Hello,

My name is LaShonda and I am a 24 year old single mother who weighs 388 lbs. I have been researching the lap band for about 9 months now...and recently have gone through some steps in getting it over the last month. I started my journey with the idea that this might be an easy road for me, but I have come to realize that it is not. However I have prayed about it and have come to the conclusion that this is what I want to do. I started in at 403 lbs the heaviest I have ever been, since then I have tried numerous diet pills and diets. But with my High blood pressure there is not a lot of things I can take.

Good news is I have lost 15 lbs and plan to lose more, also I have attend a seminar and my psych evaluation is in July. After I see Dr. Williams I can then have my insurance approved and make a consult visit with Hurley bariatic clinic.

Seminar date: 6/9/2010

Psych visit: 7/14/2010

Start Weight:403 lbs

Goal weight: 185 lbs

current weight: 388 lbs

I weigh 340lbs, so I can relate to you. My goal weight is 200, but I know my ideal weight is really about 140.

I wear extra extra wide shoes and have problems even finding some that size that fits. I want to be able to wear wide shoes and also shop in stores like Macy's that only go up to 2X. I am currently a 4x and have to purchase clothes from a catalog.

I think we can do it.....it will just take quite awhile.

I weigh 340lbs, so I can relate to you. My goal weight is 200, but I know my ideal weight is really about 140.

I wear extra extra wide shoes and have problems even finding some that size that fits. I want to be able to wear wide shoes and also shop in stores like Macy's that only go up to 2X. I am currently a 4x and have to purchase clothes from a catalog.

I think we can do it.....it will just take quite awhile.

We can deffinitly do it! Have you tried Avenue or Catherines? I also started at 350 - and found that I could shop at both these stores - down to 275 and a 2X - a whole new world of shopping has opened to me YEAH!!!!!!!

The whole shopping thing is something I can't wait for...If you are younger you don't really want to shop at Catherines or avenue...You wanna try Ashley Stewart and online shopping...or maybe stores like simply fashion and such on if you live close to an urban area...those stores carry more things for young plus size women.

Want to keep my journey going so I have good news...I was going to be banded in October but decided it was not right for me. I think Nov is better...Yay!!

My surgery date is set up for Nov. 11th, 2010...So ready for this new beginning!!! Yay

I'm so happy for you! Its all very exciting. I'm so happy with my decision even more now. I'm at my sweet spot and the weight is just falling off. It feels wonderful!

I have almost 200 lbs to lose too. I will find out on Oct 7th what my ideal weight is as well as my goal weight (according to my dr) and I will also get my surgery date. I am looking at Nov 1st or 15th. I am anxiously awaiting the procedure. Nice to know these forums exist because now I know I am not the only one. Thanks for the support guys!

Congratulations. I wish you the best of luck during your journey.