I heard about Lap-Band late in the year, 2006. I attended an informative seminar in Tampa, FL and became intrigued with the process. I'd had an uncle who'd had gastric bypass and he'd ended up losing weight, then gaining it all back after returning to normal eating habits.

But SURGERY? to lose weight? Wasn't that taking drastic measures? Couldn't I just do better with changing my eating habits to healthy ones? Was I too weak to do what I had to do on my own? What would people say/think? And if I did do this... everyone would know that I'd taken the "easy way out" by the way I would have to eat. And surgery was forever. And what about that port thing... would it be visible? if I were intimate with someone, would they feel it and be repulsed? Not to mention all the risks surgery intales. If I did this, would I end up like my uncle and go back to my old ways, stretching out my stomach?

I just couldn't resove it in my mind and heart. It was tempting.. sounded ideal (Other than the whole money aspect of it all). So I let it sit on a back burner til just a few weeks ago. It was then that I started my own research on the internet about LB and found this site. So many people's opinions and experiences were just what I needed to hear - good and bad. Then one kind-hearted individual answered all the serious and silly questions that I asked. Her openness really allowed me to come to grips with what this surgery would mean and how it could effect my life.

So now I am in the process of journalling my eating habits on Fitday.com (which I heard about here) to see just what I am eating and how it breaks down. This has been seriously eyeopening. Once I have a week or so documented, I plan on working on reducing my caloric intake and eating my protien first, then veggies, then carbs. Basically I am going to start changing my eating habits now, in hopes that when I do get insurance and can afford to do this surgery, I will be setting myself up for success, not failure. I feel positive about this life change. I think I can do this. And I don't feel so bad about myself for it.

:whoo:

So this is where I will journal and document my journey. This is where I will voice my fears and concerns, my joys and accomplishments. And if someone else can get some info, support, or comfort from reading it, then praise be to God.

Woohoo! I'm on my way to a brighter day!