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  • Username: Drakonna
  • Location: Anoka, MN, USA
  • Member Since: 7/18/2011
  • BMI: 33.1
  • Post Op
  • Surgery Type: VSG (07/12/12)
  • Surgeon: Thomas A. Jones, M.D.
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Goals

weigh 150 or LESS!!!

238 People
 in progress, 
49 People
 achieved this

Not worry about fitting in movie seats, booths, seat belts in cars or airplanes

11 People
 in progress, 
10 People
 achieved this

shock my friends and family back home!

25 People
 in progress, 
8 People
 achieved this

be able to ride a roller coaster without worrying about fitting in the seat.

232 People
 in progress, 
102 People
 achieved this
View The Goals Page
Member Interests

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     Highest Wt: 337 Surgery Wt: 320 Current Wt: 209
       

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My Story

I've been interested in getting WLS for a few years now. I didn't seriously consider it until my oldest brother got the Lapband in 09. He started out with a BMI of 50(which I then thought was a lot), then lost 130 lbs in one year. I was so proud of him. I knew he had to work hard and really keep track of his diet, but in the end he defeated his weight problem.

Three years down the road, I'm now at a BMI of 50, after years of trying to lose weight. Its like I'd work off 30, then gain 40... again and again, over and over.
My "fat" clothes no longer fit.(too small)
I'm having trouble sitting comfortably in chairs.
I'm too big to ride a rollercoaster.
I'm afraid to fly in an airplane to visit my family in TN because I know I'll hardly fit.

The hardest part about my weight came recently.

Last year I made the promise to myself to work the weight off and keep it off. I worked out an hour everyday, I only ate diet meals and shakes. I rarely had dessert. After 10 months and a lot of sweat and tears (and tummy grumbles) I lost 30 lbs. I thought "fine, so long as I'm losing weight, it doesn't matter how long it will take."
Then I started college.
I was homeschooled for highschool and was afraid that I could never get a college education with just a GED... Once I got into a community college, I was dedicated to do the best I can and work past my previous limitations and doubts. In that process, I lost track of exercising and what I was eating. I gained steady and quick, and am now at the biggest I have ever been. 

I'm ashamed at how big I am.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a revelation. Even though I've managed to conquer all my previous obstacles with little to no help, this is something I'm going to have to give in and see if I even could get help. 
I talked to my boyfriend first about my thoughts on getting lapband and he was very supportive. He knew a few people who had it and had very positive benefits from the procedure and the lifestyle. Encouraged, I went to talk to my family.
My dad, who is 6'6" and a string bean looked confused and just said, "Why don't you just try diet and exercise?"
My roommate told me I just wanted to take the easy way out and didn't want to work for results.
I received similar responses from several people regarding the matter.
So far the only people who really support my decision are my mom, an RN, and my wonderful, loving boyfriend, and a few coworkers who I had confided in during my previous weight loss and gains.
I can understand why some people would be doubtful about my decision to pursue more drastic measures to try losing weight. Some people who have never been big don't understand how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off. I also understand why some people would assume it's just taking the easy way out. They obviously haven't learned about how much work it is to adjust and to follow the post-op diet. It is a life changing step, but I am willing to give up my old habit of overeating and my stationary lifestyle to become a healthier, happier me.

I am going to get the lapband. I have just begun the intake process to enter into the bariatric program. I had my referral done by my PCP on 7-12-11, the initial informational seminar was luckily that same night. I mailed in my intake paperwork on 7-16-11 and am waiting for a call back to schedule the next step. I feel this is the right thing to do. I know I need to do a 6 month dietician approved diet before I can be covered by my insurance. This doesn't bother me. I'm excited to begin this new chapter in my life.