X- Post 1st Year bandiversary

[Guest guest]

My first year Bandiversary is coming up in a couple of weeks(

December 27, 2003). I started out with a low BMI (35) with co-

morbidities, hypertension and high cholesterol. I am 5 pounds from

goal and that is exciting. The surgery for me was uneventful. I had

surgery on a Saturday and returned to work on Wednesday. Actually, I

could have returned to work on Tues. but had airline connection

problems getting out of San Diego so we got home a day late. My

husband and I were banded on the same day.I won't tell his story

number one because it is his to tell and is much different than mine.

I can't believe a whole year has passed. The year has not been

uneventful though. I did the liquid phase for a several weeks after

surgery and had restriction post surgery so I lost 25 pounds in the

first three months. My cholesterol dropped 60 points in three

months.

I noticed after three months I was able to eat more and started to

gain back some of the weight. I really didn't want to fly back to TJ

for a fill so I procrastinated looking for a local fill doc who

would take my case. I have the French Midband.

In June I found a fill doc in Kansas City which is 3 hours from

where I live. With the first two fills I felt restriction but could

eat around it. On the third fill I had restriction. I waited for a

half an hour and my husband and I left the clinic. Within 30 minutes

I was unable to swallow my own saliva. We headed back to the clinic

and missed the Doc by minutes as he was headed into surgery.

Needless to say I was pretty miserable. They got a hold of the NP

who gave me an unfill. I thought she took enough out and after a

long observation period we headed home. My stoma at this point was

very swollen.

I am a hard learner with a high tolerance for pain which is not the

best attribute. We stopped at a convenience store and I stored up

on plastic grocery sacks and continued to Pb all the way home. My

band was still too full and I wasn't willing to accept that I needed

more unfil. I was going to tough it out. Soooooooooooo, within a

week I had aspiration pneumonia missed tons of work took two rounds

of antibiotics before I gave in and headed back to Kansas for

another unfil. It took me a month to recover from the pneumonia and

regain my strength.

This was in June and I have since lost 27 more pounds and still have

tremendous restriction. When the last 5 pounds are gone I will have

another slight unfill. For the past 6 months I have not had one

hunger pain. I eat because I need nourishment. The band is

fickle....I don't know from one day to the next what will stay down

and what won't. Normal amounts of food on a plate are completely

overwhelming to me. I never dreamed that could be possible.I can eat

fish, chicken, Filet Mignon, turkey dressing, sushi, eggs and toast

but I can't swallow a vegetable for the life of me.

Hair loss: my hair was just fine until 8 months out. It certainly

wasn't because I didn't get enough protein given that was what I ate

best. I have to think it is connected to my inability to eat veggies.

It's been quite a ride this past year. Would I do it over again?

Yes, in a nano second. I have this huge closet of clothes in several

different sizes. I still have in the back of my mind that I will

need the large sizes as my weight has never been consistent in my

life.....However, I will NEVER be fat again. I have made that a

mantra and repeat it to myself several times per day. When I truly

believe it I will send 2/3 of my wardrobe to the Goodwill.

One thing I know is not unique to me. When I eat I always push the

limit on the amount of food my pouch will hold. I realize that we

are a compulsive bunch and didn't accidentally eat our way into

obesity. As I mentioned above, I am a hard learner and while

experiencing all of these hard lesions I am thankful I have not

damaged my band.

I don't post often and have learned tons from the bandster groups.

I can't imagine how I would have made it through this past year

without the wisdom and knowledge of the groups. The information is

invaluable. To stay out of an squabbles you take what you want and

leave the rest. Thank you fellow bansters