Hello everyone!

I just wanted to finally formally introduce myself. I have been lurking around this board for quite some time and have been hesitant to post something. Well, I've been recently banded, 2 1/2 months, if you can call that newly banded. I had been thinking about WLS since 2008. The insurance through my then employer had an exclusion against it and since I was straight out of college at that time I knew I couldn't afford it. Fast forward 2 years later and I am at a trail ride (where us country folk drink beer and dance after riding horses) and I see a girl I knew from high school/college. She had lost so much weight, so she just started talking to the whole group (me and a couple of my friends). She was very open about her choice to get the lap band and she said message me on Facebook if you know anyone who is struggling with their weight I can help. So, of course I messaged her and bam here I am.

I went through True Results in Richardson (Dallas) Texas and due to my insurance had to have the actual surgery at the Hurst (Fort Worth) Texas location. My current insurance does have an exclusion against any WLS, so I had an EGD to determine if I had a hiatal hernia. I indeed had one, so my insurance would pay to fix it (anestesia, hospital fees, room charges, etc) and all I had to pay for was the actual band itself. Thank you True Results!

Currently, I am LOVING my band! I've lost almost 50 pounds so far and feel a million times better. Unlike other bandsters I can eat anything I want (no problems with steak, bread, rice, etc.). I have never slimed, PB'ed, threw up, reflux, or any other gross stuff. The worst thing was the week after recovery. I felt weak, tired, and doped up. I had trouble drinking, breathing, and the pain in my left shoulder was excruciating. Recovery for me was definitely no walk in the park. I was having all kinds of emotions, and thoughts running through my. I would probably say that I was even in a deep depression. The only person I could talk was my boyfriend, since he was the only one that knew I was getting the surgery.

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have tried regular dieting and exercise to drop only 20 pounds, get discouraged, then start eating regular foods again. The hunger would get to me! My stomach would growl so loud, my head would hurt, and I would be so weak and even get dizzy at times. I've tried phentermine, which worked pretty good, but I did not like the side effects (racing heart beat, sweats, trouble sleeping). I have even tried over the counter products and binge diets. I swear nothing worked and before you know it I was 348 pounds. I can remember being called fat in kindergarten. I literally have never been slim or even normal size. I am praying that this finally does the trick for me. I just wanted to share my story. Good luck to everyone on their journey!

Sounds like you are on your way to a healthy new you. Good luck and I hope to see more posts from you.

We are in the same neck of the woods....I live and work in Funky Town (Fort Worth)

Thank you! I see you are halfway to your goal. Good luck! I just had my surgery in Texas (wish I lived there). I am in Lousiana, so I guess I'm kinda close. You will definitely be hearing from me. I got over my shyness.

Congrats Belle, that is great weight loss in such a short period of time!

Thanks for posting your experience! I am so glad I came across your post because I am going through the same surgeon - Dr. Marsden. I actually meet with him on Tuesday to schedule the big day!

I liked him. He was very patient and answered every question I had. He gave me alot of hope that I could actually meet my goal. Good luck girl!

I am glad to hear you got over the shyness and signed up. We are all in the same boat and can pull each other through the tough times. Thanks for sharing. I am having surgery in 11 days. Hope your journey helps to inspire others.

Congrats Belle and to the others who have posted here! Whether you have had your surgery or about to be banded Congrats and continue on!