Let the Journey Begin...

Okay, so I am here because I have been reading several bandster blogs and am intrigued to share my journey in hopes that I will serve as a example for someone else. My lap-band is scheduled to take place on June 17th, 2007 and I can not wait. My husband, Andy had it done last September and has lost 95lbs. It has changed our lives. Don't get it twisted, at 293 lbs (my highest weight in the past 6 months) I know I am beautiful, I can keep up with my children and manage 12 hours shifts on my feet as a nurse. I also attend school full-time, however,with my family, their love for me has been conditional, and I want to prove to them, and myself that I CAN succeed at weight loss.


I began eating for comfort in the 9th grade. My step dad had stopped speaking to me at the age of 7, and entering high school on top of living with a man who acted as if he could not stand the site of you was DETRIMENTAL. I remember eating as well as hoarding, food in my room. When I graduated high school I was in a 18/20 without the W behind it. After high school, I went to Weight Watchers and dropped 100 lbs.I was 8 lbs from goal weight and was wearing a 10/12 to 13/14 and stopped going. I gained it back within 6 months. I had my first son and got divorced and with the help of Phen-fen I lost 70 lbs. But with children #2 and 3, I was not so fortunate, especially because these were both c-sections. Up until my 30's I have been yo-yo dieting, but could always jump on Atkins and lose 25-30 lbs. But each time I jumped on, when I jumped off, my weight would continue to climb. When I turned 30, even Atkins was unsuccessful in helping the weight to move. Now that I am in school, my sedentary lifestyle has caused an even larger increase in my weight, I went to Six Flags with my children and could not fit on one of the rides. That was my "pivotal" moment. It was then that I decided I must re-submit my information to try and get approved for the banding. Three months before, I had been denied. I re-submitted my paperwork and my husband stayed on the girl at the insurance office. Within two weeks, I had my appointment. I could not believe it.! I started the pre-op diet yesterday, but the hospital I worked at kept me very busy. I ate my two protein shakes and my lean cuisine. Today, was a bit slower and I found myself concentrating on food all day long. I had my two shakes, a lean cuisine, 2 cups of broth, sugar free Popsicles and some egg drop soup, without the drops. LOL. I also had two crab Rangoon. Do you see where this is going? I am just eager for tommorow to begin, so that I can put today behind me. My husband states that I am doing fantastic. He is part of the reason why I never realized how big I have gotten, because throughout our ten years, he has told me I am the most beautiful woman ever. He told me he cheated a little here and there during pre-op and it made me feel a ton better. I am hoping for a brighter tomorrow Until next time....bring on the band...