Hi all. My name is Tim and I am new to this forum. I'm a 51 year old man, a husband, and a proud father...and I'm also obese.

When my daughter, Mia, was born three years ago, it was a wake up call. I weighed 368 at the time and had just discovered I had diabetes. One day, while looking into my daughter's beautiful brown eyes, it just sort of hit me that unless I made some major changes in my life I wouldn't be around to see her get married.

I got a lap band in 2010. I've gotten down to 323 but can't seem to get below that number, partly because of some complications witht he band. I'm now looking at gastic bypass. It is probably more appropriate for me because of its effects on diabetes and also because of the dumping effect (I love sugar way too much and this type of negative would be a benefit to me).

My gatric bypass surgery is in 2 days, I've been reading a lot of the different forums to get as much first had post-op info and knowledge as possible, and I have to say that I am now much more nervous about my gastric bypass surgery than I ever was about my lap band, largely because of all the horror stories left by post-op patients. Reading about all their problems and complicatons really has me scared. While reading all this stuff I tried to be mindful that those who have complications are probably way more likely to be vocal about their experiences than those who have been problem free. That said, I'd like to hear some words of encouragement from those of you out there who have had gastric bypass and are happy with the results. Did the benefits outweigh the negatives? Does anyone know any stats on what percentage of patients have complications?

I feel like I'm doing things right so far. My doctor is 5-star rated so I'm off to a good start. Perhaps I just need a big collective hug of reassurance because I'm just really geting nervous.

Hi Tim. It is very normal to feel nervous. I just kept focusing on how much better I would feel, how much healthier I would be, and what it would mean to be able to run with my son! You will do awesome! And how great will it be to have energy to keep up with your daughter. Good luck. Praying for a speedy recovery.

Good luck today! You can do it!

DOS 12/17/12

Thinking about you today!

Praying for a safe and uneventful surgery today and a quick recovery. Praying that you feel comfort and peace in your decision and that it adds health to you in abundance. Let us know when you can how you are doing

Had surgery as planned. My doctor said everything went extremely well. The only complication is that I'm apparently allergic to surgical tape (lol). So far so good. If I had to pic a worst part about it there are two: A) the completely unneccesary mental anquish I put myself through beforehand, and the hospital bed which wasn't comfortable in any position. I've been up walking since the day of surgery and each day it gets easier and easier. I'll be moving to the post-op board now so I'll see you app there. Thanks again for all your support.

So glad to hear from you, Tim! Glad it went so well.mAre you home now?

Yes. I am home now. Had the surgery on Friday morning aroun 7:00AM. It took 4.5 hours. Stayed at the hospital overnight. Came home Saturday morning around 6:00AM. I've been getting water and caffene herbal teas (brewed then cooled) in without any problems. Tomorrow is the first day I can have almond milk, soy milk and such and I'm really looking forward to the change in flavors (never been a big tea guy).