I am introducing myself-- my name is Vanessa, and I am going to have the lap band on 9/28/09 at NYU with Dr. Christine Ren. Things happened pretty quick for me b/c I'm a bit of an insider (work at NYU)-- so I just saw everyone today in the office, start the liquid diet tomorrow and a week from Monday-- surgery.

I've been doing my research and am very excited and positive about the band, but still have some reservations-- who wouldn't it is surgery, right?

I am very motivated and excited to finally get my weight under control after so many years.

I am 5'4 (though they measured me at 5'3, if I stand up tall, I am 5'4 to 5'4.5 !) and 193.6 pounds-- which puts me at a BMI of 34 ish. Cannot wait to see those numbers go down...

I am one of those 'lower BMI' surgery candidates-- which means I am self-pay, but I cannot think of a better investment in my health and my life.

I am looking forward to following my instructions down to the letter and doing great with the surgery. Looking forward to getting to know all of you as well.

This was the first day of the rest of my life....

So typical of a yo-yo dieter... couldn't even commit to a goal in my signature!

I would fantasize about getting down to the 120's sometime in the future... my surgeon thinks it is possible for me.

Right now, I have to 'eat the elephant'-- and how do you do that: 'one bite at a time.'

This surgery will be a tool that I can use to help me, and I will need to put in the work. I just am hopeful that it will make things possible for me... I am ready to commit to the changes necessary, so long as the band will help with hunger feelings and satiety.

I believe the journey of a lifetime is starting!!