Taking the first step

[Kellster 1]

Well it's been a little more than two weeks since I had the seed of Lap-Band planted in my head. I have an appointment with my doctor this Thursday to discuss my options, and I am optimistic! I've talked with my friends and family and they all support me. I want to go to a seminar somewhere but I haven't found one that is actually still going so I thought I'd hop online and see what I can find (this site is amazing!).

I'm 5'10'', a week away from 28, around 340 lbs (haven't checked in awhile but I've been maintaining), BMI of 48, and ready to make a change.

I'm nervous about the procedure to get insurance coverage, and I hope my doctor goes along with my idea.

I'm worried about any complications, but the risk is worth it. I'm also a bit freaked out about the saggy-skin issue, but I've heard that I should be able to recover fine.

I've done some research and all I can say is that so far - the pros FAR outweigh (no pun intended) the cons.

Can't wait to keep updating this site with my progress toward a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body!

[kteggers 0]

Welcome, I'm a few weeks past you, but for sure a newbie. I went to a seminar and met the doctor. Tomorrow I'm seeing my dietician for the first of my 6 month diet.

I agree with you about the benefits of surgery! It is scary though. It's a complete life change for sure. But I'm ready. I can't live like this much longer.

I haven't posted much in this site, but I've spent hours looking and reading. This site has tons of info. Let me know if I can help at all. Good luck!

[Kellster 1]

Wow... my first post. It's amazing to see how far I've come since August 08. I'm now in the final countdown - 20 days til surgery!!!!

[20zmom 0]

Kellster, I am new, and have just started my 6th month supervised weight loss. I am a little confused about that process. My insurance doesn't require any weight loss thru the 6 month process. My PCP has put me on a low fat diet. (If I could follow one, I woulnd't need surgery). So I am a bit confused. What diet did you follow for your 6 months?

[Kellster 1]

To be honest I didn't really follow a diet. I just met with a dietician once a month for 6 months, and we talked about different ways of thinking about food, mindful eating, portion sizes, quality of food, etc. I did learn a lot but I didn't follow a caloric limit or specific food plan. Overall I lost 4 lbs, which is good for a morbidly obese person who wasn't really trying... usually we gain weight. My best recommendation is to go to the appointments, learn how to modify your behavior, and prep your MIND for the surgery. You might lose some weight, but once you have the tool you'll be ready to lose a bunch of weight and keep it off!

[20zmom 0]

Thanks, Kells. I sure appreciate your input. I was beginning to get tooooooo focused on losing weight that I was not preparing myself for the mental change prior to surgery. I won't have a meeting with the dietician or psychologist for 3 more months. I can't wait to strt getting mt head ready.

Continued good luck to you in your new lifestyle. And again, thanks for the encouragement.

Edited April 25, 2009 by 20zmom