I'm 38, married for 19 years in Sept. I have a wonderful husband. I have 2 children, 12 and 14 years old. They are my world. I'd love to be able to do more with them.

I have Multiple Sclerosis so the decision is possibly harder for me to make. I am only considering Lap Band. Because of the MS I don't think RNY would be a good choice. I can't afford Malnutrition or the effects major surgery from RNY would put me through. I think it would be too taxing. Fatigue with MS and pain are my biggest problems. I'm afraid major surgery would be too hard to recover from.

I feel rotten most of the time and I'm hoping the weight loss will help me feel more human. I've also been dx'd with Degenerative Disc Disease c5 c6 c7, bulging discs at L1-2, I have horrible hip pain worse on right side but both sides hurt everyday. My elbows hurt, my feet hurt.

I have GERD. And I suspect sleep apnea. I've never been tested but am planning on asking when I see Dr. Geller. I will feel better about getting a sleep test before surgery.

I get breathless going up one flight of stairs... my bedroom is on the 2nd floor and every day I think that eventually I will not be able to climb the stairs because of my knees.... and when I get to the top I'm breathless and wonder if I'm going to wake my husband with my heavy breathing. It's embarrassing.

The least I've weighed in 6 years was back in 2000 after 6 months on FASTIN. I got down to 224 from 254. Since then I've gotten up to 274. Would love to be in the 100's again.

8-20-2006

I rescheduled to go to Dr. Geller's seminar on Lap band surgery for the 22nd of Aug. I was scheduled to go last Monday, but I for whatever reason wrote down it was for Tuesday. So I missed it. I was very upset.

When I emailed Dr. Geller he told me to call in and get signed up for the seminar on the 22nd. I was lucky. I got the last two seats. My husband is going to be able to go with me. I'm excited and nervous.

Well so far I have told my husband of course, my daughter who is 12, my very very good friend Betty who had RNY a few years back. I got brave and told my mom. I had been worried about telling her but she wasn't negative. She just wants me to be sure to get a doctor that has done this many times. I told my brother today. I had no idea what he would say. But he surprised me and started talking about a guy he works with that is interested in it and wishes he knew how to ask he's wife about considering it. My brother also told me about friends of his that have had the RNY. So he was, and will be supportive.

I haven't told anyone else. I don't know right now if I will or not. The majority of my friends would be great about it I think. I have some family that I'm not sure about. I feel like some of them would try to just rain on my parade.

Anyone else... just passing people I have no interest in telling. Maybe after I lose weight if they ask.... There are so many negative people out there and I'm just not really in the mood for them.

8-22-06

Today is the day I go to the seminar. It's not until this evening. I have tons of questions to ask the doctor. I'm happy but nervous. I will write about how it goes later.

wow - are we twins? I don't have MS - but I DO have fibromyalgia - in the same family they claim -- and I have degenerative disk disease too - my high weight was 278 (3 months ago) and I have bad knees also - had outpatient surgery on one of them (arthritis scraped and torn ligament repaired-a sports injury -yeah right - lucky I can walk stairs) -- so yes I know exactly what you are going through - best wishes on the lapband surgery- I am held back only by finances and the fact that on disability social security is getting fickle with who can do the surgery and even worse, who can do fills - so for now I wait - but am losing some weight on my own - each day is a new challenge! Best wishes and keep us posted...