I first want to say hello and congratulations to all for taking a step toward change. food is like a good friend that makes our time together enjoyable with laughter and endless conversations. Food is a real comedian and I've decided not to laugh at its jokes anymore because health has a better punchline.

I attend my first seminar on april 14 2007 and I'm excited. I've had all my labs done, my insurance is accepted and I'm waiting on paper work for clearance etc. Thank God for this procedure because my wife is a gastric bypass patient ( 4yrs out ) and I've been there through her tough times.

Every morning that you have breath give thanks because it's special and the fact that you have a chance to change your outcome is more than enough to say thank you.

be blessed

Welcome!

Both you and your wife are welcome here!!! Most of us are of course lap band patients, or wannabes...but we try to pride ourselves on acceptance! We all make what we think to be the best decision for ourselves at the time we make them---and one surgical solution does not fit for everyone!

It sounds like you are well on your way, and will be banded very soon! You are right when you say you will be changing your relationship with food. Personally I went through some sadness, and some anger as I went through the liquid phases, and through the early months. I had always had a love/hate relationship with food...and thanks to banding, I now just have a comfortable, loving relationship with it!!! Pre banding I loved to eat, in huge amounts. Fat laden comfort foods were my weakness!!! I would gorge on them, loving each bite...then I would hate myself for being weak and eating that much when I knew how fat I already was! I hated my being too weak to diet and maintain weight loss. Now with the help of my band, I still love food, and eat the same foods as before for the most part---but I eat them in small amounts, I enjoy the taste and texture, because I am eating slow enough to savor these things---not swallowing it whole! When I eat my fill, which happens quickly, I do not feel guilt over eating too much---I feel pride in the fact that I ate enough to nourish my body without harming it. It truly has led me to a new level with food! and not constantly beating myself up over it is such a relief!

Hang out, ask any questions, share any tips you come across---this is a great site!!!

Once again---welcome!

Kat

Welcome Wesboo!

We have something in common because my husband had gastric bypass about 4 years ago. He had lots of complications and still struggles with malabsorption issues ( his Vitamin D is at about 2% of what is should be)and he lost so much muscle mass that he hasn't gotten back. I wish the lapband had been available then!

Good luck on your lapband journey. Be sure to check out the threads that explain the abbreviations we use here> like, DH is dear husband, and PB is productive burp, lol is laugh out loud....etc.

Good luck!

Thank you for the welcome. I understand that we all have a journey that will not be easy and being a man that likes food alot, makes my decision difficult. I must give respect to my health because death is not an option.

Hey Wes

Welcome to LBT. I understand the problem of liking food - I love the stuff.....

But being a man will actually help you. Most of the men on our board lose weight more quickly that the gals... It seems testosterone is good for something, after all. :]

Good Luck with your Journey.

Let your wife know she is welcome, too. Support is for everybody - and while the surgeries are different, a lot of the struggles are similar.

Hugs!