I am so undecided. I have to face that fact that I have a weight problem. Not just a weight problem but probably an eating disorder. My weight has gone up and down for years but I am 5'6 and 230 right now. I have hypothyroidism, PCOS, I'm tired all the time, I'm depressed most of the time, I never leave the house except for work or stuff with the kids.

So without giving the boring rundown of my life, I got divorced a few years ago and my weight balooned. I have tried everything. Now I am looking at lapband and my father and coworkers are not supportive. They tell me to eat less and exercise. My sister tells me to take hoodia. Everyone has a plan for ME.

Any advice???

OK...so I talked to a friend of my sister's who is a registered counsellor. I had my med records that have 5 years of weight for the dr. to use for the insurance approval. She said...I have been overweight for 5 years, I have to face that. It's not always morbidly obese but it's enough to note.

So I have decided to go forward. I am going to start counselling this coming week and make sure that I don't transfer addictions. I used to be a social drinker and loved to party. When I stopped, I started eating. I have decided it's time to take my life back.

EXCELLENT!!! Sounds like you are doing everything right. It feels good to take such positive steps, doesn't it? So much better than sitting around with that feeling of hopelessness. Makes every day brighter.

Please let me know how you're getting along, ok?

BTW, I'm post-op day 3 and feeling very well....really feel like I've turned the corner today. The procedure itself is quite tolerable if that is a concern for you. Spivak is the best.

EXCELLENT!!! Sounds like you are doing everything right. It feels good to take such positive steps, doesn't it? So much better than sitting around with that feeling of hopelessness. Makes every day brighter.

Please let me know how you're getting along, ok?

BTW, I'm post-op day 3 and feeling very well....really feel like I've turned the corner today. The procedure itself is quite tolerable if that is a concern for you. Spivak is the best.

WOW!! 3 days!!! How's the incisions? How well are you getting around?

This is mad exciting for me to have you going first!

Hello My Name Is Bernie And I Was Banded On 3-28-07 And I Believe That It Is Your Ultimate Decision And Not Your Family Or Friends You Have To Live With The Weight. I Am 34 And In The Last Year I Have Been Diagnosed With High Blood Presure, Diabetes, And Sleep Apnia I Felt Like I Have Aged 25 Years In One!

I Dont Want To Feel Like That Anymore I Have Four Young Daughters And I Want To Be An Active Part Of Thier Lives Again And Unless I Do Something About It, It Will Never Change So I Have Chosen To Change With The Help Of The Lapband System As My Tool.

Oh, I'm getting around just fine!!! I could probably even go into work (desk job) if I had to today (but I'm off until the 11th). The incisions are a bit sore...I wouldn't want a short person giving me a big squeeze, that's for sure. But getting comfortable in bed or chair is no problem, getting up and down is no problem at all. If the weather were better I'd go for a 30 minute walk with no problem. I'm off pain meds except for tylenol now. Looking back on it, it's a breeze!! The immediate post-op hours are the toughest.

I'm so retarded..now that I've made a decision to do it, I'm all happy.

I have one concern. I am at a BMI of 37.1. I have medical reasons to get approved but they want me to do a low carb diet pre-op. We're going to have to hope the insurance doesn't drag it out b/c I am not 40 BMI.

I am taking the kids to Disney the beginning of June so I have to wait until after that. I can't wait!