KatieOkieDokie

I don't know if the band is becoming a thing of the past or not. I only know one person whose been banded, which is my cousin and she has done wonderful with hers. It's been about a year since her surgery and she says that it's the best choice she's ever made. She's lost over 75lbs (over 100 if you count her pre-op diet). But she works at it, she has made the progress she has because she knows how to use her tool, and she works at it. I also know several people whose had the bypass (I don't personally know anyone whose had the sleeve..I may be the first in my group). Those who have had the bypass has also done amazing! You know the one thing I've learned since starting to research WLS and the different kinds of WLS is how it's a tool, it's not a fix. You have to work with it! Change your life style, make healthier choices, workout, get out there and move! You just can't sit back and do nothing, and expect long term, ever lasting results. Yes you may have results at first, but eventually things balance out and you can and WILL gain back weight if you don't WORK at it! I am so happy to know this, because probably like many people, and lord knows our society, I thought at one time that WLS was a cure, a fix, the easy way out. I know I know, but I've learned that..that is not the case and I'm thankful for that!

http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/2012/03/pathological-picture-taker.html

I'm praying for you too!! Hopefully you'll get it done sooner than later!

Thanks for sharing your story! I'm happy you finally got the sleeve!

http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/2012/03/yourself.html

I always have breast/nipple tenderness around my period! It's actually very normal and nothing to worry about, it's your hormones! Joy huh?

Congrats! I too notice the negative point of view toward WLS, and I will admit to thinking like that at one time, until I started doing my own research, and I learned that the pov that wls was the "easy way" out was is a HUGE misconception!

http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/2012/03/taken-for-granted-kinda-long.html

Do you have to have your GP's approval if your self pay? I have always been confused about this. I'm sure you have to with insurance, but I'm not even sure about that?

One of the biggest reasons I LOVE this website is because I have learned so much from everyone on here! I will admit when I first started researching the sleeve, I pretty much settled on it because I thought to myself that I could get the sleeved, eventually eat what I want, and lose weight. However, from others on here I've learned that you still have to WORK at it! The importance of making the right choices when it comes to eating, and work out if I want results, and think that's one of the best things I've learned! How to eat! Fill my stomach with what's good for me! I've also learned NOT to compare my loss with others loss! That everyone will lose differently, and at different paces. Just because someone on here lost 32 lbs in the first two months, doesn't mean I will. I will lose at my own pace, and in my own time. I also know that I'll go through stalls! Everyone seems to at some time!

Congrats on your new surgery date! Like others have mentioned it's important that you are mentally, and emotionally ready for the surgery and it seems you are! I'm sorry to hear that you do not have a very strong support system. I've learned that the biggest reasons people do not support WLS is usually because they are uniformed, and uneducated about obesity, and the procedure itself. You just have to remember WHO you are doing this surgery for, it's not for them, it's for you! They can either get on board or jump ship because we're talking about your life here! Hopefully through your surgery, and experience they will learn, and see what a good choice you are/have made!

I am sorry to hear this! I was actually given advice from a guy that works at my local Social Security Office (in there to discuss matters NOT related to well even me). He told me to never give up the fight, and if I get denied to keep appealing appealing appealing! He said each time you appeal it goes to new fresh eyes, and eventually someone will see something others didn't, and OK it! He said the more they deny, the hard and stronger I fight. It was really encouraging! I advise it! lol

Who would have ever imagined you'd be happy to go see a doctor! lol.. Congrats!! This is awesome!

I am also praying for her! May God be with her, and keep His hand over her!

I blog a lot..lol. but I seen an article on my facebook today that really upset me and had to write about it! http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/2012/03/hard-way.html

http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/2012/03/basketball.html

Goal Day Friday! Where I dream of the goals to come! http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/

I am at the start of my journey, and I plan on being sleeved by Dr. Curry at JourneyLite in Cinci!

http://chasingmydream2012.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=SecE9TUBAAA.iA3ugQyR4p4zQ4HiBxfJxg.OFyKTsbanyEh3awbmx-hMg&postId=5345377312490907944&type=POST

I haven't had the surgery yet, and I'm at the beginning process I guess you could say.I have pretty much kept it private that I'm working toward getting the surgery, and my main reason is because I fear it not happening, or not getting approved and I don't want to have to tell people that things fell through. Those I have told have ALL been super supportive, and understanding! However, I have started a Youtube channel where I plan on starting to blog, or as I call it Vblog, and I would like to discuss WLS in my journals! SO I'll probably start telling more people soon!

I love my pale skin, black hair, and blue eyes! The three together really makes my eyes pop! I love the fact that I have really pointy fingers! I love that my hair is naturally curly. I have an English accent even though I've lived in Ohio my entire life, and no one in my family is from England! Actually they are from Kentucky. For some strange reason I have an accent, always have. Like Lyra I march to my own beat, I always say I march to the beat of my own drum. I love my passion for nature, and animals. I'm loyal to my family first and then my friends. I've always been the one to stick up for the "under dog"