SD 7/23/13; first fill 9/23/13; second fill 11/4/13
I had an e-mail from someone else in VA who is considering the Band and wanted me to share. So I shared, and then I thought, well, this would make a nice recap for my blog. So basically, this was the message I wrote. I’ve added a bit (in italics) for this post.
| I had my band surgery on 7/23/13. I chose to go with the band because I wanted the least invasive, most minimal “surgery” I could get. I also was just over 35 BMI (35.5) and “only” have about 70 lbs to lose to get to my ideal weight of 135 (I’m 5’3″).
My highest weight ever was 209; I was down at 201 when I decided to have the surgery, and at about 196 after my pre-surgery fasting. I lost 15 lbs right away (within the first six weeks) but leveled out bit after that. I had my first fill two months after my surgery (to 5ccs) and my second fill on 11/4 (to 6 ccs). In the beginning of Oct. I was down to 179 and have been on a plateau around 172 since December. (The holidays were fine – it was after the holidays I “jumped” off the wagon). I did seriously over-eat this past weekend, while at a Superbowl party. Wow, was I really uncomfortable! I actually wondered if I was going to have to throw up to not be so uncomfortable. I waited it out, and drank water, and vowed never to do that again! I find the band difficult in that you are still able to eat whatever you want to eat, even though it keeps portion control down. It is easy to allow old habits to creep back. (Been there, done that, day after day – sometimes over and over again!) I’ve struggled the most with not drinking with meals and not drinking carbonated beverages, although I make my own now so I can keep the carbonation light and I usually mix a little fruit juice in – I have given up sodas for the most part. I was having difficulty with snacking so I talked to a new psychiatrist (because I’ve been on antidepressants for years) and she decided to treat my ADD (which I’ve suspected for years I have but since I’m in my 50s I’ve lived my life like this.) It did curb the urge to snack in the afternoon, although I haven’t dropped any additional weight for the past month. Still, my perspective is that this is a lifetime of behavior modification and I don’t expect things to happen overnight. In a nutshell, I’d recommend the band if: Either way I would recommend joining groups where there are a variety of comments and experiences to help you make a decision; do lots of research – everyone is different. Also, join a support group, a weigh in or something where you are aware of your accountability to yourself and to your health. This is not the kind of journey you can make alone |
In total, since July, I have lost 29 lbs (it’s been about six months). I have not had any problems whatsoever with my band, with getting food stuck (although I have had a few uncomfortable swallows when I’ve not been mindful about how fast or how much I’m eating), and I’ve never thrown up.So, there we go. I was supposed to weigh myself today – weigh in dates are Tuesdays for me. I forgot. Still, I’m taking a photograph of the scale and charting my progress, even though I no longer participate in the secret Facebook group where that was a weekly habit. (I didn’t want to spend the money to “join”). I know I need to get back to the bariatric support group at the hospital.
Because it’s true. This is not the kind of journey you make alone. When you allow yourself to fall back into old habits, as I have, successes tend to lose the excitement they have when you can share with others.
Consequentially Me 