Hi all! I have finally decided to move forward with the surgery and will hopefully be "banded" before Thanksgiving. While I am only 23, I have struggled with weight issues since the age of 10. Looking back now, I wish I could have been happy with myself when I was active and a size 12... but you don't know what you've got til it's gone, right?

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) when I was 18 and was placed on a plethora of medication to help regulate insulin levels and the possibility of diabetes. Then college happened along with inactivity and sport injuries and I quickly ballooned from weighing 160 to 230 in just over a year. Also, most of my dad's side of the family is not just overweight, but morbidly obese - so I know that there is a family history as well. I've failed at all other attempts to lose the weight, including but not limited to: prescription diet pills, exercise, over the counter diet pills, Weight Watchers, nutritionists and sometimes a combination of some or all the above.

I consider the moment the light bulb went off that I had a serious problem was when an acquintance started to tell a joke, but first turned to me and said "Now don't get offended." I gave him a confused look and then he proceeded to start out his joke with "So there was this really fat girl...". That's a tough thing to hear when you're only 21.

Sorry this is becoming a novel, but I wanted to introduce myself to all the other "banders". I look forward to getting to know everyone through the next few months!

Hi there I wish you all the best in your journey to become healtier. You'll find lots of information on this site. Nice to meet you.

Regards,

Alfie

Welcome Shanimal!

I was dx with PCOS when I was 14. I understand your pains. I have seen alot of people here with PCOS and they seem to have great weight loss. I'm not banded yet, but I'm hoping this is the answer to my prayers. Good luck to ya!!

Hi,

I'm also a newbie who's considering the lap band. It's a big decision for all of us who are thinking about having this done in the real near future. I am weighing the pros and cons. I need to loose about 60 lbs. Like you, I have tried everything all of my life with little to no success. I think that the lap band gives us so much hope and encouragement to go forward in our lives. My mom, is 100 lbs. plus overweight, however can't have the surgery due to her age, 69. She has numerous health issues on a daily basis. She supports me in either way. I am torn on whether or not to have the surgery. Sucky timing...right before the holidays.

Hi all! I have finally decided to move forward with the surgery and will hopefully be "banded" before Thanksgiving. While I am only 23, I have struggled with weight issues since the age of 10. Looking back now, I wish I could have been happy with myself when I was active and a size 12... but you don't know what you've got til it's gone, right?

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) when I was 18 and was placed on a plethora of medication to help regulate insulin levels and the possibility of diabetes. Then college happened along with inactivity and sport injuries and I quickly ballooned from weighing 160 to 230 in just over a year. Also, most of my dad's side of the family is not just overweight, but morbidly obese - so I know that there is a family history as well. I've failed at all other attempts to lose the weight, including but not limited to: prescription diet pills, exercise, over the counter diet pills, Weight Watchers, nutritionists and sometimes a combination of some or all the above.

I consider the moment the light bulb went off that I had a serious problem was when an acquintance started to tell a joke, but first turned to me and said "Now don't get offended." I gave him a confused look and then he proceeded to start out his joke with "So there was this really fat girl...". That's a tough thing to hear when you're only 21.

Sorry this is becoming a novel, but I wanted to introduce myself to all the other "banders". I look forward to getting to know everyone through the next few months!

Hi Shanimal! I just wanted to welcome you to LBT. You are not alone with your PCOS. There are a lot of us out there who suffer. I was banded at 24, and honestly, it was one of the best things I have ever done.

Best of luck!

Hi,

I'm also a newbie who's considering the lap band. It's a big decision for all of us who are thinking about having this done in the real near future. I am weighing the pros and cons. I need to loose about 60 lbs. Like you, I have tried everything all of my life with little to no success. I think that the lap band gives us so much hope and encouragement to go forward in our lives. My mom, is 100 lbs. plus overweight, however can't have the surgery due to her age, 69. She has numerous health issues on a daily basis. She supports me in either way. I am torn on whether or not to have the surgery. Sucky timing...right before the holidays.

Hi DLew. Welcome to LBT. Read around the forums, there are so many differing accounts of banding here (the good and the bad).

And there is never a "good" time to do these things.

Best of luck!