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!

WTG HEATHER!! 

I am a newbie and have started the process to go forward with a lapband.  I was told today that my insurance doesn't cover the sleeve so was deflated now I am looking for positives with the lapband.

Congrats.

alese from Fort Lauderdale, FL 

You should be very proud of yourself.  Yes, the band is not easy, however I would not give it up for anything!

Nance

Nancy just wondering when the last time was you updated your ticker???

I lost 80 LBS slowly in a two year span.  Than for one and 1/2 years I started eating too much ice cream and stayed with the weight loss and no gains.  I did not exercise which is why I only lost 80 LBS .  My ticker is set for two goals onderland and 100 pound lost.  I am now exercising and not cheating and hope to get all my weight goals done by Christmas.  I believe I can if I stay strict with eating and exercising.  If I did not have the band I know I would never have lost 80 lbs and kept it off.  The band is not for everyone and I won't ever tell people it is.  It is strictly their choice to make.  If I ever lost my band I would still need restriction because I am a emotional eater and I love love food.   

Nance   

Ok I understand the last year and a half are on you, but to have a working band for 2 years and only lose 80 pounds and still be MO...........I don't understand why you love your band. I'm not trying to be rude, just to understand.

Your determination is an inspiration. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

Congratulations, not only on your weight loss but for changing the other things in your life!

Very exciting news CONGRATULATIONS