To anyone considering surgery

[Suzie]

I would highly recommend the surgery. Let me tell you why. Before surgery I was 222 lbs. 5 foot 5 inches, 55 years of age, diabetic for 10 years, high blood pressure for 16 years, high cholesterol for 5 years, depressed and on so much medication I was ready to give up. I did not have a weight problem as a young adult but gradually gained weight over the year. The last two years I put on 40 lbs. due to insulin. I was taking huge amounts of insulin, 150 units of 70/30 at night, 60 short acting with each meal and the weight kept coming on. My A1C was never good and I felt I was in a horrible battle that I could not win. I loved food, it ws the high point of my day. It was my best friend. It was the only thing that made me feel good for awhile and not matter how bad I felt i always managed to get to the food. Could I give it up? For me there was no choice. Either take this chance or die soon. I was sleeping all the time. I would go to work and collapse when I got home. I wanted to sleep all the time on the weekends and never wanted to do anything, except eat, never wanted to go anywhere anymore. The saddest thing of all is I was so content to just stay at home on the weekends and sleep. I guess I had given up on anything better. I had scheduled the surgery and then backed out because I was scared and the cost was going to come out of our pocket. My husband came to me shortly after I cancelled and told me he just watched a news report on lap band surgery and diabetics. One groiup of diabetic had the band, the other group did not. The death rate for the group that did not was 93% higher. He said I want you to do it. I did and it gave me back my life and I am only 5 weeks post op. Already I have seen such a difference. My energy level has doubled. I feel so good. I do not sleep all the time now. I want to go to the store now. I want to shop. I can only imagine what the next several months hold for me. I hope this helps someone.

[Sassy]

Suzie,

You go girl, I'm proud of you. I'm scheduled for my band next Thursday the 7th. Your story helps with all the apprehension I'm experiencing. I'd like to chat off site if you are willing. If so, please e-mail me to let me know. Thanks, and keep up the good work. =D>

[terbear]

Hi there,,this is terbear,,,,are you going to TJ for your banding? It is just great!!! I was banded only last month on the 4th,,,already down 23lbs,,,,good luck in your journey

terri :-h

[Kari]

I would highly recommend the surgery. Let me tell you why. Before surgery I was 222 lbs. 5 foot 5 inches, 55 years of age, diabetic for 10 years, high blood pressure for 16 years, high cholesterol for 5 years, depressed and on so much medication I was ready to give up. I did not have a weight problem as a young adult but gradually gained weight over the year. The last two years I put on 40 lbs. due to insulin. I was taking huge amounts of insulin, 150 units of 70/30 at night, 60 short acting with each meal and the weight kept coming on. My A1C was never good and I felt I was in a horrible battle that I could not win. I loved food, it ws the high point of my day. It was my best friend. It was the only thing that made me feel good for awhile and not matter how bad I felt i always managed to get to the food. Could I give it up? For me there was no choice. Either take this chance or die soon. I was sleeping all the time. I would go to work and collapse when I got home. I wanted to sleep all the time on the weekends and never wanted to do anything, except eat, never wanted to go anywhere anymore. The saddest thing of all is I was so content to just stay at home on the weekends and sleep. I guess I had given up on anything better. I had scheduled the surgery and then backed out because I was scared and the cost was going to come out of our pocket. My husband came to me shortly after I cancelled and told me he just watched a news report on lap band surgery and diabetics. One groiup of diabetic had the band, the other group did not. The death rate for the group that did not was 93% higher. He said I want you to do it. I did and it gave me back my life and I am only 5 weeks post op. Already I have seen such a difference. My energy level has doubled. I feel so good. I do not sleep all the time now. I want to go to the store now. I want to shop. I can only imagine what the next several months hold for me. I hope this helps someone.

Suzie

Your post could have been written by me except I am a stay at home mom. Half the time I wouldn't even bother getting dressed. I too felt that I either take a chance on the band or die. Not only from a health point of view, but I hated myself so much, I was on the brink of suicide. I was banded in July and so far I have lost 41 pounds and feel great. Good luck with your journey.

[Suzie]

Suzie

Your post could have been written by me except I am a stay at home mom. Half the time I wouldn't even bother getting dressed. I too felt that I either take a chance on the band or die. Not only from a health point of view, but I hated myself so much, I was on the brink of suicide. I was banded in July and so far I have lost 41 pounds and feel great. Good luck with your journey.

Hello Kari, I just got your reply. I have been out of town for a few days. I am so happy for you. I will be so glad to see 41 lbs. gone. This is the first time in my life I feel hope that I will be thinner and not gain it back. Has it made a big difference in your life?