MEL50

I have struggled with obesity all of my adult life.  At 15 years old I weighed 135 and can't even remember weighing my goal weight of 125.  I have tried about every "diet" you can think of, lost some weight, but never seemed to be able to keep it off or continue losing to a safe weight for my height.  So when I turned 50 years old last November I decided "stop the madness" and chose to pursue lapband.  I have numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who were extremely obese as well and the reality that none of them lived to reach 70 years of age has really made me think about my own life and that I can't keep waiting and saying "I'll get back on track tomorrow".  So I made my appointment with the surgeon and started the process.  At first I thought the insurance requirements were ridiculous.  But as I have spent the past 7-8 months making monthly visits to my doctor, really trying to adhere to the low calorie diet and exercise plan, I have lost 16 pounds and the mental process has been wonderful for me.  I know now, more than ever before, that the lapband is a tool that I truly need to improve my health and enjoyment of life.  Now, here I am, three days until my lapband procedure and I still struggle with thinking about the food I may not be able to eat again for a long time, some things forever, and remind myself that life is not about food.  Joy, peace, the love of family and friends, these are the things that matter most.