rhondahamel

I had never been overweight in any way or form prior to my diagnosis with cancer twice within 5 months of each other December of 1999.  The first was breast CA and I new that would be a piece of cake to get through (my attitude ... up beat!) but when diagnosed with bladder CA I began to grab for every possitive straw available to me.After all surgeries including removal of my bladder I had approximately 12 surgeries that were emergency with other complications.  Needless to say after 8 long years, I am cancer free and 130 lbs over weight.I tried many a diet being unsuccessfull and gaining more than I would lose.I had ask my surgeon about the By-Pass only to say "NO!" due to my new plumbing from my bladder removal surgery.Finally they came out with the Lap-Band procedure.  I thought my dream had finally come true. But still a "NO!"  After the Non Evasive Lap-Band procedure came about I ask again and the doctor said that he could recommend that only if I would use Dr. Emma Patterson.  Then one day I saw that informational seminars were being held and to call the number on TV to schedule a reservation for both my husband and myself.  I would day dream about having this surgery and kind of get nervous about what it would do for me.The night came where we went to the seminar.  I ask so many questions that I think everyone thought I was an attention whore. I wasn't but was so ready.  After the seminar I went home with the packet and filled every bit of it out that same night.  The next day I mailed it Special Delivery, return receipt requested.  I also went to the medical facilitiy where I had my sleep study and got a copy of my report so I would have that and all my lab test I had just had with my physical.I called within a few days the Weight Loss Clinic to see if they had received my paper work as I had not received my slip back in the return mail.  Just by chance they had received all and I started the process.  It seemed so long and drawn out but really it went fast and the next thing you know was they were calling me to schedule a surgery date.  I was so excited and what seemed half way to heaven.July 24th 2009 was the big day.  A bit nervous about coming out of surgery and having a new life to begin my journey down a new path was a prayer answered.  My husband being by my side through all my surgeries and cancer treatments was there.  I know he must have felt scared because we used each other for an excuse to eat.  He wasn't too excited about me going back to the same size as when we met 29 years ago.  A little intimidated indeed.  I just told him to get over it and if he wanted to do something about his weight he had the same opportunity if he so chose.Here I am almost 6 months the 24th of January 2010 and I have lost 46 lbs.  I am down 2 sizes and am feeling sooooo good.  I got a year membership to the gym plus 6 one hour sessions with a special trainer for Christmas.  I have been going to the gym 3 times a week now and have started my cardio training and warm ups and muscle toning as well.I am at a plateau for 3 almost 4 weeks now and am scared.  I logged into your web site today with questions about plateaus and found that this is quite normal.  I am going to keep this site at my fingertips for further questions.Keep On Keepin On