b_brown

Karen, Please accept my simple perspective on obesity and the banding procedure in hopes that it will alleviate your fears. I have been fighting with my body for 35 years. I am tired of an unfair, one-sided fight. I didn't even know about the LapBand until 6 weeks ago. I am now scheduled for the surgery on October 8. To put the whole situation into the simplest terms, I don't mind a fair fight or challenge with a level playing field for both sides. However, I have been fighting a war with my body and it is equipped with state-of-the-art biological weapons (the human body--the most versatile, sophisticated entity known to humanity). I, on the other hand, have been fighting with a popgun and water pistol (useless diets, magic pills, captivating exercise machines, etc.). Every time I tried to get an advantage in the battle, my body would come up with a superior defense. It basically said, "This is my fat and you can't have it." Well, I am not going to be defeated. The LapBand procedure has become my ultimate weapon or tool to gain control over the battle. I am going to win, now because the LapBand is going to level the playing field and give me a fair chance to win. Before scheduling my surgery, I immersed myself in obesity research, studied nutritional and dietary information, listened to forum comments, spoken to post-surgery patients, and attended seminars and support group meetings. I narrowed all the complicated research and information into the simple analogy, which I have just described. Putting the LapBand procedure into these simple terms and doing all the research that led me to this analogy have neutralized all the fears and apprehensions that I had. To me, it is that simple. I am going to win the battle, gain control of my body, and live the longest, healthiest life I can to be the husband, father, grandfather, and friend that I want to be to my family and friends. We only have one life to live and I plan to live it in good health. I hope this simple perspective will help you with your approach to the LapBand procedure. I wish you the best. Think positive.