Hi guys, my name is Jamie and I am 30 years old. I am from Lincoln, Nebraska, and currently live in Satellite Beach, FL. I have been struggling with my weight as long as I can remember. I made the decision to do this for myself and my family. I am married to a wonderful man, Brian, who is in the Air Force, and we have four beautiful daughters- Kayla 11, Isabelle 7, Madilyn 2, and Zoe 1. I am done having kids now, so there are no more excuses for me not to loose the pounds. My husband has a hard time with his annual PT tests, and our 11 year old is going down the same path I did as a child, so I am hoping that by changing my lifestyle, it will reflect on my family as well. I just started the 14 day pre op diet yesterday, and am dying....I am really hoping that it gets easier. The all liquid diet thing is making me hungry, and as much as I try, the shakes do NOT taste like cupcakes. I keep telling myself that it is all worth it in the end....but that doesnt make me want sweets or carbs any less. I hate fish too, so that is something else that I am trying to come to terms with. Also, I am not a fan of sweating, so that will be an adjustment as well. I am fortunate enough to have access to the Base gym for free....now I just need to start going. My surgery is scheduled for December 13 (right before Christmas...UGH) with Dr Nathan Allison at the VIera Hospital. I hope that this journey gets easier...

Fellow banders,

Has anyone else experienced this... I've had dozens of family and friends tell me to "eat it up" while I can before my surgery. Others criticize me for having it done before a holiday because I will be excluded from family meals. But food is what got me into this situation in the first place. I have been avoiding family get togethers because of the negative comments I've been getting.

Any thoughts?

Windy

Windy absolutely, I haven't told many people, in fact my wife, parents, and sister are the only people that know. Everyone else thinks I am just on a diet. I don't need the negativity with this. So I have kept it in a small circle. People expected for me to show up to my wife's family holiday party and crush some food but they are disappointed that I am not going to do it. Stay focused on what you do, and trust that there will be sabatouers along the way. Just stay strong. Make sure you have a tight inner circle that can keep you on track. My wife has given the strength already a few times to stick to my liquid diet when all I wanted was food. Hang there, we all got your back!

Awesome and I wish you success on your next phase of your journey. I am going to pray for you tonight. Looking forward to your post story after your surgery.

Finally home after surgery. Having more pain and discomfort than I expected, but after reading some of the posts on here, I guess its from the gas. I worry about getting up from a sitting position cuz I dont want to strain my inscisions. Any one else nervous about opening their incisions or am I overworrying??

Hi Jamie. I saw that you had Dr. Allison as your surgeon and I was hoping you could share your thoughts on him. I live in Palm Bay and already attended the New Fit seminer. I have my first appointment with him in 2 weeks and just wanted to know what you thought. I hope you're doing well! Thanks, Susan.