I had thought about for a long time, having some kind of weight loss surgery. I use to say to myself that I would think about it tomorrow and then go eat another cookie. But one day something changed...and I made a call. This is where my story begins.

In late October of 2006, I called the Bariatric Center in Centra State hospital located in Freehold, NJ. I spoke to a girl named Jessica, and told her I was interested in Lap-band surgery. She made me a consult apponitment and sent me a huge packet of paperwork.

When the packet came in the mail it was alot of forms and a questionaire about myself. The last question was "Do you have a better understanding about yourself after answering these questions?" My answer was YES!!

I learned that I was really ready body, mind and soul to make a drastic change.

In early November I went to my consult, they told me alot of things about the procedure, but I had done so much research that I already knew alot of what they had to say....that was until I got my checklist. This was a paper that had all of the pre-op classes and doctors I had to see before I would even be considered for the lap-band. It was overwhelming...but you know what? I was up to the challenge.

So here I am, almost 3 months later...I have seen a shrink, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, my regular doctor. I have gone through breathing test, stress test, sleep apnea test, and have taken 7 classes required for the procedure.

On January 17th, 2007 I got a call from Jessica. She said I could have my surgery done on February 10th. All i needed was a few more tests and everything had to be submitted to my insurace company. She called me back about 4 days later and said my insurance would pay and I was good to go.

I started my liquid diet this past Saturday (Jan 27th). Its been hard only because I have been getting some wicked migrains due to the drastic change in eating habits. But, other that that I've been staying on track..and it's not too bad. I went to my regular doctor today for final OK for the lap-band. Ya know what??? I already lost 5 pounds!!!

So now i have 11 days til surgery, I still have to go for an endoscope tomorrow, and my pre-op meeting, blood work and EKG this week.

I have to say one thing about myself...I can't believe that over these past few months, that I stuck to this with great determination, and never took my eyes off the goal I set.

My goal: To lose 131 pounds. I was 271 pounds on Saturday

I want to get down to 140 pounds by the end of my journey

I want to feel better, look better, but most of all...

I want to be HEALTHY to enjoy the rest of my life with my

Daughter and my husband.

Talk to ya soon......Jennifer :scared:

Welcome, I look forward to reading all about your future success! I am also in the process of being banded in the month of Feb. I have one more appt. and then I will hopfully get my date. Well, good luck and keep going! You're doing great!

Jennifer well u go girl sounds like your mind is made up 100%++++++++++ Not sure why u started just a liquid diet? I do understand you'll be drinking liquids following surgery your out look is where it should be.

I've been in the works now for over a yr do to a few fall backs in life but now back on track and moving full speed ahead. I have my requirements all finished that my insurance co. is asking for just finished my last psychologist appt Jan 29th 07 now waiting to hear back from the insurance co. In the mean time i've started working with a Dietician Dec. 15th 06 went back for my 4 week visit on Jan 15th 07 and couldn't wait to jump on the scale, i'm proud to say over the holiday month i lost 10.7 lbs that was by counting calories, eating no white flour based foods ie pasta, breads, potatos, rice etc and which i love them all it's not been easy but i am determend like you! I have well over a 100 lbs to lose and just that little amount i've lost already is making a difference to keep on moving down hill in a good way:D

Best of luck Feb 10th and let us know how things go.

cin,