Today I went to my last mandatory seminar prior to surgery, which was a 4 hour educational course. Half of the course was devoted to what to expect and risks, the second half to diet, both pre-op (which I am enjoying now) and the first phase of post op. I'm looking for the High Protien Slim Fast cans but they were not at my local grocery or WalMart. I might let my fingers do the walking instead of driving all around town wasting gas. I'm excited about the procedure and think I've decided on getting the LapBand version. They passed around both the Lap and Realize bands for us to inspect today and although I know the statistics say the results are identical I liked the LapBand better (except for the port). The band itself seemed more sturdy and honestly it looked to me like the balloon on the inside of the Realize band was visibly glued on? Not the most encouraging. As I'm self pay, the instructor said that they will most likely try to get me in early in the morning...arrival time 5am and Sx at 7a and then in the car on the way home by 1 or 2p??? Wow. I'm very thankful that I have a strong support system. I would be much more concerned if I was going home alone.

good luck to you...I hope the surgery is everything you hoped it would be...as for me, it has been a real blessing..I have lost a total of 84 lbs in 24 months...I am totally happy with this...

Thanks, I really appreicate it. I have 130 total to lose. It seems a bit daunting, but I'm sure I'll get there!