I feel I have made a VERY informed decision, especially having had the Lap Band, I have SOME idea what I am in for. However, I know, there is no going back from this. I hope I will have great results, be happy and never look back! But, thinking, reading, learning is all great, however, I want to know about all of you out there LIVING it. Do you wish you were back in my chubby little shoes? Would you do it again? Run screaming from the hospital? Tell me the no BS truth as I know you all will! lol

That is a very good question. And it is hard for me to answer. I've lost 107 pounds since I began my journey last April. Roughly 1/2 of that was lost during the required weight trial before my surgery on 12/1/14 and 1/2 since then. So, I'll probably always question whether I could have done it without the surgery.

I had issues with dehydration and not being able to tolerate any of the Protein powders or ready to drink Protein shakes. I had no energy and felt REALLY bad. I could eat most things that I tried with no side effects, but it wasn't enough to function well. With those difficulties, I think I returned to work too soon. My work suffered because of the mental fog I seemed to be in all the time. I also think that having my surgery during the winter was not a good decision. Starting a walking program in the cold when I felt so bad just didn't happen. The holidays were difficult as they have always been a big deal with lots of food. My new way of eating wasn't engrained yet and I struggled.

Fortunately, I recently discovered a powder and a ready to drink shake that I can tolerate. I'm feeling better. The mental fog is mostly gone. I'm off all meds - just take Vitamins now. I've started gardening again. Something I used to love but was unable to do for many years. I'm down to a size 16 from a 24/26. I can cross my legs without having to lift my foot with my hand. I can paint my own toenails. Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work. My joints don't hurt like they used to. I am looking into joining a gym.

I can eat just about anything without problems. Haven't tried rice, Pasta or beef yet. There have been a few times when I ate a bit too much...my little pouch let me know. Which is one of the reasons I wanted the surgery.

So, would I do it again? Probably. In a few months, I will likely say absolutely!

I had my lap band removed and RNY done almost three weeks ago, so still undecided on how I feel. Right now I am miserable. liquid diets, trying to re-learn how to eat...it's not easy!!! But every one of my friends who have had it done, tell me I am going to be so happy I did it months from now.

I can say, it's motivated me to do things I never thought of doing (I joined the gym on Wednesday), did a general overhaul of foods I purchase for my family (healthier options)....but I can't lie, I am mourning food!!!

Great question! I wish you the best of luck!

I am four days sleeve post-op and feeling great. The one struggle I'm finding is fluid retention. I'm drinking plenty of clear liquids and have actually increased 10 pounds-has anybody else experienced this? I am not a salter so I know that's not the problem.

I would do it all over again even though I am still having complications. 22 months in, 162 lost, beat me goal weight. I just remebered, my doctor told me I would only go to like 180 at best. I proved him wrong. Now they want me to gain 10 pounds, I don't think so...

Good luck, IT IS worth it!!!!

I would do it all over again even though I am still having complications. 22 months in, 162 lost, beat me goal weight. I just remebered, my doctor told me I would only go to like 180 at best. I proved him wrong. Now they want me to gain 10 pounds, I don't think so...

Good luck, IT IS worth it!!!!

Can I ask you what complications you have?