Hello all!

My name is Marki, and I'm a 34 year old mom to four boys - 15, 9, 6 and 2. Currently we live in Houston, TX because our 9 year old, Zak, is on the heart transplant list at Texas Children's Hospital. We are originally from El Paso, TX.

I've battled weight all of my life - I can remember taking jars of baby food as my "healthy sides" to lunch in 8th grade to attempt to lose some of my chunk. I've been successful twice: 60 lbs in 2002 and 75 in 2009, but the weight has always come back and I'm forever starving. I chose to go the lapband route for 4 reasons: Quest, Zak, Sutton and MJ. My boys. I'm 265 pounds right now but I'm preaching to Zak about a healthy lifestyle - well now it is time to live it!

So my resolution this year is to run with Zak as soon as he gets a heart - something he hasn't been able to do since he was 4.

My EGD with True Results is scheduled on January 22nd, and my last weight loss appointment (had to do 6 months of them) is January 23rd. I'm assuming we schedule the surgery at that point... At any rate, I would love to meet some of you all - I'm scared of another surgery (including my csections, this makes #9!) but I'm more scared of not being here to help my kiddos, so away we go...!

Hi Marki, Welcome to the site. You will find all kinds of wonderful supportive motivational and inspirational people here. My thoughts and prayers are with your son, and I hope that 2014 will see you both healthy and happy!

If you have any questions, just shout them out you'll get a myriad of answers. I've had several surgeries over the course of my life time. A couple major to remove some bad organs...but the lapband has been the biggest life saver of all in my eyes!

Blessings to you and your family, great idea to seek support here--you will definitely find it! I am new on here too, but had my LB surgery over 9 mos. ago---so kudos to you for reaching out early; it was a wise decision on your part. I know this is both a scary & exciting time for you, and wish you and your family the best on this journey!