Hello everyone! My name is Dianne aka skeeterbait8 and I've made up my mind that it is time for a change in my life that will be here to stay.

I atteneded a seminar last week and liked what I heard. Now it is time to really get serious with putting back some extra $$ so that I can take the second step toward getting my band. I know that it will only be a tool to use, but one that will help me more than anything else has ever done.

I'm now 54 years YOUNG. Married, 3 grown kids, 2 grandsons, 2 step kids and 2 step grand kids. Other than my husband and family my other great love of my life is riding my ATV. That is the one thing that I refuse to let my "size" put a stop to. My age will get me off of "Miss Kitty" before my weight does. (I ride an Arctic Cat)

I'm here to vow to the world that I'm commited to doing what it takes to shed the pounds off my body before it kills me. Funny how I've found that I can ride 50-60 miles a day on an ATV but I can't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like my lungs and heart are going to burst. If I don't make a change now my health is going to get to the point that I can't do anything.

I've not gotten up the nerve to get on the scales but if I had to guess I'd say that right now, at this moment I'm in the 280 range. I'm only 5'6" so that is a lot to carry on me. I don't want to be "skinny", just healthy and fit.

Well, that's a start on who I am and what I want to do. I'm glad that I've found this group.

Welcome skeeter, glad you found us too!

I had crippling back pain for years when I had decided to get the surgery. My PT told me to use a scooter when I go in public, but being that I was only 20 and too proud, I refused.. happy to say not only a few months post-op and about 60lbs down.. my back pain completely went away! The band saved me :thumbup: