I'm thankful to have the opportunity to make this change in my life. I have tried on my own for the past 4 years.

In 2004, I lost my father at age 67 to complications of Type II. 4 months later, I was diagnosed Type II and lost 132 lbs within a 2 year period.

I began having health problems and the past 2 years have been spent having over 7 different [non-related] surgical procedures and due to near-immobility, re-gained nearly all of my loss.

My brother was banded 7/05 and has lost 200+ lbs. I am proud of his progress and appreciate his support.

I know that the Journey will be rough, but if I'm going to have ONE MORE surgery, I would rather it be the one with the potential to save my morbidly obese life.

Welcome to LBT! I am so glad you found us. It sounds like you have been through so much. But, you have definitely made an important decision for your health. The band is a wonderful tool and it sounds like you already have a bit of knowledge from it by watching your brother go through the process. I am sure he will also be a wonderful support system for you.

Please let us know if you have any questions, we are here to help. Let us know how things are progressing and when you get your surgery date.

Thanks Susan, I appreciate your comment!

I have been looking around and reading as much as I can. All of my testing seems to be flying by -- I just met the surgeon [Dr. Quinlin] on 2/13! I've had my Upper GI on 2/15 and will have Pulmonary Functions tests 2/18 as well as Psych Eval on 2/26.

I am a classically trained singer and wonder how this surgery will effect my support muscles. Anyone??

Still -- while I am excited, I also am anxious because while I know I'm doing the right thing for me -- there's always the fear that it won't work.

Again -- thanks for the WELCOME and I look forward to becoming even more INFORMED!!

Hiya hun

good luck I wish you all the best. I think over my years of yoyoing i must of lost over 200 pounds but ive put more than that on and then some my biggest loss wass over 100 pounds but due to ill health i put it all on and 100 pounds more grrrrrrrrr

Im on my was now though I was banded 13 days ago and I know i wil never see 431 pounds again

good luck on your journey

Thanks for the comment, Ky! I appreciate the support -- and CONGRATS on your banding -- I hope so far it's going well for you and continues to go well!!