Hi all,

I'm a 43 year old NICU nurse from Arkansas. I didn't really have

serious weight problems until I was pregnant with my oldest son. I was never able to get the weight off, and over the years have added even more. No diet has worked for me, with the exception of phen-fen. I won't look in mirrors because I hate the way I look. I've wasted too much time being miserable. I've started to seriously look into getting the lap band. I went to a seminar last night in Texarkana and am going to another tomorrow in Little Rock. Hopefully I'll be on my way to a new life soon.

Good luck, tink4me. That's the way I got started too. I think it was very helpful to go to more than one seminar to compare different practices.

Thanks kiz,

One of my close friends also wants to get banded, so she's going to the seminar with me tomorrow. Have you had any complications or problems since you got banded?

tink4me, Welcome! My daughter is a NICU nurse! She's 21 years old, graduated last year and loves her job.

Congratulations on taking the first step to a new you. Your story sounds very much like mine and I noticed we are the same age. There are so many inspiring people and success stories on this site.

Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

I was banded on 10 Feb 2009. The best decision I have made and would recommend it to everyone. Ok, well not everyone! If you have your head together and you want it for the right reasons not because someone else wants you to do it, then it will work. Someone wiser than I said it so well, food does not taste as good as thin feels. I have lost 32 since 22 Dec 2008 and have a long ways to go, but that just feels so good to have lost 32 pounds! Yup, you need to seriously look into it, it is easy to do, recovery is quick and the support from all the people here is the best! Good luck, keep us posted.

Thanks Suzanne,

I was your daughter's age when I first started out as a nurse. How quickly after your band did you start to lose weight? Have you had any problems?

Thanks kiz,

One of my close friends also wants to get banded, so she's going to the seminar with me tomorrow. Have you had any complications or problems since you got banded?

That's great that you have a friend going with you. If you both end up getting banded, it's so helpful to have someone close by to chat with.

I've had my band almost six months, and I haven't had any problems. I am so happy with my band. It takes work on our part too, but I could have lost this weight so quickly on my own. I have a very stubborn metabolism, and weight loss comes hard for me. With the band, my hunger has been greatly curtailed, and I'm able to stay satisfied on so much less food. Have I mentioned I love my band? :thumbup:

Tink, I started losing weight 2 weeks PRIOR to surgery when I was on my pre-op diet.

I don't want to misslead you, some on here have struggled, but I have to say, it pretty much melted off me with very little effort on my part and after 76 pounds, I'm at a plateau. Sooo, I've started exercising and have developed a newfound love for running. I never thought I'd be one of those "crazies" who LOVE exercise, but dang it, this running stuff is fun. I doubt it would have been fun when I was heavier though, even getting dressed was hard for me then.

I went to my seminar as moral support for my brother and ended up, I got the surgery and he didn't (insurance issues). I feel alwful about that, but hoping he'll find a new job with ins that will pay.

You've come to the best possible place for info and support. I'm so excited for you!

I got my band on the 13th in Shreveport. Went to my first post op doctor's appointment today and lost 17 pounds in 13 days and I feel great. So far I am glad I did it.