Hello Friends!

I started this Lap Band journey November of 2005.  I had looked into getting a breast augmentation and was told I was not eligible for surgery due to my weight. It was not surprizing to me but so hurtful as the surgon in question was very abrupt to tell me no and quick to direct me to getting weight loss surgery. He couldent even look me in the eye during the consultation. After that experience, and looking at all of my Dear Diary entries (since I was around six years old) I decided it was time for a change.  I had suffered with morbid obesity for years and obesity since age 9.  Every year I prayed I would change for the better and even at my highest weight of 400lbs senior year of HS I tried to lose the weight. But I was always hungry and was an excellent cook so you know I had issues losing the weight.  In early 2005 I was so busy working and doing Atkins I lost 115lbs and felt great. But as most of us know this was temporary. I soon was blessed with a better job but it was sedendary and got less busy. My second attempt at Atkins was a bust and make me quite ill. I regained at least 75% of the weight back.  I realized that I yo-yo'ed with 75 lbs at a time over several months and I had an issue. So after the no go with the augmenation I took a good look in the mirror and said no more. No more whining, no more embarassment, no more sitting on the sidelines, no more size 28 to size 32 clothing, no more feeling sorry for myself, no more wishing. I asked my two friends that had the band done who their surgeons were and went from there. I went to Dr. Speigel's seminar Nov. of 2006 and decided that this was right for me. I changed insurance to UHC 01/07 and got approved 01/17. My surgery is Feb. 14, 2007. I did my research and know Im making the best decision for me. As well Im ready to LIVE. I have suffered long enough and I see the future if I keep the weight on. I look at my family and parents as examples. I dont want to be on any extra medications, and I believe this can be prevented with a good dose of weight loss and lifestyle change. Wish me Blessings on my journey and Blessings to those that are starting on this journey as well.

Kitten