Just would like to say "Awesome job" for everyone coming to this site and strive for a better health. My family has a long hard history of generation of "men" having serious heart attacks. Just after my father had one this is when I found out of my blood line "GREAT" evening being at a heavy 414 pounds at that time , I really needed to figure things out.

Once I returned home (father is ok, now) I really worked on what am I going to do with getting this weight off and off for good. Clearly , Lap band was my choice. Now, prior to doing lap band about 7 years ago. I tried all the weight lost schemes : Jenny Craig, Richard Simmons (old school), Weight watchers, and all the various others. After, my first visit with Dr. Levine (Ormond Beach Hospital , Fl) I knew this was going to be a success , but WORK and Dedication will have to be consistent.

So , I had to go through the 6 month process for the insurance company to approve my surgery. I was in and out of the hospital 4 hours and was on the couch for 1-3 days. I could have went to work on the second day, yet since I never take off of work I figured why not and give my body to heal more. Remember, I just had something attached to my internal body and really needed to know how to work with it. Lap Band is a tool and if used right it can be one of the strongest assets to your body to preserve it.

I have gone through the band getting stuck, even with changed jobs where I was working outside and needed more protein and fluids , I was in need of an adjustment (remove 1cc). When I return back to the office environment another adjustment was applied (inserted 1cc) "everything back to normal". My wife also had the lap band done 6 years for her and lost of 140 pounds. Having her with me in support of the goal we was looking for , really helped.

** That is why I am creating this BLOG for people who are starting out or currently have lap band. This is a open topic. All information is good information.

With having the Band for so long I really feel above anyone when it comes to dieting. "yes" I don't have those 6 pack abs, well maybe it is because I haven't applied myself to do so. Kinda got very happy for the first time in my life I was able to do a "Pull UP" at the age 31 I finally got it. Bucket list item "Check" :-)

Biggest troubles I am seeing now and my wife is experiencing is our daily Vitamins to avoid any type of Deficiencies. My goal is done losing all this weight , Now keeping my vitamins in me on a daily basis is a hard task. For the past , year so far now I have used Advocare. NOT SELLING this product > but the powder formulas for my personal intake have helped me alot and I know with research I am getting the nutrients.

But really with the various offers I have received to help people with Lap Band and now starting to know this is a calling for me. I need to help others, I love helping and especially seeing a strive to a better living then watching those goals reached. Its an amazing feeling.

My wife and I are good ol' people who use to work crazy hours only getting paid $8-11 an hour when we started our life together and in the work force. So I am on here for the real. I'll give answers that are true and share the passion as you trying to reach your goals. Also, raised a 10 year old son you may see on the pictures. I am here for you so please