Okay, so here's a thread for us. My story to start us off. Was overweight/obese my whole life. When I look back at pictures of myself as a young kid (7-8), I am surprised that I didn't look as fat as I thought back then. But by adolescence I definitely was. Had some hard life stuff (Mom got cancer when I was 8, friend in high shool died sophomore year, dad had stroke sophomore year of college, got diagnosed with PCOS, lost a few important friendships) - each contributed significantly to my weight gain. Then I just got so big, I felt like there was nothing I could do. I just ate worse and worse, because I felt so trapped.

I was banded about 5 weeks ago. I have lost a good part of my weight, still have a ways to go. I now find myself constantly looking at my body, trying to figure out what it is going to look like. Unlike lots of bandsters I see on boards who are 30+, I am not married. I worry about my body, about whether I will need plastic surgery, about if I will feel comfortable. About dating after losing weight but before PS. About doing this forever, even though I feel confident. About keeping this weight off forever. About what happens if I lose my band. About the fact that at 22, I'm really going to jump in and start my life, and whether or not I'm sorely behind.

So anyway, there's my story. Here's my stats:

9/28/05 (1st consult): 333

4/17/06 (2nd consult): 318

5/2/06 (Surgery day): 315

6/9/06 (today) : 278

Goal (I think) :170

hey everyone!!

i was also banded july 5th and am doing ok... just started my BMs again and its true.. what goes in comes out in the same consistency... lol i'm having lots of pain but i'm fighting through it. i'm just thankful that we have a remote controlled recliner! congrats to everyone this week! we did it! good luck to those in the future as well

Hello All!

I just got back from Mexico. Everything went well. I feel better every day.

The only problem I had was a lot of nausea/vomiting on the first day. And now just the port site hurts a bit.

I know there were a couple of twentysomethings not yet banded and I just want to say "Don't worry." I did cry a little as they were taking me to the OR (and also questioning my sanity), but it is really not that bad and it will be over before you know it!

Olive

:whoo: Congratulations Olive and Leona! :clap2:

I'm heading off to Monterrey on the 31st for banding on the 1st with Dr. Sanchez...YEAH!

The only bummer is that the financials took so long to get sorted out that I can't afford to have a companion! I have over 100k award miles with Alaska and can't use a single one since the award travel during that time is sold out...DAYUM! Have any of you went through the procedure alone? I'm really nervous since I'm leaving Washington state to head all the way south to Mexico...my boyfriend keeps on saying that I'm going to come home missing an organ! =)

Thanks Sammee!

Hey Olive,

I didn't cry on the way to OR but I certainly cried the weeks before! For a while, I was mourning food, then I realized that this isn't goodbye to all food, its goodbye to my body. And I have used my body as an excuse for many things- reasons why I don't get roles, or boyfriends, etc... and I wont be able to do that any more. I found out that I have a cousin in NYC (I go to college there) and she is a personal trainer. I haven't seen her since I was 2 but I called her and she is going to train me for FREE! We are going to focus on Pilates and breathing exercises. I can't wait. I'm so ready to change and ready to become the woman I know I am. I know that I can do it now. Food seems insignificant... its like I know it will physically hurt me to eat something like pasta or something and I don't want that. It's not worth gaining that weight.

Oh but I did cry. It's scary. In my mind, I kept thinking "I wish I could back out, but we've already paid" or "my mom already did it, so now I have to" I was making all these excuses to make myself go through with the surgery. But I know that if I really didn't want it, I wouldn't have gone through with it. I wanted this. I don't want to live my life like this anymore. it was embarrasing.

I also am an attention whore! I can't wait for people to start noticeing and giving me more attention lol. I guess thats why I am a performer. And in order to have a career, I have to lose my butt.

A twelve year old girl was banded the same time I was..

I thought that was great.. (I assume it was well thought out and she was very heavy and her health was at risk)

The Doctor told me he didnt understand why people have a problem with banding at such a young age, he thinks its the best time..

I think I agree. Especially in this day and age with the Obesity epidemic.

Hi my name is Jennifer and i am 23 years old. I wanted to join this group because it looks like its the best most supportive lap band site out there! Round of applause to you all.

I will be getting my profile together asap with a pic, its just hard to do that right away when i keep spending time reading all the great info the site has to offer.

Anyway im living in new orleans and my surgery is on the 21 of july by Dr. Lavin.

I hope to learn alot more from you guys out there!

Thanks so much!

Jennifer

Hi and welcome to the thread Jennifer!

Your date is coming up really soon. You must be so excited, and nervous! If you have any questions, fire away.

Hi my name is Jennifer and i am 23 years old. I wanted to join this group because it looks like its the best most supportive lap band site out there! Round of applause to you all.

I will be getting my profile together asap with a pic, its just hard to do that right away when i keep spending time reading all the great info the site has to offer.

Anyway im living in new orleans and my surgery is on the 21 of july by Dr. Lavin.

I hope to learn alot more from you guys out there!

Thanks so much!

Jennifer

Hey jen,

Im jen too!!! our band days are close. I am scheduled on the 25th!! It getting close I can't wait! This board is awsome and I hope to see you around. C-ya

All these to-be banded people! I remember how excited I was as when I knew I was going to be banded - I knew there was a whole other life I wasn't living. I'm SO GLAD I did it! I can't even describe the awesome things I've been able to do since losing 85 pounds, and it just keeps coming off. I'm so excited for all you of you pre-bandsters and the super cool things that lay in wait for you.

Ya guys, I thought I had a month or so till surgery then they called me up and said you are up next week. ummm, i couldnt say no to that so here i am in the last hours trying to get every piece of advice possible and you guys are doing a great job! Does anyone have anything i should know/do before I go off to the hospital. Ohh also any tips for the first few weeks so I dont go nuts!

let me know...cus this is fast for me

Thanks again

Jennifer

Hello!!!

I have to tell someone!

I am 199.2 as of this morning! I did a happy dance in the bathroom after I weighed in. That was my first goal- to get under 200. Of course I am 2 weeks later than my master plan, but, hey- it sure looks pretty when there is a one in the front! Yay!

Olive

Congrats Olive!!! Wooo Hoooo!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Guys Just Wanted To Say Hello To Everyone Out There! I Hope Everyone Is Having A Whonderful Day! Got On The Scale Today It Has 25 Pund Loss Since My Surgery On July 21 St Yeeaahhhh Ok Talk To Ya Later