I had the Lap-Band procedure a little under two years ago. Since then, I've lost
a total of 130 pounds - losing 90 pounds in the first 12 months!!
My life was miserable before I had the Lap-Band surgery. I had been struggling with
weight issues throughout all of my life. In junior high I was called "Nancy the
friendly cow", and I've battled with my weight up and down ever since then. Being
overweight I was humiliated, I was embarrassed and I always felt extremely depressed
and discouraged.
At the time of my surgery, I also had a myriad of health problems that were starting
to spiral downward, including high blood pressure and arthritis, and diabetes -
things that were really causing me a great deal of concern. I was taking medication
for borderline high blood pressure, my thyroid medicine was quite high and I also
suffered quite a bit from depression so I took a lot of anti-depressants. I was
even having trouble breathing going up a flight of stairs.
The day I broke the chair in my office and had to call the work order center to
get a new one really was the final moment for me when I knew I had to do something
to lose the weight. At that point I was desperate and I had heard about the Lap-Band
procedure and I decided to pursue it in earnest.
I chose to have the Lap-Band procedure because I knew that I had to do something
that was more significant than just going on another diet - they had always failed
for me. But, I was also concerned about having a more invasive surgery like gastric
bypass – and the Lap-Band seemed like better, safer option for me. Once I decided
to get the Lap-Band, I chose to do it at DayOne Health because the doctors were
very caring and very interested in me and always accessible. That was really important
to me in choosing a doctor and a facility.
I have to admit I felt extremely nervous the day of surgery as I was somewhat unsure
of what to expect. But I'll tell you my recovery was so quick and easy and I didn't
really have any pain. It was such a relief once it was done: I had had the surgery,
it was over and now it was time to move on - I could just get up and get going with
my weight loss and that's what I wanted. From the beginning, the Lap-Band was great
for me because it was really an invaluable tool in my losing weight and everyone
at DayOne was really committed to my success. They saw me through the whole process
and have been there with me each step of the way. With the Lap-Band, my relationship
with food changed completely. I don't just eat to eat anymore, I look forward to
my meals - I enjoy them and I feel like I eat to live and not live to eat any longer.
Not only did my relationship with food change, but as I began losing weight, both
my health and energy improved enormously. Now I get around much better now than
I ever did in my 30's and 40's. In fact, since I've had my surgery all of my major
medical issues have been resolved - the only thing I still take is the thyroid medicine
but even that is a fraction of what it used to be. Before I had my Lap-Band surgery
I really couldn't go up a set of stairs. I was winded, my knees hurt, I didn't have
any energy and I just didn't want to do anything. But after surgery, as I started
to lose weight I got excited and I would work out a little harder and I would do
more things. But, I went at my own pace. There were some days when I didn't feel
like doing a lot and I kind of backed off of the exercise and yet I was never discouraged
in this whole weight loss journey - it was always a positive experience.
Now, I just love getting up and going to the gym in the morning... it's really the
highlight of my day. I put my music on and I run, I get in a pool and swim, or I
ride a bike when the weather is great. I just love going outside and hitting the
trails early in the morning and it's just a source of peace and solace to me and
I'm just amazed that I can do this after all of these years. I've even entered some
triathlons mostly for fun and I really love it!!
I love the life that the Lap-Band surgery has given me - it has changed my life
completely and it just is a source of constant encouragement to me. I really think
this is my long term solution and I am so glad I had it done. I just would love
to encourage anybody who's on the fence with this to just really consider the Lap-Band
because it's a wonderful tool that can really help you lose the weight for good.
Whenever I see folks that struggle with a weight problem I feel like going up and
encouraging them, putting my arms around them or something because I know how I
felt before I lost the weight. I was depressed, I didn't care how I looked, I didn't
even comb my hair - I just went through the motions. Since I've had the surgery
it has truly changed my whole outlook for everything and it can change yours too.
You can have a better quality of life, you really can!