I've been keeping a journal but a friend at work, Martha has encouraged me to blog so I thought I would go back and share some of my journal entries to help encourage others.

I've wanted the lapband surgery since before it was approved in the US. I read everything I could find about the procedure.

My husband was adamantly against it and i knew all too well that it was something I could not attempt without his support. My husband, Mike has seen me through many difficult health issues some of which were life threatening. He is my rock and I knew I needed him onboard to be successful with this life changing event. In the last last two years I changed endocrinologists and was diagnosed with diabetes. After years of my thyroid levels being out of kilter, my new endocrinologist, Dr. Q, has managed to get my thyroid levels stablized and I have felt better than I ever have my entire adult life. Dr. Q has encouraged me to have the lapband surgery, has as my internist. New Year's Eve my husband agreed to at least go to the seminar and explore the possibility. It has been a long journey filled with various doctor's appointments, tests, psychological evaluations, and paperwork, etc. I am scheduled to have my surgery on Tuesday, June 30th at Methodist Germantown. My surgeon is Dr. George Woodman. Dr. Woodman has an excellent surgical record, but he is lacking in bedside manner. He abrupt and gruff and for many people the journey stops right there. His drill sargeant demeanor is easy for me to overlook because he has the surgical skill and medical knowledge and because I am determined to make this last ditch effort to lose weight and become healthier work. The statistics of comorbidities of the obese are shocking and frankly I enjoy living much to much to let my weight shorten my ability to live. So June 30, 2009 is the beginning of my new life. I've always said there is a skinny me inside trying to get out - well, now maybe she can surface.

:thumbup:

i know the process can be long and almost seem not worth it. but congrats to you on getting approved and setting a date. i was banded on the 16th of june. like you, my hubby wasn't into the idea. he was still against it when i went to the seminar and even throughout most of the process. i think when he finally figured out it was going to happen with or without his support he bucked up and started supporting the idea. and now that i'm two weeks out and 20 pounds lighter he's seeing the difference it's made in me and he couldn't be happier. good luck to you and i hope your journey is a great and successful one.