Hi, Please allow me to introduce myself to a place where I can relate to many and many can relate to me.

My name is Caryn which does not sound like Karen, it sounds like Cuh-rin.

I weigh 265 and I am 5'7.

I have battled my weight since I was a little kid. I went to fat camp in 4th grade, and I have tried to diet ever since. I guess it has not worked.

I am 33 and have a super hot loving husband, and 5 beautiful children ranging from 6mths-7yrs old.

Two of my children are on the Autism Spectrum, and through them I have recognized that we all have special needs.

A few months ago I went to a seminar about the lapband. I thought, what if I shell out money, and my insurance does not cover the rest? Then I decided to try to diet one more time unsuccessfully.

Recently, my father fell ill. During this time he felt the fear that I might lose him, and my children might lose me before growing up due to me being overweight. So in an act of kindness and caring he decided he wanted to pay for any amount that my insurance would not pay in order for me to get banded.

I am currently waiting for an appointment to persue the next step in the process, and I am excited to finally have something that will truly help me with portion control, losing weight, and that I may be able to jump on the trampoline with my kids someday.

If you have read this far, thank you, and I look forward to getting to know you all.

Caryn:wink_smile:

Thank you, I have chatted a bit already, and have learned a lot. Caryn

I am, was also 265 5'6 and was banded on 11/5/08. I was terrified but this has really been a piece of cake. I think having a really great doctor and follow-up care helps. My doctor is Dr. Belott in LA and his nurse had the surgery several years ago and their follow up care is second to none. I have read questions on hear from people who have no idea what to expect about diet , exercise ,the procedure, ect. My doctor is so thorough about info. I feel like I could have my own website and answer everyone's questions and im just starting out. Knowledge is power and my doctor gives me so much information that it has made this experience much easier. Research and find someone you feel comfortable with and that has an extended background in bariatric surgery. I am down 25 pounds and feel great. My 1st. fill is today.