Highest 301 7/11/2006

298 8/29/2006 Pre-Op

293 9/11/2006 Date of surgery

281 9/26/2006

273.5 10/18/2006

269 11/15/2006

264.5 12/12/2006 Weighed @ Support Mtg.

252 6/12/2007 - Going slow but still losing.

245 12/5/2007

I have always been a thick girl, but when I had that surgery in March 2006 that was so drastic for a 23 year old, the scales plummet higher and higher and higher. I had a hysterectomy and was devasted for at least 2 years following. I fell into such a depression. I would binge eat and just feel sorry for myself. After a couple visits to a therapist, I was better with dealing with the fact I would never have children of my own.

I have tried different diets over the last 8 years. Optifast/Medifast, Atkins, LA Weightloss, Phen-fen, Beachbody Power 90, 6 Week Body Makeover, and always exercising. I know what to eat, but when I'm eating right and exercising and not seeing any progress, I get discourage and give up.

June 10th, 2006 - I had my yearly physical. After weighing in at 301.1 lbs, I decided to ask my PCP what she thought about the Lap Band. I have met several people of the last year and a half that had very good successes with this tool. I had also been doing my research and joined a couple of Yahoo groups to ask questions to people that have been living with the band for over a year. All I hear is praises. My PCP supported my decision and referred me to Dr. Charles Morton here in Nashville.

June 11th, 2006 - I didn't waist any time with getting started. I meet with Debbie L. and she went over the program with me as well as weigh in at 298 lbs. (Did I have a lot of water retention in the last 24 hours or what) Anyway, she said that she would forward my paperwork to my insurance for approval.

During this time, I called UHC after one week past to see if there was any progress or decision made. Nothing. Went on participating within the groups I was in as well as checking out obesityhelp.com.

August 10th, 2006 - Finally got the call from Debbie that my insurance approved the procedure. I was actually at the airport and missed her call with all that ruckus over no liquids!!

August 15th, 2006 - After being back in Nashville for 24 hours and calling Dr. Morton's office, I was finally able to talk with Debbie. My pre-op is set for August 29th and my surgery is September 11th. I'm so excited.

August 17th, 2006 - Recieved my papers on my diet during pre-op and after. I'm ready to go stock up on my liquids. I start my pre-op diet on August 28th.

August 24th, 2006 - It's finally becoming a reality. Went to the hospital to do my pre-admitting testing. Simple stuff like urine, blood, chest x-ray and EKG. They also got my medical history. I weighed in today at 298 lbs. So I haven't gain or lost since my first consultation with Debbie from Dr. Morton's office.

September 10th, 2006 - Tomorrow is the big day. My surgery is at 7am. I didn't do so well on my pre-op diet. According to the scale at the gym, I lost 8 lbs. I'll know for sure tomorrow when I go to the hospital. Will update once I am able.

September 11th, 2006 - Day of surgery was excellent. I never experience a hospital stay like I did at Baptist Hosptial. Today I weighed in at 293.

September 13th, 2006 - I'm recovering very well I believe. I'm able to move around slowly. Taking that nasty Cipro antibiotic, as well as my multi-vitamin, and GAS X. I had a gas attack last night that would not quit. I walked my floors for a full hour. It's nothing like the feeling of burping and passing gas and you can't do neither.

September 26th, 2006 - Woke up this morning and had some hot tea. While sitting here looking at The View and checking out the boards, my stomach was growling so loud, I thought I was pre-band for a moment. I had my oatmeal and yogurt then felt ok. 2 hours later I went to my post-op appointment with my surgeon, and my stomach starting making gargling noises. I advised my surgeon and he gave me my FIRST FILL. After finding out I have a 10cm band that holds 4 cc and my surgeon puts 1 cc at the time of surgery, he put an additional 1 cc in my band today. So I have 2 cc in my 4 cc band. And I have lost 17 lbs since the start of my journey. Woo Hoo!! This has lifted my hopes up so much. I don't have a scale at home so now I have something to say when people ask me how much weight I've lost. I LOVE MY BAND!!

October 18th, 2006 I'm 5 weeks out and down 24.5lbs. I feel fabulous already. Nurse put .2 cc in today. So I'm at 2.2cc total. My birthday is this weekend and I plan to have some fun in Maryland with my family.

November 15th, 2006 I am down 29 lbs and today I put on my "skinny" pants that I had not been able to wear in nearly 3 years. I have also worn shirts I haven't worn in 4 years. I am down 2 dress sizes and feel good! Thank you Lap-Band!!! I believe I am at 2.8 cc's in my band. It feels nice.