Hello Everyone,

So here's my story.......

I'm 28 years old, 312 pounds heavy and 5 days away from surgery. Being overweight is nothing new to me and I've been on what seems to be a continuos failing diet since I was about 11 years old. Being the big girl is nothing new to me and for the most part has been a major part of my identity. Over the years I've wrestled with being confident and loving myself (on the outside) regardless of my size and I do. However, I could never quite face myself, my naked self, and honestly say that I was satisfied with what I saw before me. There has always been a curiosity in me that wondered what the real me looks like up under all of this.

I never thought I would do this surgery thing. While I have long since lost the optimism that I suppose I should have when dieting, I always thought of surgery to be a bit drastic. But somehow, I came across some information about this procedure and the more I learned it didn't sound so bad. (Especially when I learned that my insurance company would cover it in full!) I initially struggled with making the decision to actually do it, but then one day something just told me to go for it.

I don't have any major health problems, but do I experience periodic swelling in my ankles. I'm also told I have elevated blood sugar levels that are not far from being considered diabetic. This is the heaviest I've ever been and while I know how to work with what I've got, I'm simply tired of being in this club.

So here I am. Day 9 into this liquid diet and five days away from surgery. The thought at a real chance to finally reach this lifelong goal seems surreal. Oddly I haven't struggled much with the liquid diet because every time I want to cheat, I just think about how much better this victory will taste.

My goal is to get down to 160 lbs. So that's 152 lbs that I need to lose. That's a whole person! But I know I'll get there. I named myself Victorious1 because I consider this battle to be already won!

So that's me........

I wish you the best of luck. I am still in the "deciding what to do" phase of this process. Some of my family members are not supportive, as they really don't understand what banding is. I was happy to read how positive you are about it. It makes me feel better about it. Enjoy the new you. I may be joining you soon!

That's understandable. All I can say is that while it's important to have support, you are the only person that has to live in your body. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. I don't think that it's an easy decision to make, but it helped me to just come to the conclusion that I no longer wanted to be a prisoner of my body. I look at people that are heavier than me or just as heavy that have all kinda problems and I just don't wanna deal with that. I can feel this weight and not only am I tired of dragging it around, I'm afraid of what it will do to me. I wish you all the best as well. I hope that whatever you decide, you do what's best for you.

Well, good for you...I think you have a great attitude and I would bet that you are going to do great...Congratulations on your surgery date...that is so exciting...please keep us posted...I am really excited for you....

Di

Thanks Di! I see your coming along with your journey too. Best wishes to you!