I began my two-week pre-op diet today and am committed to staying with that plan until my surgery on Jan. 20. I am a 51-year-old man who has been a very successful weight loser during my adult life but an even better weight gainer. Gained 80 pounds in college and have lost: 75 pounds in 1887, 95 pounds in 2002, 123 pounds in 2004-2005 and 50 pounds or so more times than I can count. I hate that I can't succeed at something 80-90 percent of people can: managing my weight in a reasonable range. But I also think it is naive and even foolish to think the next time will be the time I keep the weight off. So I'm having lap band surgery, understanding that is only a tool to make it easier for me to lose weight and keep it off. I am not exactly "excited" about it, but I know it's the next logical step, and I want to give myself a better chance to live longer. I love life, I love my wife, I have great friends and family. But I weigh nearly 400 pounds and I don't see a lot of 400-pound 75-year-olds out there. So I'm going to give this a shot.

I have already been trying to think of things that will be good foods for me once I'm back on solids -- eggs, soft beans/peas, maybe tuna salad, stuff that is high in Protein and already somewhat "pre-chewed" in texture. But I could use advice from those of you who've been through this -- advice on food and do's/don'ts. Thanks.

Good luck. My surgery is the 19th. I feel like you in the way...I wish I didn't need to do it, but I have to. I am trying to find a good flavorless protein to add to applesauce, eggs etc to give me more options in food, but not having to worry about protein, so I can add it. However not hearing of to many great ones. But something to keep in mind. Good luck on your new amazing journey.