Hi, I'm Allen from Minnesota. I'm 39 years old, stand 5'11.5", and started this journey at 258 lbs. (BMI 35.5, and I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol). I hope to reach a weight of about 200 lbs. (BMI 27.5) in a couple of years. Both my endocrinologist and my surgeon tell me that I can expect to have at least partial resolution if not remission of my diabetes very soon after surgery. Honestly, that alone would make the surgery worth it, even aside from any weight loss.

I am looking forward to getting banded by Dr. Baker at Unity probably some time between Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving. My date will be scheduled once I get approved by Blue Cross, and the request will be submitted once I've finished all the requirements. I think I have two more dietician appointments and some bloodwork that I still need to complete.

I'm a little nervous about the pre-op weight loss. I had been doing ok, losing about 4 of the 6 lbs. that I need to lose before surgery, and then I went on a course of prednisone due to an asthma flareup, and it really threw me off my game, such that I gained it all back. I'm hoping that I'll lose some weight with the pre-op liquid diet. What have other people's experiences been like with this?

Hi, I'm LaToya. I started my journey Sept. 2011, had my surgery April 2012. My starting weight was 243 lbs. I'm now at 190lbs. Going through the metabolic program was a bit rough...I would lose, then gain but I am glad I stuck with it...it was the best thing I could have did