I'm Back! Two Year Banded & STILL at my goal weight!

 Hi Everyone!

I haven't been on this site in forever, so I thought I'd stop by and say hello and reintroduce myself.

I was banded on October 20, 2009. Yep, over two years ago.

I lost about 111 lbs in 14 months and I've been in maintenance now for almost 14 months.

What a difference losing 111+ lbs has done for my quality of life. It's amazing!

I want to give back to the newbies who are just starting their journeys. If I can help with any questions or issues, I am happy to help.

I have chronicled my entire weight loss journey from my pre-op days to today on my blog (link below). I've discussed the good, the bad, and the ugly of having a Lap Band. I've learned that there's way more good than the bad/ugly. I promise!

I'm looking forward to catching up with you all and seeing how everyone's doing.  

Hi!
I want to get the lap band surgery but I've heard mixed reviews about it. It seems to have worked well for you. What was the key to it working out the way it did?

 I like your blog. Thanks for coming back and taking the time to share your update, especially a positive experience with the band.  See?  We are not a myth. ;-).  

Great question Lilly... "What was the key to it working out the way it did?"

Well, I think the MOST important way that I found success with the Lap Band was realizing that the Lap Band will NOT stop me from making bad food choices or eating too much.

The band has been and will always be for appetite suppression.  That is all. 

If a Lap Band patient has their band too tight and it restricts food choices, from what I can tell, that's when things start to go wrong.  They start eating slider foods **** cream, chips, etc).

I CAN eat most all foods, but I CHOOSE to NOT eat certain foods most of the time.

The journey with the Lap Band is unique.  I think of the lifestyle with the band as "Weigh****chers" with a little help.  I still have to track my food choices, exercise most days, and be accountable to myself and my goals.

If you are ready to do these things, then I highly recommend the Lap Band.  It's the BEST decision that I've ever made for my health.  Period.

Any other questions? :)

Hi!
    So happy to see something positive on here! I am on my pre op diet right now, day 3, and getting banded on the 14th of this month. I have been going back and forth about my decision for the past 2 years because I am a single mother of 2 and this is self pay (I live in Canada and paying 16k for it). I am happy to see this has worked for you. My question is...I'm a huge pasta and sushi lover...are those foods off limits forever??? The fact that there are some foods that I will never be able to eat again scares me! I just need some reassurance that this is the best decision for me. I am the exact same weight as when you started your journey. Any words of encouragement are sooo appreciated!

Amanda

No foods are off limits.  I know plenty of lap banders who eat sushi and pasta.  Just A LOT less.

Also, since we are to eat protein first, it doesn't really make sense to eat pasta on a daily basis.  I probably eat pasta once or twice a month, and then only a few bites each time.  I have NEVER been a fan of sushi, so maybe I'm not the best to answer that question.

The band will never stop you from eating the wrong foods, it is up to YOU to make the correct/best food choices to be successful.