harleync

I began my Lap Band journey in September 2007.  I attended my seminar with Dr. Voellinger from Southeast Bariatrics.  I had chosen him after doing some research online and reading his credentials.  I wanted to have the surgery right then, the insurance we had at that time would not cover the surgery so I had to wait until March 2008 when we switched insurance companies to pursue further.  As soon as our insurance changed, I called and made my appointment at Southeast Bariatrics.  That is when my journey to get myself back began.  I had my Lap Band AP surgery on October 7, 2008.  I am 29 years old.  I had always been 120-130 lbs all through high school, etc.  In February 2002, my grandmother passed away and the PA at my doctor's office started me on an antidepressant.  Well, I started putting on the weight.  My husband and I got married in April 2002, when I had gotten my dress back in January it was a few sizes too big, by April - if I would have gained one more pound I wouldn't have gotten into that dress!  That is how fast the weight came on.  Anyway with that certain medication I ended up gaining 50 lbs before switching doctors and medicines.  After I switched the medication, I finally had stopped gaining but before I got a chance to start losing, I became pregnant with our son.  That added on another 50 lbs.  That is where my weight came from.  I had this extra 100 lbs that would not go anywhere.  I had tried every fad diet out there for 5 years and could never get the weight off, I would lose a little then gain it all back and then some.  I was miserable.  My weight really started having an effect on how I felt and even what I could do with my son.  I hated it.  Here was my little boy playing his heart out at his soccer game or tee ball and I couldn't even enjoy watching him because my feet were so swollen and I was so hot and uncomfortable all the time.  It was hard for me to go to shopping or anywhere if I had to be on my feet for more than 30 mins.  I could only wear flip flops and my feet would swell so much the impression of the flip flops remained in my foot when I took them off.   I decided on the Lap Band and went for it full force.  I do not regret anything and love the "new" me, I finally got the "old" me back.  It is weird for me sometimes now though, seeing people that had only seen me when I was big and they talk about how great I look and how much weight I've lost, etc.  My family and my husband's family as well as our close friends just see me again.  I look forward to going out and doing things now, I'm not tired all the time anymore, my feet don't swell anymore, and I love shopping now!  My heaviest weight was March 2008 and I was 250 lbs and was a size 18/20.  I am now down to 165 lbs and a size 6!  I have my date for my plastic surgery November 24.  This is my 30th bday present from my husband and to celebrate losing all my weight.  I am getting breast lift surgery and implants.  Can't wait.  I hope that my success may help others who are going through the process of getting Lap Band surgery or who may be considering their options.  It has taken a lot of hard work and I have had to completely change my eating habits, etc.  The Lap Band is not a magical tool but if you do what you're suppose to and commit to a lifestyle change it will work wonders.  I highly recommend Dr. Voellinger at Southeast Bariatrics if anyone is trying to decide on a Lap Band surgeon.