Hi!

My name is Angela. I am new here. I'm WAY overweight...but am looking forward to lifestyle/life changes! I have thought off and on about weight loss surgery for a few years...but kept thinking I would get it under control. In September I went to my orthopedic surgeon as I need a knee replacement and he handed me a booklet on weightloss surgery. I was so humiliated and embarrassed. I didn't tell anyone. But then I got to thinking about it and doing research and decided that lap band was the way for me. I found out in Novemeber that my insurance BCBS would cover the surgery if I met their qualifications - which I do. One of the requirements is that i do 6 months of doctor supervised dieting. So, in November - right before Thanksgiving, I had my first meeting with a nutrionist and physical therapist! My doctor is on board and keeping track. So...I'm on my way....I am assuming that I will be having surgery in May! I can hardly wait.

Right now I'm practicing on chewing my food and trying to stay away from fast foods. (which this last year have been a staple for me - I commute 40 minutes one way to work and work long hours, so I got into the habit of eating Breakfast and dinner in the car while I drive..ughhh..) So, now I'm eatting an apple and cheesestick for breakfast.... And...I'm riding a stationary bike 2 times a week...which is a lot...since I have sat a desk for many years.

But...I'm excited...this is the year for changes for me!!!!

Oh...hello!!!

I'm new too. Having it done in Tijuana because I have to self pay, but it's scheduled for the end of the month.

Welcome to the forums and best wishes on your journey!

thank you Missy and good luck Reilly 64

Hi!

My name is Angela. I am new here. I'm WAY overweight...but am looking forward to lifestyle/life changes! I have thought off and on about weight loss surgery for a few years...but kept thinking I would get it under control. In September I went to my orthopedic surgeon as I need a knee replacement and he handed me a booklet on weightloss surgery. I was so humiliated and embarrassed. I didn't tell anyone. But then I got to thinking about it and doing research and decided that lap band was the way for me. I found out in Novemeber that my insurance BCBS would cover the surgery if I met their qualifications - which I do. One of the requirements is that i do 6 months of doctor supervised dieting. So' date=' in November - right before Thanksgiving, I had my first meeting with a nutrionist and physical therapist! My doctor is on board and keeping track. So...I'm on my way....I am assuming that I will be having surgery in May! I can hardly wait.

Right now I'm practicing on chewing my food and trying to stay away from fast foods. (which this last year have been a staple for me - I commute 40 minutes one way to work and work long hours, so I got into the habit of eating breakfast and dinner in the car while I drive..ughhh..) So, now I'm eatting an apple and cheesestick for breakfast.... And...I'm riding a stationary bike 2 times a week...which is a lot...since I have sat a desk for many years.

But...I'm excited...this is the year for changes for me!!!!

Oh...hello!!![/quote']

Good luck to you Angela! It's the first step toward feeling better than you have in years! I know this because I was at 232 in December 2010 and had the lap band surgery and today I'm at 145 and a size 6 - down from a 16. I feel better today than 20 years ago!! It definitely is a journey and you have to be patient with the learning curve living with the restriction and learning to listen to your body and not keep trying to eat the same way as before. Remember the rule of thumb is to eat no more than a cup of well chewed food and eat very slowly.drink your liquids before eating. Wait at least an hour after eating before having more liquids. These are just a few notes for you after you're banded. Take it easy, one day at a time. Good luck and God bless you in the new year!

Deb

Thank you Deb! I can hardly wait! I'm so tired of always being tired...and exhausted....and uncomfortable! I ready to feel good in my skin...I know that sounds weird...but I am just tired of being fat.

I'm practicing on chewing my food....I must have inhaled it before...because chewing it up seems to take a lot of time... And, I'm trying to learn not to drink with my meals. I haven't quite gotten that down...but working on it.

Welcome and best wishes on your journey....you will have some time to reprogram yourself and your eating habits...that will put you in great shape for the band!!

Hi Angela. I'm new here too. You sound like me. My commute was 45 minutes one way for 8 years and I've had a desk job for the last 13 years. Good luck to you and looking forward to hearing more about your journey.