About me, I turn 49 in 2 hours. I realize I will hit 50 next year. I am 6'5" pushing 400 lbs (yes I am big) but its hit a point where life is pretty flat line- I keep seeing things I don't do due to my weight. Cleaning (hurts to pick up stuff), trim my toe nails, pick of dog poo (I have a 15 1/2 year old basset mix and a 1 1/2 year old scottie just 'found' me- I want to be around for the new pup.

I don't go out, am single and am embarrassed to go out. I have built so many walls. i am a hopeless romantic who is cynical and jaded. I am a gay man. I am loved by my folks but have few 'socializing friends' I don't want folks to get close. I think part of it comes from the pain of obesity. I am tired ALL the time. I look forward to my lunch naps.

I am now type 2 diabetic. I take 3 shots of fast acting, 2 shots of slow acting and 1 shot of victoza a day. I take testosterone (I have no sex life). I take 2 anti depressants (seems to be a high coralary (sp) with depression and diabetes. I have sleep apnea (LOVE the cpap!).

Oh, former chef, wrote a healthy cookbook, etc- but found food is my best friend/worst enemy. My mom was startled when I told her food 'calls' to me (yet I talk to other fat folk who know what I am talking about!!!). I grew up in a crazy family- food was the invisible drug. When you are fat you can 'hide'. I have lost and gained- EVERY time I hit the magical 299 something goes nuts in my brain.... "when I am 299 I will be...HAPPY' and then, it doesn't. so the weight creeps up, and down...and back up. I think I am hitting my bottom.

A former culinary prof got lap banded....so I saw his experience (the funny thing in my mind- he was already amazing looking and had EVERYTHING going for him, looks, personality charm, money, career) isn't that funny? now he has lost 100+ lbs.

I just want to be able to sit for an hour and not fall asleep. To not always want sugar or carbs. To not be bitter and angry (or jealous). I want ot be able to walk and laugh...

so- my appt with surgeon is Dec 1. I have an appt with my primary care next week. My oncologist is already behind this. My folks are warming up to this. I am exploring.

1 year ago I was 390 lbs at only 5' 3" that gave me an BMI of almost 70. I was type II diabetic, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, under active thyroid, and taking testosterone. I couldn't walk to the mailbox without stopping to rest each way. I had to rest while taking a shower because I couldn't stand up for more than 5 minutes without my back hurting. I couldn't tie my shoes or put on my socks without positioning myself a certain way on the bed. I was miserable, and my quality of life sucked.

I started my pre-surgery diet about one year ago and I was banded on January 20th of this year. I am now 135 lbs lighter, my blood sugar is normal with no medication, my cholesterol is normal with no medication. I still take blood pressure meds, but that should come to and end soon. I still take the testosterone shots but they actually do something now, my wife can attest to that. I am a lot more active in everything and am enjoying my life again.

Remember though that the band is not a magic device. It will not loose weight for you. It will not take away your craving for food and will not keep you from eating sugar or a lot of other foods that are bad for you. It is a tool the will help you accomplish your goals, but it will not accomplish them for you.

About me, I turn 49 in 2 hours. I realize I will hit 50 next year. I am 6'5" pushing 400 lbs (yes I am big) but its hit a point where life is pretty flat line- I keep seeing things I don't do due to my weight. Cleaning (hurts to pick up stuff), trim my toe nails, pick of dog poo (I have a 15 1/2 year old basset mix and a 1 1/2 year old scottie just 'found' me- I want to be around for the new pup.

I don't go out, am single and am embarrassed to go out. I have built so many walls. i am a hopeless romantic who is cynical and jaded. I am a gay man. I am loved by my folks but have few 'socializing friends' I don't want folks to get close. I think part of it comes from the pain of obesity. I am tired ALL the time. I look forward to my lunch naps.

I am now type 2 diabetic. I take 3 shots of fast acting, 2 shots of slow acting and 1 shot of victoza a day. I take testosterone (I have no sex life). I take 2 anti depressants (seems to be a high coralary (sp) with depression and diabetes. I have sleep apnea (LOVE the cpap!).

Oh, former chef, wrote a healthy cookbook, etc- but found food is my best friend/worst enemy. My mom was startled when I told her food 'calls' to me (yet I talk to other fat folk who know what I am talking about!!!). I grew up in a crazy family- food was the invisible drug. When you are fat you can 'hide'. I have lost and gained- EVERY time I hit the magical 299 something goes nuts in my brain.... "when I am 299 I will be...HAPPY' and then, it doesn't. so the weight creeps up, and down...and back up. I think I am hitting my bottom.

A former culinary prof got lap banded....so I saw his experience (the funny thing in my mind- he was already amazing looking and had EVERYTHING going for him, looks, personality charm, money, career) isn't that funny? now he has lost 100+ lbs.

I just want to be able to sit for an hour and not fall asleep. To not always want sugar or carbs. To not be bitter and angry (or jealous). I want ot be able to walk and laugh...

so- my appt with surgeon is Dec 1. I have an appt with my primary care next week. My oncologist is already behind this. My folks are warming up to this. I am exploring.

Good luck. You are on your way to a new life and a new you.

Wow, thanks for your note...

really describes 'where' I am as well. I can't imagine being 5'3" (I always have folks say 'but you carry your weight well'). I guess I am lucky I don't have high blood pressure, but I have everything else... I have given up on trimming my toe nails, putting on my socks (and shoes) is a daily nightmare. I work in a warehouse environment and my feet hurt constantly, with recent weight gains I try to sit whenever possible... I keep extra deodorant in my locker as I will start to sweat profusely at the drop of a hat. Thank god I have basic strength due to my size so I can move heavy things (part of my job).

Are you still on any of the meds? Curious about the testosterone (I take it to) and there is zero "drive" (another down side, it affects 'everything' not just one aspect. Also find I isolate pretty heavily.I took the shots but am on the gel form (I really hated the shots lol, insulin shots are a breeze, the big honkin' testosterone shots are not!!)

I realize the band is a tool, part of why I am looking seriously at this.

Do you still see food sitting there and hear it 'calling' to you? How do you handle that?

smile, feel like I have met a kindred soul (is it me or is the ratio of men banders to female about 9:1?)

1 year ago I was 390 lbs at only 5' 3" that gave me an BMI of almost 70. I was type II diabetic, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, under active thyroid, and taking testosterone. I couldn't walk to the mailbox without stopping to rest each way. I had to rest while taking a shower because I couldn't stand up for more than 5 minutes without my back hurting. I couldn't tie my shoes or put on my socks without positioning myself a certain way on the bed. I was miserable, and my quality of life sucked.

I started my pre-surgery diet about one year ago and I was banded on January 20th of this year. I am now 135 lbs lighter, my blood sugar is normal with no medication, my cholesterol is normal with no medication. I still take blood pressure meds, but that should come to and end soon. I still take the testosterone shots but they actually do something now, my wife can attest to that. I am a lot more active in everything and am enjoying my life again.

Remember though that the band is not a magic device. It will not loose weight for you. It will not take away your craving for food and will not keep you from eating sugar or a lot of other foods that are bad for you. It is a tool the will help you accomplish your goals, but it will not accomplish them for you.

Wow, thanks for your note...

really describes 'where' I am as well. I can't imagine being 5'3" (I always have folks say 'but you carry your weight well'). I guess I am lucky I don't have high blood pressure, but I have everything else... I have given up on trimming my toe nails, putting on my socks (and shoes) is a daily nightmare. I work in a warehouse environment and my feet hurt constantly, with recent weight gains I try to sit whenever possible... I keep extra deodorant in my locker as I will start to sweat profusely at the drop of a hat. Thank god I have basic strength due to my size so I can move heavy things (part of my job).

Are you still on any of the meds? Curious about the testosterone (I take it to) and there is zero "drive" (another down side, it affects 'everything' not just one aspect. Also find I isolate pretty heavily.I took the shots but am on the gel form (I really hated the shots lol, insulin shots are a breeze, the big honkin' testosterone shots are not!!)

I realize the band is a tool, part of why I am looking seriously at this.

Do you still see food sitting there and hear it 'calling' to you? How do you handle that?

smile, feel like I have met a kindred soul (is it me or is the ratio of men banders to female about 9:1?)

I still take one med for high blood pressure, down from three, synthoroid for thyroid and allopornol for gout. When I was at my max weight the testosterone shots did very little and the gel did nothing, the shots are a lot cheaper. When I was at my max weight I was hardly ever interested in sex, I had to work myself up to it for my wife's sake, but usually we had relations every month or two. Now it is more like 3 or 4 times a week, and I could probably go every night if I got to bed early enough and I am approaching 60 years old.

As far as food calling me yes I still have cravings but then I remember how I felt then and how I feel now and I can usually pass up the bag of chips and go for some baby carrots instead. Now that's not to say that I don't cheat once in a while it is hard to change years of bad eating habits overnight.

My advantage is that I never had a sweet tooth, my problem is carbs and a lot of my weight gain come from drinking, wine and beer are my downfall. I still drink occasionally but usually bourbon on the rocks, no mixers. I went from about 4 or 5 drinks per day since I was 21 to 1 or 2 a week or less.

As I said before the band only controls your appetite, it does nothing for cravings, that is where the will power comes in. The other problem is that you can fool the band. If you lube up your food or eat slider food it goes right through. For example I may be able to only eat half of a chicken breast but I could sit down with a bag of chips and dip and eat every bit of it. You really have to want this and it sounds like your do. The motivation is loosing the weight, you feel so much better you can't imagine going back there again, and the band will help you maintain.

This device does have it's problems and may not be for everyone but for me it was the best decision I ever made.

As far as the ratio of male to female 9 to 1 is probably on the conservative side. Women are more concerned about weight gain than men. Men tend to be like us, they wait until they reach critical mass before doing anything about it. I keep stats for our monthly challenge (the link is at the bottom of the page) and it consists of me and about 30 females.

Feel free to add me as a friend and keep in touch.

Larry

HI Pendulum and welcome to the forum. Your looking for information on the lapband you definitely in the right place. One of the things you mentioned grabbed my attention right away "i Just want to sit for an hour without falling asleep". I have to ask have you ever been tested for sleep apnea? Do you snore heavily? I used to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I would sleep all night then wake up and be tired. I would nod off at my desk at work. I finally got tested for sleep apnea and found I had a very severe case. I am now coming up on 7 months using a CPAP machine and I have to tell you it one of the best things I ever did for myself. Not only do I sleep great at night I no longer fall asleep during the day.

As for the lapband I am also at the beginning stages to this journey and I am probably one of heaviest people on this board. I am 5' 6 weighing in at 484. Thankfully to this point I only have sleep apnea and a bit of arthritis in my knees but I do feel like a walking time bomb.

You are not alone in this journey. There a many of us here with similar stories and we are here to listen and help. We can do this. You can do this!!

I would like to recommend a good book worth checking out Bandwagon it contains lot of good useful information.

Good Luck,

Jim

Btw happy belated birthday!! I am right behind you. Today is my 44th...

Larry, wow, thanks for the amazing note. this is a def 'keeper'.

as to the 'drive' issue, I have not had 'relations' in over a year and I am single(!)... one of many factors for me.

thanks again and I will be in touch.

Penn

I still take one med for high blood pressure, down from three, synthoroid for thyroid and allopornol for gout. When I was at my max weight the testosterone shots did very little and the gel did nothing, the shots are a lot cheaper. When I was at my max weight I was hardly ever interested in sex, I had to work myself up to it for my wife's sake, but usually we had relations every month or two. Now it is more like 3 or 4 times a week, and I could probably go every night if I got to bed early enough and I am approaching 60 years old.

As far as food calling me yes I still have cravings but then I remember how I felt then and how I feel now and I can usually pass up the bag of chips and go for some baby carrots instead. Now that's not to say that I don't cheat once in a while it is hard to change years of bad eating habits overnight.

My advantage is that I never had a sweet tooth, my problem is carbs and a lot of my weight gain come from drinking, wine and beer are my downfall. I still drink occasionally but usually bourbon on the rocks, no mixers. I went from about 4 or 5 drinks per day since I was 21 to 1 or 2 a week or less.

As I said before the band only controls your appetite, it does nothing for cravings, that is where the will power comes in. The other problem is that you can fool the band. If you lube up your food or eat slider food it goes right through. For example I may be able to only eat half of a chicken breast but I could sit down with a bag of chips and dip and eat every bit of it. You really have to want this and it sounds like your do. The motivation is loosing the weight, you feel so much better you can't imagine going back there again, and the band will help you maintain.

This device does have it's problems and may not be for everyone but for me it was the best decision I ever made.

As far as the ratio of male to female 9 to 1 is probably on the conservative side. Women are more concerned about weight gain than men. Men tend to be like us, they wait until they reach critical mass before doing anything about it. I keep stats for our monthly challenge (the link is at the bottom of the page) and it consists of me and about 30 females.

Feel free to add me as a friend and keep in touch.

Larry

Thanks Jim- actually have had a CPAP for....7 or 8 years now. LOVE mine. In fact one of the (many) reasons I love the basset mix is one night I smelled 'burning motor' smell but coudln't figure out where it was coming from, so I slipped on my mask and went to sleep- several hours later the basset kept nudging me awake as the fire alarm was chirping every five minutes or so... seems it was picking up the odor of my CPAP motor burning out. Apparantly I was breathing in smoke....thank god/s she was there! Think she saved my life. When I have gone camping I have to have a power cord

I do however relish my lunch naps (and 'cautioned' about taking longer lunches yesterday as sometimes I oversleep...)

wow, 484? Can't imagine- I know walking on concrete all day takes its tolls on me. I can remember years ago walking for blocks and blocks with the dog...now...around the building is doing good...

have you been banded yet? where are you in the process?

HI Pendulum and welcome to the forum. Your looking for information on the lapband you definitely in the right place. One of the things you mentioned grabbed my attention right away "i Just want to sit for an hour without falling asleep". I have to ask have you ever been tested for sleep apnea? Do you snore heavily? I used to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I would sleep all night then wake up and be tired. I would nod off at my desk at work. I finally got tested for sleep apnea and found I had a very severe case. I am now coming up on 7 months using a CPAP machine and I have to tell you it one of the best things I ever did for myself. Not only do I sleep great at night I no longer fall asleep during the day.

As for the lapband I am also at the beginning stages to this journey and I am probably one of heaviest people on this board. I am 5' 6 weighing in at 484. Thankfully to this point I only have sleep apnea and a bit of arthritis in my knees but I do feel like a walking time bomb.

You are not alone in this journey. There a many of us here with similar stories and we are here to listen and help. We can do this. You can do this!!

I would like to recommend a good book worth checking out Bandwagon it contains lot of good useful information.

Good Luck,

Jim