Well my journey has begun. I was banded on 12/18/09! I am a 33 year old male from NJ. With 2 postponements because the Dr’s office did not inform me of their weight limit (300lbs). Yes, they have their own surgical suite in their building but you must weigh 300 lbs or less to have it done there. (That’s why it only cost $12,000, (I had to pay out of pocket) I lost 27lbs in 25 days. The worst part of all was I called a week after I made the surgery date to ask if I needed to diet prior to surgery. I was told no, just no big meals 3 days before surgery and eat lite the days leading up to the surgery date. So I said good-bye to all my favorite restaurants and my huge portions. The Friday before my scheduled surgery I got a call that there was an inner office problem and that the person who handles scheduling will call me Monday. I was wondering all weekend what could be wrong. I started reading and found out about shrinking your liver. When I got the call it was really a weight limit issue. I has allot of work to do! I was living off 3 Protein shakes a day and maybe a salad to replace 1 drink and I made weight in 25 days. So I wasn’t sure if I was going to make weight so I didn’t have much time to be nervous about the surgery. Once I made weight, I only had 20 min till surgery so the nerves came on quick. Dr Wards staff was all very nice and comforting. During the procedure I began to lose more blood then they like so as a precaution I was rushed to Morristown hospital. Needless to say this put a good scare into my family and friends. With an 8-hour wait in the recovery room I finally got a room. I was in over night at the hospital for observation but was progressing fine. I was released Saturday morning just a few hours before that Nor’easter hit NJ. The biggest problem has been the GAS. I did not realize they pumped our inner cavity with gas during surgery. Well that has been the worst pain of all. I have been resting and walking as much as I can to get the gas out. Hoping that most of the pressure will subside by Christmas day. I did this for me first and foremost for me, but really wanted to enjoy the future years with my 3year old son and wonderful wife. I’m not a big poster but mainly read for support and knowledge. I posted tonight to share my story and say “Thank You “ for this site. Everyone needs some support one way or another. I feel this sight points you and helps you find your way with this life changing procedure.

Starting weight 327lbs 10/1/09

1st scheduled surgery date 326lbs 11/24/09

Day of surgery 300 lbs 12/18/09

Edited December 22, 200916 yr by domino4now
missing info

Wow, you've had quite a journey just to get to the beginning of your journey

Congrats on making weight, sounds like you were really self motivated and did a great job!

Here's to you and your journey ::::lifting my virtual glass of clear liquid:::::>sip<>sip<