shrinkingfatchick85

You said it correctly 'success is the only option'. Keep that mind set - no matter what your decision with WLS! I would like to encourage you to check out YouTube too. I found a lot of answers to my questions there and found there were questions that I hadn't even thought to ask. Good luck!!

Congratulations on making the decision to have WLS ask all the questions you need - to your doctor, here, Facebook,YouTube!! I spent a year asking questions, researching and watching videos. It is always better to ask then to wonder if you should have asked.

It was 4 weeks before I started with solid foods. 2 weeks liquids, 2 weeks mushy semi-solids then solids.

You will always have people that will be discouraging. I have found in the last 18 months that it comes from people you least expect but if you want to succeed you will. Don't let the Debbie downers get you discourage! I started this journey at 354 and am now and 233. I still have weight to lose but I wouldn't change my decision for anything. The band has been a fantastic tool to assist me in this journey. You will find people who are quick to say 'WLS is the easy way out' but those people don't understand that WLS is not a quick fix. It is a tool just like weight watchers or a gym membership. Those people who fail usually fail because of the mental game that goes into this journey. You can so do this!!!

For me it was once I started solid goods so about 4 weeks out for true workouts. I started doing cardio, just lite walking 30 minutes a day about 2 weeks post op. I would call your doctor and see what the recommend but moving 30 minutes a day as soon as possible was my surgeons goal for me.

Congrats on your surgery date!!! I found gas pains minimal as long as I forced myself to walk at least a few minutes ever hour and at night I would use a hitting pad to relax my abdomen muscles enough to let the gas out(maybe a little TMI but it was very helpful for me). As far as the drinking, well not drinking, it was definitely an adjustment at first. I used a timer for a long time to remind me of the rules. Honestly there are times I still set a timer to refocus myself when I get off track. Staying focused and remembering the rules will help keep you successful.

Dr. Turtin is great. He banded me 3/21/11 and I got back this week for a fill. His staff is fantastic and he has a great bedside manner. West Georgia has support group meetings regularly. If you check with Dr. Turtin's office they can provide you will all the info on the support group meetings.

I have heard great things about Dr. Hart in the Johns Creek area(north Gwinnett area). My surgery is in Lagrange but I'm not in the Gwinnett area as well. I haven't had any luck finding local support groups or a local surgery that will take new already banded patients.

I was banded 3/21/11 in LaGrange, GA. I'm now near Stone Mountain and looking for support groups in the area. Any suggests?