I just have to vent this...

jrh06c · November 7, 2008

Wow! I am so excited to find an online community for people undergoing lap-band surgery. I am not getting much support from my friends here, so having friends online will have to do! I'm a 20 year old college student, and I've struggled with my weight all my life. I've gained 50 pounds since coming to college and am at my heaviest right now. I tried NutriSystem, Phentermine, traditional low-cal/exercise plans, SlimFast, hypnosis, Weight Watchers- EVERYTHING and nothing worked.

Surgery was the final option. I'm having my surgery with Dr. Lord in Pensacola. I went to his informational seminar in August, had my initial consult/1st nutrition appointment/psych eval/blood work all on November 5th. I had my endoscopy, chest x-ray and EKG yesterday the 6th. I found out yesterday that my surgery date will be December 30th! When the doctor told me he expected me to lose 130 pounds (at least 60 before August), I couldn't help but cry. Finally, something that will help me.

I'm so tired of getting winded after one flight of stairs, automatically searching to the back of the rack to find the largest size (IF they have it), and being looked at as a second-class citizen just because of my weight. I can't wait to start on this journey and see how I look- but more importantly how I FEEL- after this surgery is over.

I'm really glad I found this web community. This is such a great resource. I can't wait to start talking with all of you! Good luck to everyone! :thumbup:

smsmithart · November 7, 2008

Welcome to lbt ...keep in touch

flowers · November 7, 2008

It sounds like your surgeon team has a very positive approach. My seminar they asked me if I would be ok with only losing half of my goal, (uh no), that folks getting lapband, statistics prove they lose about half the weight on average. I decided not to be average, I will lose the weight.

The band might help with appetite, but you still will need will power to eat right and exercise. It was a tool that got me started and gave me the confidence to try again. Id lost over 80 lbs with nutrisystem that you mentioned, but I put it back on. Im determined the band will be my tool that this time I will continue to eat right and be there for those low times when I eat wrong, at least I will eat less.

jrh06c · November 7, 2008

It sounds like your surgeon team has a very positive approach. My seminar they asked me if I would be ok with only losing half of my goal, (uh no), that folks getting lapband, statistics prove they lose about half the weight on average. I decided not to be average, I will lose the weight.
The band might help with appetite, but you still will need will power to eat right and exercise. It was a tool that got me started and gave me the confidence to try again. Id lost over 80 lbs with nutrisystem that you mentioned, but I put it back on. Im determined the band will be my tool that this time I will continue to eat right and be there for those low times when I eat wrong, at least I will eat less.

Exactly! Dr. Lord has been SO incredibly supportive and optimistic. I think that being so lucky to have insurance covering pretty much the entire procedure, I HAVE to eat right and exercise. It'd be a waste not to. Good luck flowers!

flowers · November 7, 2008

Good luck to you too. I was self pay and went to Mexico, but went to a local seminar first. So, Im basically on my own. I should have gotten a 3rd fill, and now have to wait, so I feel like Im way behind others who were banded when I was, but Ill get there, Im determined. I think thats the main thing, your mental state.

I know you will do it too!!