Hello Fellow Lap Banders

[Ian Barrett 2]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I was banded almost a year ago (29 Dec 2010). I have been on another forum until now and there doesn't seem to be very many people with bands on there. So I decided to find a new home. Now onto my story.

I had been overweight as long as I can remember. More or less dealing with it and coming up with excuses to justify it. I would tell myself, "I'm not that big" "What's a little extra weight". Looking back I can remember I was in a school play in high school and I watched the video and I seriously thought to myself "I can't really be that big." I remember not having a scale that could hold me so I never weighed myself until went off to mechanics school and walked across a car scale and it came up with 400+ pounds. That was a "Woah" moment in my life, but I dieted for a short while, but nothing long term. Fast forward about 7 years, I'm married to an awesome wife and I was running (and I use that term loosely) with some kids and I am tired as a dog. Again, tried various diets, to no avail. Not too long after that I find out I'm going to be a dad and have to change my life if I want to be there for my son. Here I am; a 26 year old guy with knees that are killing me, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, well on my way to diabetes and an early grave. My son could end up growing up without a dad if I don't get this under control. A family friend had the lapband at NWWLS about 5 years ago, so I decided to check it out. My informational seminar was November 29th 2010. December 6th I met with Dr. Michaelson and found out I was tipping the scales at a whopping 492.5lbs. We schedule the surgery for December 29th. I had to get my rear in gear and drop 43 pounds before my surgery date. Now almost twelve months after my surgery, I am down 207 pounds. High blood pressure? GONE!! sleep apnea? GONE!! Down 3 shirt sizes and 14 pant sizes. My knees feel like new. I now understand what my family fried meant when said that he would rather be homeless than to get rid of his band.

[elcee 3,340]

Welcome and congrats on your success

[Leilani Combs-Heckathorn 0]

Wow! That's great! I'm new here, too...just got on tonight:) My surgery is this Tuesday!...I'm hopin it goes smooth...I do have a hiatal hernia, but others have had one and just had it fixed, while they were doing the Band. So, here I go! )

[Coalminerswife23 2]

Welcome to our community...Congratulations on your continued success. Keep up the great work. I will be banded soon and look forward to my progress...

[healthy and happy 64]

Wow that is absolutely fantastic! The great news is that you saw the light when you were young and can now enjoy life to the fullest. There are so many things that you will be able to do with your son now that never would have been possible if you hadnt gotten your weight under control. Keep up the great work!!!

[readytogoforit 172]

thank you for sharing !! love a success story, enjoy that wonderful baby! he's adorable!

[my3sons75 11]

A family friend had the lapband at NWWLS about 5 years ago, so I decided to check it out. My informational seminar was November 29th 2010. December 6th I met with Dr. Michaelson and found out I was tipping the scales at a whopping 492.5lbs. We schedule the surgery for December 29th. I had to get my rear in gear and drop 43 pounds before my surgery date. Now almost twelve months after my surgery, I am down 207 pounds. High blood pressure? GONE!! sleep apnea? GONE!! Down 3 shirt sizes and 14 pant sizes. My knees feel like new. I now understand what my family fried meant when said that he would rather be homeless than to get rid of his band.

Hi Ian,

So great to read your story and see you had such great results! I am also a patient at NWWLS and I am seeing Dr. Chock. I live over an hour away from them but they seem to have such a great program. How was your surgery and aftercare with them? I am a little concerned that I might just be another number, so it would be great to hear about your post op experience.

Thanks and congrats!

~Kelly