Hello!! I am new here and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself! My name is Emily and I am almost 27 years old. I have been married 10 years and have 2 happy, healthy beautiful babies ( almost 5 & 14 months.) I have just been approved by my Insurance company and have a surgery date of November 3, 2011. I am type 2 diabetic and have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. My surgeon is Dr. William Steely and from my consults he has been wonderful!! He has been practicing Gastric Bypass surgeries from 20 years. He & his staff have been very patient and very kind. I am really looking forward to starting my new journey in life with this surgery. I have already found some great advice and recipes on the forum. I look forward to getting to hear your stories and getting to know some of you!

Hi There!

I am new here also and am seeing my PCP on Tuesday to have a Physical and talk about the Lap Band Surgery. How great to know you found a wonderful Surgeon! How long after your surgery do you think you will overcome the diabetes, has your Doctor mentioned it? Good Luck and Positive Vibes during this monumental time

Thank you so much!! I am so excited for the new journey to start! I think it's going to be difficult at first but more than worth it in the long run. Actually the Lap Band surgery was brought up to me by my PCP when I was first diagnosed as Diabetic, literally the same appointment. He thought it would be a good idea for me and he thought I would be a good candidate. However at that time I was trying to get pregnant so it was placed on the back burner until after my son was born. I would definitely recommend reading "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies." It will take you from the very beginning and tell you what to expect every step on the way. They also have menus for both Gastric Bypass and Lap Band patients. I hope everything goes as smooth for you as it has went for me. Congratulations on deciding to learn more and look into what can be a WONDERFUL life change!

Good luck to you both...I was banded in Feb. of 2010 and I have to say this was the best decision I ever made. It was maddening at times, frustrating as well, but as I sit here, 126 lbs lighter, I know in my heart and soul it was the best decision I ever made. I really suggest you starting a blog to record your journey and be sure to take all of your measurements so when the scale doesn't seem to want to move, but your clothes are getting looser, you won't lose your mind and lose faith.

If I can give one good piece of advice, remember that EVERYONE'S journey is different. I spent too much time in the beginning comparing myself to others and how much they lost on THEIR preop diet compared to me (only 4 lbs) and then how quickly THEY seemed to lose in the beginning when I was going so slowly. Everyone is different. Our bodies lose differently and what works for one, may not work for another. I was banded in late Feburary and I didn't really higt my groove until October and then from there on out everything just sort of clicked. All the hard work with my personal trainer paid off and I shed the lbs. I am maintaining now and I'm glad I didn't give up.

Take care I invite you to take a look at my blog which I started the month before my surgery...through my blog I met wonderful friends and recived such great support, unlike I ever imagined.

Good luck to you both!

-Stephanie

Bullock:

I was a little nervous about talking with my Doctor about the surgery so I kind of waited for her to talk about other medical options first and she mentioned she knows a surgeon who does gastric bypass. I was a bit shocked to hear that but that is not what I want, I want the lap band. I asked her about the LB and she says that the Doctor she mentioned does not "believe" in it. Well I would like my anatomy to stay intact and not have the severity of mal-absorbtion that most if not all gastric patients encounter.

So yeah. I am attending a LB seminar a week from today to get more info about the band and to see if the Surgeon that is hosting it is compatible with me and my insurance. I do not have any co morbidities that I know of. I thought for sure I had high blood pressure but no. I am happy for this but I dont need it since I am only 10 lbs away from a BMI of 40.

Stephanie I look forward to reading about your experiences with the Band in your Blog

Good luck to you guys. I was banded on May 31st, 2011. I have to agree, the band was the best decision I ever made. I started my journey at 294 and I am down 60lbs in 3 1/2 months. I feel amazing and can't wait to meet my goal. I know that I am not the typical senario but I want you to know that the Lap band really truely works if you follow the rules. I also believe in having a blog of some sort. I recomment watching youtube videos. They are truely inspiring and really helped me through my journey thus far. Good luck to you both!!

Thank you so much!! I am really looking forward to my surgery. I know it's going to be a long hard journey but I know in the end it will be worth every difficult step. I have already started a WLS Scrapbook with pictures and measurements. I don't actually have surgery scheduled until the beginning of November so I will look into the blogs. Thank you again, and congratulations on both your weight losses.

@ PalmbayTish -- I agree I think Gastric is extreme and the mal-absorbtion is a little to extreme for me when there are other options. I hope you get good information at the seminar. Good luck!