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[Oraeus 0]

Hi am a 32 year old female who is 5'3 and weighs 230#'s with a BMI of 41. My husband is a 28 year old who is 6'1 1/2 who weighs 340 #'s with a BMI of 43. We have just recently went to the doctor to try Phentramine when we were informed we are "morbidly obese" and we should look into lap band surgery. My husband had WPW (wolf parkinsons white syndrome) and has not been able to loose weight since. I had thyroid cancer and have only 1/2 a thyroid left. It still funtions on my blood test in the normal range however since that surgery it has been difficult to loose weight... (at that time I weighed 160) (YIKES!) We are too young to be THIS over weight. We have four children between the two of us (12, 10, 6 and 3) so it is hard to keep up with them. Unfortunatly since my divorce (in 2007) my daughter has started to turn towards food and has gained weight as well. I feel like a horrible mom setting such a bad example of weight for her. I am worried the other kids may follow suit. Some of my weight I will admit is laziness and some is a lack of self control. (choclate is a weakness) I want to find the best way for us to reach our goals to be helathy and happy. So I reach out to you. What is your advice? I have heard negatives and positives on lap band. I still want to hear both sides.. Is there ANY help out there for our situation? We have blue cross/blue sheild insurance so any information on that would be helpfull too!

Edited July 28, 2009 by Oraeus
forgot something

[FailureIsntAnOption 0]

From my point of view I would begin a daily exercise regimen for your entire family. Such as an evening walk or family bike ride. This will set a great example of a healthy lifestyle for your children and perhaps be able to turn things around for your daughter. I would also make fast food off limits. Clean out your fridge and your cupboards of all unhealthy processed food and only stock healthy nutritious Snacks and meal fixins. You will be surprised how much easier it is once the junk is gone. Now I'm not saying that you or the kids shouldn't have a treat every once in a while, I'm just saying don't keep it in the house.

I love my band and it has motivated me to make the commitment to start a healthier lifestyle. I have lost 57 pounds since April 1st of this year. I feel great and I am in the best physical shape of my life at this very moment. I do believe that if I had the same commitment to diet and exercise prior to banding that I may have been able to achieve the same results. However, I lacked the will power prior to banding so it took something as drastic as banding to find the will power inside myself. My entire family has joined with me on this journey and has made the choice to eat healthier and exercise daily. What a difference this is making in my husband and children.

I wish you much success on your journey and applaud you for your desire to find healthiness for you and your family. Good luck to you!

Edited July 28, 2009 by FailureIsntAnOption