lunalady Posted May 19, 2009 Report Share Posted May 19, 2009 So, I've made my decision to get lap band surgery. I have a friend who was banded almost three years ago; I see her at least every other week and I've seen the many positive changes that she's gone through since her surgery. And I'm not talking just the obvious physical changes, but also the mental, emotional and psychological changes, too. I've been thinking about doing this since Linda had hers done, but for one reason or another, I kept putting it off... Let me give you a little bit of background on myself. My birthday was last week and I turned 49. I'm 5'9.5" and I weigh 283 pounds. I started having babies at 20 and there hasn't been a day since then (almost 30 years now) that I was under 200. I think I *might* have seen 210 for about two hours close to 15 years ago, but that's about it. I've probably lost and gained the same 50-60 pounds about twenty times now. Everyone in my family is big. I'm the oldest of three sisters and all of us are extremely overweight. I've always been big and I *absolutely* cannot wait until I *don't* see myself as being big when I look in the mirror. Now that I have started the ball rolling (I've taken some money out of my 401K and I'm waiting to receive the check), I've discovered this forum and it's made me stop and think about the things that I'm *really* looking forward to, once I have some of this weight off: Like...tying my shoes the 'normal' way, instead of having to use my pant leg to pull my ankle up to my other knee so that I can even *reach* my shoes. Oh, and don't even *think* about having your pants zipped up for this one...they need to be un-zipped so you can bend down enough to reach! It's either that or wear slip-on shoes! Like...not feeling like an orangutan when I'm in the tub...my boobies hang to my tummy and my tummy hangs to my knees. Like...not letting food dictate what I'm going to do that day...you know, what I'm gonna have for breakfast and then what I'll have for lunch with the girls, and we can go to '_________' and I can have '_______'. Seems like my life revolves around my 'dates' with food! Like...feeling comfortable enough with my body that I can wear shorts again. Like...not having to wear 3X pantyhose. Even Queen-size pantyhose will be an improvement! Like...walking into a room full of strangers and not feeling like everyone is making fun of how big I am. Like...not *having* to shop at Lane Bryant for new clothes. It would be nice to *enjoy* clothes shopping at some point. Like...actually looking forward to moving my body, instead of dreading exercise. Now, I know that this is a life-long journey and it's not going to be easy. I'm perfectly okay with that. I'd be stupid to think of it any other way. I just know in my heart that *this* is what I need to do, for me, right now. I'll have help from you guys here (I've already learned a TON from you!) and I'll have personal help from Linda, who can walk me through everything. In fact, she's going with me when I get my surgery. Am I excited? You bet! Am I scared? Of course! Am I ready for my new life? Without a doubt!! Look out world, here I come!! Hugs, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsParris Posted May 19, 2009 Report Share Posted May 19, 2009 Good luck!!! It is not an easy journey, but I am enjoying the ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BellCurveBabe Posted May 19, 2009 Report Share Posted May 19, 2009 I had lost all hope after failing fad diet after fad diet. When I finally made the decision to go ahead with the surgery I felt exactly like you. This is a new lease on life and we will use it to our advantage!!! Best of luck to you. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nothereanymore Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Sooo cute!! I love your post!! And it’s odd to think that I use to be where you are starting out now. It does change everything - been awesome and I'm soo excited for you! Congrats on your decision, sometimes it’s hard to give up our old selves and it can be a bit scary. (But let me tell you.... It’s awesome)!!! Sounds like you have my old body; you’re a couple of years older than I am and a couple of inches taller. Weight, you’re just a little bit heavier than me. (275 was my weighted high but at 5'6" we were most likely close to the same size). Girl, you’ve got some big changes coming your way! (and smaller size clothes….) All the best! Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arianna Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 The excitement begins now and will continue way after your surgery. and you are so right, it's those little things that will change your life. It's going to be tough and will require work, but it's worth every minute of it. I got banded in Feb and it's made such a huge difference in my life. Haven't lost the weight as fast I'd like but that doesn't matter. I can focus on other things, not just food. Whenever I'd go out with my friends the first thing I'd do was browse the menu and order appetizers before everyone even arrived. now I go and have great conversation and laugh and joke and food's not even on my mind. I'll order a meal, eat a quarter of it, and bag the rest of it. that never used to happen. Good luck with it all and yes this forum is awesome. we're all here for you. Arianna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelaAnn Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Great post! I am so happy for you and it is amazing that you already have the support in the form of a friend with a band. I wish I did--Congrats on your decision! My weight is coming off slowly, but it's coming off! I love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lunalady Posted May 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Ladies, thank you *all* so very much for the replies and the well-wishes! It is *so* nice to be able to be absolutely truthful about my weight issues. It used to be that I would NEVER tell anyone how much I weighed, because I was so self-concious of how high that little number on the scale was. What I'm discovering is that *my* life is going to be lived...not dictated to by that little (okay, by that BIG) number on the scale! I'm *even* thinking about getting a treadmill or an exercise bike for when the weather is ugly outside. Now don't any of you pass out because I've had a healthy thought or anything! Seriously, though...thank you so very much for the inspiration I've found here when I've read your stories. It really does fill me with hope! Hugs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhawkchick75 Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Welcome! You will find a lot of support here! Can't wait to see your progress! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbynnoel Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 ((((((((((((((((((Luna Lady))))))))))))))))) I'm looking forward to fitting comfortably in an airline seat & Fitting comfortably into a ride at an amusement park & Fitting comfortably into a seat in a movie theatre & Fitting comfortably into a seat in a major league ball park & Fitting comfrotably into a seat in a football areana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lunalady Posted May 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 How about being able to do our own pedicures, because we can *finally* reach our feet comfortably!! Woo-hooo!!! Can't *wait* for THAT one! Hugs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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