I DID IT!!!! (long)

I had my Realize Band placed about 28 months ago.

I lost 135 pounds in about 18 months, and have been maintaing that loss for the last 10 months.

Last year, I set a goal to hike 'down and out' out of the Grand Canyon.  I called last October 1st and reserved space at Phantom Ranch for 1 night for my husband and I.

Last Friday, we drove up to the Canyon.  We spent 2 nights at the South Rim, hiking/walking 10 - 12 miles a day to acclimate to the elevation.

On Sunday morning, we packed our packs and set off for the 9.5 mile down-hill trek to Phantom Ranch,
We reached the bottom in 6 hours ---- and checked-in, showered and then enjoyed the utter beauty of the bottom of the Canyon.  It is amazing!

We had a steak dinner, made acquaintance with some fellow hikers and then went to bed (thank God for benadryl).
(FYI -- I ate about 4 ounces of steak, in teeny tiny bites, and 1/2 a small baked potato)

We woke at 4:45 -- and had reservations at the 5am breakfast.
We ate (not much for me) and packed up.

We started out of the Canyon at 6:00am --- headlamps blazing!

By 6:15, we were able to turn off our headlamps and enjoy the beauty of the canyon and the Colorado River ---- it was breathtaking.

We climbed up and out in 6 hours and 5 minutes ----- I had hoped that I could do the trip in 10 hours.
I hiked and sipped water, and hiked some more.  I did not whine once --- LOL!!

We got to the South Rim and found our car.  We changed socks and shoes, and stretched and went to find some lunch.  I was hungry and took too big a bite of my lunch -- and my band called 'quits' on lunch ---- what a bummer!!  

I know better than to challenge the band, so I stopped eating and then snacked later in the day.

We checked into the El Tovar historic hotel -- and I took a nice hot bath, cleaned up and rested a bit.

We decided that a nice easy walk was the best way to counter-act the lactic acid that wanted to build up in our muscles, so we walked over to the Marketplace and back-- that added another 5 miles to our day.

A glass of wine, some tenderloin chili with chips -- and a good night's sleep ended a wonderful weekend.

This morning, we packed and headed out ---- all the while, I was marveling at the change in my life in 2 years.

I am so blessed to have my wonderful husband, who supports my choices and decisions.
He is a wonderful life-partner.
I am so blessed to have the health, desire and ability to live out my dreams.

My band has allowed me to live the life of my dreams!!!!

Fantasticthanks for sharing

 What a wonderful story and great adventure.  I celebrate you reaching your goals.  That trip sounds pretty amazing!

Kath, what a wonderful experience! This is what being banded can do for you!

Kath-

what an inspiration!  it's funny...but this goal you just achieved, is one of mine as well!  i've never seen the grand canyon and i dream of hiking it.

Can you post some pics?  can you do a blog or something about it?  would love to see!!!

Betsey

 Hi Kate! you had a band leak? I think that is what is happening to me. How did that work out for you? I gained 25 lbs myself since March. I got into a car accident in July and have not been able to work out so i can lose this weight. Im so disappointed in myself and embarrased to see my surgeon cause he faught so hard for me to get my surgery. I went for a fill yesterday and it was at 4cc's, in october she had put 5 cc's but being that i did not record it i could not tell her anything. before that i had 5 cc's and she checked and it was down to 3cc's. Once again i didnt record it so i could not be sure. This time it is locked and loaded! In 6 weeks i will go back. what did they do to fix your leak???? It hurt like a motha! yesterday. she stuck me 3 times 3 different needles .. 3rd time was the charm. I think my port moved cause she couldnt find the spot to put the needle! good lord. Im still in some pain today cause i felt it moving on the inside when she was looking for it! help me if you can. I would greatly appreciate it. :) 

 Mine was dramatic. Excellent restriction one day, nothing the next. My band was toally empty.

Ihad it repaired under general anaesthetic. Minor op. refilled immediately, all well since ( over a year ago).

 WOW!! ok .. glad that its working !! i hope mine isnt leaking and im just losing my mind .. i really dont feel like having another surgery ... thanks!! :)

That it great! Congratulations!
My friends and I hope to do the same thing in the Spring. We are currently looking into backpacking trips in the Canyon.

Thanks for sharing with us your journey.  Congrats on working at having a good life.