Hello all,

I'm Shauna, 39 years old and a BMI of 33. My highest BMI was about 40 and I have gained 30 lbs in the last year, and probably going to gain that much again in the coming year. I have committed to get a Lap Band and will probably be receiving it in July, barring any problems with the tests.

I've yet to tell my family, but have told 3 friends and they have all been very supportive. I'm not expecting as much from my family...they have seen me lose before and will probably recommend diet and exercise. But, I am going to make clear to them that this is not about losing the weight so much as keeping it off. I intend to emphasize the health problems I have and are starting to develop to get them on board.

Please PM me, reply here, or email me at potukmail@gmail.com if you are in a similar situation!

Shauna

I gained weight to get my insurance to approve my surgery, started on Surgery day at 241 and am taking it day by day. I've lost it all before and gained it back, more times than I count. I was ready to make a change for the better, take it off and keep it off.

Wow that is great...31 lbs so far, how inspiring!

Good news...I was being too pessimistic. I sent my family a long email about me getting the lapband (they are all out of town until around the time I hope to get my lapband) and they are all on board!

Keep in touch and best of luck on your journey!

Shauna

I gained weight to get my insurance to approve my surgery, started on Surgery day at 241 and am taking it day by day. I've lost it all before and gained it back, more times than I count. I was ready to make a change for the better, take it off and keep it off.

I started with bmi of 36 - gained 10 pounds to push me over threshold for insurance. Now at 32 bmi going into surgery on July 5. I don't think it is frivolous for me to do this. Other people who told me I don't really need this don't prick their fingers 2 times a day and take metformin along with its wonderful side effects. They also don't have a genetic disease that prediposes them to liver disease and possibly requiring a transplant. So, I'm doing this so I can live longer with a better quality of life. Quality of life also includes living without discrimination that overweight/obese people face. Sorry for rant.

Wow that is great...31 lbs so far, how inspiring!

Good news...I was being too pessimistic. I sent my family a long email about me getting the lapband (they are all out of town until around the time I hope to get my lapband) and they are all on board!

Keep in touch and best of luck on your journey!

Shauna

I started the process at about a BMI of 36 and by the time I had surgery I was probably a little below the 35 required by my insurance with my health issues. I don't show my weight (or I assume that because people say "You're not that big..."). I don't care if I show it or not, I am doing this for the health benefits. Like you, I have lost the same 10 or 20 or 30 pounds over and over again. Good luck on losing the pounds for the last time.

Thanks for replying guys. I have heard "but your're not that big" once, this from a co-worker who had gastric bypass at 500 lbs., but after I told him my real weight (he was shocked) of almost 200 lbs., and the fact I was almost half that weight as a teenager (I have a very small frame that was clearly NOT built to be carrying 200 lbs). However, he totally supports me now and is even going to do my pre-op diet with me to jumpstart his weight loss which has stalled (I'm guessing at around 275). I remind everyone that I have gained 30 lbs in the past year despite working out 5 times a week and that I can wait but why wait until I'm morbidly obese? I've already got the health problems and told my family I want to see my son grow up...that helped them get on board.

Shauna

My lowest adult weight was 149 pounds. I can't quite capture how it felt - kind of like I had springs in my feet and I got hit with a shot of hotness. You guys know what I'm talking about. I had energy out the yin yang and it was a positive energy that attracted people in a different way. My face stopped being chubby and my reflection matched what I felt on inside. Then I got pregnant with second child. Haven't seen below 171 in 5 years. Have a ton of skinny clothes I plan to wear! Hubby won't know what to do with himself! But, I have def lost same 10-20-30-40-50 pounds over the last 13 years. But now I have a new motivation to lose and soon will have a new tool to help!

I started with bmi of 36 - gained 10 pounds to push me over threshold for insurance. Now at 32 bmi going into surgery on July 5. I don't think it is frivolous for me to do this. Other people who told me I don't really need this don't prick their fingers 2 times a day and take metformin along with its wonderful side effects. They also don't have a genetic disease that prediposes them to liver disease and possibly requiring a transplant. So, I'm doing this so I can live longer with a better quality of life. Quality of life also includes living without discrimination that overweight/obese people face. Sorry for rant.

Hi: I also have a BMI of about 36-37 right now. I'm at my highest weight ever about 225 lbs. I know for some this doesn't seem so terrible but for me it feels awful. I was always average size till I hit my 40's and started gaining every year. Lost 10 gained 20. I cannot keep it off no matter what I do. I really feel that I don't overeat that much but I do make bad choices especially with the carbs. Since my hysterectomy in 2003 I've gained another 20 lbs. I need this tool to help me lose and keep it off. I will be happy with being 175 which for some would be too heavy. I am okay with that as long as I can maintain it and help me with my High Blood Pressure and knee problems. Hoping for the best for all of us. Good Luck!