great expectations

CONGRTS TO YOU!! You have really inspired me. :Yawn: I look forward to reaching my 100lb mark. I have just begun my journey and go for my initial assessment next week. I have already decided, though, to go forward with the surgery-thanks to all of the inspiring stories I've read here.

Hi All, I am from Columbus. No lap band surgeons here...NO-I take that back. One just started practicing here-suppossedly he's being performing this procedure a little over a yr. I, personally, want a little more experience. I have just begun my journey but I will be going to Dr. Bagnato in Albany. I have hear GREAT things about him. Anyone else out there hear about him?

Seems like you are well on your way. I am just beginning the process but I can hardly wait until I get my band. You should be very proud of yourself. 32 lbs in less than a month. YOu are my hero!

WONDERFUL!!! I can't even remember when I wore a size 14. We are the same age and I currently wear a size 24. I just started researching the band and I have made up my mind to go for it. You give me inspiration. Thank you!

I really don't want anyone to know either. My husband and my mother are usually very supportive. My mother, however, is very overweight herself and her entire conversations revolve around food. She has no desire to even try to loose weight and I know that she would probably not know what to talk about. My husband, although supportive, has a big mouth. I just know that he will tell everyone he knows and I don't want that. I am really tempted to just catch a cab to the hospital and back home and not even tell anyone at all, other than my surgeon and his staff.

Hi Electrawoman, I too am new to this post. You story and mine are pretty similar. I have not been through any physical abuse, but verbal abuse is just as bad. I have bee heavy, all of my life and ashamed of my weight. I didn't think I would ever get married because I was too fat. Nevertheless, I did. I have been married for 17yrs and still can not feel completely comfortable with my husband in bed due to my size. Furthermore, I have had 2 children which have added to my weight. I am heavier now than I have ever been and I have finally made up my mind to go ahead with this procedure. I have done major research and this site is really helpful. I am able to get other's true feelings and results and I appreciate that from all those posting. Maybe we can become pen pals so to speak and keep up with each other, motivating each other along the way. I really do like exercise too, but I love food even more. That is why I think this procedure is right for me. I would NEVER EVER have the gastric bypass. My sister did, and she died 5 yrs ago. She suffered so many complications, malabsorption of nutrients and just major intestinal problems since her procedure. She had her procedure when it was first becoming popular and never did really lose much weight-just her life. Anyway, I believe that I can be successful with the band. I just need help curbing my appetite to keep me from mindless eating and grazing trying to find comfort. I don't know if you are very spiritual or not, but I have also found comfort in the word of God which I know will help me through. I am sure that your heart will lead you in the right direction. Feel free to email me if you'd like. Good luck on your journey.

Hi All, I am a first timer myself. I have recently begun to consider lap band because I am at my wits end with my weight. I, too, am in the south and totaly understand how everything is centered around food. I have chosen to keep my surgery private as well. I am in the first phases and was wondering can anyone give me an approximate time frame before actually having surgery, considering nutrition consult, psych consult, ins approval, etc.