3 Year Bandiversary, with pic's!!!!
Well 3 years goes by quickly, and I am not on OH very often, anymore. I still am very happy with my band and have had zero problems. I started out in a size 24-26 and now wear a 12, (I’m 5’7") Some things I’ve done since having my surgery: went skydiving, planned, organized, attended my HS reunion, I am more outgoing, meet up with friends more, hold my head a little higher, I’m not the biggest person in the room, I’m in front of the camera, instead of behind, speak to strangers, go dancing, flew in a plane after 20 years, bought clothes in the regular section (you know how that is, wonderful) the list goes on. I keep my band a little loose and can basically eat anything without problems. I did keep it tighter in the beginning, but it gets a little “old" having to limit so much, so I have decided to rely on myself a bit more, than the band. I am carb sensitive and have to stay away from them as much as possible, but that is me.
Things “I" have learned: Weight loss/ maintenance is a lifelong process, you probably won’t be able to just have any surgery and all is sunshine and rainbows, it just doesn’t exist, at least I have not seen it. The band is a tool that will make you full on less, that is ALL it does. But what a wonderful tool, who doesn’t want to be full on less? I have to exercise and keep my mind on what and how much I eat. I lost most of my weight in the first 8 months, why? Because I followed the rules to a “T", exercised daily, ate my Dr’s recommendations. Are there times when I’m sick of the band, yes, but it’s rare and only enters my mind for a split second, which would I rather have?, times of being tight due to stress or being fat, having the band always wins. I have to admit, I have waivered now and again, but, hey, we are all normal. I would like to lose a little more, but am happy with where I am. (If I followed the rules a little more carefully, it would happen, LOL)
Recommendations for newbies, follow your Dr’s rules, take small bites, chew, chew, chew, stay away from foods that you tend to get stuck on, follow up with your Dr, attend support group meetings if possible ,read, read and read some more on your WL type, exercise at LEAST 5 days a week, preferable 7, even if it’s just taking a power walk, take your vitamins and most important, DO NOT KEEP YOUR BAND TOO TIGHT. It’s your band in your body, let your Dr know what you are feeling, want, expect. Recommendations for not so new, newbies, you may find yourself fall into old habits, you may have to look for support, either overeaters anonymous, a therapist, weigh****chers, Jenny Craig, whatever you need to do to get back on track, and it’s OK, the band is just part of the weight loss process.
Good luck to everyone and thank you to all my OH friends who have taught me much, listened when I needed to gripe or made me smile.
Mari Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!
... you look great...Glad to hear someone else isn't having any problems either......Keep up the great work...Hugs. 
Mari Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!
I'm glad that you are still on here, helping and encouraging.
I went to Seattle this past July, absolutely LOVED it, it was cool, like in the high 60's in July, so crazy. We also went to Lacey and Sequim, didn't have time to spare, but next time I will get in touch!!! Continued good luck.
Mari Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!
No rain, here, I enjoy sharing happy moments. I bet there is an easier way, but I have found it easier for me to post pictures that are already on my OH, I just copy and paste. I bet there is another way, hopefully someone can tell you.
Continued good luck!! 75 lbs is awesome.
Mari Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!
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