An Encouraging Post

An encouraging post

Date Created: Apr 24, 2005, 07:32 AM

This was posted on Smartbandsters, and really gave me hope and encouragement: "On year ago today I received my lap band. I started the process in the fall of 2003, had my first Dr. appt in Feb of 2004, insurance approval was received within 24 hours and my date was soon set. I was discharged from the hospital about 7 hours post surg. I was back in the hospital the next day diagnosed with pneumonia. One chest x ray and antibiotics later I was on my way to recovery. Over the next 4-6 weeks I was so very hungry. I did the best I could on liquids and soft food but still felt like another diet failure when I did not have 100% compliance. I was soon on regular food but still felt oh so very hungry. I couldn't believe what a mistake I had made getting the lap band rather than opting for the gastric bypass. With 3 young children and a husband I felt I couldn't risk the increased death rate. I didn't think this was working... My first fill came at 6 weeks. I was still hungry and found I could eat anything I desired. 2nd fill followed 4-6 weeks after that, still no restriction. I started gaining the post operation weight. I was about 30 lbs down initally but by August I had gained 20 back... The third fill. I now knew what restriction was all about. I could only sip water slowly, and I started eating like a bandster. Very restricted in the am and could eat light in the pm. Fast forward to April 23, 2005. 100 lbs down, size 22-24 to size 10. I just wanted to tell new bandsters to stick with it, do not get discouraged and fill until you get restriction... You will know. Julie 5'6" 259/159/140 highest weight around 268, obese for about 12 years."