When my Dad died in January I looked around and said he died too soon and it was because of his weight. I knew that if I did not do something and do it NOW, I was going to be in the same boat. I did some research and then began the 3-4 month journey it took to go through all the steps and to get approved. My surgery was 7/7/11 and I have not looked back since. I have lost 50 pounds and have 68 more to go. I walk 3 miles + each day and feel great. I have only had one issue (got sick on too much sugar - won't do that again) and that was my own stupid mistake. I had lapband and plication done at the same time - I know it is experimental but I knew I was only going through this once so make it count. My weight loss has now slowed a bit, but I understand that is normal and just keep on keeping on - it will pick up and continue again. I know this is just a tool and I am the one who really controls things. I am weak - that is why the surgery and I am an emotional eater but when I think of my Dad and his final months of life, I find the strength to keep on going. Sometimes, I feel like he is sitting on my shoulder making me keep up the good work and keeping me focused.
Good luck to all of you in this same "Fat Boat". We have all taken a very big step. Some of our friends and family understand and agree with what we have done and some think we are NUTS - but we have done it and now we just move forward....Thanks for listening to this..I still have a great deal of pain in my heart to deal with, but as time goes on, the pain gets easier. My body is shrinking and the numbers on the scale are moving down - I can't ask for anything more.