In the summer of 2007, after years of failed diets and ever-increasing weight, my family Doctor said that I really should think about doing something surgically. She stated I was young and healthy enough to do it NOW, but who knows what the next year, or two, may bring. She also stated if I didn’t do something, there was no guarantee I would be around for the next 3 years. That’s when I decided to seriously consider weight loss surgery.  

For about 4 years prior, I casually looked into Weight Loss Surgery. I was under the common misconception doing this would be the “easy way out" (boy was I wrong). I also felt that choosing Weight Loss Surgery would be a last resort. With the possibility of DEATH being a reality, it finally WAS.  

After vigorously on-line researching, and attending various seminars and speaking to people who had different operations, I met with Doctor Alexander Abkin to discuss my choice and goals. I told him that I wanted a band operation, and my ultimate weight goal would be 220 pounds. Doctor Abkin told me, while it is possible to obtain my goal, I would need to understand that doing it with the band would require a lot of work and determination. In order to be successful I would need to diligent; follow the guidelines set up by the Doctors and Nutritionists, and DO what was expected FROM ME. The band would help, but it would be up to me to watch what I ate. I needed to be accountable for what I put in my mouth. I also had to be committed to do exercises. At the end of the day, it’s still calories in/calories out.  

So just over 3 years ago, a 435-pound man was wheeled into an operating room to have his life altering procedure. In the extremely capable hands of Doctor Alexander Abkin, the Realize band operation took approximately 45 minutes. Who would have known the old Tom Casola would have died on the table, and a new Tom Casola would be born.  

In the beginning, my weight loss was called remarkable. On my two week review I lost 17 pounds. On my one-month review, I lost an additional 30 pounds, for a total of 47 pounds. On my three-month review, I lost an additional 28 pounds. On May 21, I lost another 5+ pound. On the July 11 weigh-in, I lost a total of 100 pounds. On February 28 (2009 – one year – one month), I lost a total of 150 pounds.  On November 13 (2009) I was 250 pounds, which made my total weight lost is 185 pounds. On January 29, 2010 (my 2 year BAND-iversary) I was down another 5 pounds for a grand total of 190 pounds. I was 245 pounds, and I was elated.  

For the entire 2010 year, I fluctuated between 245 and 250 pounds, and could never get below the 245-pound mark. While I was happy that I was no longer 435 pounds, I was somewhat sadden that I couldn’t lose any more weight, nor was I closer to my ultimate 220 goal. Then between Thanksgiving and New Year I gained weight. I am unsure how much, but my “once baggy" pants were now “tight" and I had slight difficulty buttoning them. I did a personal review how I behaved during the past year, and did a personal inventory what I was doing in regards to eating and exercising. That is when I realized I needed to stop what I was doing; become refocused and accountable, and go back to the BASICS. I needed to do what made me successful. Therefore, on January 3^rd 2011, I made a vow to not only go back to the Basics, but to do everything I could to make 2011 the year I get to, at least, 232 pounds. The reason I chose 232 as a new immediate goal is because my BMI moves from OBESE to OVERWEIGHT!! Most people would find it strange anyone would want to be labeled OVERWEIGHT, but when you’re first label was SUPER-MORBIDLY OBESE – Overweight is a great label to achieve.   

I pretended I just had the operation and did the “liquid" phase for two weeks. Then I moved onto the “soft food" stage for two weeks. On Jan 28, 2011 (one day prior to my 3 year Bandiversary) I was down to 240 3/4 pounds. I was beside myself. Not only did I lose any weight I gained, but I was below the 245 barrier, and I was almost at the 230’s doorstep. I was even more determined that I would be 232 by the end of 2011. On Thursday February 3^rd, I weighed myself again (I usually weigh myself once a month, but did it since I thought the 240 reading had to be wrong) and the scale read 238 on the button. I was walking on air!! I was officially in the 230’s. I was 3 pounds away from losing 200 pounds, and 6 pounds shy of my current immediate 232 goal. In addition, now the 220 ultimate goal doesn’t seem so far out of reach. On February 15^th, I was 234 1/2 pounds. I have lost just over 200 pound in about 3 years. And only 2 more pounds until I am overweight!! On February 28 I was 228. Not only was I officially OVERWEIGHT, but I was 8 pounds away from my ultimate goal.  

I realized is that when it comes to WLS, people talk about the LOSS but no one about the GAINS. You gain confidence in yourself; You gain self worth; You gain relationships again (old and new); You gain a wonderful group of friend from the boards and support groups; You gain a wonderful outlook on your life and the future, You gain your health back.
 
I hope this answered some of your questions. Please let me know if you have others.

Hello,
I am new here. I have been looking through the posts for the past two days. I went to an information night on Wednesday and made an appointment for March 21. They said I could get the band before July 1st. I asked because my insurance changes on July 1. I am excited but at the same time still unsure. I was wondering if you could share with me your experience, advice,  and weight loss.

The 1st Saturday support group that meets in sctoch plains at the RWJ gym is great!!!!!!!!!!!

Not sure exactly where you live, so maybe this link will help

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NJ/4300035/NJ-Support-Grou p-listing-as-of-January-2011/

 thanks ! ive told the people in my family and personal life and I plan on taking atleast a week off of work . I just started this job last july and im not sure how all the disability and time off works. I guess ill just have to get over it lol. I mean honestly what are people gonna think once I start losing the weight lol I guess its a good problem to have .