T-BEAR

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]Hello my fellow Lap Banders:[/size][/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]Today is the second day since Lap Band Surgery and what I see as a new way of life. After years of struggling with my weight, I finally made the decision on Lap Band surgery. I am 48 years old 5"7 and 260lbs. I am married to wonderful and supportive man and I have two teenagers ages 13 (girl) and 15 (boy). I am the only person in my family that is overweight. Kind of like Chris Christie, the government of NJ, I considered myself a "healthy" fat. I walk at least 2 miles 3 times a week and go to the gym once or twice a week. I have what I call "pre-diabetes" which is really just diabetes but it makes me feel better to call it "pre-diabetes". And, my blood pressure and cholesterol are within normal limits. With that all said, my reason for deciding on weight loss surgery is simple - I wanted to keep up with my family and their active lives. But more importantly, I wanted to feel better and be healthy both mentally and physically. [/size][/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]Over the last two decades I've found that I can have a very addictive personality. Food has always been a source of comfort for me. Two of my favorite foods are homemade biscuits and pancakes. My grandmother, God rest her soul, was a biscuit and pancake maker extraordinaire. So, of course, I have now perfected those recipes and serve to my family. They do enjoy these foods but not nearly like I do. My husband jokingly has said, "Those biscuits take you back to 1979 sitting at your grandma's kitchen table without care in the world except whether to use honey or jelly on those biscuits." Guess what? He is so right. Some of my fondest memories are in the kitchen with my Grandma - talking, laughing, cooking and of course eating. [/size][/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]My second addiction started in high school, blossomed in college and brought to my knees in 2008. I am a recovering alcoholic. I've been sober since May 2008. I went to my first AA meeting on May 24, 2008 and haven't had a drink since. I followed the 12 step program - got a sponsor, got sober and never felt better. If you know any thing about AA, it is not a program to make your stop drinking, it more about teaching you how to live a better life. It certainly changed my life. Of course there can be a downer to sobriety. Once the booze stops going in which is pure sugar most alcoholics develop a love for sweets. Some are satisfied with a small piece of candy or chocolate to curb the craving but not me. My sugar cravings extend to cakes, pies, cookies, and anything chocolate. That is one of the reasons I chose lap band over gastric by pass. I was afraid that completely taking sugar from my diet would awaken my desire to drink. With the lap band, I could have a manageable amount of sweets without getting the "dumping" syndrome. [/size][/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]So now, here I am. I find myself on day #2 following surgery slowly drinking a protein shake and writing in my online journal about my lap band procedure. I just started this journey so I cannot offer anyone advice or uplifting comments. I can only say that I am glad to find this forum to talk with others that are going through what I'm going through now. [/size][/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]My husband took a before picture of me the day I was living home for surgery. I will post if I get up nerve. [/size][/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=2][size=3]Thank you to anyone who reads my story.
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