Hello all.

I'm a 31 y/o, 242 lb stay at home mom of two. Because I'm a SAHM, I never leave my house other than to go to church. And even on Sundays I look for reasons to stay home. Because of my weight I have pretty much become a hermit, looking for any excuse not to go out and have people look at me. So, over the past year I have researched and made the decision to move forward with a lapband.

I am now currently going through the 6 months of supervised diet needed by my insurance company in order to have my lapband covered. So far, in the past two weeks, I've lost 5 pounds which is huge. I haven't lost any weight in years.

So here I am, hoping to meet friends and find some support on my journey to a new me. I have been enjoying the forums, and I hope to talk to some of you soon!

Hi and glad you're here! I'm sorry I'm not up to date on all the lingo..what does SAHM mean? I know what you mean about feeling people looking at you. Don't worry, you are taking steps so that won't last much longer and then they'll be looking at you because you look so GREAT! -Peggy

I think she meant "stay at home Mom" although my first thought was single adult Hispanic male." I need to stay away from the personal ads.

CC, welcome. I bet if you got out more you would see how many fat people there are out there. You certainly wouldn't stand out. Congratulations on a great start on your pre op diet.

Yes, SAHM = Stay at Home Mom.

I know that most of America is considered obese, but still, its the way it affects ME, know what I mean? I need to learn to love myself, not just get this weight off.

My three year old and I have this new thing. She sits on my lap facing me, and we throw our hands up in the air, and we say "I'm BEAUTIFUL! I'm SMART! I'm FUNNY!" and then we give each other a big hug. And saying that over and over again, I'm beautiful, I'm smart, I'm funny, has really started making a difference. It started when we brought her home from the hospital when she was born, everyone said she's so beautiful, and my best friend, her God Mother, would say "and smart and funny!" everytime someone said she was beautiful.

But I want to instill in her while she's young, no matter what, she is beautiful, she is so smart, and she is hilarious. And I want her to BELIEVE that. So I'm trying to take my own words to heart.

Thank you for my welcome, and I hope I get a chance to chat with you more.