I got the lap-band in 2008 at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. From day one, I never had a serious restriction enough to slow down my eating. Over the last 4 years, I have lost 40 lbs and put it back on twice simply by exercising. The only problem is that I have a severely damaged back and working out on regular basis is at times impossible. This is when I begin to pile on the fat. I found out 2 weeks ago that my band is either defective or was damaged during the initial surgery.

I was given the gift of Bariatric Surgery on December 10, 2007. Initially tipping the scales at 316 pounds (that I would admit), I am now twice the woman in half the body. I am successfully maintaining a 160-pound weight loss, but perhaps more importantly, went from frumpy to fabulous in about 14 months flat. I feel fantastic, have a "normal" BMI (whatever that is), and my annual lab results say I'm perfectly healthy. I like to say that I feel 25 years younger

The surgery went off without a hitch. I never took pain medicine once it was stopped 1 1/2 days before I left the hospital. The 18 months since surgery have been an interesting journey! I have felt all sorts of odd things like missing shopping the larger size racks and hating how hard toilet seats and most chairs are now! My sense of taste seemed off until about 6 months ago. I thought I would never enjoy food again! But I do. I just try and enjoy it ALL in little bits.