Alaska Bandit

I am just beginning the process for my lapband, I hope to have the procedure done by the end of July. I have joined a local support group with members who have had the lapband as well as gastric bypass. I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself. I am looking forward to feeling better again, feeling healthy. I have the support of my husband, son, in-laws as well as friends. I even have one friend (she is not having the procedure, doesn't need it) who is going to "drink my meals" with me, while she is with me. LOL Now, that is support! I am not looking to be model thin, I just want to reach a healthy weight, get in shape and live a better life. I have some health issues that I hope will be eliminated or lessened once I lose the weight. I am a mixed media artist so I used this talent to create my "Ugly Duckling" journal (no, I do not consider myself an Ugly Duckling....the image I used of a duck turning into a goose triggered the title). I organized the journal: Before, During and After. I am collecting as much information (before surgery) as I can, I want to be informed and I want a daily reminder of what I am doing and when I am doing it. I created cool calendar pages, I write in all the details of the day. I have a journal section of which I write in anything worth talking about. For instance, the talk of my local support group. I created pages of nutrition, food, exercise, Dr.'s info, etc. This journal will be my daily reminder of "why" I am doing this and all that I have gone through to get "there". It's funny, I am not nervous, I couldn't be more excited! I know it will be difficult, I know there will be lifestyle changes, I know that I will have to work hard. I have family who love me, friends who support me and internal strength.