I'd forgotten about this site; When I eventually stumbled across it again I was amazed to see that I originally registered way back in Nov 2008. 17 months ago to be precise;17 months of wasted time;17 months trying to convince my self that this time when I loose weight I'm gonna keep it off; 17 months of pill popping, 17months of powder slugging; 17 months of failure. I reached the grand old age of 49 in Feb and promised myself that I would not be fat and 50! In March I gained another 8lbs, despite my promise to myself I gained 8lbs! Can you believe that? I get on my scales every morning and every morning I get off my scales I start my diet. I talk to myself-OK today is gonna be the start, no messing around, its easy you know how to do it, its easy. Well you know what its not easy. Ive finally admitted it, ITS NOT EASY AT ALL! I can kind of understand now how and alcoholic must feel when they first attend AA. Admission is the first step and I really feel quite liberated. The only differrence between me an an alcoholic is that my addiction comes in the form of food. I actaully now realise I can't do it on my own. You see Ive never had a problem loosing weight my problem is keeping it off. So 2 weeks ago I decided I was going to have a band fitted. I spent the next three days researching as much as I could about gastric banding. I watched almost every video on You Tube relating to Banding. I read loads of testimonials. Looked at the most amazing before and after photographs. Cried for people where it had goine wrong. Frowned at people who openly admited to cheating their band. It was time, I was ready. I sent off my initial enqiry and within 24 hours received a response. My consultation appointment was set up and I began counting down to a new me! At my consultation I was shown a model of a stomache, I was shown a band. How could something so small be so effective and life changing. I wanted to pick the band up off the docs desk and kiss it! They told me I was a perfect candidate for banding. My BMI was below 50 I was under 50 years of age (just) ! Non smoker low cholesterol normal blood pressure. Its the first time I can remember a Doc actually telling me I was perfect! :thumbup:My band is going to be fitted on the 3rd June . I cant begin to tell you how excited I am. I will be slim for Christmas, no if or buts I WILL BE SLIM FOR CHRISTMAS. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from this site to make sure my recovery is speedy and trouble free. I know there can be complications however I'm not thinking about that, I'm being positive! 27 days to go :cursing:

Congrats! I am happy for you! And you have the right attitude! I was banded 8 days before my 45th birthday on 2/4/10....I LOVE my band....even when I have minor problems I love my band and the decision to be banded! My high weight was 351.....339.5 when I started trying to get approved and 317 the day of surgery. Now at 298.5......it had been well over 5 years since I was under 300. Even at my weight, people have said I walk straighter and prouder.....I wish you luck~Peggy

Hi Peggy thank you for your posting. I live in the UK and although this site is predominantly used by Americans I have learnt so much already! No idea most of the time what foods you guys are talking about :cursing: but hey who cares! Its great to talk with other people especially newly banded and almost banded poeple. I am really really excited. Keep up the good work Peggy this time next year you be under 200 :cursing: Donna x

My story is much like yours. Have been considering the band for well over a year now. Just banded yesterday. My 50th is in August and I was determined to make some headway with my weight by my birthday. I mean how long can I let this go on for. I'm also looking forward to the holidays being alot thinner and healthier. Good luck on the 3rd of June. I'm doing well 1 day post op and I'm sure your will too.

debolsen