Hello everyone! Thanks in advance for reading....

I am fresh into my LAP-BAND® journey (meaning, I haven't even met with a surgeon yet.)

A little about me. I have ALWAYS been overweight. Even in high school when I was an athlete. I am about 220 and 5'5, my BMI is 36 and I suffer from Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol and Depression. I do not exercise regularly because I work full time, go to school full time and I have a 13 year old and a two year old.

When I mentioned this surgery to my family, they said

"why don't you just work out?" So I feel like maybe this isn't for me. But I am tired of having my weight be an issue in everything in my life.

Can someone give me some insight on this surgery and what steps I may need to take.

Thanks so much.....

Hey there! I am 6weeks out post surgery. The first thing you need to do is research, research, research. On this site, at support groups and meeting with your doctor and online. If you havn't done diets before like Weight Watchers you should do that as well to ensure that you have covered your basis and tried everything. I feel this surgery should be a last resort after years of weight struggles and failed diets or lifestyle changes. I am early on and I have struggles with the band but I never once wished I didnt get it. It just takes alot more patience thn I expected but I went into it knowing and honestly saying I tried everything! Good luck in your journey, this site is great and helped me through every step!!

When I presented my PCP with the fact that I wanted WLS she simply just said, "Why don't you eat less and work out more?" I wanted to strangle her.

Don't you think overweight people know how to lose weight? I'm sure I know more about nutrition and fitness than most healthy people. (Maybe...) But that doesn't magically work.

So my advice for you would be to read these boards and research surgeons in your area. Take the time to really research. All surgeons require you attend an informational seminar and/or a support group. These are very helpful and I actually went to two of them before I really decided this is what I truly wanted.

Take it slow. All the pieces will fall in to place soon!

I agree with Nicole and rockstar. Do all the research you can. I actually went to several seminars before deciding on a surgeon and read everything I could get my hands on about the procedure, the process - both pre and post-op expectations etc. I only told my husband when I first started doing the research. I didn't tell others until my surgery was scheduled. I didn't want outside influences on my decision. I feel good about that but I had a very supportive PCP! My best advice is to find a new PCP! good Luck

Been there did that.. My family tried to talk me out of it.. now that I have had it done, they understand I needed the tool.. The lapband is a tool that we use to learn to say stop, I am full... I was banded 5/27/10..

Now my mother is wanting to have it done..

You will feel soo much better and ask yourself, why didn't I do this a long time ago...

The words WORK OUT, are scarey.. You are going to have to exercise daily in order for to maintane weightloss.. I walked at 1st.. then slacked offfff alot.. But then I discovered "ZUMBA" I LOVE IT!! my instructor has inspired me sooo much that I am now taking the Zumba Instructor Training!!

With learning to eat right, Zumba & Body Wraps, I am SOOOO Glad I did this!!!

I discovered these cool Body wraps that you do yourself at home!! They are AWESOME!! Once you start loosing weight, the skin begins to loosen.. But these Body Wraps help tone, tighten, detoxify, and firm loose skin and minimuze cellulite!!! check it out!!

www.mfollett.itworks.net

there are videos on the website to see how simply they are to apply!!

Hope this helps you make your next step to getting the New Healthy You!!

You can email me from the website!! Best wishes to you.. Stay Positive and Focused and you will have it all!!

Thank you all for your replies. I don't know, I'm just overwhelmed.....