Delurking

[Crash 0]

Now that I've decided to take the plunge and go forward with the surgery, I thought I'd stop lurking and actually post something.

Hello.

I can't tell you guys how much of a great resource this forum has been during the process of deciding whether or not to get banded. The recommendations on doctors, the discussions on shared issues with weight, and the success stories - it's been a huge asset.

So for that, I thank you all for your contributions.

I doubt I would have had the nerve to finally decide to make a change for the better if not for this place.

As for me...

I just turned 30 on September 3rd, and have been going through a mini mid-life crisis of sorts. Issues with my weight, concerns about my career, lovelife - they've all been on my mind.

In February, I took the first step. I left my career in Advertising and decided to pursue my love of writing. I made sure I had enough savings in hand to give it a fair shake. So far, it's been a great journey.

And now, in September, I'm taking the next step - surgery. It's time. I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. In a lot of ways, it's defined who I am for a better part of my life.

Well, no longer.

I've narrowed down my search to three doctors based on the countless threads I've read on these forums and elsewhere, and will be setting my appointment date with one of them early next week.

Damn, it feels good. I'm excited.

Below are my "before" pictures - can't wait until I have "afters."

[METALBAND 0]

Isn't this place great! Everyone is so eager to help and it is nice to have people who have been in the exact same place at some point in their life. I can relate to so many of the threads on here.....I can't wait to be on the "life at or near goal thread"!

Good Luck and keep us updated,

All the best....

[nkcaump 0]

<p>Crash,</p> <p> </p> <p>Welcome. I'm about 5 weeks "unlurked" and am 5 years older than you. I agree that this board has been tremendous in helping my commitment to this surgery.</p> <p> </p> <p>I signed up for my surgery yesterday. It will be September 28. It didn't really hit me until yesterday that this is really going to happen.</p> <p> </p> <p>As for me, I started at 345 pounds. By stopping drinking soda and caffein on August 22 I've managed to lose 10 pounds and am now around 335. (My scale stops talking to me at 320 so I'm guessing off of my last doctor's visit.)</p> <p> </p> <p>Anyway, I can tell from your posting that you and I probably have a lot in common (sans the goatee). Here are a couple of my "before" pix:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nkcaump/MeAtMyWorst/photo?authkey=7KruS9t82RM#5106046521794033650"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/nkcaump/RtxSQjIm9_I/AAAAAAAABYY/nSoFERVp-8k/s144/IMG_0366.jpg" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nkcaump/MeAtMyWorst/photo?authkey=7KruS9t82RM#5106046573333641250"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/nkcaump/RtxSTjIm-CI/AAAAAAAABY8/cA2x82H_2OE/s144/IMG_0875.JPG" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Anyway, welcome aboard. Sounds like our surgery dates are around the same time. Maybe we can comiserate together!! Either way, GOOD LUCK!!!!</p>

[jfran 0]

Congratulations on your decision and I can't wait to see some "after" pictures. Enjoy your journey!

[Crash 0]

I signed up for my surgery yesterday. It will be September 28. It didn't really hit me until yesterday that this is really going to happen.

First off - congratulations. The realization that you're taking the matter into your own hands for once is pretty awesome. I like the high.

Are you having it done in Mexico as well? I'm paying for it out of pocket, so obviously I'll be heading south of the border.

Which doctor did you pick?

As for me, I started at 345 pounds. By stopping drinking soda and caffein on August 22 I've managed to lose 10 pounds and am now around 335. (My scale stops talking to me at 320 so I'm guessing off of my last doctor's visit.)

I'm not quite ready to come forth with my starting weight.

Anyway, welcome aboard. Sounds like our surgery dates are around the same time. Maybe we can comiserate together!! Either way, GOOD LUCK!!!!

And if you are having it done in TJ around the same time, we can grab a pre-op celebratory beer.

I think that's allowed.

[nkcaump 0]

First off - congratulations. The realization that you're taking the matter into your own hands for once is pretty awesome. I like the high.

I'm not quite ready to come forth with my starting weight.

And if you are having it done in TJ around the same time, we can grab a pre-op celebratory beer.

I think that's allowed.

Crash, can I call you crash? Okay, Crash.

I'm having it done here in the suburbs of Kansas City. I am self pay, but with a wife and a kid, scuffling off to TJ wouldn't have worked. So, if you've got any scratch laying around, friend, please let me know. (Maybe I can start one of those Internet Chain Letters... Dearest Crash, I have recently come into some money, but require the bank of Aminijad to have a second person release it.... Sweet.... I can feel my pocketbook inflating as I type...)

I was SPECIFICALLY told that beer (in moderation, of course) is allowed. Once you hit 35 and are old like me, you get pretty schnockered off of 2 Bud Lights anyway. Being one of the "skinny" "beautiful" people, I'll have to learn to live with - but they'll have to take my Bud Light out of my cold, dead fingers. (okay, a little melodramatic, but you're a writer, you should appreciate that crap...)

No need for your starting weight. I only divulge it here... My drivers license says I'm 235. :heh:

Anyhoo, drop me a line with your surg date... I'm at nkcaump@hotmail.com and we can compare scars or something... okay that didn't come out the way I meant it, but you catch the meaning.

(What does the WWJD stand for on your T-Shirt... something tells me it's not the whimsical question about the Man...)

[Crash 0]

I'm having it done here in the suburbs of Kansas City. I am self pay, but with a wife and a kid, scuffling off to TJ wouldn't have worked. So, if you've got any scratch laying around, friend, please let me know.

I was just about to ask you the same thing.

We can always just start a website - HelpUsGetSkinny.com - and have the entire internet donate a nickel or something. They're adopting designer babies now days, so why not adopt a fat person? I think it could catch on.

Anyhoo, drop me a line with your surg date... I'm at nkcaump@hotmail.com and we can compare scars or something... okay that didn't come out the way I meant it, but you catch the meaning.

(What does the WWJD stand for on your T-Shirt... something tells me it's not the whimsical question about the Man...)

Will drop you an email when I get my date.

And the shirt stands for exactly what you think it does - except it says "For a Klondike Bar" underneath it.

[GR8 1]

Crash - Congrat's on your new journey you are taking!

Best of Luck!

I am guessing the WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do"

[mylapspirit 2]

Welcome Aboard! You have made a very important step for the future of you life. Good Luck to you.

shelli:ranger:

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Congrats on getting banded! It's the best thing you could possibly do for yourself. The day you get banded really will be the first day of the rest of your life. Life changes in great ways with the band. You'll see.

I don't blame you for going to Mexico for surgery, I did the same thing. Just do your work and do your research well. Know everything there is to know about the band and your doc. Don't bank on anything you hear on the internet regarding doctors. Listen, but verify EVERYTHING. It pays off to find the doc that is the best match for you.

Good luck and congrats!

[kacee 3]

Hey Crash, I notice that in all your pictures you have NO SMILE on your face. My friend, THAT will change! Please keep us informed with your progress and join our community. I commend you on your life-changing behaviors. You are quite a brave soul at such a young age! Good for you! You are SOOOOOO not going to regret this!

[Crash 0]

Woohoo - October 23rd with Dr. Kuri in Mexico.

I panicked just a smidge when I saw the paperwork mention a possible catheter, but judging from a quick search of the forum - it seems, for most, this isn't a necessity.

I like my penis. I don't think I'd enjoy something being put inside it.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Woohoo - October 23rd with Dr. Kuri in Mexico.

I panicked just a smidge when I saw the paperwork mention a possible catheter, but judging from a quick search of the forum - it seems, for most, this isn't a necessity.

I like my penis. I don't think I'd enjoy something being put inside it.

I'm not familiar with anyone who needed a foley for banding. Sleeves and bypass yes, but not banding. Besides, even if you did have to have one for some odd reason you'd be asleep anyway while it was done.

[DonHoll1 0]

Welcome Crash. Enjoy Mexico! Donna

[docsdeb 0]

Donna, I have a band date with Dr. Zapata in Mexico on Sept 28. Any and all info about the doctor and staff would greatly be appreciated. I haven't read very many posts on this board that mention him at all and I was wondering if I made the right choice in doctors. I have surgery fear of course so please let me know how yours went and how you are doing now!

Thank you so much and blessings to you!

Debbi (docsdeb)