It's been a long haul...being overweight, that is...:biggrin:

I was told at age 9 that if I (and my parents) didn't watch my weight, I'd be at 200 lbs before age 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it before age 16!:thumbup: Made high school kinda tough...:wink_smile:

Struggled with my weight throughout my teens and young adulthood, though I was fairly active - worked summers as a lifeguard, lifted weights, etc. Never was thin, but not dangerously obese.

The birth of my first child saw me complete a healthy pregnancy (gained only 20 lbs, baby was 9 lbs 9 oz) but sitting at home afterward saw me gain 50 lbs. I never took it off, and that was the beginning of the end.

Over the years, I developed type II diabetes, borderline high blood pressure, and with my family history of diabetes and congestive heart failure, I decided my "willpower" alone wasn't enough and looked into weight loss surgery.

Gastric bypass scared me - the permanent change to my intestinal system, plus (at the time) the extensive potential for scarring. I tend to develop keloids (raised, puffy scars) and having more of those (I have one from a cesearean) wasn't my idea of a good time.

I have good friends who have been VERY successful with the bypass, but it wasn't for me. Then, thank GOODNESS I found LapBandTalk.com!:thumbup: I have learned so much here that I decided the band was the procedure I wanted.

The process of approval was faster than some, but not fast enough for me! :confused:

I completed my nutritionist's consult and the psychiatric consult in September, and I was hoping above hope to be banded in October. An info session with the surgeon and I was approved for the procedure. :girl_hug:

Now I'm scheduled to be banded on November 17th, :tt2::biggrin::wink_smile::biggrin: hence my decision to start a blog. I post to the website forums quite often, but this is a more concise set of posts that will describe more of my state of mind as I approach this life-changing and life-saving procedure.

I'm thrilled to be headed for Bandland, and can't wait! :w00t:

I'll post periodically as I move forward - at least once a week, maybe more. For those considering the surgery, I advise you strongly to DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Take as long as you need to get the answers that will help you be secure in your decision.

Try to get impartial opinions when you can - not every procedure will work for every person and you deserve to have the complete picture before making the decision. I decided the band was my choice because it CAN be reversed if necessary, and because there are far fewer issues with malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Most bandsters I've seen don't have them at all...that appeals to me because I've had my share over the years - most notably with Iron.

That's enough for now...thanks for reading!