Hello, everybody!!!

Sue from Santa Cruz, California here having my surgery in less than two weeks. Some facts:

--it has been over eight months since I started this process when my BMI hit 40 my gp let me know that

gastric surgery would be an option for me under my insurance

--freaked out a bit by the roux-en-y and the sleeve, staples, etc., but felt most comfortable with the lapband,

although it does require all that filling and having a port, not particularly looking forward to that

--having just had my 60th birthday, I just felt exasperated that I have still not permanently gotten my weight

issue in control and decided my health justified this drastic course

I am most looking forward to feeling lighter and stronger so that exercise is less of a chore! It has been a

vicious cycle in the past couple of years of the weight creeping up, and the inclination to be active decreasing

and the stiffness, aches and pains increasing. Can't wait to regain my VIBRANCY!

I am an emotional eater, and will need to continue to work on that front along with getting more physically

active. I am trying to remind myself often that the lapband will be a tool, but not a magic solution to my obesity.

Man, I hate that word!

V

I have two beautiful grown daughters who also struggle with weight, and feel guilty and

sad for not having been able to transmit a healthy relationship with food to them. At this point, I just want to be

in the best state of health for the last few decades of my life.

Currently two days into the Protein shakes regime, and feeling lighter already. I have been very busy

with work, and so far it has not been too bad. I have made my own shakes with costco whey powder, gives

25 grams of protein for 9 carbs. I add a big tablespoon of high quality cocoa powder, and some splenda

and Water. I also tried adding some frozen bluberries and yogurt to the Protein Powder. Kind of like a milkshake

when I do that. For a little variety and something savory not sweet, I tried chicken stock with some V8 juice and

pepper. Not bad at all.

Wishing us all luck!

Surgeon: Dr. John Feng

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Scheduled: July 6th, 2011

Pre/post-Op diet: Protein Shakes and Clear liquids for two weeks before, and three weeks after surgery

Good luck to you - you won't regret it.

Good luck, you are at my stage 2 years ago. I was frightened that I would not loose the weight. I had lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the years. I am, soon, going to be 63 years old and weigh what I did 36 years ago, 144. I started at over 250. I was so embarrassed when I had to go to another center to have my bone scan as the machine where I was only went to 250. You won't regret it; but remember that it is a tool and you have to work it! Best wishes, Karen