New but not really...

Hi!! My name is Chelsea and I am technically new to OH, although I have been reading the boards for a month or more. I finally created an account and decided I would say hello before I started replying to posts. I am 23 years old and hoping to the banded in May or June this year. I have basically all my pre-op stuff done now just waiting to meet with the surgeon(they make you go through psych, etc before a consultation in order to be certain you are a candidate for surgery).

In February I had a consultation with a surgeon who made me mad, so mad that I cried, and that takes a lot. He basically said I am too fat for the Band. Now don't get me wrong, I am fully willing to listen to my surgeon if he feels as though the Band is not the right choice for me but the way this particular dr went about it just rubbed me the wrong way and I decided right then and there that I would not be successful if I didn't have a supportive surgeon. So I left his office, and that evening emailed my current surgeon's office about an information session, which ended up being the following monday(that was a friday evening).

I feel good about this one. He did my best friends band 2.5 years ago and he was also the dr at the information session that I attended for this practice. At that session I felt as though he was speaking to me...He said "Some people ask me why I would want to do surgery on 21-22 year olds who have no health problems, the answer is simple...to KEEP THEM HEALTHY"...I was the only person there under the age of 40. =)

I am so excited to start this new journey. I know it's going to take work and and I am ready for it! I have the support and I've done a ton of research. I have a good bit of weight to lose but it it takes me a couple of years, well that's ok...I have the time!!

You are young.  You are pretty.  If you are not afraid to do the work, you will be successful.  As I told someone, I can put in a year or so for the health benefits.  I sure carried this extra weight around a LOT longer than that.

Welcome Chelsea! Glad you found a good fit for a surgeon! I was older than you when  I got my band (33), but I had no health problems either other than being morbidly obese (I started at 320#s). I definitely was on the road to major health issues! I have worked hard and the band does require work and sacrifice, but I was ready! I am not thin, but I have a whole new life...I am physically in better shape than most all my co-workers and friends, can keep up with my kids, have lots of energy, and life is fun! It is so worth it! I got satisfied where my weight was for a while, but the past several weeks I've kicked it back in gear because I really want to lose this last bit of weight to hit that normal bmi. This site is very supportive and you can get lots of help here!
Sherie

Welcome. If you are prepared to work, you can lose all that weight with the band.

But here's a link to a thread I made some time ago which explains just how you do have to work!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4366828/What-to-ex pect-with-the-band/#4366828

 Hey Chelsea :) I am 26 now. I had the band almost 3 years ago. I've lost 150lbs My doctor told me I was too fat for the band. I said  "Wanna bet?" He trusted my determination and here I am... from 304.5lbs to 154lbs. 

Here is my blog: www.bandstergal.com

My YouTube: www.youtube.com/bandstergal

My email: [email protected]

Let's chat! We can Skype (I am in South Korea for the moment)... talk... whatever you need, I am here for you. I was where you were 3 years ago and I see a wonderful future for you, no matter what surgery you choose. 

If you're up for talking, let's do it! I am on Facebook too: Elena Kibasova

Welcome Chelsea!  What an exciting time for you.  Having a great team after the surgery is so important to your journey.   You need people that will be positive and supportive.  It's not an easy journey at times.  You have to believe it will work.  I felt like I was "brainwashing" myself at first, but if you tell yourself positives enough times, you start to believe in yourself, even when the scale doesn't show the hard work when you get farther out in the journey, like I am now.  I'm in the last stretch of the losing phase and trying to get to the 24.9 BMI.  If I don't get there, it's okay, because I'm exercising, eating healthy and I'm in the best physical shape I have been in, for over 20 years.  I'm 46 and I feel great.  I like how I want to exercise and how good I feel. 

Keep us updated on how things are going for you!

Kristi

Thanks for the replies!! I know it will take a TON of hard work and sacrifice but I am totally prepared for that. I have seen peoples go through it and I know it is different for everyone but I am so ready for this journey.