Hey everyone! Yet another bandster!

[LessThanBaxter 0]

Hey guys! My name is Chris. I am 20 years old, and have been plagued with weight issues (as well as health issues regarding my weight) for many years. After having surgery on my back in January of 2006, the activities that had allowed me to maintain my weight (primarily weightlifting) were off-limits, which, along with being immobile for literally months, led me to gaining a serious amount of weight, to the point that I was at the highest in my life (nearly 340 pounds). I got banded (with the support of my mom) on November 14th by Dr. Fusco in Melbourne, Florida.

Anyhoo ... The lowest I can recall being in the last 6 years was 205 pounds, and even then I was uncomfortable with myself and known as the "overweight" kid. I was able to maintain a weight of 240 pounds (about 60 pounds over my "healthy" weight) for years, but just lost control once I left high school. Two weeks after my surgery, I am now around the 320 pound range, and hope to near my weight goal of 180 pounds near my 21st birthday... Okay, that's a bit unfeasable... Well, I hope to be down to 180 pounds at least while I'm 21! :^P

Thank you all ahead of time, and I look forward to being a part of this community. :^)

[DomincanGirl 0]

Hi there

Congrats to taking the steps to get healthy :clap2:

Good luck and much sucess on your BANDSTER journey!

[Jachut 487]

Hi Chris, here's to a long and healthy relationship with your band. You're blessed to have this opportunity at such a young age, I'd love to have my 30's back again and not waste them being unhappy with myself.

[Kat817 19]

Welcome...to bandland and LBT!

You have found an amazing support group here! If you have any questions or anything don't hesitate to ask...we all do our best to help one another out!

Congrats on a succesful surgery!

Kat

[LessThanBaxter 0]

Thank you all very much. It means a lot to me, and I am very thankful to be having this opportunity to turn my life around at such a young age. :^)

[mcwms 0]

Congrats, Chris, on taking the initiative to improve your health! I have had 2 back surgeries myself in the last 2 years- the last one involving the insertion of metal rods, screws, and bone grafts in 2 vertebral levels- and I definately understand how the associated immobilitiy can impact your weight. Not to mention all the steroids required during back surgery! My activity level had always helped to control my weight some what, and with my decreased activity tolerance due to my back problems my weight has steadily climbed over the last couple of years. I plan to be banded soon and am happy that you have also taken advantage of this wonderful tool! Good luck!

Mary

[Iluvharleys 15]

Welcome to LBT and to bandland! Glad to have you aboard! ;) :bananapartyhat:

[donS 0]

Welcome and Congrats!

[LessThanBaxter 0]

Congrats, Chris, on taking the initiative to improve your health! I have had 2 back surgeries myself in the last 2 years- the last one involving the insertion of metal rods, screws, and bone grafts in 2 vertebral levels- and I definately understand how the associated immobilitiy can impact your weight. Not to mention all the steroids required during back surgery! My activity level had always helped to control my weight some what, and with my decreased activity tolerance due to my back problems my weight has steadily climbed over the last couple of years. I plan to be banded soon and am happy that you have also taken advantage of this wonderful tool! Good luck!

Mary

I, unfortunately, had the same type of procedure performed, so I know exactly what you mean. :^)

Oh, and thank you all again for the warm welcome.

[crazycran 0]

Hello every-one, My name is Doreen, I am 43,(well 9 more days......44)

I live in New Hampshire , I am married to my BEST-FRIEND for 17 WONDERFUL YEARS, I have two teen boys(who are GREAT) and two german shepards dogs (that I love) I am new to all the lap-banding, I will go to my 1st info group dec 12, in Boston Ma, BWH Brigham womens hospital, and then go from there, I just wanted to say hello, and to say what a GREAT SITE this is, all the support I will need is right at my finger tips, I have about 100+ pounds to lose,and I have tryed every thing,,,

and then it all comes back and then some. Are there any people out there that has has their lap band done at BWH? Well off to take a walk , have a great day.............Doreen

[beversman 0]

Welcome Chris! I am still not banded yet... i start my pre-op diet on the 8th, and get banded on the 22nd -- and there are many of us at that point... So, you will be a big help to all of us too!

Let us know if there is anything we should be thinking about because you've been there.

We will be here to support you!

--Brandi

[ReneBean 3]

Chris - Doreen

WELCOME to both of you. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Let me answer the most common one right now:

A PB is a productive burp. Basically - food that is not well chewed won't fit thru the opening in your pouch - so there is only one way for it to go - back the way it came.

It isn't fun - and it isn't recommended - so keep on chewing.

:]

Welcome to both of you and good luck with your band!

[flabuless 18]

Welcome Chris

You're still young so 'heres to the rest of your life'...Congrats on taking the first staps and a new beginning to a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to hearing of your progress on LBT