I started considering lapband about 2 years ago. I was sitting on a porch swing with my mom and it broke, slamming my side of the swing into the ground and leaving my pride and butt bruised. A few months later, I couldn't go on a water slide with my husband because I was over the weight limit. We had to walk back down the tower,past the crowds of people, carrying our inter tubes. After that I started taking Phentermine (under the care of a doctor) and exercising everyday. I was able to lose a total of 60 pds but I didn't keep it off for long. My husband had just joined the Army and we soon moved to another state, far away from family and friends. Then we moved to Germany and among the beer, brats, and pretzels I gained it all back...

So here I am, 26 years old and weighing 318 pds. I have knee pain, back pain, plantar fasciitis, and can't walk up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath. I began talking with my doc about weight loss surgery in November 2012 and tomorrow I turn in my paperwork to get the ball rolling.

I know there are risks. I know it will be hard. I am ready.