By: Chaz Merkel

Welcome to my inaugural column for 'Banded Living'.  I want to thank both Sandi and Gloria for providing me the opportunity to share with all of you some of the things I have learned over the past seven years and 4 months of being Banded.  What a wild ride, so many great moments, hills and valleys!  But through it all it has turned out to be an amazing education for me.  An education that is still ongoing.  This is something we all have in common as Banded people.  Our journeys may differ considerably from person to person.  But there is a commonality that links us all together.  Unlike non-banded folks, when we talk about certain aspects of being Banded with other Banded people...there is a bond...we 'get it'.  It's kind of like dogs sniffing each other...like, "oh yeah...I recognize you"! 

That's why I had decided that in this column I am going to be totally 'real' with you.  You have put a lot on the line to get where you are, and you deserve nothing less than complete honesty.  My hope is to provide some good Banding advice, share some common issues, delve into the psychological aspects of weight loss, as well as a 'write in' feature where I will answer your questions, concerns, or problems.  I am going to share with you some personal stories as well.  Some are funny, some embarrassing, some are millstones...and some milestones!  We will cover it all.  Nothing is going to be off limits.  And just because some of the information I am going to be handing out is from the 'male perspective'...don't be put off ladies, because the majority of it you will find that you can totally identify with also.

December 5^th 2003 I was first Banded.  I weighed 435 pounds...and I have now lost and maintained a weight loss of 215 pounds.  This has been no easy feat.  My life has COMPLETELY changed.  Don't ever let anyone get away with telling you that you have taken the 'easy way out' by choosing weight loss surgery.  Those of you that are newly Banded can learn a lot from those of us that have been banded longer.  And conversely, the opposite is true for some of us older Bandsters who could use a little kick in the butt in order to get back on track again through an infusion of enthusiasm of the newly banded folks.  I am not above shelling-out a little 'tough love' when it's needed either.  And hey...if there is something you disagree with me about...write in and tell me!  This is an open forum.  It's not the first time I have 'eaten crow'.  I just eat it in smaller portions now!

So starting next month I am going to talk with you about everything from your 'little silicone buddy'...to plastic surgery, from eating around the band to body image issues and sex, from tips to keep from cheating or grazing, to our relationships and how they change throughout this journey.  I am even going to share with you just how many toilet seats I broke when I weighed 435pounds!  The topics are limitless.  And I would love it if you became involved and interacted with me on these topics.  So please feel free to click on the link provided to send an e-mail with your question, concern, or to just read me the riot act!  You questions will be answered and your anonymity will be assured.  Because ultimately the whole point of this column is to help you through your personal journey...giving you the best possible advice, and hopefully a few chuckles in the process.  So please join me next month when we tackle our first real topic.  I promise you that it will be worth the read! 

Till then....All My Banded Best!

 
Chaz Merkel

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