HI - New here, from Toronto, Canada

[CraftyLady 0]

Hi there, I've been browsing around for a little while, but figured I'd better jump in and introduce myself -- so, Hi, I'm MaryPat and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Scarborough area for those who know the Toronto area ).

My history seems to be similar to most I've been reading -- I've been "thin-challenged" my entire life, tried every diet plan out there once and some more times than that, tried assisted methods like weight watchers & TOPS, "medically supervised" methods with Dr. Berstein, Dr. Levy, and my family doctor -- I've lost weight, but somehow those lost pounds always seems to find me and come back with a few extra friend :phanvan.

I have high blood pressure, high chloresteral, sleep apnea, arthritis, degenerative discs in my back which cause sciatica, and chemical depression. I am not a spring chicken, and lately my mobility has been severely challenged -- so weight loss is a MUST if I want to stay walking and as active as I like to be.

I was starting to think about bariatric surgery last year, but one of the tests my family doctor ran discouvered cancer in my uterous, so I ended up having a complete hysterectomy in October. Now that I'm completely recouvered, and still having problems, I went back to my investigation of Bariatrics ... and that led me to Dr. Klein, and the decission to get banded ... so, here I am, continuing my journey ...

I must say that this site is very refreshing -- I feel right at home, and know that everyone here will actually "understand" what I'm feeling and going through -- I relate so much to the posts I've been reading. I was really excited to find a pre operation "things to get" list and the recipies I'm sure will really come in handy, once I get there ...

For now, I'm in the excited by scared stage -- counting days to various doctor's appointments, and trying to arrange my life around the surgery date, etc.

I look forward to getting to know more of you on the board - but I must admit, I'll probably be more of a lurker than a poster ....

MaryPat.

[edieparks 2]

Mary Pat,

You go girl!! Take charge.

I did have to take 12 pills and 2 shots a day . Now I take my anti depressant and hormone. Neither are weight related.

edie

[CraftyLady 0]

WOW - you look G-R-E-A-T!! Last time I saw size 12 was Grade 3 or 4 :eek: Sure hope I have as strong a will as you must have -- I'd love to loose that many sizes in less than a year! You will be my inspiration Any hints for the newbandie??

[LovelyLaFleur 0]

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who feels that they have to arrange life around the Dr. Apt's and surgery date!!! Thanks for sharing. I have people who are supportive but, they don't really get it.