.Maria.

Hi Jenn,

Hunny, we were in the exact same boat!!! LOL. I have my first appointment with the surgeon this friday and I'm still a little nervous. But I know its gonna be fine. What keeps me going is finding inspiration in everybody else's stories. I could literally spend hours on here learning from everybody else's experiences. It's gonna be awesome... just keep your eye on the prize.

Thanks Danielle.

I think I'm done telling people. I really thought my family would support me, oh well. As far as the life changing goes... Im soo ready!!!

How was the pain after surgery? Were you really sore? And what about that leak... are they gonna have to do another surgery to fix it?

Hello. My name is Maria & I'm from Chicago. I've been struggling with my weight loss since I can remember. I've tried everything from Herbal Life, Alli, Xenadrine, Zantrex to Weight Watchers.... and NOTHING! It's been a heck of a journey!

I would have never considered the LAP-BAND®®® until my best friend brought it to my attention (she's also overweight). So we went to the info session but it didn't convince me. So I started researching and came across this site. I've learned so much from so many different posts & discovered many good & bad things about the surgery. But I must say, the good definitely outweighs the bad! I especially love looking at everyones before & after... You all look amazing!!!

I will admit that it terrifies me to go into surgery (traumatized from a c-section) but thankfully I have an amazing husband :tt2: who supports me. Unlike my parents who are against the idea. :scared2: They don't understand where I'm coming from (they've been skinny all their lives) & how this will benefit me the rest of my life. My cousin even said that I'm taking the easy way out. That instead of doing this I should really work hard by exercising and eating right for a year and if it doesn't work then consider the surgery... REALLY?!?!? So your telling me the 15+ years that I have been trying don't count, right? Girl, Please.

Im so done listening to what everybody else has to say about my life. This is my choice. I want to be happy... and I will be.