Okay, i have decided to try blogging about my LAP-BAND®® experience so I can remember where I started out, what I have gone through, what works and doesn't work and just for memory sake!

My weight problems started back in the 3rd grade for me. I have fought weight my whole life. When i got married back in 2003, i was at 160 pounds. Not too thin but bearable. Since then, i have had 2 kids and ballooned up. I have tried all the crazy diets and pills. Even illegal ones that worked until i stopped taking them. Crazy and I have had enough. I have a family history of obesity and without some sort of help, i will continue in that category as well.

I have thought about the band for the last year or so and went to an introductory meeting on January 5th, 2010. I took all the info, brought it home, discussed with the Hubs and family and decided to go for it with both feet in.

I had my first official appointment on January 27th. I weighed in at 224 pounds. Ughhhh. My highest yet. Because I am only 5'2", i am over the 40 BMI and qualify for insurance purposes. I filled out the paperwork, talked with the nurse and made all my appointments. Here we go!

My next appointments are as follows:

2.18-Psych evaluation

Cardiac Echo

2.19-Blood work

2.23-Support Group

3.01-Dietitian Apt

3.09-Support Group

3.16-Surgeon Apt. (Hopefully I will get my surgery date)

3.23-Support Group

I have read many successful blogs and it has me really excited. So, on January 27th, i weighed in at 224 pounds. Today, I am down to 219. My presurgery weight goal is 213.5 pounds. I started the Atkins diet yesterday, since that has been the most successful and quickest diet for me in the past. With a little bit of exercise thrown in, i should have no problem losing the last 6 pounds.

My ultimate goal weight is 150 pounds.

Good luck to you on your journey. You will find a lot of support here!

Congrats on getting the ball rolling. You will do great and be seeing changes in no time. I just got banded on 2-12-10 and i am already very excited about the whole thing. It is great that you have the support from your family it helps tremendously!! Good luck and keep posting:)

Good luck Jilly!