1 year Bandiversary (Bobster), 10year RNY

1 year ago tomorrow, I got my Lap Band (BOB ->Band over Bypass) and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to have a BOB as well as my success. And, this August, I will be 10 years out from my RNY.  I couldn't be happier with my appearance, my weight, my health, my exercise routine and also my eating habits.  When I had the RNY in August of 2002, I was 305.  I got down to 183 in a year.  After several Plastic Surgeries (Lower Body Lift & Lipo 5/04, Arm Lift 3/06 and Boob Lift and Reduction 3/06) I was 175 but settled on 183-189 as I think this was "normal". At this weight, I was a size 10/12 (I/m 5’5).  

I am happy to report that today, 1 year after the BOB, I am at 186.  I have lost all the weight I regained and hit my 1^st Band goal. I saved all my old clothes (10/12s) bc I knew I’d eventually get back there. I am so glad I did.   

While I have always prided myself on being knowledable about WLS, sometimes even a know it all, I thought this BOB would have been easier. I knew the weight wouldn’t fly off like the RNY but, I thought the weight loss would have been more consistent but now know it really is like “a diet" where I can eat WHATEVER I want in smaller portions.  Like when I had my RNY, I gave up bread, soda and juice. I still drink wine, a lot of of it actually.  But, before, I also drank a lot of ****tails and I am no longer than person.  After blacking out many times after the RNY and being what I considered a borderline “alcoholic", I am no longer. I also credit a lot of these overindulgences (clothes, shopping, alcohol, men) to leaving my husband after RNY and going through a divorce.  

At age 41, I am happy.  What has been especially hard this last year was that I was laid off in October and I still managed to lose weight, maintain an exercise routine and stay focused. Today I am again employed and I am walking home from work daily, 4.2 miles from Astoria Queens to NYC over the 59^th Street/Queensboro bridge.  I waked the past 2 days in 95 degree heat so if I can do it now, this summer should be cake.

I see my surgeon on Monday for my 1 year anniversary. I am anxious to see her as I haven’t’ since April. I have 8cc in my 14cc band and I am going to ask for a little fill of maybe .5cc.  Now that I am at goal, my new goal is 175 then 150.  But more importantly, I’d like to remain healthy and complication free.  While I do love the band, I also loved the RNY at a year out. Never did I know it would fail me. I looked back at my profile and and found my 8/2003 post about being 1 year out from RNY.  Here is what I wrote:

8-15-03 (ANIVERSARY) HAPPY ANIVERSARY TO ME, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME, HAPPY ANIVERSAY TO ME, HAPPY ANIVERSARY TO ME! 1 year ago today @ 8am in the morning at

LenoxHillHospital in NYC, I underwent my Gastric Bypass, WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN! Well, 365 days later, I am 118lbs thinner (305/187/150) and resting at a comfortable 187lbs. I am a size 14 (without the W) and lost 100's of inches (my only regret from being pre-op was never taking my measurements)! There are so many things I can do know that I hadn't been able to do for MANY years. I can run/jog, walk (miles w/out getting tired), climb stairs w/out getting winded, buy clothes in ANY STORE IN THE UNIVERSE (Opps, that’s not true, I can't shop at LANE (FRICKIN) BRYANT anymore), walk 2.5 miles to work like its a trip around the block, I don't crave sleep anymore other than when I am tired, I crave working out and get a boost from it, I take up only one seat on the bus or subway, my cholesterol has dropped from 190 to 140, my legs don't rub together anymore and I am not forever chaffed....The list goes on and on. First, I want to THANK my Hubby, Mom & Sister for all their Support. My sister took care of me in the hospital last year (she's a nurse so, it was second nature to her) and also to De Leitman who is the MOST GIFTED SURGEON IN THE WORLD! His skill and Humility are unparalleled. I also want to send a SPECIAL THANKS to Berta, Gabby, Wendy, Joyce, Janice, Paula M (My WLS IDOL), Michele, my local WLS support staff....Also, Maureen Ryan, Kim T, Leigh (Ladybug), Lee Ann K, Nancy (my angelette), there are so many, if I have forgotten you, pls FORGIVE me....Thank u all for supporting me and sending me emails. I have tried to KEEP IT REAL all year and I am sorry if some of you were offended by my honesty. This surgery is about becoming the real you and I wasn't going to tone myself down and be someone I'm not for the sake of someone else! Thanks to you all, especially this website for serving up a daily dose of reality and more friends than a gal could ask for! Here to tomorrow and everyday after that. I have 37 more Lbs to go to hit my personal goal, will I make it, time will only tell, but, I am proud of where I am, not ashamed of where I came from and optimistic of where I am going!

Wow congrats on your 1 year out. I hope I am as satified and hapy sounding when I get to my one year rebirthiversary!!  Keep up the good job!

I know it aint easy!

Steph

Congrat! 

Come July 19th it will be my 12th year and over the past 3 years I've been up and down 30 pounds.  I know what my problem is and its the sweets I keep bring into my apartment...I had been so good this month even dropped 10 pounds since the 1st and weighted this morning and regained 7.  It's a fight and with it getting hot I've lack the motivation to work out.  Unlike you I am not ready or willing to walk from 200/Dykeman to 34th Street to where I work in this heat :-)  I do have Fort Tryon Park right across the street and it's cool now...so I am going to take on the park this morning!

Congrats again! Keep it up!

Did I tell you on the weekends I walk my FAT Boxer from 84th to 125th and back.  He needs to lose wieght and I don't think they have lap bands for puppies!  If you ever want to walk, let me know.  

Thanks Neighbor!

Congrats! I am so happy to hear how pleased you are with yourself as you should be. I am trying to get lapband over RNY. Not sure if the insurance will pay. Hopeing with all my physical disabilities they will. Keep up the good work stay healthy and happy.