:thumbup:Well, this is my very first note in the long journey I will be taking. I've decided to get the lapband after ten years of being overweight thanks to two of my pt getting it done and their great success rate and to all those that I've read about. I will be going to my appointments on 8-22-08 and since I am a cash pt they gave me all my appointments in one day! I guess money really does talk! I will be going to Northwest weight loss center and my surgery be with Dr.M. I am very excited to meet him since I have heard such wonderful things about him. I have to say this wouldn't be possible without the love and support of my husband who once we made this commitment had a check in hand for me two days later! I would welcome any and all comments and would love to hear about the evals I will be taking. Looking forward talking with everyone more. Theresa -WA

Well here I am finally, day one of post op! I feel like I have been kicked by a horse, mostly on the port side which I guess is to be expected. Trying to get down a protien shake but can't drink it down that fast so it is a bit of work to get it down. Since I am pretty much on rest right now reading through people blogs and success and can't wait to write my own. Will just be glad to get thru this first week from what I understand the first two are the hardest.The nice thing though is that I get to start mushy foods next week so that will be good. I feel like I want to cough a lot and I am just not sure if it is from the surgery yesterday, I am assuming it is. Other than that doing pretty well over all. I only lost 2lbs prior to surgery didn't have to do the pre op diet which was good and bad. My scale said I lost 4lb but theirs said only 2lbs so I guess I'll just meet some where in the middle. The surgery itself was pretty fast went in at 6am and was going home by 1030am which I loved. I got the lapband with a small port which I was really glad for. The Lapband looked like it would restrict better than the Realize and my Dr seemed to lean more towards the Lapband as well. My goal is to lose 80lbs so only 78lbs to go! From what I've read looks like most people really don't see much progress until week 6-8 so very excited to see some improvment there. Going to hit my treadmill and some weights more towards the end of this month. I am trying to walk around like my Dr wanted for 10mins at a time to get things working but it is hard when your sore. Will welcome any tips to get thru the first two weeks. Until next time .... Theresa WA