Poster child

:scared: Ray, very cool!!! I bet you feel great! Thanks for giving us the inspiration! You're awesome!

Hi, everyone! I am going for my pre-op appointment on March 8th. I am going to be banded by Dr. Eric Bour in Greenville. I am excited to have this done, but like everyone else, somewhat apprehensive about the surgery day itself. I will get through it and I have a good support group. Everyone except one very important person in my life is behind me on this. Is anyone else out there having someone important to them that is doing the same thing??? I think that bothers me the most. It's a very close friend and I just feel she is being selfish and not wanting me to lose the weight. Ugggghhhh! Good luck to everyone!!!! Pretty soon, we'll be on the 'other' side!

Bushbaby, What an inspiration! you can do anything you put your mind to! I will try to do exactly the same thing but I want to complete a century (100 mile) ride by the end of this year. I don't know if I could do a triathalon, I can't swim that well! Keep us all posted on your progress. Let us know what day you're going to compete!

I felt exactly as you do now. But, I've made the decision to change. By doing that, I have to leave the old and tired and comfortable aspects of myself behind. I know it's the comfort zone, but, like yourself, I am tired of existing. I want to live fully and enjoy life. I realize the band is only one tool to get to my goal but it I feel it will give the confidence I need to succeed. I am trying to look at the banding as a journey to a new life and am sure it won't be easy but a process to look back at and see that I did it! I am sure I will be glad that I did. Good luck! Make those appointments, schedule your surgery! That's great your insruance will cover it!!! Unfortunately, my insurance will not cover the procedure, so I am self-pay. I am planning on my surgery date for May 8th.

Wow, thanks for all the great responses! I am excited to get the band. I can't wait! I am trying to get into better shape before the surgery so the recovery goes well and I can resume exercising faster. I just bought the new Firm DVD's and since I have about 2 months before the surgery, I can achieve some fitness. Ray, way cool on the 30 miles rides. That's what I am going to try to get back to doing!! I really want to do a century ride this year. Maybe in September. The weight just peels off riding. Good luck on the 10k! Congrats to everyone who's exercising. I am learning any amount helps the scale and the mind!

I am sure everyone is exercising or at least trying to exercise since being banded. I would like to know what exercises everyone is doing. I used to cycle alot and am trying to get back to it. I am hoping I will be able to ride long miles very soon(as soon as I am small enough to fit onto my bike!). I am also interested in weight training. Anyone doing free weights or The Firm?? How soon after surgery should I be able to do this??

thanks! I am looking forward to being banded!

Ilude, what an inspiration to others! thank you!

Hi all, I am new to posting but have been lurking on this board for quite a while. I have made my appointment with the surgeon and to sign up on March 8th. I am planning on having the procedure done on May 8th. I am a little nervous, but I know it will be the best for me in the long run. I hope to get to know all of you. Since lurking around here, I feel like I already do! Thanks!