Hi there, I've been browsing around for a little while, but figured I'd better jump in and introduce myself -- so, Hi, I'm MaryPat and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Scarborough area for those who know the Toronto area ).

My history seems to be similar to most I've been reading -- I've been "thin-challenged" my entire life, tried every diet plan out there once and some more times than that, tried assisted methods like weight watchers & TOPS, "medically supervised" methods with Dr. Berstein, Dr. Levy, and my family doctor -- I've lost weight, but somehow those lost pounds always seems to find me and come back with a few extra friend :phanvan.

I have high blood pressure, high chloresteral, sleep apnea, arthritis, degenerative discs in my back which cause sciatica, and chemical depression. I am not a spring chicken, and lately my mobility has been severely challenged -- so weight loss is a MUST if I want to stay walking and as active as I like to be.

I was starting to think about bariatric surgery last year, but one of the tests my family doctor ran discouvered cancer in my uterous, so I ended up having a complete hysterectomy in October. Now that I'm completely recouvered, and still having problems, I went back to my investigation of Bariatrics ... and that led me to Dr. Klein, and the decission to get banded ... so, here I am, continuing my journey ...

I must say that this site is very refreshing -- I feel right at home, and know that everyone here will actually "understand" what I'm feeling and going through -- I relate so much to the posts I've been reading. I was really excited to find a pre operation "things to get" list and the recipies I'm sure will really come in handy, once I get there ...

For now, I'm in the excited by scared stage -- counting days to various doctor's appointments, and trying to arrange my life around the surgery date, etc.

I look forward to getting to know more of you on the board - but I must admit, I'll probably be more of a lurker than a poster ....

MaryPat.

Mary Pat,

You go girl!! Take charge.

I did have to take 12 pills and 2 shots a day . Now I take my anti depressant and hormone. Neither are weight related.

edie

WOW - you look G-R-E-A-T!! Last time I saw size 12 was Grade 3 or 4 :eek: Sure hope I have as strong a will as you must have -- I'd love to loose that many sizes in less than a year! You will be my inspiration Any hints for the newbandie??

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who feels that they have to arrange life around the Dr. Apt's and surgery date!!! Thanks for sharing. I have people who are supportive but, they don't really get it.