Hello

Hi everybody,  just thought I'd take a sec to introduce myself.  My name is Michael and I'm scheduled for lap-band on March 31.  I'm currently 484 with a BMI of 67.5.  I'm so grateful to have found this forum, as I am an OTR truck driver and can't make a regular support group.  Please feel free to check out my profile, most of the vitals are there along with pre-op photos.  Also, if someone could explain why my cool golf themed ticker doesn't show up, that would be greatly appreciated as well.  Have a great day!

Hi Mike, Welcome to the board.  Its nice to see a male on here for a change :) Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.  Feel free to ask a lot of questions, post on our daily food or exercise threads, etc. etc.  We don't have many lap banders here, so I'm definitely curious to see how it all progresses for you.  If you have lap band questions, the band forum is probably the best place for that.  And don't forget about the men's forum when you get tired of all the posts about our lady troubles!  Just wondering, what made you decide on lapband versus one of the other surgeries? All the best, Jenn

Oh and I can probably help with your ticker, where are you getting it from?  Ticker factory?  Generally, it works best if you just copy the ticker image into your signature and save it instead of trying to embed the html.  Each time you go to ticker factory and update your weight it updates the ticker picture too.  Lethbridge - all I know is that its mentioned in a Barenaked Ladies song.  I sent her a postcard from somewhere near Lethbridge and wondered if it still went by rail.  Does it?  :)

Thanks Jenn!  Actually my surgeon recommended the band, I was initially under the impression that I was too big, but he has performed band surgeries on patients larger than me, so I was pleased with that.  Plus, to be honest, the less cutting, the better in my own opinion.  Some people may argue that the bypass works better, but I'm just not comfortable with it.  I'm not totally thrilled with the band, either, but I can live with it. The only thing in Lethbridge having anything to do with the rail these days is the worlds highest suspension train bridge.  I know it's nothing special, but I guess the Barenaked Ladies were desperate for a lyric. Have a great day :-)

Hello, Michael!  Welcome to the group! I happen to know two people who were raised in Lethbridge, which is kind of unusual because Lethbridge isn't a big city like New York. My late brother-in-law was an OTR truck driver and worked all sorts of wonky hours.  I like the freedom part of truck driving, but the wonky hours would make me grumpy, and life is too short to be grumpy.  I'm also curious as to why you are choosing the lap band.  My surgeon felt that lap band wouldn't result in enough weight loss for someone my size (I was 530 lbs, 88+ BMI).  My HMO only offered RNY at the time, but now they offer lap band as well.   Again, welcome, and we're here any time you need us.  I think you'll like this group, we are short on drama and full of fun and excellent advice. Kix ========================== OK, you already answered the lap band question, next time, I will read all the replies before I post!   

Welcome to the board.. I am fairly new to the OH site myself. Congrats on getting a surgery date.. 3/31 is my bday.. so it's a great day all around! Haha. I see your ticker is working now. Yay.

Welcome to the BMI Over 50 board, Mike!  It's exciting that your surgery date is so soon - big changes coming your way.  This forum is very supportive and friendly, especially for those of us who started out super-morbidly obese (I started at 396 pounds).   We don't have many folks who've had the lap-band here, so you may also want to check out the Lap Band forum as well.  Since the eating guidelines are different for RNY and Lap Band, the folks there may be able to answer questions you have about your band, fills, etc.  This forum, however, is great for those of us with higher starting BMIs as our journeys often take a lot longer than "lightweights," and the slower journey can sometimes be frustrating.   Regarding not being able to make a regular support group, I never went to an in person support group meeting.  I've gotten the information, encouragement, and support I need from people here at obesityhelp.com, as well as family and friends.  So not being able to attend a support group works just fine for some folks - Anyway, welcome to our little corner of the internet.  I look forward to hearing about your continuing journey.   Kellie

Welcome Michael!! This is a really great group of people. I've been here (well off and on) for quite a while and I can honestly say that these people have been the greatest source of support I've ever come across!! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and can't wait to help you through your journey! On a side note my sister just got her CDL a few months back and is DYING to go over the road. She is currently working for the ports in Savannah but she's just itching to get on the road. How do you like it? I bet it's intersting meeting new people and getting to see new places. My kids get the biggets thrill when a truck driver honks at them while we're traveling... Again congratulations on the beginning of your journey and nice to meetcha, Jamie

WHOOP WHOOP.. Welcome aboard... 24 days and counting till your sitting on the loosers bench. The good news is. It' goes on for ever so we have lots of room.. Welcome aboard. You'll like it here.

greetings michael i'm glad to meet you. i started with a bmi of 66.4 - so very similar to your starting point. and wow, your surgery date is almost here! how exciting for you! please keep us informed how you're doing. all the best! deb