Life After Lap Band

I  just logged in for the first time in over two years.  After lap band surgery, I can say that my weight no longer rules my life.  I eat until I am no longer hungery and I eat again when I am hungery.  I have been within 10 pounds of my goal weight for two or three years. Since my weight no longer rules my life, I've lost track of the time.

 I eat with chop sticks because the food tastes better and I get full quicker.  I fix small portions of good healthy food so I'm not taking in extra calories.  Lap band is the single most important decision I've made in my adult life and it is worth every second of it.  I haven't had an "adjustment" for years and have learned to live within the limits required. 

With all the options that are available now, perhaps I would chose a gastric sleeve over lap band.  I'm not sure.  One thing I do know, I would use surgical means to control my weight.  I have two overweight adult kids that would benefit from surgery.  As of yet, they have chosen not to. 

My anniversary is coming up on Feb. 22.  This is a date I will never forget.  I came back to this web site to see if I could get a fix on the years.

I  didn't have insurance to cover the expense.  I would do it again today knowing what I know now.  Being seriously obese will kill you.  Best wishes to everyone struggling with this decision.  It works.  Now I can focus on family, exercise, good tasting good, and feeling pretty.
  




 

 Congratulations on your success and on your ability to have your head in the right place!

And - a little early - happy anniversary!

Thank you for this post.  I think it's so important for us to read about those like you who have made it to goal and are happy with the band.

I look forward to the day when I can say that my weight doesn't rule my life either.  You are an inspiration.  Thanks!!!

~ Barbara 

 Thank you for posting and checking back in!  I can foresee a time when I will not check in here everyday like I do now.  Heh..I am a sucker for drama now that they cancelled "All my Children".  It's really weird to have that 12 to 1pm hour free after over 25 years of watching and taping that show.

Congrats to you and here's to your continued success!

Congrats on your success with your band and I am wishing you many more successful and uneventful years!!!

Great post!!  I agree with you and would do it over in a heartbeat.  I have motivated my Mother (69) to get it and now my sister is considering it as well. 

It is THE best decision I have EVER made in my life. 

I had to have a total unfill in December and gained 23 pounds (not shown in ticker below.  Went from 126 to 148!!  Today 142.)  I started liquids and high protein on Monday and am down 6 pounds..have had 1 fill since then but it is only 5cc's...I was around 8 before the unfill.  I go back again on Monday and am hoping they will give me a big fill to at least get me to some restriction...

It totally sucks not having restriction!!! I can eat a whole cow and go back for dessert right now!! 

Congrats on your success!!

Thank you so much for your post. I am being banded on Thursday and was having major second thoughts. Still feeling unsure, but I really think it is because of my anxiety about the surgery. Your post is very encouraging, thank you.

Thank you for this post.  I am 5 months pre op.  My ins requires a six month wait.  I actually gained weight the first month pre op. My primary care's response to my weight gain was to ask me "Don't you care?" 
It wasn't until I checked out this site and began reading postings that I realized I needed more help.   I do care. 
I have an appointment to meet with a nurse practitioner who works with pre ops.  Thanks to all of you!

 Thank you for posting. 
It will be so nice to just not even think about my weight.
I had surgery Nov 28th and am down 31pounds. I feel great! I can't even imagine what I will feel like when I hit goal.
Again, thank you for sharing your story.

Happy Anniversary!