dlmyvette

What lead me to LAPBAND????Although I'm like many that have struggled with weight their entire lives, what pushed me over the edge was having been diagnosed with high blood pressure at 29 years old. Not only was I feeling bad, but I was looking exactly how I didn't want to, which was overweight and unhealthy. Once diagnosed, I was supposed to be on medication, but I refused it and began to search for a permanent solution ASAP. I knew  the answer was to lose the weight, but I had already tried everything in my power. I had lost weight before just to regain it over time and start over again with the same cycle. I started doing research about weight loss surgery and I knew lap band was for me. Although I was exctremely nervous about it, I decided to attend a free seminar (can't remember the exact date). When I arrived at the seminar I saw all kinds of people there just like me, some more overweight than others, but all with the same intention. I listened to Dr. Matei my surgeon talk about Lapband and what it does, how it works etc. From that moment on, my only decision was how would I pay for such an expensive surgery? I couldn't bring myself to use my savings and I didn't want to put the surgery on credit. So I remembered I had my 401K that I had been building up. Although this was not my first instinct, I knew that it was my only means to do the surgery. I pulled out the money I needed and went to visit Dr. Matei. He weighed me, asked me to see my primary physician for some additional testing. I also had to take nutritional classes (2 sessions) and a pre-op class. Once those were all completed, my surgery was scheduled for December 30th 2008. I was so excited, but not nervous at least not at that time. 2 weeks before surgery I began my pre-op diet phase which was liquids. This was SOOOOOO tough at first, but I managed to do it and lose about 5 pounds. Surgery date came, as I lay down on the gurney, I thought to myself, this is it. I'm finally going to do something about this weight once and for all. Scared, and nervous about the unknown, I remember moving myself from the gurney to the operating table and the next thing I know I'm waking up from surgery with my dad next to me. I believe from what I was told I was in recovery for about 3 hours, but I felt like it was instant, I had surgery, then I woke and went home. LOL!!!!! Getting up the stairs right after surgery to get into my bed was a little challenging, but nothing that couldn't be done. I remember needing help to get into bed. I could not physically move myself sideways or front ways or back ways. It was like I had something tugging me forward. It was so uncomfortable. I slept a lot and fought boughts of nausea. Getting liquid down for a few days was a bit tough, but eventually after one week I was already wanting food. It was tough, but I got through it and went back to work after 2 weeks actually 8 work days. I felt much better. The only time I had a serious problem at the beginning was when I ate dulce de leche pudding my mother-in-law brought over. I wreched and cried from the pain of wreching, but once that was over it was done and I was able to move on. I will tell you, to this day 8 months later, I have not had pudding of any flavor! What is it like 8 months out???I'm thrilled! I've lost a total of 39 pounds (and counting) and I'm feeling fabulous. I look better, feel better, and I don't regret doing the surgery one bit so far. It was the best present I've given myself and I'm glad I did it. I still have 47 pounds to go, but I know it will come off and I just have to stay persisent, and do what I have to using my new tool. Dr. Matei is really pleased with my results and so am I. Anyway, I encourage all those who are thinking about this surgery to definitely look into it. I'm glad I did!!!!!!