Hi. I am new to the forum. I am in the process of getting scheduled for LapBand® surgery. I am currently 279 w/ BMI 0f 40. I am diabetic and hypertensive. I know this is the right thing for me to do. I have tried other weight loss methods, and they just don't work for me. My loving wife is 100% supportive. I have friends & coworkers who are also supportive. I haven't had a single negative comment from anyone that I have chosen to share this decision with.

Am I a little bit nervous about it... sure. I know what it is like to recover from surgery. I also know that it means I am going to have to make a change in my lifestyle... But I knew I needed to do that before... I just never had the strength to do it on my own. I just see this as a help to do what I needed to do anyway. I want to be around as long as possible for my family. AND.... I would like to have a little better quality of life in the meantime. I am tired of having to let out all my breath to bend over and tie my shoes!! Of my feet always hurting at the end of the day. Of not being able to find my size clothes in just any store I go to.

I know I may have setbacks and some unpleasant days. So what... I have some unpleasant days now dealing with this weight and diabetes. I really hope I can get off some of the meds I have to be on for diabetes and hypertension. If I can get off insulin, I will truly REJOICE!!!

SO, I am moving forward to get this done. Once I get some pix taken, I'll post the before's and later on the after's. I chose the Sarge avatar, cause I think he is about my shape... later... maybe I'll change it, when the pant size changes sufficiently! LOL For now, I'm just looking for a new beginning.

Hello Ben! Welcome to LBT. It's so great to hear from someone with a family that is so supportive. I wish you the best on your journey

Welcome, Ben! This is a great site for information, encouragement and support. Good luck on your journey and keep posting so we know how you are doing.

I am very happy for you. I have my surgery scheduled for July 14, 08. Don't get frustrated when you go into the initial class and they give you a huge list of things required. This will take you no time to complete. I am not sure how long your insurance will require you to be on a supervised diet, but the doctor will most likely require at least six weeks. It will go back super fast. Keep us posted on how things are going. Welcome to the forum, bandster buddy!

Hi again all. Well, here I am several days later. Making progress. I have my Nutrition counseling appointment this afternoon. My psyche eval is next week. I have taken my "before" pictures (no I will not be posting them on the web). I may take a new "before" picture for that purpose, but I will have a shirt on!! Anyway, I think there is no problem with the insurance. So it's just a matter of getting through the process.

I have found a couple of people here that have had the procedure, and all I have heard so far in my discussions with different people, and investigation on the web is positive. So!! Onward and DOWNward :biggrin: (weightwise, that is). :thumbup:

Hey! how do I get one of those ticker things to put on my posts?? I like the idea of being able to see progress at somepoint.

Thanks all for the encouragment!

thanks Brandy! I know I am really blessed in having support from my wife. She is such a SWEETIE!!