Hello all,

I figured I'd finally come out and introduce myself since I've been visiting this forum every day for months! First of all, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for educating me more than any article or book could have. I have educated myself as much as I think I possibly can.... but no reading material can ready you for the everyday feeling after the band than real people can!!! So thank you!

I am a registered nurse on a cardiac unit with a history of cardiac disease my self. I had open heart surgery when I was 5yrs old. Though all is well now, I have always been well aware of the stress my excess weight puts on my heart (let alone the rest of my body) .

I have a very supportive family as well as coworkers and friends. They are so positive about the whole thing....more than I could have asked for.

So my process has seemed so long. I went to the initial seminar in October and the process has been slow, as I'm sure most has been. It feels as though it could really be tightened up a bit time line wise. But as they say, "What's worth having is worth waiting (and working) for". But yesterday I found out that I was approved for the surgery and I have my final meeting with my surgeon on 3/6! They said that i should get my surgery date the next week. So it hits me like a ton of bricks... this is not a fantasy.... this is really real and it's palpable! I am a little nervous, but not because of the surgery... I have my own thoughts about surgery and I know I will be in very capable hands. I have a healthy fear of the band and do NOT want to do anything to sabotage myself or the band. I have a fear of the long term success but hope that with doing everything that I possibly can right, that it will indeed be successful long term. I also have a frame of mind that (lord forbid it dose fail) I should have adopted a new way of life to be able to maintain weight regardless! I have embraced the process and have lost about 20 pounds so far. To wrap it up... I AM SOOO READY FOR THIS!!!!!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!!

Woot, woot!! So happy for you!

Welcome... post more often.. we are happy to have you! Best wishes for a surgery date. I am sure you will be fine with the band. It really isn't that hard. If you want it bad enough, you just do it!

It sounds like you're off to a really great start!! I'm sure you'll do wonderfully!

Welcome!

Awesome!!!! Congratulations and GOOD LUCK!!

Welcome to LBT... this is a wonderful site. Ask lots of questions. I've made some great friends here.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Welcome and congrats! Your great attitude will see you through.