I am embarking on a journey that I have wanted to take for years now. The Lapband journey. The journey to a healthier, happier me. Me being a 34 (soon to be 35) year old wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and last but certainly not least woman. I looked into the Lapband procedure about 7 years ago, and every time I came close to making arrangements for it Life happened. Pregnancy, surgeries, financing ect.. This time around I have everything scheduled the surgery, flights, transportation, and it is all paid for. I am going to Tijuana Mexico to the Obesity Control Center. Dr. Ortiz will be performing my surgery which is on Febuary 17. My wonderful husband gave me this gift. I consider it the best gift I could ever receive for myself. It is a chance to live healthy, and have a whole new lifestyle. I am so very excited. I can hardly stand it. I have been counting down the days for 2 months now. I have already lost about 7.5 lbs. on my pre-op diet. The protein shakes are growing on me. I have already noticed that I am not as hungry as I was at the beginning (I started my diet early, in fear I wouldn't lose the necessary weight) of my diet. I now have total confidence that I can do it. Amazingly, my headaches have pretty much gone away also. I suffer from cluster migraines. I know that every little bit I do to live healthier will give me a greater awareness of myself, and each new realization will help me to acheive my goals, and to be the person that I have dreamed of being. I have dreamed so many nights of swimming, and running, and it feels so good. I look forward to this becoming my reality. Anyways, I am so extatic for the 17th, and the rest of my journey. I know it will be long and hard, but so very rewarding. If anybody reads this, I do wish you the very best in your lifes journey!