Beginning my journey!!

LadyRiddick · February 4, 2008

Hello everyone. I "stumbled" unto this site about 2 hours ago and I can't get off of it!! It's so wonderful to have this supportive site. I am in the beginning stages of this process for the Lap band. I am excited, scared, and nervous all at the same time. I've heard horror stories and I've heard success stories. I am not detoured because I know that I need to do this for my health. After many many years of losing and gaining weight, at 35, I realize that I have to gain control!! My father, who is 62 years old and weighed over 340, had gastric by-pass surgery in May 07. He has since lost over 130 pounds and looks fantastic. When he first talked about getting this surgery, I was so against it because of all of the horrific things that I heard about the surgery. Did I mention that my father was diabetic, has angina, high blood pressure, etc, etc?...After his surgery, he no longer needed insulin every day, no longer had high blood pressure and he feels great.

My father is my inspiration. I've read all of the good, bad and the ugly and I realize that having this surgery is a heart felt, personal decision. I was among the people who said that and WLS was the "easy" way out but I have watched my father discipline himself with his eating and his excercising and I realize that even though WLS gives you a "boost" towards weight loss, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

I have opted for the Lap Band surgery because I am 35 years old and I have had 1 still born and 1 miscarriage . I want to have a baby and I feel that the LapBand surgery is adjustable and more conveinant. I also don't want to spend a lot of time out of work. I'm still doing my research and I am excited about this journey to my new life. I will be attending the weight loss seminar on Feb 19. My pre-op appointment with the doctor is on Feb 27. I'm confident that things will go well and that insurance issues will not be a problem. I have a lot of documentation for my weight loss attempts for the past 10 years. My main "advantage" is that very recently, I was seeing a nutritionalist for 6 months through my insurance.

Sorry this is so long but I'm so glad that I found this board!!

ronwifey · February 4, 2008

Hi, welcome to the board. I'm new too and addicted to this site, lol. I'm waiting on approval now. You have a lot of things going for you and it seems that getting the surgery won't be a problem with insurance; which is a blessing!

I'm so sorry about your loss. :eek:

There is hope. My friend had 2 miscarriages and her OB/GYN said she needed to lose weight and get "healthy". She lost the weight and now has a beutiful 3 month old baby girl named Olivia.

Keep us posted and it's great that you decided to follow your Dad's footsteps and have his support.

Jill Talbot · February 4, 2008

Welcome LadyRiddick! You sound like you've done all your "homework" and are headed down a great path. Your dad sounds like a super guy! Good luck and keep in touch :eek:

NewDiva2008 · February 4, 2008

Hi LadyRiddick.

I am a 34 yr old diabetic and too have opted for the lap band procedure. Still going through my tests (EGD, psych eval). Am more determined than ever to get these blood sugars under controlled so I can get banded. So ready to lose weight and be healthy!!

Good luck and I look forward to hearing about your journey!! :-)

saleel22 · February 4, 2008

Hi LadyRiddick, Good on you for taking these first steps. I think we have all felt the same as you. Nervous and excited at the same time. I know I was like that. I was banded on the 16th Jan 08 and am very glad. I didn't have any post op pain and have had 2 weeks of fluids and am now on the puree foods. So far so good. I only wish I had known about this op when I was in my 30's. Good luck to you.

saleel22

(Australia)

LadyRiddick · February 4, 2008

There is hope. My friend had 2 miscarriages and her OB/GYN said she needed to lose weight and get "healthy". She lost the weight and now has a beutiful 3 month old baby girl named Olivia.

Keep us posted and it's great that you decided to follow your Dad's footsteps and have his support.

Thank you so much. I was so encouraged reading that. Thank you all for your support! I look forward to making this journey with all of you. Thank you and God Bless. And yes, My dad is a GREAT guy!! :-)

jaylow · February 4, 2008

I'm also an addict. As a matter of fact whenever I'm hungry I go on this site. I've had my initial meeting with psych, nutritionist and np. I'm going for all my medical tests of Friday and back for a second eval next Wednesday. I'm so excited for this new venture. Glad there is another addict out there.

LadyRiddick · February 4, 2008

Hi, welcome to the board. I'm new too and addicted to this site, lol. I'm waiting on approval now. You have a lot of things going for you and it seems that getting the surgery won't be a problem with insurance; which is a blessing!
I'm so sorry about your loss.

There is hope. My friend had 2 miscarriages and her OB/GYN said she needed to lose weight and get "healthy". She lost the weight and now has a beutiful 3 month old baby girl named Olivia.

Keep us posted and it's great that you decided to follow your Dad's footsteps and have his support.