:clap2: Well, I’ve got my date. I’ll be banded on 17 Oct 06. I need everyone’s help, prayers, and support, to help me make it through. I know this is something that I really need to do, but every since I got my date two days ago – reality set in. I keep questioning myself whether this is the right thing to do? For the past 10 years, I’ve yo-yo dieted. Nothing has worked. I’d loose a bunch, but gain it right back. I want this to live. I’m an unhealthy 340 pounds, and I think this might be my last real chance for success. I think my biggest fear is loosing my old friend (food). Food has always been there for me, and has never let me down. How do you cope without it? I know that might sound strange to some, but I’ve only just recently began to realize how true those statements are. Has anyone else been in my shoes, and if so how did you deal with it after being banded?

Good luck. This is exciting news. I was banded on 9/11 and have not regrets!!! I have already lost 22 pounds. The first few days was sore but never miserable.

Congratulations! We'll will be in similar stages because mine is Oct. 5.

I have already started pre-op and, of course, I'm wishing I could have all of that junk that made me fat in the first place.

What you might try is making a list of all of the things you HATE about being overweight. All of the embarrassments, all of the heartaches, all of the pain. I know it sounds negative, but sometimes you need to remember where you're coming from to get where you're going.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, make a list of all the things you're looking forward to doing when you're thinner so that you can be inspired when the scale won't move.

Don't worry...we're doing the right thing!!! :clap2:

:clap2: My Surgery date is set for October 23 and I can't wait. I am a mother of 4, work full time and this Opti-fast diet is for the birds. It's driving me crazy, but I did this to myself and a month of shakes isn't too bad to become healthy again!!

Glad to hear there are other people having surgery at the same time. Keep in touch, I just joined this today and it appears to be a great support system.

S1M1, I think most of us have been in the same situation, with the fear of losing our friend, food. Personally, I didn't think I had a food addiction until after I was banded. Then I KNEW I had a food addiction. Having a food addiction while dieting is like telling an alcoholic they can only have a drink in moderation. That's what we're up against. But the band makes this process SO much easier. So many new bandsters get the idea that the band will do all the work. You HAVE TO WORK! I still have to watch what I eat on a daily basis. The band just makes that whole process so much simpler. I wouldn't trade it for anything.