Bonnie M.

I'm at the very early stages of this journey. I'm researching and coming to the conclusion that this will be best for me. I've been overweight/obese since around first grade. It has haunted me daily, and in recent years I've given into my weight, saying it doesn't matter anymore, I'll never change. Now, I have give up that way of thinking.
I am positive that this is a good decision on my part, and I am becoming more and more excited to be consulted by a doctor. I am calling my hospital tomorrow to schedule an appointment with my primary care doctor, and see what she reccommends as far as surgeons go. I'm 20 years old and ever since I was a child my self-esteem and confidence were shattered because of how much I weigh. I remember the teasing, the taunting, the days I just simply could not face my school mates and feigned illness and begged my mom to let me stay in bed.
My anxiety and depression stemming from all this kept me from staying in college, even barely making it through high school. I also have been suffering joint problems and have been seeing a chiropractor because my weight has caused distortion and compression of my spine. I lost about an inch of my height, I think. It has gotten better through my sessions with the chiropractor, though I know losing weight will also speed my healing process along.
I'm apprehensive about the 6-month pre-op diet, however I know it is necessary and that with enough determination and support, I can get through it. It shouldn't be too hard for me to adjust, as I've been changing my eating habits for the past month as well as taking dietary supplements and vitamins. I have been staying away from carbs as much as possible and eating twice as many vegetables as I eat fruits daily. I go for things high in protein, and I've been eating much less than I would have been. I've tried diet after diet but nothing ever stuck, and even now I'm finding it difficult. But I think with the support of the lap band I may be able to make this thing work, once and for all.