Now that I've decided to take the plunge and go forward with the surgery, I thought I'd stop lurking and actually post something.

Hello.

I can't tell you guys how much of a great resource this forum has been during the process of deciding whether or not to get banded. The recommendations on doctors, the discussions on shared issues with weight, and the success stories - it's been a huge asset.

So for that, I thank you all for your contributions.

I doubt I would have had the nerve to finally decide to make a change for the better if not for this place.

As for me...

I just turned 30 on September 3rd, and have been going through a mini mid-life crisis of sorts. Issues with my weight, concerns about my career, lovelife - they've all been on my mind.

In February, I took the first step. I left my career in Advertising and decided to pursue my love of writing. I made sure I had enough savings in hand to give it a fair shake. So far, it's been a great journey.

And now, in September, I'm taking the next step - surgery. It's time. I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. In a lot of ways, it's defined who I am for a better part of my life.

Well, no longer.

I've narrowed down my search to three doctors based on the countless threads I've read on these forums and elsewhere, and will be setting my appointment date with one of them early next week.

Damn, it feels good. I'm excited.

Below are my "before" pictures - can't wait until I have "afters."

Crash- Congrats on your decision. About the cathetar. ME TOO.

I was told at my pre-op I would have one. I swear to you, that is the ONLY thing I thought about for 5 days (till surgery). Before they put me under, I was still having butterflies about it.. that was honest to goodness almost a dealbreaker for me. My mom told me it's not THAT big of a deal, I'll be asleep when they put it in.. but not when I wake up, oh dear!

So anyway, right before I went under I asked a nurse 'So which one of you is putting in the cathetar?'.. and she laughed and said "Lap-band patients don't get the catheter". And I rambled about how happy they just made me, and how ready I was now, blah blah and was put to sleep.

Crash,

Congrats on the new lifestyle you are approaching.I also will be heading to Mx.Im scheduled for Nov 2nd with Dr.Aceves, in Mexacali .But Im so excited Im thinking on bumping it to Oct sometime.

Jenn

Crash,

Welcome! This is definately going to be the biggest and best ride you've ever been on!

This Board is priceless to me. Was before I decided on my surgery, and is months after.

SO glad to see you here.

Sheri

pursue my love of writing

Yo, Crash...you write romance novels? A burly dude like you is probably a total teddy bear! Welcome to the banding world, and WRITE ON, BROTHER!

Darr

Thanks for all the support, folks. You're all too kind.

In fact, you're all so nice that I can't decide whether you're Canadian or Cult.

Yo, Crash...you write romance novels? A burly dude like you is probably a total teddy bear! Welcome to the banding world, and WRITE ON, BROTHER!

Darr

Right now I'm focusing on screenwriting, as I live in Los Angeles and can more easily make something happen in that area should I be capable of churning out some decent pablum.

But ironically, you're not too far from the truth - Romantic Comedies.

What can I say, under this rough exterior lies a big, soggy... well, you get the idea.

Romantic Comedies

You go, guy! I inject humor into my novels. Love can be pretty damned funny, huh?

Darr

Thanks for all the support, folks. You're all too kind.

In fact, you're all so nice that I can't decide whether you're Canadian or Cult.

Right now I'm focusing on screenwriting, as I live in Los Angeles and can more easily make something happen in that area should I be capable of churning out some decent pablum.

But ironically, you're not too far from the truth - Romantic Comedies.

What can I say, under this rough exterior lies a big, soggy... well, you get the idea.

I am not Canadian, so should I get off this thread??? I am sorry! lol....I won't tell you where I am from!

What can I say, under this rough exterior lies a big, soggy... well, you get the idea.

We're learning WAAAAAYYYYYY too much about young crash. So far we've learned about what you dont' want in your penis and your soggy underbelly...

<check, please>

Naw, just kidding. Hey... can I star in your next romantic comedy about a guy who goes in for lapband surgery and meets Meg Ryan on the Internet and falls in love - only to meet her on the top of the Empire State Building and jumps off of it into a volcano?

Wait... I think I've got those mixed up. Dammit. This lack of booze thing is really starting to affect my senses...

(T-Minus 7 days for me...) :whoo:

(T-Minus 7 days for me...) :whoo:

Your date is coming up soon, amigo. Good luck with it and let me know how it goes. I've got a month 'til mine - in the meantime I'm picking out all the mesh shirts I'll wear to show off my my new six pack.

Your date is coming up soon, amigo. Good luck with it and let me know how it goes. I've got a month 'til mine - in the meantime I'm picking out all the mesh shirts I'll wear to show off my my new six pack.

Mesh is the new black.

While you're in Mexico, can you pick me up some of those thongs they sell pretty much on every street corner? Maybe one with a Harley logo on it... or a picture of a weed leaf? Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'll look good in a thong. If you can't find that, how about with a pissing Calvin peeing on a FORD logo or something. I'm excited for you, it's really going to be a cultural experience.

Hell, screw the lap band surgery!! I'm just going straight for the thong!!

My only culture I'm going to get is that my surgery is in Overland Park - home of Target and soon to be home to all of my money while I'm in surgery and my wife goes shopping there.

(And yes, I'm freaking out... 36 hours to go - so I'm pretty much living on this message board...) I think I've read every horror story on what can go wrong on Friday. It's kind of reverse psychology... but then again, I'm an idiot so... it could just be harshing my mellow.

I'll keep ya posted.

PS... I took my "before" picture today. (Chris Kamler's Blog Maybe the Royals will be good by the time I finally lose weight.)

PPS... I still expect you to take me up on that Romantic Comedy bit. At least give me 5% rights on the back end. (I don't know what that means, but I like it...)

L8r,

We're learning WAAAAAYYYYYY too much about young crash. So far we've learned about what you dont' want in your penis and your soggy underbelly...

<CHECK, please>

Naw, just kidding. Hey... can I star in your next romantic comedy about a guy who goes in for lapband surgery and meets Meg Ryan on the Internet and falls in love - only to meet her on the top of the Empire State Building and jumps off of it into a volcano?

Wait... I think I've got those mixed up. Dammit. This lack of booze thing is really starting to affect my senses...

(T-Minus 7 days for me...) :whoo:

Yeah, I think so nk...lol...have you seen Mrg Ryan lately??? You would certainly need booze now to have any sort of romance with her! lol...her plastic surgery is NO LONGER working...I am waiting for her to turn into Joan Rivers or something..ugly....lol...