Debra: LAP-BAND Surgery
Hi! My name is Debra and I’m a member of the band. The Lap-Band that is!
Let me start out by saying THANK YOU to Dr. Bagnato and ALL of his staff for my new life! On February 26, 2009, I was granted a new birthday – that’s the day I had my surgery. I started this journey weighing 359 lbs. Now, if I were 8 feet tall, I would have been fine but, I’m only 5′ 3″. As you can see by my beginning picture I was a ton of fun. LOL!!! Although I smiled a lot, I was always embarrassed by my size.
I had gotten to point that I didn’t even fit into a booth at any restaurant. I have tried so many different plans and programs, but never have had the will power to stick with them for long. I would lose some weight then gain it back plus some more. After researching the Lap-Band and attending 2 seminars, I knew this was the right thing for me. I am so excited to be a member of the band!!! So far on this journey, I have lost 113 lbs. and I feel so much better. I am amazed at the things I can do now without even thinking about it. I can actually bend over and tie my shoes. Something most people take for granted but we heavy people face each day. I actually have just recently realized how different I am shaped.
I was walking towards a mirrored door at my parent’s house and had to stop and look at myself. I almost cried! My arms were hanging by my side. Normally they sort of just stuck out over my fat sides. I was shocked that my shape has changed so drastically! I normally only looked at myself from the neck up so, to see a full view was awesome!!!
I am even smaller now than when my husband and I got married in 1985. He and our children are so proud of me! I am definitely a much happier person now. It is fun to see people that I haven’t seen since my surgery. The look on their faces still floors me. I still feel like I look the same, crazy isn’t it?! Well I am going to keep working on this body. I do hang in some places but will wear that as a badge of honor for now. Let me end by saying, if you are thinking of having this surgery,
STOP THINKING AND JUST DO IT!! I had mine done on a Thursday and was back at work on the following Monday. I have absolutely no regrets!!! So get off the couch and start your journey. We will work together for a healthier life with added benefit of looking better. LOL!!!
I am so happy for you and you look wonderful! I love you!
You are a true inspiration! I can hear the excitement in your voice and that is contagious! Keep it up!!!!
Hey Debra,
I’m so proud for you. My daughter Emily had surgery in Oct. 2005. She turned 18 Tuesday Dec 8th and she has had aweight problem since she was very young. She has lost right at 40 lbs. and she feels so much better. I think the Lap Band is the greatest thing ever 🙂 You have done really well with your weight lose. God is wonderful in so many ways to give you this chance. Keep up the good work.
Amen to that. My husband & I had the lap-band surgery in February 2009 on the same day. We don’t regret having it done & are feeling so much better & healthier. We can now tie our own shoes without grunting, moaning or groaning.
WOW! Congrats! I’m working on having my surgery just finished up all the insurance stuff waiting to hear final word. I hope I can be a success emotionally and physically like you.
I am so proud of you and you look great! I had my surgery March 19, 2009 and I don’t regret having it done either. It is the best thing anybody can do for themselves.
I enjoyed reading your testimony. Your beutiful and funny. Keep up the great job!!
You look awesome. I know you must feel better. I hope you keep posting your progress, it is very encouraging to alot of people. Keep losing, walking and looking great.
Your Secret Admirer
WOW! You look great!
Sherie (Jordyn Kearns’ mom)
Continue the good work you look and sound great !
Hey Girl,
Could not believe the “new happy you” today at the gas station. You have always shown such a happy outside to the world but today I saw a happy inside shining out. I am so proud of you. You are truly an inspiration to everyone. Love you girl. CB
Deb, I am so proud of you and for you. You looked fantastic when I saw you. After talking to you I am going to have it done. Girl, you know we’ve been on this mission for much too long. Love you Deb!
Congradulations, you look great. I had my band surgery March
23, 2009. Since last January I’ve lost 57lbs. The weight
loss is slow for me, but I feel so much better and off my blood pressure medication and my insulin resistance medication. Had lab work done recently and every thing was WNL.
Kudos, I had my surgery Dec.31, 2009. You look great. Keep posting your progress it is encouraging to me. I have lost 30lbs. Good work!
God bless
Dorothy