my timeline for those interested

6 months from 1'st required appt to insurance approval.

Slim Fast Shake/protein bar diet started 2-1-07.

Banded 2-13-07 (10cc)/weight loss=total -11 pounds.

Worst pain days only last about 3-4 days.

Back to work 2-23-07.

Started mushies 2-27-07.

Appt with surgeon 3-1-07/weight loss=another -10 pounds.

First mandatory group support meeting 3-5-07.

Ok'd to start solids 3-13-07.

First fill scheduled 3-26-07.

Good luck to those pre-ops out there......YES, all the "suffering" is worth the outcome!

I feel good. I'm getting used to my new way of eating. I have been able to wear a few items of clothing that were too tight before. My energy level is good. I am back to do all the household chores and I can get thru work fine. I am

able to pass up all kinds of junkfood at work that I used to

gorge myself on.