My Journey

Apr 04, 2011

I have struggled with my weight my whole life; been overweight for more than 11 years.  I've had many days when I felt I could eat the house down (addiction?).  I've done most diets available, medically supervised and otherwise.  I've lost weight, but not been able to keep it off.  I needed more than just willpower.  I felt like something "restrictive" would help me.  Three years ago I started researching weight loss surgery (WLS) and ultimately decided on Lap Band.

I am a 34 year old female.  My BMI was 39.8.  I had high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.  I was banded on December 20, 2010 (2 weeks prior to my birthday).  The surgery was laparoscopic.  I have 5 abdominal incisions around 1" long.  (My port incision is a little over 1")  My surgery took around 1 hour.  I suffered some food tolerance issues right after, but quickly got over them.  The bariatric coordinator/ nutritionist  gave me a book/binder outlining what to eat by day/week.  At around week 8-10, I was eating "normally".  I have not thrown up but have had bouts of nausea.  Vomiting generally only occurs when the band is too tight, you eat too much or eat too fast.

The band is a tool and ONLY A TOOL.  You are supposed to feel fuller longer, 4-5 hours after a meal.  It provides the "restriction" or feeling of fullness I prefer.  I am allowed to eat 1 cup of food 3-4 times per day.  I allow myself a "treat" every week if I'm having cravings.  Having the band doesn't make weight loss "easy".  I still have to move and make good food choices. 

I am 3 1/2 months out, my BMI is 32.3, I've lost 46 lbs.  I am no longer on daily meds to treat my high BP or diabetes.  My diabetes is controlled by diet and exercise only.  I feel great!  Again, Lap Band is only a tool; use it as such and you too will be successful.  When asked if I would choose this surgery again, I MOST DEFINATELY WOULD! YES!  I believe Lap Band saved my life.

I hope this helps someone on the fence about WLS/Lap Band.  Good Luck!

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