:thumbup: I have been dealing with a weight issue all my life. I have been off and on diets or excercise plans. I have spent most of my life taking care of others. I have 3 children, 2 step children and 3 grandchildren. I am 39 years old and I want to be around for my famil a long time.

I currently weigh 313lbs, I am 5ft 9. I would like to weigh 180.

I have my first consoltation on June 8th with Dr. Higa. I have been to a seminar and believe this is the tool I need. I am trying to get all my pre-surgery medical requirements done as soon as I can. My insurance will cover it as my BMI is 46. Hoping to get started right away. I would apperciate any advice. :smile2:

:thumbup: I have been dealing with a weight issue all my life. I have been off and on diets or excercise plans. I have spent most of my life taking care of others. I have 3 children, 2 step children and 3 grandchildren. I am 39 years old and I want to be around for my famil a long time.

I currently weigh 313lbs, I am 5ft 9. I would like to weigh 180.

I have my first consoltation on June 8th with Dr. Higa. I have been to a seminar and believe this is the tool I need. I am trying to get all my pre-surgery medical requirements done as soon as I can. My insurance will cover it as my BMI is 46. Hoping to get started right away. I would apperciate any advice. :smile2:

CONGRATULATIONS on the start of your journey!! I promise you that you will be amazed. This is the best thing that I could have ever done for myself. And the only regret that I have is not doing it sooner. I am 7 months today and like you I have been heavy for most of my life. I'm 43, had 2 children and 1 step son, and had open heart surgery. I started at 304lbs and am currently 217. I have lost 87lbs so far. My doctors goal is 31 lbs to go (about 186). That is to get out of the obese catagory. He said I can keep going. I think I would like to be around 170. Anyway I have went from a size 26 to a 14. I feel AMAZING!! And I was also on those yo-yo diets. I tried everyone you could imagine. Sure I lost weight but I gained it all back and then some.

My advice is read and ask alot of questions of your doctor. That is what he is there for. Also if you have a local support group in your area, think about attending even before your surgery. You can't do this alone. And most of all remember that the lapband is a tool. It's a lifestyle change. It's not a get thin quick trick. It is hard work. But if you stick to the plan that your doctor gives to you, you will be successful. You pretty much can eat anything but in moderation. Of coruse there will be foods that won't agree with you as you go along but you adjust. Mine are bread, Pasta, rice, and red meat.

Good luck to you and feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

Welcome:smile2:!!!

All of us have had issues with weight all our lives. I wish I had this opportunity earlier in my life. You can do this!! This is a great place to talk to people in every stage of the process. You can ask all the questions you have and receive some great info and support.:thumbup:

Best Wishes,

Carol D'

I AM going to do this.....:thumbup: I have been researching the lap band for about 4 years now. I am currently in a great position with 2 insurances, and they have both approved me...YAYYYY!!

I will be banded on June 7th, and I can't wait to start my journey. I hope that you decide this is the trip you may want to journey on....best luck to you on your decision!!

:thumbup:You will do great if you want to. When you go to your consultation, ask questions - as many as you can think of, prepare ahead of time. You will feel better if you know exactly what to expect and what is expected of you chiquita. Keep tuned to this forum - it's wonderful.

Thank you all who have replied so quickly to my introduction. I really apperciate the support. I have to admit, I am excited and nervous all at the same time. It is a dream of mine that is going to become a reality! i don't believe the question is am I going to do this....rather... I AM GOING TO DO THIS!

It feels great to have a plan and not sulk in my own regrets. I know that behaviors can be changed.. it is all about my own choices. Having great support like this will absolutly keep me motivated. :thumbup: