Starting The Journey

[deleted_opal 9]

Hi there, I am Jennifer or Jenn. 35 year-old female, single and working as a computer technician. I've been overweight my entire life and made a couple of attempts to get healthy with varying success. For a long time I steered well clear of WLS, but sometime last year as I heard more about the lap-band, my attitude changed. I think part of it is my perception that there is less re-plumbing going on, that there is more flexibility with the band (i.e. that it can be tightened or loosened as needed) and that the procedure is laparoscopic.

My goals are not attached to numbers-- I don't have a perfect weight in mind. I want to be able to go shopping with my friends and not have to stop off at the fat girl store. I want to be more confident socially, I don't want to be single my entire life. I want to board a plane, sit down comfortably, buckle up and not wonder if they might toss me off. I want to go to Six Flags and ride all the rides. I want to ride horses and not worry the poor thing is going to collapse under me. lol. When I'm ready, I want to get pregnant. (I have PCOS)

I don't want to be a diabetic, I don't want to die young, and I'm tired of being a statistic.That's why I'm here. I tend to be a bit of a lurker, although I will speak up when I feel I have something interesting to add.

So, the journey thus far... went to my first seminar back in February. From there went to a first appointment a few weeks later. Waited almost two months to hear about insurance and it turns out mine requires the doctor to be at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Okay, time to start over.

Procrastinated a bit, but finally went to another seminar in June, this time for Dr. Ronnie Keith at Oklahoma Weight Loss Options. (I'm in OK in case that didn't tip you off. ) Requirements met, insurance gave prelim approval, and I went in for my first appointment on July 11th. Being very efficient souls, they also got me in to see the dietician that same day. Now I am journaling what I eat, sampling the Protein Shakes a few times a week, and have my second dietician appointment, my psych appointment and an EKG scheduled for July 31st. Oh, and I'm supposed to go bleed somewhere in there.

Things are getting real. I'm a little nervous, but excited.

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

Congratulations on your decision to get health. You are now on your way to meeting all those goals you listed. This site is a great place for support and information. Everyone here is friendly and supportive, together we will achieve our goals. Welcome.

[ChicagoRose 650]

You've come to the right place! I am also going to be 35 and am in my preliminary stages of the procedure...no surgery date yet. I love coming to this website and reading all of the questions and answers that people share. Everyone is very real about it all and there is a fair balance of good and bad. Good luck with everything!!

[electronicart 120]

I waited until I was 50 to get banded. If I knew how great it would be, I would not have put it off. I kept thinking I could lose weight if I just tried hard enough. Well, I did try. I lost weight, only to gain more and more and more. The band is a wonderful tool. Its not the entire answer, but, it works:)

[Thekidsmom 1]

Hi jennifer, I'm Vicki, I'm also just starting my journey. But my first appt isn't until the 30 of July. Which sucks but what can you do. I agree with you I love this board. I get so much great info from reading everyone posting. Good luck!!! Just wanted to add that when I go shopping with my friends, I also have to stop at the big girl store. Can't wait to shop off any rack like they can

[betty20032001 7]

Hi there' date=' I am Jennifer or Jenn. 35 year-old female, single and working as a computer technician. I've been overweight my entire life and made a couple of attempts to get healthy with varying success. For a long time I steered well clear of WLS, but sometime last year as I heard more about the lap-band, my attitude changed. I think part of it is my perception that there is less re-plumbing going on, that there is more flexibility with the band (i.e. that it can be tightened or loosened as needed) and that the procedure is laparoscopic.

My goals are not attached to numbers-- I don't have a perfect weight in mind. I want to be able to go shopping with my friends and not have to stop off at the fat girl store. I want to be more confident socially, I don't want to be single my entire life. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I want to board a plane, sit down comfortably, buckle up and not wonder if they might toss me off. I want to go to Six Flags and ride all the rides. I want to ride horses and not worry the poor thing is going to collapse under me. lol. When I'm ready, I want to get pregnant. (I have PCOS)

I don't want to be a diabetic, I don't want to die young, and I'm tired of being a statistic.That's why I'm here. I tend to be a bit of a lurker, although I will speak up when I feel I have something interesting to add.

So, the journey thus far... went to my first seminar back in February. From there went to a first appointment a few weeks later. Waited almost two months to hear about insurance and it turns out mine requires the doctor to be at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Okay, time to start over. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Procrastinated a bit, but finally went to another seminar in June, this time for Dr. Ronnie Keith at Oklahoma Weight Loss Options. (I'm in OK in case that didn't tip you off. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> ) Requirements met, insurance gave prelim approval, and I went in for my first appointment on July 11th. Being very efficient souls, they also got me in to see the dietician that same day. Now I am journaling what I eat, sampling the Protein shakes a few times a week, and have my second dietician appointment, my psych appointment and an EKG scheduled for July 31st. Oh, and I'm supposed to go bleed somewhere in there.

Things are getting real. I'm a little nervous, but excited.[/quote']

I know exactly how your feeling. I was always wonder will this belt close around me on a ride or not and it's embarrassing when it doesn't and you have to get off. Your making a great choice the journey for me has been surreal. I had mine feb 29th of this year so I am kind of new also. I want to one day have a baby and I want to be healthy. I wish you a lot of luck in your journey. Everyone has rough spots just keep pushing.

[NWgirl 574]

Welcome! Congrats on taking control of your health