BarbaraG

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After 2 years of research, watching my daughter-in-law through her 1st 2.5 years of life with lap banding and talking to everyone I know who has had bariatric surgery, I got up the courage to go to an informational meeting for lap band surgery at one of my local hospitals this past March. I am so glad I did. The longer I was in the meeting, the more I was able to let go of the feeling i was somehow &quot;cheating&quot; to even consider this tool for weight loss. I had been beating myself up for years for not having 'enough' self control to do it on my own. It was really freeing to accept the fact my way had not worked long term and getting this kind of help would result in the change I so desperately needed - getting rid of damaging excess pounds!</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of this date, July 2, 2011, I have been banded for 1 1/2 weeks and lost 14 lbs. I have not taken any pain medicine for my knee pain since before my surgery. I am determined to follow the dietary guidelines my doctor has set for me and get off my fanny and exercise! I am so ready for a new life!</p>