It's been a big weight gain year. That's it. I can't stand it anymore! I thought that giving up eating big meals, giving up soda, giving up the various foods, etc. would make this too drastic a step. But I'm past that now. I decided to do it in January, and I just went to see my endocrinologist (no diabetes yet, thankfully), and he's on board. Now I just need to make my appointment with the surgeon (hope he calls back soon) and get the ball rolling.

I live in Boulder, CO, and there are hardly any fat people here. I don't feel I can go to school reunions. I worry that I'm embarrassing my son. I hate not being able to do things. My feet hurt. I don't sleep well. I don't want to go up another bra size ever again.

I'm going on a diet the day after tomorrow, and I don't want to do it. But I can't wait for the lap band to deal with this. I'm just hoping the lap-band will come along and prevent me from yo-yoing. Otherwise, I don't think dieting is very successful. I might up my workouts from 2x week to 3x, but it's hard when you work all day and don't have much free time.

My endocrinologist (who says he's had 5 patients do bariatric surgery in 5 years--although, other Drs in the practice have more) recommended Dr. Frank Chae. He's not very close to Boulder, but I hate to wing it and not use his recommendation.

I'm hoping my gastroenterologist OKs it (I have ulcerative colitis).

Anyway, I hope everything goes well!

Ramona

hi ramona

first of all my son and daughter in law live in denver and i just love it out there.....i live in tenn.

i was banded feb 28, 2008 and have been very much pleased with the surgery. so far i have lost 15 pounds in a month and i go april 1st for my first fill.

the surgery itself will not "deal with this" as you said. it is merely a tool to help you lose weight. you still have to work at it and do exactly what the doctors and nutritionists say to do and exercise is a very big part of it. but don't be discouraged yet....it's still worth it to have the surgery.

learning how to eat and what to eat and what food combinations to eat is one of the first things i learned before surgery and it does make a difference. and chew, chew, chew your food well before you swallow.

giving up soda is one of the things you have to do so get used to living without them, at least for a while. also, if you are on caffeine, you'll have a headache for a few days, but you'll get over it. i haven't had soda in about 4 years myself and have not missed it at all.

i hope your doctor and your insurance approves your surgery....it will be well worth it.

good luck to you and keep hanging in there.

chclvr

ps

i have been to boulder and have some good friends that live there and i have seen some fat people there.......although most people are trimmer than they are in most cities.