So I finally have a surgery date (3/10) and I guese it's time to tell my story. I have not been overweight my whole life. I was an athlete in high school and that carried over into my adult life. I've never been "skinny" just fit and curvy. Then suddenly about 10 years ago I couldn't eat whatever I wanted without gaining weight. Ok no big deal I ate better and exercised more and lost the weight but since then it's been a struggle up and down constantly dieting. The final straw came when I had to quit smoking for a job I wanted. I gained 50 pounds in less than 2 months and no matter what I do its here to stay. Since the weight gain ny self esteem has plummeted. I no longer leave the house because I'm ashamed of how I look. I go to work and come home. Because of this I feel every aspect if my life has suffered. I dont feel like a good wife, because I never have the energy to do anything with my husband and I always feel like im just the fat employee. In short I was tired of sitting around watching my life pass me by. I started with research to find out what my options were and settled on the lap band for 2 reasons. 1. Less invasive and 2. Its reversible. I understand the lifestyle changes I need to make and bad habits that need to be broke. I feel like this is the start to finally being able to look at myself in the mirror again.

Yes I have heard of that happening to people when they stop smoking. I'm glad that you have made the decision to get your life back on track. Congratulations.

Valarie, I honestly felt like I was reading my story when I read your post, with the only exception being that I have been big my whole life (not as big as I am now, but always obese). I am having the surgery on February 14th for similar reasons you discussed. I wish you the very best and have hope that we will both get our joy of life back!

Thank you ladies for your support. It feels better knowing im not the only one who is going through this. Im actually very excited. My goal is not actually a number. I just want to reach the point where I eat to live instead of living to eat

Welcome Valerie. Best wishes as you go into this new life!Karen..aka.kll724

Thank you. It's been a decision I've thought long and hard about. Now that I have a surgery date I feel like my life is finally heading in the right direction.

Good luck to you , congrats and triple congrats for quitting smoking.. I gained 90 lbs if not more when I quit and finally said enough! Had surgery last april and I couldn't be happier!! you got this girlfriend..

All I can say is WOW!! I downloaded this app months ago and I've just been reading everyone's stories. Trying to gain knowledge and use that to have the best possible results with my band, but I'm amazed at the support. I truly appreciate it and hopefully we can all support each other on this journey. Thank you.

Having this surgery was the best thing I could have ever done for myself....I am the same weight I was in High School over 40 years ago,,,,

And you're absolutely correct...it's not about #'s...it is about eating the way we were meant to...and not the way that made us Obese...simply getting back to that healthy lifestyle, everything else will take care of itself, and the #'s will follow on their own....eat normal, exercise normal, and have a normal body.....

What a great post -- you have the right attitude and it's very exciting to make this choice for a healthy future. I feel like I've turned my life around. It's just three months since my surgery and my self-esteem is so much better. I think it's because I made this decision to embrace my life and be here for it in a new way -- a healthy way. I'm blathering on a bit (one keystroke at a time) wishing I could put into words the feeling of relief. It's a wonderful thing to be out of food jail. Congratulations!

B-52 thank you for the support. I don't expect this to be easy and I appreciate any advise or support.

Bandista you nailed it. I'm tired of food controlling me. Life is so short I just want to be healthy and have the energy to keep up with my husband. I really have no health issues other then weight, but I have a horrible family history. I'm hoping by getting healthy I can that. Thank you for any advice or support

Very good attitude. You will do well. Just keep reading and you will find tons of information here.

What a great post -- you have the right attitude and it's very exciting to make this choice for a healthy future. I feel like I've turned my life around. It's just three months since my surgery and my self-esteem is so much better. I think it's because I made this decision to embrace my life and be here for it in a new way -- a healthy way. I'm blathering on a bit (one keystroke at a time) wishing I could put into words the feeling of relief. It's a wonderful thing to be out of food jail. Congratulations!

"Food jail" - what a great way to put it...that's where I am at right now, for sure...looking forward to 'escaping.'

Congrats and wishing you all the best on this new journey!

Welcome Valerie.

Getting my band was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. As the fabulous and famous Ms. Bandista says, it has freed me from food Jail, a place I have been incarcerated for far, far too long. I am finally in control, not the food and dayumn! Girl, it feels so good. Good luck with your surgery and your journey. Enjoy your run up to your surgery, read, learn, prepare, this time will go fast and before you know it, you will be banded and your new life will begin.