It's Time

[thisisserious 0]

Hi there everyone. I've thought about lap banding for quite a while. I originally considered gastric bypass but the side effects terrified me. I have two young daughters under seven and every day I worry that I'm going to have a heart attack and leave them. I remember hitting 200 lbs and thinking I would NEVER get any bigger and now here I am topping 300. I put up pictures of my girls picking apples today for friends and I refused to put up pics of myself. I don't know why I try to deny it to myself but I know I need to do something. Unfortunately my pcp is soooooo laid back about my weight issue. He asks if I work out and leaves it at that. Well I get muscle cramps in my stomach like charlie horses because I'm so out of shape and the back of my foot is always hurting because of all of this weight. So I've decided to go to one of the seminars this week for the band. Enough excuses and enough sitting there and waiting for it to happen. I'm setting a HORRIBLE example for my daughters by allowing myself to be this way and I will not do it. I will not create eating issues for them and I will not let them think this is acceptable. My youngest tells me all of the time how big I am, four year olds are brutally honest. But now it's time to do something and have her tell me how good mommy looks. I look forward to using this forum as a tool to support and help me along the way and I hope to help others as well. Have a great night!

Shannon

[isaviolinist 11]

Welcome and good luck! Sounds like you have the right mindset - Im sure you will be very successful. Ask lots of questions here and also at your seminar (and then at all of your preop appointments afterward). There is so much information on this site - if you take advantage of it, you will be SO prepared for surgery and beyond. Keep us updated!!

[Kamie 0]

Welcome!!! It sounds like you really care about yourself and your family. That is great that you love them enough to take this step. Thats one of the reasons I am doing this also, and of course the legs/feet hurting, etc. You have definitely come to the right place for support. I am going to get my surgery date soon and I have gotten so much support and information from everyone on here. Best of luck!!!

[jessress87 0]

Good for you for taking the first step! I too am in the very beginning stages and a lot of what you said reminds me of myself, I've avoided pictures and mirrors so I wouldn't have to accept it- that only works for so long. Also, my PCP is very laid back about my weight to- he's never brought it up and my BMI is 48! My Seminar is tomorrow and I am very excited- good luck on your journey!