Hi there,

I'm new to this forum, and new to the entire lap band process I guess. I'm 23 years old, 5'5 1/2, and I weigh 261. I've always been a little "thick" but gained about 60 lbs in one year due to the Depo-Provera birth control shot. Being overweight is kind of accepted in African-American culture (as far as men go) , so at first I didn't mind, but my family is really unsupportive of my weight issue (name calling and nasty comments when I eat), and I recently found out that I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol so time for a change! I have my orientation tomorrow, and I'm really excited but a little nervous. Never had any kind of surgery before. Wish me luck!

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum, and new to the entire lap band process I guess. I'm 23 years old, 5'5 1/2, and I weigh 261. I've always been a little "thick" but gained about 60 lbs in one year due to the Depo-Provera birth control shot. Being overweight is kind of accepted in African-American culture (as far as men go) , so at first I didn't mind, but my family is really unsupportive of my weight issue (name calling and nasty comments when I eat), and I recently found out that I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol so time for a change! I have my orientation tomorrow, and I'm really excited but a little nervous. Never had any kind of surgery before. Wish me luck!

I am sorry that your family has to be sooooo mean about your weight. I know in a weird way they think they are helping you, but in fact they may be making you want to eat more. You may wanna speak with them, let them know that you are taking measures to become healthy again, but you dont need the unhealthy comments about your weight and what you eat. And that you will need support for the up coming year. Encouragement. I just got the lapband 11days ago, lost almost 8pds and doing great. I know what it means to be the big girl. I am white, but I always been teased that I am built like a black woman..lol I dont mind :tt1: So what I got a bootay! lol.. Anyway you are doing the right thing, make healthy choices, the surgury is easy.. but to get to that point you have a road ahead of you! I wish you the best!! :wub::confused: