Hi everyone!

My name is Lizzy (or Elizabeth ) and I'm new here. I live in Des Moines, IA and I'm 32 years old. I'm considering lapband due to my extreme weight (I'm 476 lbs at 5'7'') and also my health problems (severe sleep apnea and starting to show symptoms of diabetes.)

I actually auditioned for The Biggest Loser a few years ago but never got a call back. Probably for the best. I think Jillian would've made me cry pretty quickly. LOL

So anyway... Nice to be here! I attached a photo of myself. I know I have my work cut out for me.

welcome Lizzy! This is a wonderful venue for motivation, support and random entertainment. Let us know if we can help you!

Welcome, you mention you are considering lap band surgery. What is your plan to deciding? I know many people on here wish they would have done it sooner so congrats on possibly pursuing this at your young age.

Hi Lizzy! Welcome!

Great people, a lot of useful info and some fun too!

Post often and best wishes on your journey!

what a gorgeous picture of you my dear

welcome to this forum. i'd be lost without my friends/support units i made on here. Keep smiling and stay positive.

Welcome! This forum is great! Lots of awesome people sharing their amazing success stories and offering invaluable support.

Hello Lizzy!

First I want to start off by saying "YOU are sooo beautiful"! Sorry, its my Motherly instinct that comes out of me.

Welcome to our 'second' home, you have come to the right place, a safe haven. We are all in the same boat and we can certaintly relate. This is a great site to find encouragement, support, motivation, and of course friendship.

For starters,if you have not done it already that I have found super useful was to set up an appointment to attend a weight loss seminar. Honestly, right from that seminar is when I decided to have lapband. I got to talk to the surgeons and ask as many questions as I wanted. After it was over, I was given a very large brochure. You can also search about lapband and of course the best information is just by coming to this forum and reading. I can't stress that enough. I have learned so much on this site and you will too!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me

Best of luck to you,

Welcome. Patty is right on, start now with your life changes. It prepares you for the band. Myfitnesspal is a helpful app to start logging food and exercise. Start with counting calories and just a short walk. You will be amazing at how much better you feel and the support here is amazing. We are all here for you, you're at the perfect age to get in shape before you have diabetes and other complications.

Hey there. Im in a similar boat i just turned 32 and i said to myself that i dont want to live as a morbidy obese girl anymore. My bmi is 40. Im new here as well. Lapband is the safest weight loss surgery which in my case it had to be removed after 2 years. With gastric sleeve & bypasd they are perment and if something goes wrong later on it can be fatal. But research all options. And big warm cuddily welcome!!