Becky: LAP-BAND Surgery
May 2008: BMI 60, Weight 338lbs
August 2009: BMI 41, Weight 234lbs
Weight loss to date: 104 lbs. and still losing
My name is Becky and I’d like to tell you how the Lap-Band procedure has changed my life. Like many people, I’ve been overweight since I was a child. I grew up very shy, with no confidence and very little self-esteem. I married at age 17 and had four children in just over 5 years. With each pregnancy I gained additional weight as I focused more on my children and less on myself. After 17 years of marriage, my husband died and I fell into a deep depression. I let myself go, reaching my heaviest weight of 350 pounds. I could have been heavier but the scales in the doctor’s office only went up to 350. I was taking 3 blood pressure medicines, stomach meds for reflux, joint meds for knee and foot pain, anxiety medication, and was diagnosed with sleep apnea, requiring the use of a CPAP machine when I slept.
As the years went by, my children would voice their concerns about my health, telling me I needed to do something before they lost their only remaining parent. One day my grandson asked me to sit down on the floor and play with him. It broke my heart to tell him “I can’t get down on the floor. Grandma is too big.” That was the moment I knew I had to do something.
I started my journey in late 2007 by attending a Lap-Band seminar in north Georgia. I walked away feeling that those doctors were not interested in helping me as a person. They seemed to be more interested in the money they could make from me. Months later, I went to Albany for a seminar. I met Dr. Bagnato and had the opportunity to talk with him about my medical history and fears. I left that seminar with the feeling that Dr. Bagnato genuinely wanted to help me and see me succeed.
I had my first surgical procedure with Dr. Bagnato on April 24, 2008. I had to have an EsophyX procedure in order to repair my esophageal flap after years of damage. On May 19, 2008 I had the Lap-Band procedure done. I cannot tell you it was the easiest thing I’ve ever done, but it was definitely the best decision I’ve ever made. At first I was scared to tell anyone that I’d had the procedure done because I was so afraid that I would fail. Now, almost 120 pounds lighter, I tell everyone because I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’ve gone from wearing a size 30 to a size 16/18. I’m down to one blood pressure pill and I’m hoping to come off that soon, likewise for the CPAP machine. Not to mention the fact that I’m free from reflux and joint pain!
My friends and family tell me that I’m like a new person. I have finally gained the self-confidence that has been missing all these years and I feel a new respect for the simple things in life. I wake up every day wanting to live and enjoy my life to its fullest potential. My love and thanks go out to my children and their spouses for believing in me and loving me no matter what. I also want to thank Dr. Bagnato, his staff and the Bariatric Institute for their guidance, help, and encouragement throughout this journey. But above all else, I want to thank God for keeping his arms around me, steering me in the right direction, and showing me that with faith all things are possible.
Becky, this brings tears to my eyes in such a wonderful way!!! I have told you this before….. you are a beautiful person and have always been – you have just blossomed by leaps and bounds since you started this journey. What you have done to better yourself and your health is awesome! I do wish you continued good luck and success with this endeavor. Keep doing what you are doing and you will be off that last BP pill in no time at all. Again congratulations! Lisa
Becky I do not remember you as a blonde. As a matter of fact I wouldn’t have known you at all, if you had not told me you were in this months newsletter. You look awesome, and I am so happy for you. I pray my success story will be as successful as yours, when it comes to my turn.Another “bandit”, Kathy
Becky, I wanted to tell you that you look wonderful. I cried when I read your story because I already knew how much you were suffering. I am so proud of you for doing this procedure and you will never fail. You are a very beautiful, sweet and caring person. I am pulling for you and keep up the fantastic work. Becky, you have come a very long way and you will get off that last blood pressure pill. Billie
Becky, you don’t know me. My name is Judy and I am 55 years I need to lose at least 70lbs. I am a little scared to have surgery but I have tried and tried to lose weight and I don’t seem to be able to do it anymore. Can you tell me how your recvovery time was. Was it just 1 night in the hospital? Are there just certain foods you can eat? I am going to the seminar this Saturday. I really need to know if this is a difficult surgery to recover from?
Judy, I was on here reading all the sucess stories. I had the lapband done Nov. 13th of this year. And if it helps you any, my recovery has been wonderful. I came home the same day of the procedure. As long as you follow the rules of what to do and not to do you will do great. I have 13lbs. as of today. Good luck with your decision….it’s the best one I have ever made! And Dr. Bagnato and his staff is AWESOME!!
Hi Judy. I haven’t been on here in awhile so I just got your message. Sorry. I hope you went to the seminar and it put your fears to rest. As for my hospital stay, I was in and out the same day, then a 2 hour drive home, they suggested I stay in the area, but my daughter drove me home. I was back at work in a few days. Everything went well, no problems and no regrets. As for foods I can eat, I eat alot of salads, fish and chicken. No hot dogs, sausage, bread, beef, they don’t go down very well. Everybody is different as to what they can and can not eat. I feel so good and I am so much healthier and that is all that matters. Good luck to you! Becky