How is life after the band?

[NotSoFunny]

Please share with us your struggles and joys since losing your band, and how your life has been changed, to help support anyone that might be facing band loss.

[M_Montes]

I lost my band due to erosion 11 months ago. I had my band for 18 months and I was very successful. I lost over 100 lbs. I was a very good bandster. I followed the rules, so to let everyone know erosion can happen to anyone. As for now, 11 months later I am happy to say I have maintained my weight loss. I have a weight fluctuation of 3-5 lbs but to me that is water weight or as I call it " fluff" weight. I am still in my size 10-12"s. Being honest here... it is a struglle everyday, somedays I have good days and some days I have bad days. I still try to live my life like a bandster by following the bandster rules and lifestyle which I feel is the reason for my success in NO weight gain for 11 months.. If I could change anything it would be that I would exercise more .....everyday I say I am going to start and everyday I dont!. The band was the best thing I ever did. I am happy I had such success and it worked for me but even happier that I learned from my band and I have been able to maintain my weight loss flying solo. For me this is a bigger victory then losing the weight. I wish everyone of you here lots of success with your band, it is a great tool, use it to the best of you ability but do not rely on the band to do all of the work. Your head and band must work side by side.

[Jachut]

I've completely lost focus on dieting and have become obsessed with running, lol. To complete my first 7.5km on the weekend, that was sheer joy, I bawled my eyes out crossing the finish line. I eat well to fuel a good run now, and the weight loss is secondary to getting faster, running further.

I love it love it love it. I think I'm addicted to that runner's high, lol.

[Iulizbug]

Wow M Montes that is pretty impressive that you have maintained your weight for 11 mos:eek: That is awesome!! I would only hope that I would be that successful w/out my band. Keep up the great work. You give us hope that you can still live a bandster life w/out the band.:nod:

~Liz~
03/10/06
241/161/160
5'7''

[shackdog]

It's been different, you learn to eat a totally different way and also different foods. Dont want the issues with things that will not go down

[A1ikou]

M Montes, I think what you have done is admirable. Many people can lose lots of weight with or without a band but one of the biggest fears is keeping it off. 11mths without a band to help and maintaining your weight, deserves a HUGE pat on the back. Well done!

[JudyBellyBand]

Background: After 30 months of living in (-66lbs) Bandland and still BMI =29.2 and being 30lbs away from my goal, I found out on the 8th of November that I have lost function in my band due to a complete leak. I fell apart and mourned the loss for days. Let me put it like it was… I fell apart. After all, it had not slipped or eroded and I had already gained 9.5lbs in 5 weeks waiting for the next fill. Also, I knew the Christmas session was going to make it even worst. When I weigh-in that morning at my doctors I knew I had gained but I planned on getting that band re-fill and getting that off and more. When restricted, my band had been faithful. However, it was not going to work that way this time.

I am still waiting on my clinic to submit approval for a 2nd band which they are telling me that it’s not going to happen till “sometime” in January at best. It is my heart’s desire to get this 2nd band and I am praying for it as soon as possible.

BUT WHAT IS WORKING FOR ME . . . and my new weight-loss Tools:

My faith in Christ
Very straight, sound, correct advice from Suzanne Chapin on LBT.com about getting focused and just continuing.
Tracking what I eat and exercise. Please hear this cause it’s important and I want you to also get this…. Tracking the WHAT you eat is the KEY. We loose based on WHAT it is we eat verse what we exercise…(yea, yea I know what you are thinking here). It’s tracking the WHAT we eat that is the 2nd band tool. The What we eat is made-up of stuff that is either good for me or not. I need to know it and not just let it happen.
So I already had a desktop tool that I never used called “FitDay” and it was excellent but I could not take it with me. So I researched and found “Diet and Exercise Assistant v6.0” which runs on my desktop and also synchronizes with my PDA handheld. The two versions cost about $30USD. This is the best by far software tool but even CONTINUING to put the WHAT down on paper would have been better than not doing so. You have to understand (with or without the band) it’s all about the What you eat and what it’s make up of. For example. I had no idea that English peas were a poorer choice than green beans by a factor of X3. See what I mean?
Hunger control – the BIG problem. I was told about this by a friend who goes to personal trainer and it is helping. Sure water management still helps also. But the over the counter appetite suppressant I am using is called ‘ALRI Venom Hyperdrive 3.0 (for stamina & energy $28USD/90 Caps)’.
SUPPORT … my wonderful husband and YOU!AFTER 9 DAYS of FOCUS on each item 1-5 above and without my wonderful band. . . . I realize that I CAN handle whatever happens to my weight because I finally get it. I am feeling better and still hoping to have a replacement band in January. But the difference is being in control, not falling apart, staying focused on MY goal. It’s about me and better choices; not just my band.

Dear friends, I am praying that this truly helps you and that you don’t have to lose your band to realize this same thing. Go for it…get healthy, get out of those clothes (physical and emotional) you hate, and have a BLESSED 2006 THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS. I am praising my Lord because I understand now and we can do it. Someone on LBT saidthis, “I guess I experienced a shift in my thinking when I recalled a saying from AA...It's easier to stay sober than get sober.” This is so true.

[PhotoNut]

Wow, Judy. Your post has really touched my heart. I've just read it and I have so many thoughts rolling around in my head. I'll let them settle before I respond. But in the meantime, here's a big hug. *squeezes you tight* Thanks for sharing, and you know we'll all be here to support you. Although, it looks to me like you are doing a great job of being an inspiration and support for us! :)

Everyone - this thread is about life after losing the band. Not life after being banded. *grins* Don't feel bad if you posted on here in error. Everyone's thoughts are welcome. I just wanted to be sure the thread stays on it's intended track.

Wow.. Judy. *shakes her head in complete awe*

[PhotoNut]

Judy, I popped over to LBT and read your thread. Letha gave you great advice and I was happy to see that Inamed is going to stand behind you on this. I would really appreciate your sharing with everyone here, what you did to get Inamed's attention, and what Don said about the leak data, as there may be others who find themselves in your shoes and would benefit from the information.

By the way, Letha's name isn't Suzanne Chapin. That was the author of the quote she has in her title. :)