And so begins a 10-year journey. 10-years ago I began looking into WLS. My sister was one of the first to have it done over 15-years ago in Laredo, TN. I've watched her over the years lose 150-lbs and then gain it all back. I believe she had the switch. I've watched her become sick at almost every family function. I've watched her hair do CRAZY things. For her, there was no maintained. Just go home and lose the weight...she did. And then she gained it and more back over the years. I did not want to do that....so I've waited.

2-years ago I was approved for the band. To be honest, I wanted the sleeve, but my insurance would not pay for it; it was deemed "experimental". I backed out after approval. I did not want anything foreign in my body. I thought it was bad enough that I did not have the will power to stop my own eating behaviors, but to have something in my body that would make me lose weight just did seem like the right thing to do.

So, here I am; 10-years later and approved. I'm planning for my surgery in Dec. Yes, it's right before Christmas, but it's the only time I

could take off and ensure I was not going to have any large projects with my prevent me from doing this. I am both excited and afraid, but it's my time and I'm not getting any younger...lol.

I got approved about 2 months ago but wanted to have the surgery done closer to my employer's preapproved break. Just didn't want to be out of work so long without pay. My surgery date is Dec. 5, 2011. I AM SOOOO NERVOUS! I'm not sure if I'm nervous about the procedure, the weight loss, or of what I will look like. I just don't know what to expect and I am super scared.

Understood! You can do it...fear isn't an option at this point. You have made it this far and you can make it all the way.

I was just approved also. My surgery is Dec 20. The nurse actually called today and said they had a cancellation for 11/16/11, did I want to do it then. I was shocked. She said you have to start liquids today. I told her I needed to mentally prepare for that and let's wait until next month. Crazy! I'm nervous but also excited. I'm sure like all of you.