" The Easy Way out? "

I was feeling down and I thought I would get some of this out on the blog. After all it is about me.

Many of you readers are close friends and family and you probably know by now of my upcoming Lap Band Surgery.

Ive had mixed reviews about this event to take place in my life, and some of them have not been good. For a while Ive been letting it get to me, but after my meeting this week with the center that will be doing it, Ive decided if I am indeed going to be successful with this I need to be honest with myself and others, and let them not detour me!

The thing thats been weighing on my mind the most is many people ( general public too ) say " dont you think weightloss surgery is the easy way out? cant you diet? whats wrong with the way you are?!

So after talking to the counselor I think ive come to this : Ill list my reasons for myself to want this, and if other dont agree then fine but maybe they will come to see that there is NOTHING easy about what I am going through. The road has been long, and is soon to get a little more bumpy as we approach this last stretch.

I want the surgery because :

- I am worth it

- I am suffering from side effects of obesity that can be reversed

- I need a tool to help me accomplish my goals

- I want to be healthy

- I have tried medical help, diets, meds and interventions

- I am not happy being " obese "

- I know I am better than these diseases!

Some say I am not THAT over weight and they are right. I am not, not when compared to national statistics that say most obese people are carrying 115lbs +. I am currently 82 lbs from my ideal weight according to dr's and BMI. I have a BMI of nearly 38! and although not enough to qualify me for surgery, with the medical conditions is most certainly is.

with this surgery i have the chance to :

- Not be diabetic

- Not need extensive thyroid meds

- Not need to rely on hormones to do the job my body should be doing as a woman

- Not need to shave excessively ( most know of my hirsuitisum )

- Not be ashamed about the patches of dark skin under my arms, neck etc ( common in obesity )

- Not need to worry and wonder about my health, and why me syndrome!

- Have the chance at more children, happily and healthy.

- Not need to cry because I hurt so badly emotionally for all I have

- Not be unhealthy

- Not try to tell myself I am happy with the way/ Weigh I am!

I am excited to meet with Dr. Pennings again and talk more of whats to come. But so far theres been alot of changes with in myself. I have had to do alot of soul searching, and figure out if I really wanted and could do this. Its not a diet, its not a answer, its a tool. I have to make the most out of it and take control of me!

I can do this!

I have some very supportive family and friends, and theres a support system in place with the center. I think that if I can utilize this as I need to then I only have success to look forward to!

I am hoping to have a surgery date sometime this month.

I still have to finish the physicological panel, and then liquid diet.... so let the hard way out begin huh. Cheers to health!

I guess I should add that it is expected that by 12 months post surgery I should be at or very near the ideal weight of 135, if all is successful, or shall I say. WHEN I AM SUCCESSFUL!

Here's some good info on it :

HOW THE LAP BAND WORKS?
The gastric band is used in conjunction with laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments rather than a large incision), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.
Compared to other surgical procedures for obesity this is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries, since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting involved.
The laparoscopic approach offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the band needs to be removed, it can be done, and the stomach generally returns to its original form.
With this combination, operative risk is reduced as well as mortality and patient discomfort. Total reversibility and adjustability of the band are clearly positive points.
It is an adjustable treatment. The diameter of the band is adjustable to meet your individual needs, which can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus and give a good nutrition, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.
To modify the size of the lap band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with saline solution or contrast solution. The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin.