1 YEAR LATER

[MikeyLikesIt]

I had my surgery in 2007, August 27th to be exact in Tijuana. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez performed my surgery. I had surgery with 5 women that day and am wondering if any of them are still here in the forum and to see how they have been doing 1 year later? I myself have been good and bad, I'll explain.

I lost a lot of my required pre op weight before surgery and have kept that OFF and have also lost some since my band, that's my true success. Since my surgery I've had major issues with finding any kind of restriction which really sucks because I'm 1 year out. I've had 6 fills in my VG band and am now up to 7.2 cc's. I do have restriction right now and am finally seeing results. It only took a year but hey all I have is time. The band is very tricky and is so different with everyone so I can't blame anyone for what's happened. This band has taught me so many things and has brought out a better person in me. It's made me face my issues with food and has helped me in more ways than one. Portion control is the biggest factor especially when you aren't having any restriction. We all had this surgery for a reason...we love to eat and have trouble saying "that's enough" so just because you have the band in you doesn't mean you'll stop eating large portions just because it's in you. I truly believe once the band is in you each bander reaches a point where you "finally get it" and understand your body and your band COMPLETELY.

Immediately after having the surgery a friend of mine who had been banded in 2006 told me to be patient and that with her it took her 8 months to understand her body and eating habits once she got banded. I remember thinking she was CRAZY. Well yeah here I am 1 year out of surgery with her same advice, lol. Like I said each person reaches that point at different times. Some reach it on surgery day, some reach it while over the toilet disposing a donut they THOUGHT they could trick the band in eating, others like me just took more time to realize how to utilize the tool we've been given. It took me a long time to get restriction but I will tell you this much I NEVER GAVE UP and happily didn't gain any of my pre op weight back ( 40 lbs. ) and have kept it all off over this long journey. Don't get it twisted people, my journey is far from over and will probably never end. I've had food issues since I've been in the 8th grade and plan on having them for awhile because just like I didn't gain 400 lbs overnight I sure as hell ain't gonna lose 400 lbs over night either, with our without the band. It takes lots of time, patience and drive to be successful out of surgery.

I hope this post helps anyone out there who is having trouble with restriction, anyone feeling like giving up or anyone that might realize they NEED another fill. I wish everyone nothing but the best and am here for people that have questions because believe me support is KEY. I love my band and love what's its taught me and how it CONTINUES to teach me to treat my body with more care. If it wasn't for the band I'd probably still be at 415 lbs. For those who have had an "easier" journey than us banders with restriction issues I am grateful it's been that for you because restriction or no restriction ALL of our journeys are individual whether we lose weight immediately or not that's for sure. I have friends who have had LESS issues than me and have lost so much weight it's crazy BUT believe me they are my inspiration and remind me to NEVER GIVE UP!

[Taz]

I had my surgery in 2007, August 27th to be exact in Tijuana. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez performed my surgery. I had surgery with 5 women that day and am wondering if any of them are still here in the forum and to see how they have been doing 1 year later? I myself have been good and bad, I'll explain.

I lost a lot of my required pre op weight before surgery and have kept that OFF and have also lost some since my band, that's my true success. Since my surgery I've had major issues with finding any kind of restriction which really sucks because I'm 1 year out. I've had 6 fills in my VG band and am now up to 7.2 cc's. I do have restriction right now and am finally seeing results. It only took a year but hey all I have is time. The band is very tricky and is so different with everyone so I can't blame anyone for what's happened. This band has taught me so many things and has brought out a better person in me. It's made me face my issues with food and has helped me in more ways than one. Portion control is the biggest factor especially when you aren't having any restriction. We all had this surgery for a reason...we love to eat and have trouble saying "that's enough" so just because you have the band in you doesn't mean you'll stop eating large portions just because it's in you. I truly believe once the band is in you each bander reaches a point where you "finally get it" and understand your body and your band COMPLETELY.

Immediately after having the surgery a friend of mine who had been banded in 2006 told me to be patient and that with her it took her 8 months to understand her body and eating habits once she got banded. I remember thinking she was CRAZY. Well yeah here I am 1 year out of surgery with her same advice, lol. Like I said each person reaches that point at different times. Some reach it on surgery day, some reach it while over the toilet disposing a donut they THOUGHT they could trick the band in eating, others like me just took more time to realize how to utilize the tool we've been given. It took me a long time to get restriction but I will tell you this much I NEVER GAVE UP and happily didn't gain any of my pre op weight back ( 40 lbs. ) and have kept it all off over this long journey. Don't get it twisted people, my journey is far from over and will probably never end. I've had food issues since I've been in the 8th grade and plan on having them for awhile because just like I didn't gain 400 lbs overnight I sure as hell ain't gonna lose 400 lbs over night either, with our without the band. It takes lots of time, patience and drive to be successful out of surgery.

I hope this post helps anyone out there who is having trouble with restriction, anyone feeling like giving up or anyone that might realize they NEED another fill. I wish everyone nothing but the best and am here for people that have questions because believe me support is KEY. I love my band and love what's its taught me and how it CONTINUES to teach me to treat my body with more care. If it wasn't for the band I'd probably still be at 415 lbs. For those who have had an "easier" journey than us banders with restriction issues I am grateful it's been that for you because restriction or no restriction ALL of our journeys are individual whether we lose weight immediately or not that's for sure. I have friends who have had LESS issues than me and have lost so much weight it's crazy BUT believe me they are my inspiration and remind me to NEVER GIVE UP!

Hey Mike,

Thanks for sharing this wisdom. I am happy to hear you finally have the restriction you want. I am sure the next year will show you more positive successes.

You are so right that its about portion control. We all have had an unhealthy relationship with food, and we need to realize our body doesn't NEED all that food. I have been so surprised while on the liquid phase after being banded how little food I could eat, and STILL have al the energy I need each day. I now understand what Dr. Ortiz meant when he said that portions should be 1/3 what I was used to.

I wish you well my friend. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Taz

[mlgpdx]

Mike

Thank you so much for posting! It's great to hear from someone who's had their band for a year. I agree with you 100% about taking a long time to "figure out the band" after 6 months I felt like I finally "got it" and now it's 7 months and everyday I have more "ah hah" moments! You are doing great! Thank's again!

xoxoxox

[mona-camille]

I too, thank you for your post. I am one of those (gals) who's had a very hard time finding restriction. I was banded in March of 08 and only just found restriction 2 weeks ago. I now have 9.2 cc's in my 10 cc VG band. I was hard to keep my chin up and go on with hearing about everyone else's dramatic weight loss when I had none. But, I wasn't ready to give up. I sepnt too much money and time and had such high hopes, I KNEW I couldn't give up. So, it's 8 months later, but I feel confident that I will be wasting away to nothing very soon, LOL!!

It just feels very good to me, to hear someone else who was having a hard time too.

Take care and congratulation for all you have done!

[Kittycat]

Great post, thanks for telling your story!!!

[Willi333]

Thanks for sharing your story with us !!

This is a reminder, that this is not a race .... but with the right mindset and patient ... THE BEST THING EVER!

[MikeyLikesIt]

Thanks for all your support, guys!