Hi i'm Ali. I've struggled with weight issues since I was little, mostly beginning around the age of 8-10 if not younger. I've always been a large girl, but the weight really took off around the age of 13-14 and became one of the biggest roadblocks in my life I have ever had. I am now 22, my highest weight point being at 445. A few months ago my dad came to me and told me that a hospital near us were starting to do lap band surgeries so we looked into it. I am now two weeks away from my surgery, and I have lost 30 pounds on my own thanks to curves & eating right. I was down to 410 when I last went into the hospital, last week, and can't wait for whats ahead.

I decided to go ahead with the lap band surgery mostly because I am at the point where just working out and eating right alone won't do much of a difference. I need something more drastic, without my stomach being torn in half. I'm ready to make the changes with the help of lap band to reach my goal weight loss. I'm very well aware of the fact that lap band is only a tool, and is not a magical weight loss device so I will indeed be working my hardest to achieve the best possible outcome for myself; both physically & mentally.

Hoping I can make some friends through the forums here that will be able to help me on my journey & answer any questions I may have in the future!

welcome and good luck with everything.

Wishing you all the very best. Getting banded was the best thing I ever did.

Good luck! I was banded a week ago today and believe it was the best decision I could have made to improve my health.

You have a great attitude and seem to know what you'll need to do. Best of luck. So wisn i would have had tnis option wnen i was your age!!

I am looking for friends that are going through the same thing. I had my lap band surgery a year ago. Its the best thing I've ever done for myself. Good luck and reach out to me if u have questions

Best wishes to you for wanting to change your life for the better. I hope that you will continue with Curves...hugs.

Welcome and good luck

Thank you everyone! I plan on doing as much as i possibly can without causing issues after the healing time has passed post-op.

Welcome and congrats for taking the steps to a better you! I'm 3 days away from my surgery and can't wait to begin a new life! Good luck to you!