Sunday, July 19, 2009

Why I Have Decided to Undergo the Lap-Band Procedure

I realize that with any decision to undergo bariatric surgery comes a whole host of reservations and judgment. I have decided that bariatric surgery is a highly personal decision and that it takes a great deal of strength to make it.

After fighting with my weight for more than 25 years, I have decided that I have no more time to waste. I have two young boys, and I need to save myself for them, my husband and most importantly for me. I am facing a future of obesity related cancers and heart disease and the idea of leaving my family early terrifies me.

I have decided that the Lap-Band procedure will provide me with one small piece of the puzzle and with proper counseling, nutrition and exercise, I will uncover a new me. I need to be healthy and active for my family. I want to be able to participate in my favorite activities comfortably. I want to fly freely, without fear of not fitting in the seat. I want to hike, bike, camp, canoe, run, go to amusement parks, go to the beach and most importantly live. I am tired of turning down all invitations to social gatherings in fear of being seen.

I have hidden behind walls for too long. It is time for me to break free and do something for myself.

Thank you so much for reading my story and for your consideration to help me. I am truly blessed in many aspects of my life and I am so grateful to have all of you. THANK YOU!!!

If you cannot help financially, that is okay. Please know that your supportive comments are always welcomed.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

congrats on making this life changing choice.

jo said...

You know what? No judgment from me at all.

Everyone has to find what works for them on this journey. That's why there are so many diets and surgical procedures and medical fasts, etc.

I wish you well. Hope you're able to raise the money. In the mean time, keep eating healthy and setting yourself up for a positive outcome! You'll do it!

Jamie said...

congrats on your decision to change your life. I just recently found your blog. I've had a band for 8 months now and it has been one of the best decisions I have made for me and my family to date. It is a wonderful tool.

I do hope you get lots of support from the people around you. I know that people have very strong opinions about any weight loss surgery.

Good luck to you.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fat[free]Me said...

While I wouldn't do it (too scared mostly and just know I would be one of those where it doesn't work or something,lol), I totally understand where you are at and how you feel.

Good luck!

Hallie said...

good luck to you then. i'm comforted to read jamie's comment. i knew one woman who got a lap band and it didn't work for her. but apparently it worked for jamie, so if you get it, i hope it works for you. why wait for the surgery to start counseling?

Amy W. said...

Lynn, I was reading through my blog updates and saw this title and it made me so happy for you! One thing that I left out in my long email to you was...don't get discouraged by people who might say Bad Choice...or I knew someone once who had WLS and it didnt work out for them. With that band, that could be true. Not bc of slippage or things like that (very small %) bc of everything else I told you about...about how those of us who are banded do have to work with the band or else we wont loose weight. I believe that YOU will make it work. You have worked so hard at all your other "diets" and you have made the choice to do this! Good for you girl!

butterfly said...

Best of luck to you! I'm rooting for you :)

Anonymous said...

I wish you all the best! *hugs*
Bethany

Sean Anderson said...

Best of luck with your choice.

God Bless and my best always,

Sean

Chocolate Maniac said...

You GO GIRL!!! I'm with you every step of the way, and can't wait to see you emerge from behind your wall :)

Robby said...

Good luck! I just found a bunch of helpful information here in the state of Georgia at www.ngsaonline.com.

Mrs. Dawkter said...

Congrats on making such a big decision! You know what is best for you and your family - and always remember that! I look forward to following you on this journey!

THE DASH! said...

I was banded a couple of months ago and have gone from strength to strength. Like you I weighed the pros and cons and you know what.. I'm glad I did it. It's not a perfect solution (but then nothing ever is :) but I can tell you this... I have never stuck to anything this long and to find months down the track I'm sticking with it because I'm excited at the changes in me and how I look (and believe me, they are happening) is really, really exciting. Good luck!!!
Cara