Hi everyone, from IL

[eventgirl 0]

Here is just a brief overview of my story lol

I have always battled my weight, ever since I can remember. When I was a little kid I was over weight and then once I went to middle school I lost it all due to getting super involved in sports. I was involved in track, volleyball, horseback riding, and various martial arts. Then I went to high school and became heavily involved in swimming and Water polo and also horseback riding and martial arts. I was working out at least 3 times a day and I was still having to battle keeping weight off. It was always frustrating to say the least.

I then went to college and stopped working out all together and gain a lot of weight very very fast. I tried ever diet I knew of and sure, I could lose the weight but I couldnt keep any of it off long term. I finally got so frustrated I started looking for obesity centers and I was put in a weight loss program. I lost some weight initially (about 20 pounds) but I was also taking phentremine (big time sp on that one) I decided I didnt like taking the medicine so I looked for other alternatives and started researching the lap band. I am in the process right now of getting approved.

I am hoping that the lap band will allow me to reach my goal weight, but more than anything I want to be able to do the things I cannot do as of right now. As I said before I horseback ride, but I also horseback ride at the professional level (yes that is me in my avatar) But I can no longer compete at the same level I was at before because of my weight and how it affects my balance. Also I hope to get involved in martial arts again, that was one of the best stress relief activities ever lol.

So anyways thats basically me and it seems like I can gain some great information and support on this site, and I cannot wait to get the surgery myself :juggle:

Oh forgot to add, my surgeon is Dr. Brad Watkins from Synergy Heath

[pjoy2009 0]

HEY, I know this message is pretty old, but wanted to know if you went thru w/ the surgery with Dr Watkins? I am scheduled for 2 weeks from today, stared my pre-op liquid diet today & am pretty excited and/or nervous.

Did you do it back in July? Let me know. Thanks.

[Tennislover 0]

Hi I went thorugh Dr Watkins for my surgery in November of 2008 and have been happy with my weight loss the two weeks before were an exciting time and I am so happy I decided to do it. His office and team are great and they really listen to everything you have to say and want to help you no matter what. I am able to play tennis again after playing in high school and college and other levels and the best part is I dont get winded after 20 minutes good luck on your journey