Hi Everyone!

My name is Jennifer and I have been researching lap band/gastric bypass for years. I have been heavy my whole life. The first time I remember feeling fat was when I was in the third grade. I have always been at least 50 pounds overweight and right now I am about 150 pounds from where I need to be. I have traveled a long road to make the decision to finally have lap band surgery. I have been successful on diets before (espically Atkins) but have had trouble keeping the weight off. My hope is that the lap band will be another tool to help me maintain weight loss. I began pre-op "stuff" with VCU and Dr. Maher in April. I went for the initial consultation and psych eval on April 3. Dr. Maher wanted me to lose 21 pounds before scheduling the surgery. I did this easily within a month and now have a surgery date of June 25th. I am going in for pre-op "stuff" on June 17th with my liquid diet beginning on June 11th. I am a teacher, so this is perfect timing. I am most excited about being active again. I used to show horses and want to buy another horse and start that hobby again. Also, my partner and I want to learn how to kayak (we live right near the Maury River). I would love to hear any advice, stories, etc.!!

Jennifer

Welcome Jennifer,

You are well on your way to a new you. Just keep in mind that exercise is important. Start slow at first if that works for you but be sure to move around. I started exercising about a month in a half ago and now the scale is moving, I'm feeling good and I've got a lot more energy. It took me a while to find out that if I get off the sofa, and walk or jog that I can lose weight (it takes some longer than others). I've been a slow loser but now that is changing. You will do fine. Keep me posted. Best of Luck!

Congrats on the Band date, Jennifer! And on getting right to what you needed to do to improve your health. :confused_smile:

Being Banded was the best thing I've done for ME is a very long time... I live in Williamsburg, am a stay-at-home mom of 2, & I'm 15 months out from my surgery -- down about 110 of my apx 200 excess pounds. Remember, the Lap Band is only a tool & not a magic pill. You have to work WITH it, not against it. The new way of eating is an adjustment, and any exercise at all is a real life style change for me, but I have NO regrets at all. My world is opening up again in ways I hadn't even realized were closed. In fact, I have just started back to college for those last few courses between me & my Bachelors. For the summer semester, my class meets at Meadowbrook High up in Richmond. Anyhow, I noticed your post & just wanted to welcome you to LapBandTalk.

I wish you much success! Good luck with your Band!