My name is Wendy, I live in Arizona, I'm 24 years old and just looking into LapBand. I decided to come here because what better way to get a real hold on what happens than talking to people who've done it themselves, not getting a sales pitch from people who stand to benefit from me choosing to do it.

A little bit about me: I've been (told I was) overweight since I was 7 when I was dealing with depression. Looking back pn photos I was a little flubby but nothing like my dad and grandmother made me feel like. I've had skewed body perception since that time. When I was 13 I weighed 165 or so, and was in a size 12. I was still the fat girl at school but gosh, I'd kill to be 165 again!

My dad made it very clear from a young age that starving oneself is a good thing, and is to be encouraged. I rebelled by eating. Now I find myself at 275.8 at today's weigh in and wishing I would have just listened.

When I was 14, I met the love of my life (still with him!) and he made me feel like I was a princess and sure, I was overweight but I wasn't fat, i was beautiful and special. I thank god for Chris every day, but I also kick myself because with that praise came comfort, and with that comfort came 100 lbs since I met him.

For a while I was looking into Gastric Bypass but at the time, I wasn't heavy enough to do it (I weighed 228 at 5'7") and I kick myself because I was convinced I should gain some to qualify. Now here I am, over 45 lbs higher and now that I qualify, I've chickened out of it. It's too drastic. Then I heard about LapBand and was curious. Now I want to learn more and find out if my insurance will cover it.

I'm sure I'll have loads of questions, so I hope nobody gets sick of me!

Brightest Blessings,

Wendy

Well,

Hi Wendy,

My name is Jina and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. I am 34 and I was banded along with my 15 yr. old daughter Feb 23rd. We just had our first fill on Thursday, so we are new to this. I'm sure I could provide some helpful information. Just let me know! Welcome to the board!

Welcome Wendy!

there is a lot of info and tons of folks here that are more then happy to answer questions and give support!

Keep us posted as to what you decide for yourself!

Welcome Wendy! This is an awesome site for information about lap-band. I've learned quite a few things here and i've met some great people. Their stories are very inspirational! I'm glad you came to this site and if u have any questions feel free to ask! People around here are always willing to give good advice! Hope to see you around more!

Hi Wendy, I was banded at 282 in June. I am 5'8" tall. I am now down to 231 with about 30-50 more lbs to go. I love being banded. Its a great tool. Its so nice to not have food control me anymore. I eat when I am hungry and I stop when I am full. It really is that simple. Good luck to you. Julie

Hi, Wendy! *waves back*

Welcome to LBT. I hope you find the answers you're looking for here, ask away!

As I read your story, I was reliving my own past. Not quite the same as yours, but pretty close.

My motivation to get the band was my fear of the impending health problems that I KNEW were creeping up on me, some faster than others. I had my cholesterol checked a few months before surgery, and it was high for the first time. The week before my surgery, I had my pre-op testing done, and found out that I'm diabetic, and I also have high blood pressure. VERY high. Since banding, though, my blood sugar is still a LITTLE high, but not high enough for my doc to deem it necessary to put me on any meds yet, since I've modified my diet and am losing weight...My blood pressure is down to a reasonable level without medications, and I go in another month to have my cholesterol checked again. Things are certainly looking up, and I've only been banded for 2 months.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.