Allow me to introduce myself.

Hello my name is Andy, I am from the Tacoma, Washington area.

A brief history.........

Was in bad health, back hurting, high BP 160/100. I am 6'4'' and have always been big. Senior year of high school I hit the scales at 300. Being this tall with a large build I always could "carry it well". I was at the Dr. for bp pills and a beta blocker when he told me about the lap band. I was interested, went to the seminar with my wife and I was hooked. BUt.....17,000 USD ouch. Checked with the insurance - DENIED. I still did not know what I wieghed but I knew I was at least 380. I was able to get a loan on my 401K, drain my savings and my great mother-in-law kicked in the rest. I called and scheduled my consult. When I got to the office I hit the scale @ 468. 468? What? Even putting this into words hurt. How did I let myself get to this? Well, I scheduled myself for the band. Went on medi-fast for 2 weeks. That stuff sucks!! But I did it and lost about 15lbs. Had my surgery on 4/15/08. Went well. Dr. Neal is amazing and so is his staff.:confused_smile:

Since the surgery I am always hungry but I think 468 no way. I am at the gym everyday and will only eat my small meals. It is a little better since my fill but I feel like I could still eat a horse. I cheat every now and then but NOTHING like before. Went to the Dr. today and I am in a good mood. I am down 48 lbs, my bp is 120/70 and I am down 1 pant size.

You guys know how hard it is and having no peers I had to reach out to someone.

I am sure when I started this I was the fattest guy in the world, I am changing, soon I might not be.

AP

((hug))

Welcome!! You are doing AWESOME on your weight loss, and great job on your progress so far. Don't be too hard on yourself, my friend!

If you'd like, come on over to the April lapbanders on yahoo (in my sig). Lots of us on there to support you :confused_smile:

Andy

You think your alone, NOT

I'm 6'4" 464lbs and very active for my size.

I was 495ish before I started this journey.

I'm two days into the opti-fast and my surgery is scheduled for June 2, Monday. Congrats on your success! It sounds like the weight is falling off. I'm in Central Florida

$17,000.00 out of the pocket

Jimmy

June 2nd will be here soon. Yeah, I am loosing rather fast. Nice to hear from a kindred spirit. Since I am a little ahead of you, let me know if you have any questions, or need to chat.

AP

Hey my initials are AP too! Congrats on your success so far. You made the decision to save your life, a lot of us did.

Must be close by if you went to NWWLS.

AP

Yeah I live in Everett right outside Mukilteo off the Muk BLVD

I live in Gig Harbor. I am glad we are now having spring!!

AP

Allow me to introduce myself.

Hello my name is Andy, I am from the Tacoma, Washington area.

A brief history.........

Was in bad health, back hurting, high BP 160/100. I am 6'4'' and have always been big. Senior year of high school I hit the scales at 300. Being this tall with a large build I always could "carry it well". I was at the Dr. for bp pills and a beta blocker when he told me about the lap band. I was interested, went to the seminar with my wife and I was hooked. BUt.....17,000 USD ouch. Checked with the insurance - DENIED. I still did not know what I wieghed but I knew I was at least 380. I was able to get a loan on my 401K, drain my savings and my great mother-in-law kicked in the rest. I called and scheduled my consult. When I got to the office I hit the scale @ 468. 468? What? Even putting this into words hurt. How did I let myself get to this? Well, I scheduled myself for the band. Went on medi-fast for 2 weeks. That stuff sucks!! But I did it and lost about 15lbs. Had my surgery on 4/15/08. Went well. Dr. Neal is amazing and so is his staff.:eek:

Since the surgery I am always hungry but I think 468 no way. I am at the gym everyday and will only eat my small meals. It is a little better since my fill but I feel like I could still eat a horse. I cheat every now and then but NOTHING like before. Went to the Dr. today and I am in a good mood. I am down 48 lbs, my bp is 120/70 and I am down 1 pant size.

You guys know how hard it is and having no peers I had to reach out to someone.

I am sure when I started this I was the fattest guy in the world, I am changing, soon I might not be.

AP

Hi Andy!

The good news is that you have taken control of your life. Congratulations on the 48 pounds lost and gone forever! Your blood pressure looks so much better too! Within 3 weeks I was off my blood pressure meds and the doctor also had to adjust my thyroid medication. It is most wonderful

that the weight loss has made me feel better. When you need support or have a question check in here and ask away. We are all in this together and we are here for each other.