Hello Everyone!

I am almost 19 years old, and I have always been chubby when I was 14 I weighed 180 but I always have held the weight well. No one would really be able to tell that I currently weigh 264 pounds, but I do. I always knew I was overweight, but then my thyroid levels started to change and i gained 80 pounds in 4 months, and it has just continued to go up since then. I am on medicine but the weight just DOES NOT want to come back off me. I have tried everything in the past 5 years. I tried the low carb diet and it worked for about 6 months, and then I just started gaining weight back agian, no matter how hard I tried. Exercise helps me loose inches, but I had a steady rutiene for about 5 months, and I couldnt even loose 5 pounds. So to me this is something that I am pretty intreseted in. I would be happy back at 180 but my ultimate goal would be 140 pounds. I havent started talking to doctors about having the lap band surgery done yet, Im intrested in finding out as much information from others as I can to make my decision first because once I decide I am going to stick with it. So if anyone knows something that could help I am always open for the new information!!

Amanda

Hi Amanda,

I am scheduled to have my band surgery on May 1st. My doctor wanted me to review all of the information on the following website before my surgery date:

https://www.my-emmi.com/startemmi?access_code=17757688480

The information on this site gives a pretty thouough overview of

the lap band. You need to plug in my bday, 9/15/64 to access it,

but, I found it very helpful.

Besides researching the actual procedure to see if it is right for

you, you should also find out if your medical insurance covers the

procedure and start researching doctors in your area.

It is great if you can hook up with a local support group in your

area.

Good luck with your journey and keep us posted.

By the way, I love Beagles!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you very much! Its really nice to know that there are other people that are so helpful when others are in need. I was so amazed when I saw this forum because I have never seen so much support before! I love them too! I have a 2 year old beagle named Badger, Im kind of weird I treat him like my kid. Imagine that he is overweight to haha!

Thank you agian!!:biggrin1:

Hi Amanda & welcome to LBT!! The best advice I can give you is to read, read, read LBT. There's tons of info here. And as you think of questions, write 'em down & post 'em! We'll be happy to offer our opinions!

Congrats on exploring options! Hope you find one that's perfect for you!!

Hi Amanda,

We have a3 1/2 year old Beagle named Sparky. He was getting to be a little portly last year so we adopted a one year old blue heeler. She has a ton of energy and boy has she worked the fat off of our Sparky! He has lost about 8 lbs in the 8 months we've had her.

Of course, she is also smart and has taught the Beagle how to open our pantry and raid the bread. We've lost several loaves to the pair of them; although, I'm sure the Beagle has had the lion's share.:hungry:

If only I could control my weight and bad eating habits by blocking off the pantry and playing all day! Alas, I have to resort to surgery!!:nervous

Don't get me wrong--I am thrilled to have the option!

Go to texaslapbandcenter.com for a video from Dr. Jayaseelan. He is a very good doctor. If you live close to Dallas, he has a seminar once a month. Support group meetings once a month. He now has all the fill equipment in his new office. He has a very good support staff for you before and after surgery.

4-15-04

290/176 goal

Dr. Jay

Linda- that website helped a lot! thanks!!

Hey there Amanda! Welcome to the greatest community of support I've ever seen. You'll find so many people here that are willing to answer any questions you may have. I've been banded for about 4 months now and am loving it. They will want your thyroid levels to be in check before you get banded, but as long as meds are keeping those corrected you should have no problems. Are you a big sweet eater? Sweet addicts find the band less than helpful because things such as milkshakes, chocolate, pop, etc go right through the band. Those of us who have a hard time controlling quantities or are dough freaks seem to have an easier go of it with the band. Anyway, here is a thread that is loaded with links to information about the band. There is also a lot of good information about the band in the FAQ forum, found on the home page.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11424

Best of luck in your decision!