DietQueen

Hello all, I am ready to stop being an eyesore. I am 24, 5'4" and 300 pounds!!! AHHH!!! I have no idea how this happened... it seemed like it was overnight. I have struggled with my weight for my entire life. I was the chubby kid in school for most of the time - one kid even made up a nasty taunting ryhme. I did get thin for a period in high school, through the abuse of ephedra, purging, and starvation. I truly believe I almost died... I was passing out several times a week, but I somehow felt it was really worth it. Anyways, I got into a serious relationship and got fat again. Isn't it funny how that works? After that relationship ended, I managed to get my weight down again (unhealthily) and was single for a little while. I got into another serious relationship, and the scales starting going up again. Then pregnancy hit a couple years later. Talk about a free-for-all eating spree! I figured... eating for two, I'll breastfeed and all the weight will come off... HAHA! NOT!!! I haven't lost a pound since delivering my daughter. And she is 19 months old! So, I've decided to get the lapband surgery done. I will be paying for this privately, my health insurance does not cover any type of weight loss surgery. My family will be helping, as they are concerned about my health. I have not yet contacted a surgeon, and after reading some of the information on this forum, I am a little scared! How do I really know who is good and who isn't? I will hopefully be able to get this done outpatient, to save $$. I don't think that Mexico is an option for me, only because the idea of going there to have surgery sounds insane! (That is not meant to be an insult to those of you who have done this, I'm sure that the same thoughts ran through your head before you went under!) I don't know... I guess what I am looking for is some comments from others who paid privately. How long did it take before getting the band placed? What would you have done differently? Thanks, DQ

I totally understand. It is time to break off the chains!!! Screw those who judge because "it seems like the easy way out." Let them be trapped by the emotional ride that morbid obesity sends you on! You have a chance at living your youth healthy. Take it and take it seriously. I am so happy to hear that your insurance will cover banding. I am new to this forum, and have also not yet been banded, but if it is support you are looking for, it seems that you have come to the right place. Good for you!!!!! Lots of support, DietQueen