freeman25il

Hi everyone - I've been peeking around this forum for a few days now because I have been growing more and more curious about my decision to get the lap band. A few weeks ago I had my first appointment with my dr. about my weight loss issues and although she wants to work with me before we consider surgery...I'm beginning to think maybe electing for the lap band would be best...here's my story. I am 26 years old, 5'1, I weigh 241 and my BMI is about a 45 or 46. I do not have any "diagnosed" medical concerns, although I have dealt with chronic headaches, occasional backaches, and recently began having asthma-like symptoms. My doctor just had me do a number of blood tests (I assume to rule out hypertension and diabetes) but all these conditions are in my family so I know that I am very likely to develop them if I don't get my weight down. I have always been the chubby girl in my family...growing up with nicknames like "miss piggy" and "butterball" was sometimes fun...but many times was not...My height plays a factor on how much heavier I look compared to other women in my family because I am the shortest by 4 inches and higher! I was able to maintain my larger mass as a teen because I was heavily active in sports and such...but even then I was the thicker girl of the group. I do have a larger muscle mass that helped me to hold this weight up...but that has changed since having 3 kids by c-section and a now very sedentary lifestyle. With each kid I've gained around 20 lbs AFTER nursing and everything which I'd lose...and gain right back...and maintain. Its been easy for me to maintain the larger weight but after each pregnancy I'd gain more and could never lose it....I started yo-yo'ing up and down 20 lbs and could never ever lose more than that even now as I steadily diet and exercise....this has been my life since having my last son in 2007. Because of my age, my doc wants me to work with her to lose the weight...which I didn't mind originally...but now after reading so many posts and watching Youtube video's on others' success and the photos...I really just want to get the band too! I know its a lengthy process to approval and surgery but I feel good about taking these steps.