Posts Tagged ‘ LapBand ’

Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weakness.  ~Marie de Vichy-Chamrond

To some people a few pounds gained or lost may affect which outfit that may be chosen to wear on a given day.  For others, a few pounds added on may mean they were on a relaxing vacation.  Whereas for those who drop a couple here and there may have cause for celebration, perhaps even a reason to go shopping.  But exceeding an ideal body weight by over two-hundred and fifty pounds, is more than an obstacle, it truly affects everything.  Your demeanor, your self-worth, your ability to function in everyday life, or how you cope with things, with other people, and facing stigmas galore.

Today, strong, confident, and in-charge, I am Heather Branson, a dedicated health warrior gaining the upper hand on my life and my weight.  Being that person who was restricted, having struggled my entire life with weight, self-esteem, and people’s perception issues, I now triumph over all limitations as I lose pound after pound.  For the first twenty-six years of my life (I am now twenty-seven) I lived amongst those who did not need to be concerned about their weight, being able to go on amusement rides without care, to eat frivolously without abandon, and not suffer inner and outer disappointment, ridicule, or self-defeating thoughts and perceptions from their weight.  Quietly I ate, avoiding ridicule, stares, jeers, and people’s disgust.

Resilient inside I worked to make my life as normal as possible amongst my family, friends, and co-workers yet knowing always that I was different, and looked and was treated that way as well. Though I tried and tried countless ways to lose weight and get more self-control over eating and working out, the inevitable was finally realized.  That without external help I would not be able to lose weight, and I was putting my health, well-being, and life in harm’s way.   So I made the decision to have Lap-Band surgery help me save myself.  I met with renowned surgeon Dr. Mark Fusco to discuss having the procedure done.  After one meeting it was clear that the choice to have the surgery was not only a good one, but one that would allow me to gain the upper hand on my life and manage my eating and exercising as this surgery required a true healthy lifestyle change.  The decision was a very easy one for me, I knew it would benefit me medically, mentally and psychologically.

On November 30th, 2009, I underwent successful Lap-Band Bariatric surgery.  The LifeShape team was with me every step before and after the surgery ensuring I was being active and adhering to the eating and exercise program.  One of the draws for me was the all-in-one comprehensive program through LifeShape.  Dr. Fusco’s approach is to provide a full service multidisciplinary weight loss clinic, with all the tools that a Lap-Bander would need for success.  The LifeShape program gave me access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, group classes, support groups, walking groups, a Facebook, Blog and Twitter online community, weight goal online support program, nutritionist, and complete accessibility to the programs knowledgeable coordinator.  From that moment forward I began a journey to regain my self-image, and lose the unwanted, unhealthy weight.

Wasting little time, I embraced my mission to lose weight. The LifeShape Fitness Center was just the place to do so.  A personal training studio with an experienced staff of trainers who know the ins and outs of Lap-Band surgery proved just what I needed.  Senior Trainer Christie Piontkowski opted to work directly with me.  Soon I was sweating and working out like I never had before – it became exciting!  Along the way I learned a lot about food, exercise, and myself.  Initially it was no walk in the park.  But through my desire and perseverance my workouts have become not only a staple, but a passion. Now I know that eating right and exercising together achieves success, and the trainer and client work diligently help me to eliminate the unwanted pounds.

Christie has been a true blessing for me and always offers advice, support, encouragement, and little things that speak to my heart and build my self-esteem. She has been really great at making me feel good about myself. At first, working out, I avoided sleeveless clothes and anything that would show my arms or stomach. I felt grossed out by my own body. Now it’s so fun to be me. Now I can wear so many things!

Family and friends, who supported this step in my transformation, were thrilled as well. I am so happy to have such a great support system that I am encouraged more and more with my success to keep going and not to look back.  I have no regrets about my decision, and would do it again.  Living my life now the way I want to is a feeling that there are no words to express.

In the past it use to be for me that whenever something bad happened, I ate. I always used food when I felt sad or alone. Now I understand though losing the weight, exercising, remaining positive and setting goals makes life fun and no longer “weighs me down”. 

My results and goals are not always immediate and some struggles still persist from time to time, and I am sure always will.  I admit at times I still must resist feelings and thoughts of not being pretty or good enough on the inside, even though my outward appearance is dramatically changing and my overall outlook is high.  Also tough is finding ways to deal with everyday stresses without turning to food. Most of my life, I had food to help me cope; now I have to rely upon myself to cope without it.  A main reason behind my success is that Lap-Band is designed to control how much food can be consumed in a single sitting.  This physically and mentally retrains me to adhere to portion control, and to be more effective with selecting the most nutritious foods as possible.

Though the Band is a great tool, I will have to be responsible for my food and exercise choices for the rest of my life. I drink 64 or more ounces of water a day, have three portioned meals of good proteins, vegetables, and fruit.  This doesn’t mean I no longer have cravings. Getting full fast is easy because it’s done for me. But choosing to say no to food? That’s not easy, because mentally I still want it. It’s very rare, but I know a person can definitely gain the weight back after LapBand surgery if they do not follow the directions of the tool. So at times I have to use tricks to restrain myself. If I want a potato chip, or dessert, or even a little chocolate I don’t deny myself, but I do limit myself to a taste or two then push the rest away.  I believe this type of behavior modification is part of the goal of the surgery to help the individual retrain and re-program their way of thinking.

I am up to the challenge of ensuring that I don’t fall back into bad habits. I walk on my own regularly, train with Christie twice a week and attend several exercise classes at LifeShape Fitness Center. I eat three light meals of protein, fruit and vegetables a day and continue to focus on a healthy lifestyle.

I am eighty-five pounds down and still losing to date! I turn my success and attention to others in need by speaking about my life at Lap-Band seminars and support group meetings.  I hope my openness about my struggles before and after surgery encourages others who are considering the surgery or have similar issues post-operation to find comfort in knowing they are not restricted. Anyone at any stage can learn they can overcome their obstacles; they can take charge of their lives once again. I hope to see you soon at an upcoming LifeShape seminar!

BEFORE LAP-BAND SURGERY

AFTER LAP-BAND SURGERY