Hey everybody! My name is Amber and Im a 34 year old (soon to be 35 in December) and this is my first time posting here. I've been reading alot of information on lap-band and just recently found out that the insurance that we will be switching to in January will cover the surgery. I have an appt with my primary care doctor on Monday to get started on the 6 month physician led diet. Im bummed that I will have to wait 6 months- im ready to do this NOW!

I used to be very, very active until my junior year in HS when I hurt my knee. I kept eating the way I used to but being inactive really made the weight packing on. When I got married 7 years ago, I was 225- then I got pg with twin boys who were born at 26 weeks. My first born son, Colin, who weighed 1 lb 13 oz passed away at 3 days old. Twin B- Drew, who weighed 1 lb 11 oz was in the NICU for 109 days. So naturally, I've been dealing with depression since that time but it wasnt until I got pg with my 3rd son and delivered him that I REALLY started gaining weight. I had PPD pretty bad after Ryan was born and all of the weight that I lost post pregnancy I gained back plus I've added 20 lbs. Right now- Im at my most miserable at 274 lbs.

Like most of you, I've tried dieting and it doesnt work for me. I get really motivated but life gets in the way and I jsut cant do it on my own. I feel like WLS is going to be THE RIGHT TOOL for me to help me get back to who I used to be. I need to be a good wife to my husband who has been incredibly supportive (he is also overweight but he can lose 75 lbs in 4-5 months on WW while Im struggling to lose 10 during that same time period) and a better mom to my kids. I long for the day that Im not ashamed of myself to get out and go to the park with them, or Im not too tired to kick the soccer ball with them, or too uncomfortable to get on the floor and play trains with them. I dont want them to be embarassed because they have a fat mom.

Thanks for having me here!

Amber

Welcome Amber, and happy early b-day.

I can relate to your story, I too was very active in jr. high and high school. After I got married and had a family I lost myself. It makes me want to cry to see how big I've gotten. I have my band date this next Wednesday the 25th, and this time it's all about ME. I was at the beginning of my process not to long ago, it went fast. I know right now it seems so far away, but it will be here before you know it. Good luck and let me know how you're doing.:thumbup:

How exciting for you Mel! Good luck with your surgery!!!!

Hello Amber,

I'm in Austin as well...well Leander actually. But close enough. I was banded on Tuesday. Like you, had kiddos and got lost in the process of providing for the family and all that other stuff. I've managed to get to a size 20....in the past 10 years.

And now its time to take control of this....

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and its too bad you have to go 6 months but believe, the time will fly by VERY quickly.

Im in Leander too! :thumbup: What doctor did your surgery?

Dr esquivel

I'm new (banded Nov. 16) and from Austin and 30 years old. Sounds like we have a lot in common! So far, the worst part for me has been the swelling in the bottom of my esophagus that feels like I'm being strangled. That, and I already miss food quite a lot. Good luck, ladies. We're not alone!

Welcome :thumbup:

Hey all! I'm 29 and in Austin...Amber, who is doing your surgery?

I'm new (banded Nov. 16) and from Austin and 30 years old. Sounds like we have a lot in common! So far, the worst part for me has been the swelling in the bottom of my esophagus that feels like I'm being strangled. That, and I already miss food quite a lot. Good luck, ladies. We're not alone!

Hi there!

I'm in Austin too and I have my surgery date scheduled for Dec 28th with Dr. Fass. I'm wondering how your experience has been so far? I've been hearing and talking to many who have not been very happy with their decision to have the lapband and now I'm wondering if I've made the right decision. Do you attend any local support groups?

I hope it is going well for you:laugh:

Susan

Restless Native, who is your doctor? We should all get together! We all have alot in common and could support each other.

Susan - Dr Fass is my surgeon. He's an excellent surgeon. I have been very successful with the band, so it was the right choice for me. I would be happy to talk with you... What part of Austin are you both in?

Hi!

Thanks for your reply. I live in the Great Hills/Arboretum area. What about you? I'm curious to find out about your surgery experience. When do you get your first fill? Are you feeling hungry? How bad was the post-op pain? I know I should jump at this opportunity--especially because I have insurance approval, but I've talked with many who have had the band and are either hungry and can't get in their basic nutrition or are throwing up daily.

Where do you live? I'd love to talk with you!

Take care,

Susan

HI there! I live in the Great Hills/Arborteum area. Where do you live?

Have you had your first fill yet? Are you hungry?

I'd love to talk with you to find out more about your experience. Do you attend any support groups?

Thanks,

Susan

Hi Susan!

I live West, but work Central and can pretty much meet you anywhere. I'll send you a private message with my email address. Do you work? If so, what's your work schedule?

I have not been a regular member of support groups but that's something I will start in the new year. I can explain to you more about that in person. I have been banded since March of 2008, so I can share LOTS with you about the whole experience from a bandster perspective, good and bad. Hope all is going well.

Hillary

Susan,

To be honest, I think it depends on the person, regarding the pain. I thought I would be in so much pain after the surgery, based on some others I know at my job who got the lap band. But I did really well afterward.

As for throwing up, I haven't yet. I'm at the point now...that I'm able to eat food but I know I want to eat more than I should. Its been hard but I'm doing pretty good. Its basically up to you on how your going to approach it and how serious you want to lose weight w/ the lap band. I get my first fill on the 29th....so that will help curb the hunger feeling soon.

I havent had my surgery yet. I just finished my 1st month of the doctor led weight loss program- which I didnt do well at at all. I will hopefully meet with the surgeon after the first of the year since that is when my insurance kicks in for WLS. Im probably going to go with Dr. Bridget Brady.