My one year BandAnniversay

Hello all, I'm a 67 year old grammy of 8 who on April 7, 2006 went up to Olympia, WA to Dr. Neal to have Lap-Band Surgery weighing 234 lbs (I'm 5'3").........., wearing a 3X top, a 2x bottem...............had problems walking - my knees and ankles were hurting...............my blood pressure was high, etc, etc, etc.............I had been on every diet anyone could think of (several times each).............each time I maintained about a week and then gained it all back...............same story, same story!! Today - I weigh 170lbs (down 64lbs) - am wearing a size 12 jean, a med top...............I'm an exercise fiend....................discovered a class called NIA (a combination of dance, tai-chi, martial arts) at the gym I belong to (Club Sport) that I just love (can you imagine loving exercise???) and attend 4 or 5 times a week - my husband and I walk the other days -................my knees and ankles no longer hurt, I don't huff and puff, my blood pressure is normal, etc, etc, etc!! I've maintained this weight for the past few months (my choice) - my husband had heart valve surgery 2 weeks ago - he's doing great - but when I found out a few months ago I was a "wreck" and decided to see if I could maintain during this stressfull time - I've done that (can you believe that - maintain during stress??? I couldn't do that during "normal life"!!!). I now am no longer "obese" (hate that word) -just "overweight"! I'm starting my 2nd post-op year with my next goal - too loose another 30 lbs - that will put me at a "normal" BMI. I can't say enough about my lap-band. For me, it's been a lifesaver. I've had no problems - I'm so looking forward to a healthier "older age" because of this wonderful "life saving tool". Betty from Lake Oswego, OR Dr. W. Neal, Olympia WA 4/7/06 234/170/140

CONGRATS!!! Keep up the great work! You rock, Grammy! Jackie

Congratulations, Betty!!! You have done a great job using your new tool! Keep up the good work. It is amazing to be able to maintain during stressful times. My best wishes to you and your husband! Joy

Congratulations on a really wonderful year. I will be one year out from my RNY on April 10. Such a difference in life! Julia

Congratulations -- what a success story you are, to maintain during such stress, wow! Shirley

Hi Betty thank you for telling us your story. I am looking forward to the suegery and just waiting for the call. 66 yr old Jo Ann

Hi Betty Congrats on your b day. I envy you. I'm 6 weeks out. I get my first fill this week I've heard the hole range of comments from, first fill-no restriction felt to first fill-too much restriction. We'll see... Did you have any trouble with depression in the beginning? I've always had a bit of it to deal with but, it's been really bad since surgery. I had a slow recovery, I suppose that could be part of it. I've been trying to get out and walk when i have some time. Best regards Nancy