1 year surgeriversary...so many changes...

airhead_74
on 1/10/12 4:17 am, edited 1/10/12 4:17 am

DS on 08/20/12

18 months ago I started my weight loss journey. My goal was to jum through all of the hoops required to get me approved for surgery. I was lucky enough to put together a "Dream Team". It began with me getting in touch with the Cleveland Clinic. THey told me what I would need to do to qualify for surgery. They walked me through all the steps one by one. I found a wonderful dietician who taught me how to eat in order to be successful. With her help I was able to accomplish what I thought was the impossibel. She helped me lose 102 lbs in six months time before surgery. Because my starting weight was so high nearing 600 lbs) I needed to lose every pound I could in order to make the surgery safer.

Today, one year after surgery, my weight is down another 132 lbs. For a total loss of 234 lbs in 18 months. Although it could be more (I haven't had my weight checked since before Christmas). It hasn't been a walk n the park. There have been many struggles along the way. But the pay off has made every struggle worth it.

Weight isn't the only thing I've lost. I've lost the need to be on oxygen, the need for blood pressure pills. I no longer need a wheelchair. I've lost 10 sizes in pants & 5 sizes in tops. Much of my depression is gone and so many othr things I can't even think of them all.

I've gained a lot of independance & confidence. I can now drive myself wherever I want to go. I can shop by myself. I can walk through stores at the mall. I can play wth my boys (I even learned to throw a football). I am able to walk on my treadmill & use my exercise bike. I can go into my Dr's office and fit comfortably in their chairs.

My life has changed so much in so many positive ways that I feel like a whole different person. And I'm not done yet. My weight loss has slowed. My band it at full capacity. when I msaw my surgeon a few weeks ago we dicussed my next surgery. If the insurance approves I will have the DS instead of RNY. I will see him in two weeks and, the way he's talking, they will submit for approval at that time.

I am extremely for the support I have received from all of you, my family & my friends. Without that I may have given up many times.

Lap Band with Greater Curvature Plication 1/10/11, Conversion to DS 8/20/12

Jean M.
on 1/10/12 5:13 am

Revision on 08/16/12

Congratulations! You've worked so hard and done so well, and I'm thrilled that your quality of life has improved so much since your journey began.

I hope you'll still visit us here on the band forum after your next surgery!

Jean

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

Wendybrum
on 1/10/12 6:10 am - Oceanside, NY

congrats
you are amazing
wendy

Karen R.
on 1/10/12 6:49 am - Peoria, AZ

Lap Band on 10/03/08

A HUGE congradulations to you. We all know it isn't easy, but so worth it. Good luck on your next surgery.
Karen

thindownunder01
on 1/10/12 6:57 am - Kingwood, TX

Lap Band on 04/04/11

I am soo proud of you. What a huge journey already. I know you will continue on succeeding in this journey and you can consider me one of your cheer leaders!!!

Give me an A.... give me an I..... give me an R.... okay spelling out airhead in a cheerleader way just doesn't sound right! but just know... you are an inspiration. :)

airhead_74
on 1/10/12 7:12 am

DS on 08/20/12

I will definitely visit here (even though I have rarely visit recently due to my newly gained independance). I have made a lot of great friends on the LAP band forum, THanks for the support and cheer!

Lap Band with Greater Curvature Plication 1/10/11, Conversion to DS 8/20/12

airhead_74
on 1/10/12 7:43 am

DS on 08/20/12

And here are some updated pics...

May 2010 June 2010 (one month b4 pre op diet)

December 2011

January 2012

Lap Band with Greater Curvature Plication 1/10/11, Conversion to DS 8/20/12

Lisa O.
on 1/11/12 12:34 am - Snoqualmie, WA

Lap Band on 11/10/08

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and story. You look wonderful and I'm so happy to hear about all of your positive acheivements! Yes, please do keep in touch when you have your next surgery. I'm in your corner all the way and am so, so happy for you!

Best~
Lisa O.

Lap Band surgery Nov. 2008, SW 335. Lost 116 lbs. LB removal May 2013 gained 53 lbs. Revisied to RNY October 14, 2013, new SW 275.