Monte57
Weight has always been an issue for me. I remember as a child having to shop in the "chubby" department. I fought the weight throughout high school and in my early 20's managed to loose quite a bit of weight and kept it off for a couple of years. But then it started to come back and my attitude was "I really don't care anymore" and the more people said something to me about losing weight, the more I ate. Even when I got married I didn't care how big I was. I managed to get up to 271 pounds at my heaviest. I did try Weight Watchers so many times that I feel that I could own the company from all the money I spent!!
After returning from a cruise in March of 2007 and looking at photos I realized it was time to do something. Not only did I look terrible, but it was starting to affect my health - - diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Everyone says that I am just like my Mom but as much as I love her, I don't want to be like her when I get older. At 87 she is confined to a wheelchair due to diabetes, arthiritis and Parkinson's Disease - and lives in a nursing home. So along with my husband and my dear friend, the three of us made the call to the Bariatric Center to start the process. After attending the informational seminar that is required, I came out of there not 100% convinced that I could do the Gastric Bypass procedure and was interested in the lap band procedure instead. However, the surgeon did not elaborate on the lap band. Finally, after attending a support group meeting where the presentation was about the lap band, I came out of there 100% convinced that was the procedure I wanted. On April 29, 2008, after almost one year of preparation (informational seminar, psych evaluation, a three hour nutritional seminar, three one-on-one nutritional appointments and finally getthing the final ok from the doctor) I had my lap band procedure.
I have not regretted it one bit in the seven weeks since surgery. When I was discharged the next day from the hospital, I was no longer on my diabetes medication! I am down almost 40 pounds, have an unbelievable level of energy and I'm wearing smaller sizes that I've not been able to wear. Even my feet have gotten smaller!! Not only do I feel good about how I'm looking, but I'm feeling great about all the compliments I'm receiving!!!
One of the great things that I have learned through all of this, is the fact that food is not my life any longer. I eat only because I need to, not out of boredom like I used.
My friend had Gastric Bypass on January 28 of this year and is doing wonderful. Unfortuantely my husband did not pass the psych evaluation due to depression. But he now has that under control and will start the process - he too will have the lap band procedure. Even without the procedure, he has lost weight because in helping support me, he has followed the same diet that I have had prior to and after the procedure.
I'm so happy with my new journey in life and am so happy to talk to anyone who is interested in the procedure or those who have had the procedure. It's a great tool to aid in weight loss!
