thank you so much and congrats again!!!
Jamie
You are such an inspiration! I can only hope and pray I am a success as you were. I will be 7 weeks out tomorrow. I started at 286 and I am now around 255. I keep bouncing up and down between 255-254 and its been that way for about a week and its driving me NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!! Im sure in the 5 years you have seen a lot of this. I love hearing any advice on what helped you through out the years! Thank you so much and congrats again!!!
Jamie
(deactivated member)
on 5/16/11 10:38 pm - Des Moines, IA
on 5/16/11 10:38 pm - Des Moines, IA
Congrats Kate! I always appreciate your contributions to this board. It's nice to know that there are others out there besides me, that appreciate the band and the health that it can improve. ( and I know there are some that it just didn't work for )
Take care,
Kristi
Take care,
Kristi
CONGRATULATIONS and happy anniversary, Kate!
And I heartily second you on . . .
I worked hard with my band. It did its bit but I did mine as well
If I were to lose my band tomorrow, I would not regret this surgery for one instant. For me (personal feelings not medical reasons) it was the band or nothing and my choice has been totally justified
And I heartily second you on . . .
I worked hard with my band. It did its bit but I did mine as well
If I were to lose my band tomorrow, I would not regret this surgery for one instant. For me (personal feelings not medical reasons) it was the band or nothing and my choice has been totally justified
Banded 10 years & maintaining my weight loss!! Any questions, message me.
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