kband

I lost my father about 8 months ago.  I have a great job, a house, a wonderful family.  I feel like I had it all until I lost my dad.  I realized soon after he died that I had gain over 25 pounds since he was diagnosed with a very aggressive rare form of cancer.  The 25 lbs. I gained was gained in only 1 year.  I was heavier then I had ever been and in July 2009 I began looking for a solution.  I didn't look very hard and I didn't change my habits.  I weighed almost 230 lbs.  This was a shock to me.  I had to buy all new clothes for work, I was shocked again.  I wasn't sure how this happened.  So I started looking more seriously for a weight loss plan.  I went to my doctor and she had no suggestions.  At the end of our appoitnment she suggested I stop eating carbs and see her in three months.  I was looking for more help then that.  I felt a little lost and very un-supported.  I went to my sister's house and she suggested the lap band.  We had both seen the commercials and she was my biggest supporter.  Of course, this was hard for my mom to swallow since she had spent the last year in hospitals caring for my dad.  She did not understand why I thought surgery was my only viable option.  After 12 years of dieting I didn't understand why she didn't understand.  I continued all the steps for getting approved.  Seeing doctors, going for blood work and chest e-rays.  In October I was approved and decided to go through with it on November 23, 2009.  I have been banded for 5 days and I already feel like a new person.  I feel like I have more energy and I can't wait to eat mushy foods!  This forum really helped me prepare for surgery and I am hoping it will continue to be helpful as I move forward through my weight loss journey.  My doctors goal for me is 170, I am hoping that in the end I can get down to 130-140 lbs.