Hi, my surgery is May 2 and I start my liver shrinking diet April 18th. I'm looking for a mentor or buddy. I figured I'd stay now before I encounter any trouble and I need some that had gone thru what I am getting ready to go through! !

We can all be your buddies Marge. Most of us have been through what you are shortly facing and can be your support as you go through it. The hard part is the unknown. I'm 15 months post op and I remember how scared I was about what my life would be like after being banded.

All I can say is that the band saved me. I was in need of knee replacement and no surgeon would touch me at the weight I was. I lost enough weight to have the surgery...which turned out to be both hips and not the knees. 2013 was a horrific year what with all the joint pain, surgery, and post op crap.

But now I'm almost completely pain free in the hips and normal sized. I'm living again and didn't realize how small my world was when I was morbidly obese.

This is the best thing you are doing for yourself and a year or so from now, you can do the same as I am and pay it forward for some other newbie on this site.

Good luck, follow your doctor's instructions, don't cheat or fight the band, and you too will have a new lease on life.

FYI, my before and after pics are attached so you can see how far you also can come.

Thanks for the pep talk. I love your picture's! !!! I have found this site so helpful!!

yes bobomarge...we are here for you I am 3 mths out from surgery and will be happy to help you in any way you might need!!! Best wishes on your new journey!!! Take care...and not sure what pre-diet they put you on but my surgeon uses the Sugar Buster's diet...meal can be found online...worked good for me...talk with you soon.

and gowalking your pictures are indeed impressive!!! thanks for being there for me as well.

yes bobomarge...we are here for you I am 3 mths out from surgery and will be happy to help you in any way you might need!!! Best wishes on your new journey!!! Take care...and not sure what pre-diet they put you on but my surgeon uses the Sugar Buster's diet...meal can be found online...worked good for me...talk with you soon.

Nice to meet you Mike. I figure if I can get thru the diet the surgery will be a breeze lol!! I start my diet Friday at work out won't be hard but when I'm home I will have more time on my hands. Guess I will have to get a Bobbie!