Steph-

I have been overwieght my entire life. During my mothers pregnancy with me she had gestational diabetes and I was born 13lbs. Growing up in a Greek household, there was always food, all the time, and I quickly was used to eating anything I want, anytime I want. Food was always the answer when it came to stressful times, or dealing with problems in a relationship. 14 years passed before I really realized that my health was in danger. At 6 feet 373 pounds, i was barely moving properly. I took frequent naps, and my social life was horrible. I felt horrible about how I looked, and who I was. In March of 2009, my mother and I went to my doctor and she recommended going to Dupont Hospital and join the adolence gastric lap band program. At first I was scared, but after going to my first visit in April, I was already feeling more confident. So, they put me on an exercise and eating program, all the while I was getting test after test to be approved for the surgery. Eventually, October rolled up and I was almost 20 lbs lighter and they told us that my insurance letter came back approved (after the first appeal) and that I could start Optifast. Two weeks of nothing but bars, and shakes I was more then ready for my surgery. On November 23rd, my lap band was put in. The next day, I went home. for about 1 week the gas pain was horrible, and I was only allowed to have liquids for 2 weeks. Now, i'm on soft foods. I've lost a total of 47 pounds since the program started, and now i'm at the begining of my Lap Band journey...