Not banded yet... just want to introduce myself

[iluvmycat 0]

Hello to everyone in the forum. My name is Melissa... I just turned 30 in July. I have been heavy my entire life... about 5 years ago when I was at my heaviest (302) I went on weight watchers and was able to loose 115 pounds with what seemed like minimal effort (it just took me a little over a year). Since them I have put over half of the weight I lost back on. About three years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's (Hypothyroidism)... ever since then I have been completly unable to loose weight even though my throid levels are all perfect now. I have tried every diet known to man and I am tired of it!

I've been to see my PCP and he ran all my labwork again and every thing tested great... I am completly healthy on paper. I feel horrible though and I think it is from lugging around all this extra weight. All I want to do is sleep and I am easily winded. My knee is bothering me again that I had surgery on last year. My doctor thinks that the lapband is a great option for me... now I just have to convince my insurance company of that!!! I am getting a sleep study done in the beginning of November. I am attending a seminar this Saturday as well.

I am really excited and after ready some of your stories I think this is really a good option for me. I am getting married May 31, 2008 and I don't want to be a fat bride. I want to be as healthy as I can be for my husband and for the children that we will have as well.

[Betsyjane 2]

Welcome to the journey, dear. We've all been through the losing and regaining. My struggle, in addition to being obese, is that I have Lupus and every time I have to go on meds, I gain huge! Or used to.....

I'll tell ya...the lap band lifestyle isn't easy, but it's do-able! That's all I ask...a decent chance at success. And to continue to be able to cross my legs!

I just posted my before and after pics. Go take a look!

[Big As Life 0]

hello and welcome to LBT(lap band talk)...sounds like you have a great plan lined out..just hang in there and move forward..it is a wonderful journey...I pray that your insurance will pay...some will, some won't...mine didn't...but I can tell you , it is the best thing I have ever done for myself..I would pay another $15,000.00 and do it again...

[Betsyjane 2]

Here's your inspiration for the day.

[Betsyjane 2]

or at least more than half way....

[Mandi 0]

Hi Melissa,

Welcome to LBT. I'm new here too. I can so understand a lot of what you're feeling. I am turning 30 in march 2008, I am engaged to be married and I too want to lose a significant amount of my weight before we get married (don't want to be a fat bride and don't want to enter yet another phase of my life still struggling to lose weight). I also had good success with weight watchers, then put some of it back on (same as I have with every other diet program) - I am still struggling to lose weight.

Once again, welcome & stick around!

[cindymom 0]

Hi there, I am still trying to decide which insurance to go with to start this process. I hope your insurance lets you go forward, I have been contemplating this surgery for over a year and I have finally decided to go on and try to have this done. I will be 50 in October 2008 and have too many medical problems to mention but I am so looking forward to the life change that would take place once it is done. I lost 55 pounds and gained that back plus more and now can not take it off. I am praying that your insurance covers your surgery so I can breath a little easier on my end. too. I hope you find out soon. Cindy

[Ailie 1]

Hi Melissa. I'm pretty new here too and not banded yet. I went to my first seminar a couple of weeks ago and got my first consultation with the surgeon coming up...well, not until November, but that's okay. I'm spending my waiting time doing a lot of reading and learning about the process. Good luck and welcome!