N2DONNAT123

My name is Donna and I've been considering the lap band for the past 5 years. After researching, reading, inquiring and researching some more, I decided to go forward with the process. The first time I tried -- after having gone through the entire process of doctor visits, specialist visits, weight-loss programs, the works - I was denied and after appealing ... denied again by my insurance company. Fast forward 5 years ... I am proud to say I just had my surgery Aug. 13. I have survived my first day.

I chose weight-loss surgery because I needed to not only lose the weight but to improve my health -- high blood pressure, high cholesterol. Diabetes was next. I had to do something. My work schedule is full, I'm a 6'0" single mother who works full time as an online producer, pursuing a 2nd degree, and a business owner -- teaching CPR/First Aid. My plate is FULL. So after trying and trying and failing at every other attempt to lose the weight, I settled on the lap band because I'm just plain chicken when it comes to getting any part of me cut or operated on -- that's just me.

So far the surgery has been a success. Yea, I'm a bit sore but that's to be expected. The hardest part I must say was the liquid pre-surgery diet, the ride home from the hospital after surgery (too many stops and bumps in the road - tummy super tender) and the clear liquid post-surgery diet. But all in all, so far so good.

From the time I started my weight-loss journey at 315lbs till now, I have lost a total of 30 lbs. I've joined a gym near my job and am super excited about getting to the next level and reaching my weight-loss goals of 175lbs!