Hi everyone! This is my first post here, so here's a little info about me!

My name is Holly. I am 30, married for 5 years and have a wonderful 2 year old daughter. And 2 dogs, can't forget the fur babies! I live in Savannah, GA. I work as a facility manager for a software company and am currently working towards my MBA. I also have a photography business where I specialize in family photos, maternity and weddings. I love it!

I have been overweight all my life. Most of my family has a weight problem, but I have always been the heaviest person. I can remember going to Weight Watchers when I was 11. I can remember my grandmother trying to bribe me with money to lose weight. One of my worst memories was when I was getting married and I was so excited to show my grandmother my wedding dress when it came in; she told me I was too fat to wear a dress like that- it still hurts to this day.

I have always tried to be comfortable with my weight. I would always say that I am happy the way I am, I don't need to be a size 6 to be happy. But in the last few years, I have noticed my eating habits change: I eat when depressed or stressed or just out of boredom more than ever. I am at my highest weight ever, 280. I always said that if I couldn't buy pants that fit me at Lane Bryant I would do something. Well, I'm almost there...

I attended my first information seminar last night and have decided to go forward with the lap-band. I know it's not a magic cure all, but I think it is a step in the right direction. The program here is very comprehensive. They require support group attendance before and after the surgery, they have a dedicated psychologist on staff and require counseling before surgery and have nutritionist and exercise staff to help from beginning to end. All in all, it seems like a total lifestyle change support system.

So now, I am waiting to hear back from insurance and working on documents from my PCP. I can expect to have everything complete in 1-2 months. I am very excited and ready to go! I'll be around here alot, asking a ton of questions because I am a total planner and like to know as much as I can.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

Hi and welcome to LBT!

I live about 2 hours from you in SC and Savannah is one of our favorite places to visit! Your story sounds a lot like mine in a lot of ways. There is still a lot of work involved losing weight with the band, but I am hoping it will be much easier and not so much like a diet because I won't be hungry all the time! That is the hardest thing for me right now trying to eat better and lose before surgery - I am always hungry! Hope things move along quickly for you. I meet my doctor tomorrow and have all of my pre-op stuff done, so now it will just be a waiting game for me. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Since you have the support of a group pre-op and post you should do fine. I feel the key is support. For me, I had the same options with structured monthly support from my physician and his team(nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) this made things much easier. My physician, Dr. Raury O'Connell(new orleans) does not give you any options when it pertains to support groups--they are mandatory. I believe it is crucial for you to participate in them because you have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, issues, etc. with others who have been through the procedure and you are talking to and seeing for yourself "real people" and not testimonies from actors.