I am a 38 year old teacher from Kentucky. I'm single. I don't have children. I have a very warped sense of humor. *suddenly feel like I'm writing a personal ad*

I'm also a reality TV junkie! My starting weight is 330 whopping pounds and my goal weight is 165. I think I can do it!!!!!

Tell us about YOU!

Add me to the list with February 15 as the day!

I'm Laurieloo, which is a "bit" of a fictitious name. I've always teeterd on the border for having a band, so this fall I went and gained 20 pounds so I could qualify. To me, it was worth it becase for a short-term "hurt" I can finally get the long-term result of being healthy!

I'm 46 and have 4 kids and 4 grandkids. I work as a college professor. My teenage kids and hubby are very supportive. I'm so happy to finally get this done. I started yo-yo dieting when I was in Jr. High, and now I'm a grandmother. It's time to stop the madness!

I'm here to learn, gain knowledge and support, and share what I learn to help others around me.

Welcome Laurieloo!

Always glad to meet another Feb.15 band buddy. Funny, the thought of being in a wheelchair when I get grandkids is what pushed me into pursueing surgery. My DH and grown children are very supportive. 8 days and we'll be on the band wagon.

Take care!

Ok, I don't want you to think you are the oldest!! I am 47 and also got banded on Fat Tuesday,which cracks me up-how appropriate!! How are you doing? It is 2 days out for us, I am doing ok. It is hard to drink all they want me to drink and I am having a bit of a problem with gas, but it is going to be worth it!!

I have been married 28 years and have a 23 year old son. Kept putting weight on each year a bit more until I hit my high of 247. UGH. Enough of that!!!

You are neither one the oldest. I'm 54. Funny, the doctor said that the only risk factor I had for the surgery was my age?? Funny I never thought of 54 as particularly old. Oh well, I think it must be what you compare it too. I get my band on Feb 15 so I am only younger than you in band days.

Hi everybody,

I finally have my surgery scheduled for Feb. 28!

I am 34 and live in Atlanta. I'm having the surgery done by Dr. Philip Leggett in Houston (my original hometown). I'll start my pre-op diet in exactly one week. I'm single and have a Jack Russell Terrier named Elwood. I can't wait to get started!

Hi all,

I finally have my surgery date, Feb 19.

I am 40, a wife and mother of two. I sell Avon and have recently gotten my real estate license. I am excited and terrified all at the same time. I'm ready to be done with this part of the process. I look forward to making some new friends on here that will be going through the same type thing I am. Good Luck everyone!

Hi, I'm Cindy. Surgery date is the 25th. Starting the pre-op Optifast diet on Monday. I'm 43, married and have two kids. Currently staying at home. Will work again some day. Just waiting on the perfect opportunity!

Hello Everyone,

I'm Ruth and live in Mexico, Missouri. 40 yrs old and just found out I will be a grandma this fall(I have one daughter). I'm married for the second time to a wonderful man for 14yrs. I work at as a warranty claims/billing clerk for an ag dealership. I am scheduled for sugery 2/11 with Dr de la Torre in Columbia, MO. I want to lose 115lbs.

Travelgirl - I also have a Jack Russell, named Buzz...

Hello all,

I think at 63 soon to be 64 I'm probably one of the oldest bandster and one of the most excited. I've been obese all of my life!! I currently weigh 247 and am 5' 3'' tall. I am a retired public health nurse. I am really busy in retirement with my 3 grandchildren and my church activities. I'm also a crafter.

My surgery date is February 26th!!

Jaunderwood

Baby Ruth - I live close to you in Springfield, Missouri. I am being banded on February 13 in Springfield by Dr. Edwards at St. Johns Hospital. I am getting so excited for my band. Right now we have two poodel babies named Prince and Princess. I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. My husband and I want to have children so I am wanting to lose weight before getting pregnant. Good Luck to Everyone!

Ok, Erin, I'll relieve you of the "burden" of being the oldest! I'm 51, well almost 52, I guess! (march) I'm married (almost 32 years) and have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. My oldest daughter seems to only be able to have twins, and that's scared the other two out of trying. Thankfully, she's not going to tempt the fates and try for a third set! I live in Minnesota too, and my surgery will be Feb. 13th. I've always thought of myself as fat, but I've gotten a few old photo's of myself in my early teens lately that really look very good! It really makes me mad to think that I was told I had a weight problem when I looked like that! I never even got to enjoy being "normal!" I would love to get down to 150, but I'd be really happy at 180. I'm 242 right now, and started at 264 at my first nutr. appt. I think my highest was something like 272.

I am Susana from Dallas. Surgery 02-01. No kids. Married 12 years. Was 360 and hope to get to 160. Long journey but taking baby steps and baby bites!

Hi there - how did you do?? i am in more pain that I thought I would be...I have a rx for tylenol with codeine but I am scared it will make me sick, so I have just been taking regular tylenol...

Hey Donna!!!!! I am having my surgery tomorrow as well and I am the same height and want to lose the same amount as you do! Cool huh???? Unfortunately the similarities end there. I am 48 and have a 16 year old girl and a 21 year old boy who is about to move back in with us after his first attempt out of the nest! Maybe this time he will decide to stay in college!

Good luck tomorrow and let us know how you are doing!!!

Hey....I'm Stephanie, my surgery date is Feb 28. I am 5'2 and 220 lbs, my goal is between 130-140 I'll decide for sure when I get there. I live in MS and my doctor is Lee Schmitt in Birmingham,AL. I am very excited and I think I'm addicted to reading all the posts, I can spend hours on the pc. Well good luck to everyone..........

Hi,

I was banded on Monday (2/4), and I'm having a hard time with the liquid diet. Don't worry -- I'll stick to it, but I'm having a hard time.

I was 250 at my first appointment, 240 for surgery. I have no idea what I am now because I don't weigh. Jeez -- just writing those numbers down makes me see just how LARGE I am and how much I need to take off. And I will take it off. It's been at least 6-years since I've seen my thighs from a standing position and that's my goal. So, let's go!

b.

Hi ErinK -- I guess I'm now the oldest at 58. Just had surgery Feb.5 also and getting excited about seeing results. My biggest challenge so far is shoulder pain in my left shoulder.

Hi All,

Just got banded on Wed and home form the hospital on Thur. Seem to be doing alright at this point. I am really surprised that I have no interest in food so far and have to keep reminding myself to drink enough Clear liquids.