DivaStyleCoach

Hi Katelyn, I gave it a lot of thought also...I researched the gastric bypass originally because a co-worker and friend of mine had it done and did pretty well. She went from over 300 lbs to under 200 and stabilized. Her husband just had it done because of his diabetes and weight, and he's doing marvelously. After doing my research, I decided that the bypass was not for me - why? Because I would have to drastically change what I eat from that moment forward. Plus - the idea of more surgery doesn't appeal to me - I am African-American, and I get keloids (raised, puffy scars) whenever I am cut or injured with very few exceptions. The idea of a big, thick, ropy scar on my abdomen (to add to the one I already have from a prior surgery) did NOT appeal to me, so I started looking at the band. I decided the band was for me because it would allow me to lose the weight without a drastic restructuring of my intestinal system. I didn't want the malabsorptive side effects either - I have enough challenge with vitamins! The more I read, the more convinced I am that the band is for me. I encourage you to keep doing your research - do what you need to do to be comfortable. Some of us need to amass more info than others - but don't wait too long, girlfriend. Your health is at stake and making the decision now is better than waiting for another 50 or so pounds. I wish I'd known about this surgery before I hit 265 lbs. Now I'm looking forward to being 100 - 120 lbs lighter in a year or so...I'm anxious to get started and to get the weight off.

Mornin' Ladies, I haven't been scheduled with the Doc yet - but I've been reading the forum and started watching what I eat in the hopes that if they normally would put me on a pre-op diet, I'll have lost some weight, de-fatted my liver (if it is fatty) and gotten into a good walking and working out routine before my surgery. I am working on losing 10 - 20 lbs prior to surgery. I'm a bit concerned that I'll lose some of my progress in the weight room because I have to lay off the gym for a while after the surgery, but I'll check that with my doc to be sure. I figure whatever I can do to get healthier before the surgery would be good. Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences - this newbie is very grateful!:thumbup:

You go Girl! Congrats on taking the next step in your journey! Let us know how you are doing after you reach recovery...I'm envious - I know my time is coming, but I wish it was NOW! :biggrin:

Hey Beachcomber (love your screen name), I'm looking to get my surgery done at Yale New-Haven Hospital - the doctors there are Robert Bell, Andrew Duffy and Kurt Roberts. I got to meet Dr. Bell briefly at the support group meeting - there were no lap banders there, but got a little good info and got to meet the Doc. I have my psych appt on Thursday, Nutritionist next week. I've stepped up my exercise (now 4 days a week at the gym) plus I walk daily with my family in the morning and at lunchtime if weather permits. I know I'm still eating too much - I haven't gained any weight, but haven't lost any real weight either. The same 5 pounds keep going on and off...I really need this surgery, and hope I'm approved soon (have I said that too many times?:biggrin:)

Momof2Kids - I pray everything works out for you. It sounds like your husband knows he messed up bad and is trying to make amends. I hate to raise this spectre, but - make him get an AIDS test - you don't know what the skank might have exposed HIM to. Emily'sDad - Please stay strong...if your wife won't go to counseling with you, go without her. Perhaps when she sees you making a genuine effort to be a better man, she'll want to support you in it, and go with you. My story - I am the tech-head in my home...I found out my husband was doing his flirting online. It started with comments on people's photos on certain online forums, and degenerated into sending women his cell phone number so they could call him at work when he was working the midnight shift.:thumbup: When I found out, I reacted badly - I stopped speaking to him for a few weeks and refused to spend much time in the same room with him. Eventually the lines of communication were opened back up, he discontinued all his online flirtations (that I knew of) and we worked our way back to each other. Fast forward several years to just about two weeks ago - I found he was back at his old pursuit - commenting on other women's naked photos and sending them PM's and IM's. How I found out? I was using his laptop and he got nervous, then admitted there were things he didn't want me to see on the computer. We stayed up until 4 am one morning talking it out. Actually - I made it very clear that if he continued, I would be moving out. :cry_smile: I am still of two minds as to whether I will stay or not...my youngest graduates high school next summer, so that is when I will make my decision. I live over an hour from where I work, so if necessary, I will save my dollars, buy a condo, and be closer to work. I WILL NOT stand for this mess again - he's got a lot of convincing to do for me to say I'm not going to leave. Right now, things are getting better - we're talking more and he's being very attentive - and he is very supportive about the band surgery. Will it be enough? I don't know...only time will tell. I AM GOING TO COUNSELING - with or without him. I know I need to work on me...:blushing:

Dyesha, If I'm approved (I think I've got an excellent chance) it will be done in New Haven at Yale...they have an excellent reputation, and so far, everyone I've met has been wonderful. :cry_smile: I just am impatient to get the surgery done with so I can start with the 'getting healthier, getting off the diabetes meds and getting a new wardrobe' part!:thumbup:

Count me in as well, Ladies - I'd love to have a group of CT Lapbanders to hang with...though I haven't been banded yet, it would be wonderful to be able to talk with others about the experience.:thumbup:

Jazzy4Health, Not to hijack the thread, but I've been natural since January - started growing out my last relaxer actually before that, but I grew my hair out for about 3 months, then did the BC (Big Chop) and went down to a TWA (Teeny-Weeny Afro). Talk about a change! My relaxed hair was down to my shoulders, but started breaking off because I wasn't taking care of it. I found a great website - www.nappturality.com - where there are tons of natural-haired sistas and they have tons of advice on keeping your hair healthy. Check them out - I've found wonderful products via recommendations there, and my hair is so healthy now...:thumbup:

Hey Dyesha, Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on deciding to investigate the procedure. Just a quick note - all caps reads as 'shouting'...I know you're excited, but...:cry_smile: I joined the forum not too long ago myself, and I'm located in CT, so we're regional neighbors! I am part way through the process of getting my band (as you'll see by the dates in my signature) and I'm getting more excited by the day. There are some really inspirational stories on this site - women and men who have lost tons of weight, vastly improved their health, and who share a LOT of themselves and their journey for us newbies. Welcome to the 'hood, and I wish you all the best!:thumbup:

Awesome, CurvesinCali - keep on givin' us the real so we pre-banders know what to expect! Thanks so much for the update, and I pray you continue to feel better every day!

Hi Sil, Even if you do - don't let SOME people's negatives deter you from the process. After listening to all of what they had to say, I did come away with some positives: 1. Follow your Doctor's advice - to the letter! Ask if you have questions 2. Don't try to eat what you ate before the surgery - look at it as a way to change your eating habits for GOOD 3. Plan some fun things to do while you are transitioning - some of the folks in the group set intermediate goals at 25 lbs lost, 50 lbs, etc. 4. Stay focused on WHY you are doing this - for me, it's my health first, my appearance second. Good luck with your process - stay in touch!:thumbup:

What a story! Thank you Hillary, for posting your story and the awesome photos. I love the morph effect - I think I'll use that for mine when the time comes! I have my psych eval this week and nutritionist next week - hopefully I'll get scheduled soon so I can start my own journey! Great job, girlfriend!:thumbup:

Congrats! You've lost a ton really quickly - how much exercise are you doing? Have fun with your new house and your new YOU! :thumbup:

You look mahvelous! I'm about the same height as you (though considerably older :cry_smile: ) and have the same amount to lose. I hope my results are similar to yours - in fact, I'm gonna work my tail off (literally) to make sure that they will be! I'm not banded yet, but hopefully soon... Thanks for posting your inspirational story!:thumbup:

Congratulations - you have such a nice smile. Time for some new clothes - those are falling off of you, skinny girl!:thumbup:

BooBooKitty - I'm officially a fan! I read your story in the forums, and just wanted to add my kudos to those of your other visitors. Thanks so much for posting your story, and from one tall gal (5'11") to another, you look mahvelous!:thumbup:

You Go Boy! I've often thought about doing a triathlon - I was a swimmer in college and worked summers as a lifeguard, but haven't swam much since the kids arrived - 24 years ago! You've inspired me...I'm going to set a goal for myself after surgery to complete a mini-triathlon first, then go for a full-fledged tri. Who knows - maybe the two of us will wave across the Ironman course some day?:thumbup:

Awesome job - I hope to be able to toss out my diabetes meds eventually, too.:thumbup:

Go 'Head On Girl wit Yo' Bad Self! That 'after' picture is just awesome...congrats on all your hard work and success. You are an inspiration!:thumbup:

Congratulations on your success - so many people would have given up. It makes me realize that no matter how hard I think I've got it, there is someone out there working with a challenge more difficult than mine. Awesome pic on the mountain!:thumbup:

Congratulations! You look awesome - happy and much more fit. I'm glad you didn't let the complications take away your resolve - and you've inspired me to keep on pushing no matter what. Thanks for sharing your story!:thumbup:

Nicely done, girlfriend! You look great, and you're right - you look younger! I'm hoping for similar results... Thanks for sharing your story!:thumbup:

Congrats on your loss - and THANK YOU for posting the real deal about exercise! I am determined to lose this weight - I have not been banded yet, but feel it's the final block in the wall I'm going to build between the formerly fat me and the strong, slender me that is going to be. I already walk several days a week (I see myself upping the time and the speed) and I love the weight room - I'm looking forward to the operation (hurry up and schedule me!) and can't wait to post my own success story. Thanks again - you look awesome!:thumbup:

Thank you Lisa, Sharing your story helps those of us still waiting to be banded. I look forward to the day when I can post my own success story. Your loss is awesome - are you doing anything special regarding exercise? Do you feel you'll have to have cosmetic surgery for any loose skin? Forgive me if these questions are too intrusive...:thumbup:

Mornin' Ladies, Bellasmommy - what kind of routine (exercise, etc) are you following? You've had awesome results and I'd love to duplicate them! I know the band does different things at different paces for different people (how's that for recognizing differences! :confused:) but that might give me a starting point and inspiration... I haven't been banded yet - hopefully soon!:thumbup: