I've been a long time reader on lapbandtalk...and joined up a few months ago.

I've been overweight my whole life...and by that I mean, I've NEVER been small...I was obese as a toddler! So much so that I grew up thinking I was adopted because my family is made up of all these beautiful healthy people (on top of my weight, I also suffered with cancer and depression) . Throughout the years, some of them have packed on a few pounds...but would no where be considered morbidly obese. I've tried just about every diet in the book...you name it, I've tried it or been forced to do it! I remember having numerous psychological testings done to pin point my overeating. I remember seeing a military dietitian who literally put me on a crash diet of carrots when I was only 10! By the time I was 13, I had pretty much memorized those old style BMI charts with the sliding scales. It goes on and on, but I won't bore everyone with the rest of that...:thumbup:

When gastric bypass surgery was the rage, I pretty much told myself that I'd never be one of "those" people who had to have surgery to lose weight. Now, tons of fad diets later, here I am! WLS is a blessing for me.

After having to wait forever for a denial letter from my primary insurance (BC/BS), my doctors office was finally able to submit to my secondary (UHC; through my husbands company)...lo and behold, I was informed yesterday that I was approved! I'm one of the few individuals of my size (I now weigh about 330, which is not my highest) that have no co morbidities. lol, my mom tries to argue with me about my weight saying that I don't "look and act" like I weigh that much! Over the past 3 years (after I met my husband who is a GREAT support), I changed my thinking...food is no longer a comfort for me. I exercise, eat within reason and can say that I am a healthy person. My doctor thinks I'm a great candidate. I'm excited to start my journey!

Now I need to figure out all these profile additions...

I would like to be the first to tell you this is going to be an awsome ride for you. There will be rough days. Food is not like other addictions. When you are an alcoholic or addicted to drugs the first thing you do is to stay away from those areas of influence, you know, bars the people you used to "party" with etc. you surround yourself in a safer enviroment so there is no temptation. Food is every where. We have to eat, we have to eat to live. I was scared to death I would fail at this like I had hundreds of diets before. I am a little over 8 months banded and am 73 pounds down. It is the smartest thing (other than accepting Christ in my life) I have ever done. Some times I get down and I really miss my old friend (food) but I try to always remember my favorite quote that I have repeated over and over since my start "NOTHING I MEAN NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SKINNY WILL FEEL" I was borderline diabetic, my bloodpressure was sky high, I was 5"3 and 258 pounds. I was killing myself I am so thankful for this band and this new lease on life I just cant tell you how blessed I feel. I can promise you it wont always be easy but it WILL be worth it. YOU are worth it, your family is worth it. You (like myself) will finally get to meet that skinny person inside of you that is dying to get out. Yes the way you look and feel is so important but more than anything, it is about your health, that is so important. I dont have to tell you you are absolutely breathtaking. Remember to enjoy the journey and God bless you as you go. Mechelle