Hi everyone, a little background on me. Like most of you reading this, I have been fighting my food addiction for 50 of my 60 years. I love food, it is my drug and I look forward to it all the time. I know, sick isn't it? I have lost and gained hundreds of pounds and I'm really tired of feeling and looking like crap. I have high blood pressure, cholesteral, sleep apnea, degenerated disks, gout, arthritis, everything but diabedes, and this is next if I don't stop the madness.

I was divorced three years ago after 25 years of being married at the same time I was laid off after 29 years with the same company.....pretty crumby huh? Well I know I'm not the only one to go through these things and I'm ready to start over.

I have been with a great new company for three years, have moved into a new house and have a beautiful 21 year old daughter with (hopefully) one more year of college, so all is nor terrible anymore. One thing is still here though and this of course is my addiction to food.

Tuesday, I have an appointment with a weightloss surgeon to discuss my future surgery. Not sure which one

lapband, sleeve or bypass, probably the lapband, as I really don't like the idea of making a permanent change to my guts but we'll see. Whichever one, I will need allot of help and support.

To be continued.....................

You sound like a pretty bright guy and I'd like to try to talk you into investigating a Center of Excellence near you for any

possible weight loss surgery you may be interested in. My PCP talked me into going to one and I'll have to say it was as

good an experience as I could have hoped for. I was in a similar health situation and most of my problems have been resolved

by band surgery. like most of the folks here, I've dieted most of my life and I can't really say the band made a great deal of

difference, it was the total experience that did it. I learned to eat properly, developed the will power not to overeat, especially

in social settings. I've lost over 60lbs in the past 4 months which was a little fast, I'm trying to build muscle back now and

losing at a sustainable rate, 2 to 3 lbs a month. I haven't had any fills yet, my surgeon and I both think my weight loss is

appropriate. I have energy I haven't had in years, It's been a great experience, You'll never regret it. Now for the hard part.

You are going to have to find something to replace your food addiction. I make furnature, take care of my horses, have

been active in ham radio for years, just anything to stay busy and away from food. Losing weight is really hard work and

you'll have to put a lot of effort into it. You'll get out of this experience just what you put into it. It's worth it. Lots of luck.

Good luck with your choices. I, myself had a choice of the band or sleeve with my insurance. I know two people that have had bypass, and have gained some weight back as they are stretching their stomachs back out. I figured the sleeve would do the same. So, I chose the band bc if I srart gaining I can then add fluid to my band. Again, goodluck. Its a very personal decision only you can make.

Thanks you guys for the encouraging words

I agree with the above posts. Try and get in to a center of excellence, some insurance companies require it, but go where you are comfortable. If you don't like the surgeon or his staff find someone else since this is a life long commitment. You can do this! Remember, the band will help you not eat as much, but can't tell you what not to put in your mouth.

I agree with Corrigan, look for the best for yourself, you deserve it.