I began this journey on July 8, 2007 weighing 243. On this date I attended a seminar, hosted by my surgeon, that was an overview of Bariatric surgery. My sister and I both attended and that night decided we had to do this.

I have been overweight since adolescence, but more severely after my 4th boy was born. I am tired of feeling insecure about the way I look, but moreover am afraid I am risking my health if I don't lose the weight. I have an obligation as a Christian to take care of my body and be a good wife and mother, and I can do none of theses things well at my current weight.

Between July and September my surgeon required several pre-op classes: 2 visits to him, a behavioral health seminar, a visit to a dietitian, an exercise therapist, and a psychologist. At the time I felt like this was overkill, but am now learning that these visits were very useful and I learned about some of my responses to the life changes I am implementing before I even had them.

I am also a self-pay. My insurance would not even consider it. No, I am not independently wealthy! I am a stay at home mom (with 4 children!) and yet I felt that I HAD to do this for everyone's benefit. I know it will be a struggle to pay for it, but there are better things in life than money!

I am being banded tomorrow morning, Friday, September 14. I'll let you know more then...

Good luck tomorrow. I will be looking forward to reading new entries in your journal. I have gone to the seminar and have my first visit with the Dr on 9-28-07, so I'm really new at this. I'm glad I found this site so that I can gather more info. I'm nervous and scared and excited to be doing this.

I am also being banded tomorrow so I will keep a check on your status!! I am SO THIRSTY RIGHT NOW!!HA Knowing I can't have a dink!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!