126dee

I was never considered obese until after my pregnancy. Before I got pregnant my weight fluctuated between 140 and 155. At the peak of my pregnancy I was 228. I had some problems with my daughters father and I was in a depression for many years...I never left the house and ate everything. I first thought about the lapband about 4 years ago. I left my ex, found old friends I alienated during my depression and was ready to start enjoying life again. I thought I could lose weight on my own instead of putting a foreign object in my body so I went from 208 to 178 in 2008. By the end of 2008 I was 210 lbs. In 2011 I found my self at an all time high of 238 and I vowed not to reach 240 and to get help. A friend of mine had the surgery and recommended his suegeon, Dr. Adam Goldstein. I went to his seminar in July 2011 and quickly scheduled a consultation. Dr. Goldstein told me I was a candidate for the surgery and gave me a check list of things to accomplish...my goal was to have everything ready by the end of the year.

I began with nutritionist appointments and had had my psychiatric exam. The sleep study was uncomfortable but necessary. Gladly I did not have sleep apnea! My cholesterol was a bit high and I was determined to be pre-diabetic. I also suffer from pain in my knees. Otherwise I am healthy but if I continued down the path I was going, I was going to take many years off my life which is not fair to my daughter.

By November, and 10 lbs down, my check list was completed and ready to submit my paper work to the insurance company. It was a gruling 2 weeks waiting for the phone to ring with an approval but it did!!!! Since it was holiday time, I was scheduled for surgery on January 18, 2012.

Prior to surgery I stocked up on soup, sugar free jell-o, protein powder, 1% milk and ice. On the day of surgery I was a bit nervous but ready to begin a new chapter of my life. I was at the hospital at 6, put on the lovely hospital gown and a hat that looked like it was recently used to pop some jiffy popcorn. I had to pee in a cup (to check for pregnancy) and was given some medicine, I suffer from asthma and have my whole life. My surgeon came in and I asked if he had a fight with the wife or kids that morning or previous night (don't want him taking out his anger on me)...all was well and I was wheeled into the operating room for my 8am surgery.

The surgery lasted about 2 hours and I was in recovery by 11am. I was groggy but I felt no pain. I went to radiology and drank some barium to ensure the band was put in accurately. All was well and I was ready to go home. I was on my couch by 1pm, my mother was kind and went to the pharmacy to fill my scripts for pain and nausea. I slept quite a bit the first few days. About 3 days in I was not feeling well, my throat was sore, so I went to my primary doctor and was diagnosed with strep throat. I never had this before and of course it had to happen while I was recovering from surgery.

I did take a week and a half off of work following the surgery. I had pain in my abdomen and needed help getting up the first week. I was able to sleep on my stomach again after 2 weeks and now, there is no looking back. If I could do it again, I would. I would recommend this surgery to anyone who needs a little help getting to their goal.

I am currently 4 months with the band and am down 50lbs. I feel great and can't believe I am already 1/2 way to my goal weight. I began to exercise, cardio and weights. I also just started yoga and zumba and I love it. Another goal is to participate in a 5K. I crave greasy and salty foods occassionaly and I do give into those cravings...just not to the extend I once did. Instead of going to McDonalds for those greasy fatty fries, I buy a bag of Ore Ida fries and make 1 serving...this kills the craving. I switched from Lay's potato chips to Reduced Fat Pringles and have a serving. This helps too. I don't deprive myself of anything I want...I just keep it in moderation. Plus...Skinny Cow Chocolate Chip Mint sandwiches are the best things ever made!!!!!