Ten Incredible Ways the Lap Band Changed My Life

So you’ve heard about the Lap Band, and you know the benefits look good on paper. But what is it really like to live it? I’ve been banded for 8 years now, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that the Lap Band procedure changed my life. Obviously…I believe in it so much, I now work for True Results. Now I can help other people experience the same transformation I did. It’s become a personal mission.

So let me tell you about what it’s like for me. Here, presented David Letterman style, are the Top 10 Best Things About My Lap Band.

#10 – When I eat smaller, healthier portions, I’m not still starving.

I tried off and on for years to lose weight, and I was always frustrated that I craved more food all the time. My Lap Band makes that so much easier for me. Now I eat the smaller portions and the lower number of calories, but when I’m finished I feel satisfied.

#9 – I don’t need prescription medicines that were necessary before.

Within two months of having Lap Band surgery, not only had I lost 40 pounds, but I also was able to stop taking blood pressure medicine and anti-depressants. Before the procedure, I’d watched my grandmother lose two legs to diabetes and my mother have a heart attack, and I knew my day was coming. The Lap Band helped me to reverse that and be healthier, more energetic and happier.

#8 – When I reached my goal weight, I felt like having a parade.

One day I stepped on the scale and saw I had gone right past my goal weight of 147 pounds to 143 pounds.  I felt so great that I thought, “where’s the parade?!” I was so proud of myself for taking control of the situation and reaching my goal.

#7 – I felt too skinny and decided to gain a few pounds back.

Believe it or not, I felt too thin when I got to 143 pounds. Although at a healthy weight, I felt a little too skinny. My collar bones, I thought, stood out too much. But the great thing was that I had control, and I chose to put about 10 pounds back on. I was able to do it carefully and deliberately, then stop.

#6 – My Lap Band reminds me to take care of myself.

When you’re on a plane, the flight attendants always say, “In an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on first, then help those around you.” Your health is no different, and the Lap Band helps you remember to take care of yourself first. If you are a healthy mom, wife, daughter, employee or friend, then you’ll be able to take better care of the people and things you care about.

#5 – No more scary weight loss programs.

For years, I tried different diets, and the results could be frightening. Diet pills made my heart race, and I hated that feeling. Many diets didn’t work at all. I even went on one diet that made me gain 13 pounds.  Never again!

#4 – I save money.

This is part two of “no more scary weight loss programs.” I don’t have to keep paying for special foods, books, videos and exercise programs. My weight doesn’t fluctuate, so I don’t have to keep buying different size clothes. I have fewer medical bills.  And, since I eat less, I save money.

#3 – My Lap Band is like a long-term implant of will-power.

Will-power is like a muscle, and if you don’t use it, it atrophies. My Lap Band is always there for me and helps me exercise my will-power muscle every day. I like to think of it as my “Band Buddy,” always reminding me and coaching me to make good eating choices.

#2 – I can eat chocolate.

I didn’t have to give up my favorite foods, like chocolate or lasagna, when I had Lap Band procedure. In fact, I made it a point to have chocolate every day for a while. If I eat slowly, pay attention to what I’m doing and chew my food really well, then I can still eat my favorite foods. The funny thing is, now more than seven years after my surgery, those foods aren’t as important to me anymore. I don’t need chocolate every day, and lasagna … well, it’s just a pain to clean the pan.

And the #1 reason I love my Lap Band … The weight came off and STAYED off.

I tried all kind of diets in the past, and it always seemed like the weight loss lasted, oh, about a second. With the Lap Band, I lost 90 pounds in 11 months. Then, thanks to my Band Buddy, I weigh 155 pounds, I wear a size 8 and I’m staying strong! Eating healthy has become second nature to me, and I’ve added years back to my life. Being this weight feels natural, and I am a happier person.

What are you looking to improve?

I’ve shared my favorite benefits of the Lap Band, but what about yours?  If you too have a Lap Band, what do you enjoy most?  If you’re considering a Lap Band, what would you most look forward to?

Leave your thoughts below in the comments!

- Melissa Jensen

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