Hello everyone! I am so glad I found this website. Here is my story.

I have been overweight my whole life, but especially after I got married and had a baby. Well, my baby is alomst 14, and I still haven't dropped the "baby fat". I come from a family with history of heart disease, strokes and diabetes. In fact, I lost a very dear aunt to complications of diabetes 2 1/2 yrs ago, when she was only 54. My Dr.s have told me, it's not a matter of "if" I will get diabetes, but "when". I want to do something about my health before I have tons of serious health problems. I already have high blood pressure.

I have been considering weight loss surgery for a few years, and have of course tried many diets, and exercise programs. I can lose weight, I just can't seem to keep it off. I have done lots of research about the band, and watched the live surgery, and "Big Medicine" on TLC. I have talked to several surgeons and nurses (I work in an Operating Room)

Finally, in May 2007, I made the decision to have the band, and went to a seminar. From then till August I put together everything the insurance company required, and less than 2 weeks later (yesterday) I found out I was approved. Yeah!

I live 5 hours away from my surgeon, and so this board is my support group. Luckily, 3 of us from our work are all doing this surgery within 2 weeks of each other, so we will have each other for support. I am the last of us to get banded, so I will get to see what the others go through, before I do. That could be a good, or bad thing!!:paranoid

I look forward to getting to know each other.

Welcome!

Hope your wait until banding is quick!

Rain

Welcome! This is a wonderful place for information and support. October 5 will be here before you know it!

Best of luck to ya!!!!!!

Lisa - Welcome to the site. Glad you found us too and Happy Birthday, mine is today as well.

Lisa Welcome to the site. Best of luck with your surgery.

GLADTAMEETCHA! It is awesome that you have 2 of your coworkers going through the surgery with you. That will be SUCH a great support system! Welcome to the Loser's Club my friend! I am excited for you!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I am leaving tomorrow morning to travel to the city where I am having surgery. Friday, is my surgery. Keep me in your prayers.

I've lost 15 lbs so far on the pre op diet, and 25 lbs from my heaviest, but I can't figure out how to change my ticker. I will look into that when I am home on sick leave, and have time to figure it out.

Thanks again everyone!

<p><p>Congrats, I to found this forum about 6 wks ago. It is very helpful. I am just in the starting phase. Seminar 10/5 pray for your fast recovery.</p></