I'm a mom, grandma, and wife who has weighed over 250 for about 18 years. I'm 48 and now weigh 265. I chose that lap band because I don't want to be unhealthy when I loose weight. I want to continue getting all my nutrients from the things I consume. I have several co-morbidities such as, diabetic for the last 15 years, high blood pressure, proteinuria, probably sleep apnea, (haven't been tested yet), high cholesterol (when I don't take meds) to name a few.

I'm really tired of taking meds and I realized that I could stroke out, or have a heart attack or something and I want to be around for my kids and my grandkids. So that is the gist of my reasoning for the surgery. I hope to loose at least 70 pounds. 80 or 90 would be great. I would jump for joy. I don't want that skin hanging thing though, but I'm 5-8 so perhaps it will be minimal with the exception of my tummy. I think that's unavoidable. However, I will do what I can to alleviate as much as I can.

I don't care how fast I loose, except at first I would like to quickly knock off a chunk of my desired weight loss at least 40 of it, then 1 to 2 pounds a week would be wonderful. I'm going to try my best.

I have mononucleosis right now so hope that won't hinder my surgery date. I'm pretty well over the main outbreak so I'm just weak and tired all the time. That slows your metabolism, and I can't exercise without getting a sore throat and fever. Weird

I'm a music minister/Psalmist. The Lord gives me songs and I sing them all over the place. My music is on www.breadsite.org in the mp3 section. Free downloads. I need to loose some weight so I'm not so reluctant to go and sing places where they ask me. Most of the time right now I think, "I'm so tired". I want to be able to keep up and LIVE!!!!! Garden, decorate, paint, sing, pack my keyboard (musical) and go wherever, chase after my two toddler grandchildren!!!. That's my goal. More than numbers my goal is to LIVE!

Blessings

Hi Deborah!! We have a lot in common I should be banded in April, but had to put it off til May because I have a women's retreat, 1200 miles away in April, that I'm leading worship for and want to be at my best. I cleared my schedule for the summer. I told folks I'd be back as soon as I recovered but wasn't sure how long it would be. I know I won't be playing guitar until the wounds heal, but I have NO IDEA how long it will be before I can sing full voice again. Apparently there are breathing exercises after the surgery and some people have difficulty with full breaths for a few weeks! So, I asked my doc if this surgery could possibly affect my voice for the long term and he said it shouldn't

So, is your date set? Are you getting excited? Mines at least two months away and I'm absolutely giddy!!!!!!

Best wishes!!!

Hi there

there is a group started for April banders . you should check it out

have a great night

Good luck! You have made a wise decision!

I was also worried about the band/surgery hurting my voice mechanisms and ability to support. Don't fear. There is no problem with the breathing, diaphragm, or muscle support. I sing a good 5 hours a day and the added energy from dropping weight has improved my voice!

I plan to go back to leading worship a week after surgery. Soooooo....hopefully I can do well.