So I found this website a while back and loved all the information and insight it's members gave. I decided last night to finally sign up and start adding my own journey into the mix. Yay!

I've been overweight/ obese pretty much all my life. Even in kindergarten I was the chubbiest one in the bunch....thank you genetics! My mom struggles with her weight as well and she had a saying, "nothing tastes as good as thin feels". I'm sure that’s true but when you've never been thin you don't really have the memory to motivate you. I'm pretty much addicted to food....I'll admit it! I mean it's wonderful...when your sad, it's there...when your happy it's there to help celebrate...when your bored...hey grab some potato chips to take away that boredom. Food has been a great friend over the years except it's one of those two faced friends cuz it totally helped me pack on the pounds...."Food how could you? I thought we were friends!?!" It sucks when you relize that your too plump to fit into an amusement park ride or your claves can't fit into ski boots, so yet again, your sitting on the sideline. Things like shopping, which should be fun, turn into something depressing. "What?!? I have to go up another size! Gaaaa!" (I know we've all had that feeling)

So after years of dealing with being heavy...dieting...being a little less heavy...quitting the diet...being heavier than when I started, I've finally found the silver lining to my gray cloud. Lap Band! Yay! I'm so excited and after reading blogs and chat threads I've got so much more info. I know I've gotta take the good with the bad...there are risks but so many people have inspired me with their success stories! You guys are amazing! I haven't officially got my surgery date yet but I should next week! My insurance didn't cover the procedure but heck if I let that stop me. Thank goodness I've got amazing grandparents because they agreed to cosign on a loan! (I have NO credit...so that doesn't help a bit) Plus paying off the loan will help me get credit...win, win! So this is the first of my blog...it's almost therapeutic write my thoughts and feelings out. Thanks to all who read my ramblings!

Many people will walk in and out of your life,

but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

WELCOME to LBT Jem! Good luck! -BG

Jem - you sound like the rest of us. We all have this addiction and I've tried the boots with my big calves...it's time to put all that behind you and go forward. You are so pretty already...my gosh...you'll be a knock-out! Congrats on your decision. laura

This is VERY theraputic! Welcome on this wonderful journey! It has its ups and downs, but it is worth the trip.