Hello Banders!

[bpenney 1]

Hello all. My name is Brian, and I'm in the final prep stages before my surgery. I was approved by my insurance last week, and I'm now waiting to schedule my surgery. Likely within the next 4 to 6 weeks.

I'm excited, somewhat scared/nervous, but mostly excited. Ready to start my new life. Both my parents were diabetics, as well as my grandparents. All overweight. My grandma and father both died of pancreatic cancer, my dad was only 54. He was morbidly obese as well, and I was most certainly on the path he lived. Which is why I've now taken the steps to improve the remainder of my life. Who knows, I may get hit by a bus in 2 years, but I can guarantee I won't be dying due to my obesity. :confused:

I know a couple of close friends who've undergone the surgery, both in November of 07. One has lost 80+ lbs and her start weight was well over 400. She's doing awesome, and I'm very proud of her. My other friend has lost almost 50 lbs, and she's had a rough go of it, due to the psychological issues she has with food. I'm looking forward to what's ahead for my future.

A bit about me:

I'm 29 & married, going on 9 years. I have a son named Caleb who is 3. I'm a Marketing Manager for a software company, we're a compliance partner of IBM. I'm also an Audio Engineer, and a Recording artist signed to a small record label in California. I've always been overweight, but since I've been married and soon after took a desk job, the additional weight piled on. I've yo-yo dieted for the last 9 years to no avail. WLS was my last option. It's been a 2 year process getting to my surgery, and I thank God I've finally gotten here. I can't wait to begin my new life.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to gain new friends here, and find the additional support I'll need.

-Brian

Edited April 16, 2008 by bpenney
typos

[StarbuxQueen 0]

Congratulations, Brian! The surgery will come quick. Once I was approved I barely had time to prepare for surgery. I was banded on 3/25 and am close to 30 lbs. I already can feel the differences in my body. Small changes. Better sleep, things like that.

Welcome and keep reading. I have learned so much from here not to mention how helpful it was right after surgery.

Dee

[kathystrick 3]

Hi Brian and welcome to LBT! Your surgery date will be here before you know it and you will be on your way to a healthy new self. Good luck!

[losingjusme 12]

hi Brian, welcome to LBT and congrats on taking the first steps to a new life. :crying:

[georgia girl 35]

Hello Brian! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! This is a wonderful place to get info and support. Good luck to you and it was nice to meet you.

[bpenney 1]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

[plain 12]

Hey Brian, pull up a seat! I'm always happy to see another guy join (we are severely outnumbered here by the ladies. And I'm sure they will use that to their every advantage, LOL). Browse and learn, my friend...