12 replies to this topic

[sauvis]

Hi,
I am introducing myself to this form, so here is my story. I had my band surgery by Dr Wright (Newcastle area) in January 2008 when I weighed 150 kg & had it removed in Nov 2008 when I weighed 110kg after swelling complications. When all was settled down I had another larger band put in January 2009, I then got down to 96kg. In Oct 2010 I had major surgery for a brain tumour and during the following months I couldn't exercise and started to eat all the wrong things again. Now in January 2011 I weigh 128kg and once again starting on the exercise and weight loss journey. I am the mother of four lovely children aged between 11 & 7 so I have a lot of motivation to get it right this time and to be around for them. I know it is hard but it is so rewarding when you start to lose weight and see the results. I never quite made it to my goal weight the first time round which was 88kg so I am aiming to be down there by this time next year or as close as I can get. At this stage I intend to not get any band adjustments for the first few months and see how it goes but I know that if I need that bit of extra help it will be there for me. I am also starting the 1 Million Kilo Challenge (do you have a team I can join?) as a bit of extra motivation and to kick start this weight loss again over the next 10 weeks. SO that is my story and I hope to have some great chats on this forum with the chance to inspire others and be inspired as we take this journey together.

[jan123]

Well done for making the decision to join the weight loss journey again, sounds like you have had great results in the past so you know you can do it.
2010 sounds like a challenging year for you, recovery takes time and I am sure with your lovely children it was busy and worrying for all the family. I hope that you are doing ok now.
Welcome and good luck with this next stage .

[103toomuch]

yes, there's a team. I'll have to go have a look for the link for you.

[Penny74]

Hi, if you join the 1 Million Challenge, the team quite a few of us are in is called Bandits. Just ask to join and I'll approve you as I check fairly regularly for new requests. Looking forward to getting on the right track with you as I've been stagnant for the last 9 months while I dealt with life issues.

[sauvis]

Thanks for the encouragement on starting my journey again. :0

I will go and look for your Team now and send a request. Thanks Penny

[Penny74]

Hi Sauvis,
You should be in the team now...
Cheers
Penny

[tawney008]

Hello and welcome this is an awesome site to come to for info, advise and encouragement!

Wow, what a journey you have had. I wish you all the best for re-starting your journey. Did you get your last band removed?

Cant wait to follow your journey

[moomad]

Hi, I am also about to get a new band after having my first out 13 months ago. I have been overweight for most of my childhood and all of my adult life. I have no idea what it is to be thin. I was banded in 2007 and after a pregnancy (well, several) I had a slippage that was causing bad reflux and aspiration of vomit at night. I had an attempt to fix but it failed (I could not even swallow saliva). I ended up having the band removed after 3 years and losing 45kgs (I stopped weightloss while pregnant). I was told after that band was removed that it would be 3-4 months before I got one again. It has been 13 months and I have gained over 50kgs. I am going back in on the 7th February with very mixed concerns. The band really was a saving grace for me, but I worry about the same issues. With a band I felt the full sensation, I have only had a similar sensation when I had a tummy bug (strange??). I only ever had 1.5mL in a 10mL capacity band, any more was too restrictive. this time I am getting a larger band so hopefully more to play with?. On the last band it was at least 2 years before I could even eat dry toast. Many foods played up on me, even if they were fine before.

My Stats?
Married for 9 years, with 4 children (2, 6, 8 and nearly 13). At my highest I am in the 170kg weight range. My 'ideal' range is 65-70kgs. I have a genetic connective tissue disorder that effects my joints making exercise difficult. I also have an inherited clotting disorder making me higher risk for blood clots (I have already had a DVT and bilateral pulmonary emboli by aged 30).

Interested in knowing if anyone else has similar stories?

[tawney008]

Hello Moomad

Welcome to the group Wow what a journey you have been on so far!! I wish you all the best of luck for the 7th!!

The only thing I have similar to your story is a DVT when I was 22.. but that was following surgery and I dont have any issues anymore, except for the red flag anytime I have surgery for extra precautions. Oh and I have 5 kids, 2, 6, 8, 12, 15... so nearly similar

GOOD LUCK... cant wait to follow your journey and hear about your sucess

[moomad]

Thanks Kristy. I was 29 when I got my band and had 3 pregnancies after that, the first 2 I lost in the first and third trimester (placental abruption). I had issues with my band with the last 2, but I think my full term (he is almost 2 now) was the one that pushed it over the edge as I never recovered from the reflux, then the aspiration kicked in. It was only because the doctor told me 3-4 months waiting to get it in again that I had the surgery... I had no idea it would take 13 months. I really fell off the wagon.

I do wonder how many bandits suffer problems towards the end of pregnancy after getting a band? I have finished having babies. I don't want to chance anything happening to my next band.

[tawney008]

thats so sad about the placenta abruption. Sorry to hear that. There have been a couple of pregnancies on here post banding.. but not sure how many people with bands suffer problems... maybe you could start a topic and ask?? I can imagine how hard it would have been to stay on track with the band gone Good luck with the next band

[moomad]

Thanks It was very hard, especially the second one because I was 28 weeks along; however I would not have my 2 year old now or know about my blood clotting disorder (and my mum and sister know!) without losing her. I had post traumatic stress disorder following that pregnancy but have worked through pretty much everything and am refocussing now on 'where to from here' rather than just what could have been. I really am tired of being drenched in the sadness of weight and what 'could have been'. I am ready to take a new direction and some ownership in where I go in my life now.

I am sure the issues with the band was the competition for space. I definitely noticed the issues get worse in my third trimester. I lost weight over the course of my last pregnancy as well, I was about 8 kgs less than when I first fell pregnant. Can't complain about that ;p

No more pregnancies for me, so from here I can focus fully on weight loss

[tawney008]

Good for you Moomad you have come through a very traumatic experience and are focused now on changing something in your life for the better... its very easy to fall into the trap of eating for comfort etc... so well done!!

Welcome to the beginning of your new life