Hello!

Well many of you may know me..and many of you may not. I've been on LBT for about 4mths now (I think). A little of my back-story is: I've been researching LapBand since about January of this year. July I decided it was for me. I attended the seminar at the end of July. My first appointment w/my surgeon was September 1st (after rescheduling an August 4th appt.). Since then I've had a fitness appointment, 2 nutrition appointments, a psychological evaluation, an upper endoscopy, a Resting Metabolic Rate test, a bone density test, endless lab work (I'm tired of being stuck), been put on a Vitamin D regimen and had my yearly physical. I'm grateful that I am 100% healthy and I know a ton more about my body now than I did 4mths ago. I was submitted to insurance October 17th (a Monday and a little over a month after my initial appointment w/my surgeon) and received my approval letter October 21st (Friday). Since then, I've had follow-up lab work, after having finished my Vitamin D regimen (was 8 now is 33 =D), I've met w/my surgeon for the pre-op appointment, went to the hospital where I will be having my procedure and met w/the RN to discuss the surgery and had more lab work done there (like I said.. I'm tired of being stuck =/). I am going through insurance and thankfully that has been a very painless process. They only required a BMI of 40 or greater, a psychological evaluation and 5yrs weight history. I was approved on my first try.

That is A LOT to go through in just 3 short months. Now granted, while I was in it, it felt like it was taking FOREVER!! But in retrospect, it was really a blink of an eye. But now I'm at a point where my mind is catching up to my circumstances and this surgery, this life changing event, is becoming so real. My surgery date is December 8th and as of November 24th (Thanksgiving Day) I have been on my liquid diet. Everything is going very well and so far I've not had any problems or outrageous cravings. I'm actually not hungry most of the time, which is extremely helpful since all I'm taking in is protein shakes, sugar free drinks and sugar free jell-o/yogurt.

Everyday of being on this liquid diet is really bringing me closer and closer to the realization of the step I am about to take. I have never had surgery for anything and yes, I am a little scared. I think you'd have to be inhuman to not be, under those circumstances. More than anything I'm excited and ready to hit the ground running, but if I'm real with myself, I hope that I'm ready. Everything happened so fast and that's a blessing, but I've had very little time to actually process what's going on. I think I've spent more time thinking about the end result more than the process it takes to get there.

So, at this point, I'm just trying to take mental inventory. Checking my reality-o-meter and making sure I have realistic expectations. Making sure I am truly ready to take on the task that will soon be set before me. I believe I am, but I need to make sure the switch is flipped mentally and emotionally. Because if I'm not real with me, I'm only setting myself up for failure. I know many of you that (may) read this have probably already gone through this same thing. I'm sure it will pass and I'll be fine. But I at least wanted to take a minute to put my thoughts down. I usually feel better once I've gotten things off my chest and writing is the best way for me to do that.

I'm on my way and it won't be long now. I am so grateful for this site and all the helpful people that share their success stories. You all have played a big part in the confidence I have that I have made the right decision! I'll be sure to keep everyone posted! Thank you all for your continued encouragement!!

Thanks for reading!

-Mary-