Mamapunkerdoo

Thanks for these encouraging replies. one of my other concerns is that Im not able to exercize at all... other than short walks (no more than 20 min or so) because of severe spinal damage from an auto wreck back in 05. thats what has brought me to this decision. after I get the weight off I am facing spinal surgery as well. but after I lose about 50-80 pounds the neurologist said I should be able to get a bit more exercize in so long as I dont over do it. I guess I knew all along that this would be the decision that had to be made... I look forward to hearing from more success stories.

:cool:Hello all and thank you to those of you who responded to my initial introduction... your info and encouragment has been very much appreciated. I guess now Im just trying to get my mind set for doing this. I mean I know I need to. I cant live like this anymore and everything I've tried hasnt worked. which brings me to my apprehension, what if this doesnt work too. I know you see the statistics but thats not real faces to me you know. I was wondering if some of you could share with me your successes. How long ago were you banded, how much you lost and how well its working for you. the earliest consult appointment I could get isnt til Feb 23rd and I guess I just want that first step behind me so in the mean time I'd like to hear if there are a lot of successes, I have read quite a few who had to have their band removed for various reasons... now I'd like to hear about those who havent. and if they have were they able to keep it off after the band was removed?

ouch that long? well I guess six months will pass just the same if do it or dont do it right? seems like another eternity tho. thank you for your quick and kind response. Blessings Kimberlie

long story short, my weight has fluxuated most of my life but I was never more than 20-30 pounds overweight at any time and always carried it well. well I gained a lot when pregnant with my son because of a fear complication. Pregnancy went well but after my son was born (almost 7 years ago now) I was taking the weight off and then we were in a bad car accident. my spine was damaged so severely that Ive been unable to return to work or even do light exercize other than a little walking but it wasnt enough and I gained even more. so now Im about 160 pounds overweight and was just told by my neurologist that they cannot fix my spine unless I lose the weight. Tired of living in pain Ive ended my phase of denial and have researched and contacted the best facility in our area (comes with VERY HIGH MARKS). There are so many facets that made up my decision making in this process. From my physical pain to not wanting my son to grow up with me on the sidelines of his life or worse not there at all (Im a single mom) and to get my own sense of self back. but like everyone, this is a scary choice to make. I have my consult on Feb. 23,2009. can anyone tell me how long it takes on average (or share how long it too you from first consult to surgery date)... Im the type of person that once I make my mind up I want it to flow smoothly and pretty quickly... Also anyone who is willing to share their experiences with the process and the surgery I'd be happy for the support and encouragement. thanks so much i dont know what else to say now so I will sign off Blessings Kimberlie