Hi guys! I've been a lurker on here for a few months, but now that I am about 2 weeks away from my surgery (scheduled for May 21st), I decided to take the leap to become an official member of this forum!

I'm in late my 20s and towering over 230 lbs. I was approved for surgery on the first try (partially due to my actual weight, but my hormone imbalance, G.E.R.D., and hiatal hernia definitely played a role in the approval as well... woohoo!)

My relationship with food has completely catapulted in the last few years. I started seeing a therapist on-and-off for about 8 months now in hopes of getting to the bottom of my food addiction... It's a constant battle, but I'm learning so much and in the process, tweaking my eating habits so getting this surgery will be easier on my body and mind.

Getting banded was never even a thought before last summer. I wouldn't have even been eligible because the bulk of my weight gain has occurred in the last 2 years. I know that this is only the beginning of my journey, and there won't be an easy road to take, but I'm ready to get behind the wheel!

May 7th will be the first day of my liquid diet leading up to my surgery. I've been saying good bye to all of my favorite foods this entire weekend... Soda, pizza, fries, bread, potato chips, Pasta... Parting is such sweet sorrow, but I think once I start to hopefully lose weight, it won't even matter (right?!)

So, in a nutshell, that's where I am in my life right now. I'm excited and eager but also VERY scared and nervous. I hope that I can seek comfort and advice from the members of this community, and I will try my best to to do the same for others!

Started my liquids 3 days ago. My surgery date is the 29th!! I only get 3 shakes a day and water..That is it!!! The headaches are killing me....but I WILL DO IT!!!!!!!!!

Yes Katy has changed a lot in just the 12 years I've been here LOL, I remember when we first moved here it seemed so far out now it's like nothing to drive Katy.

I'm doing okay on my pre-op diet I am not on pure liquids I have to have two Protein shakes a day and one sensible meal. Most days I am able to do that this week is my last week and unfortunately I had to go out of town for work so it's been really hard, but when I do eat I always make sure it's protein only no carbs. I get back in town on Thursday and then my surgery is Friday I'm really scared that I may not have lost the weight I need to and that they may postpone my surgery. I don't know how strict they are about it as my doctor never said anything officially in my pre-op visit but it said it on the paperwork.

Freaking out

I find having the shake in a bowl and "drinking" it with a spoon really helps! It slows me down and I get two bowls out of one shake. It tricks my mind into thinking I'm eating cereal.