Hi everyone –

I'm new to these boards and very very new to weight-loss surgery. After years of thinking about it, I'm scheduled for lap band surgery on August 20. That's four days away – not that I'm counting. My surgeon is Dr. Christine Ren at NYU. I've been on the preop liquid diet for 10 days and have lost 20 pounds so far.

I'm very nervous about the changes this will bring and the surgery itself. In fact, as proof of this, I originally posted this in the gastric sleeve board.

Just hoping for some support and good words from others who have gone before me. And most of all – any helpful tips or advice.

Thanks in advance,

Ronnie

Hi Ronnie. Welcome. I was just like you 2 1/2 years ago. Scared to death of the surgery and how my life would change without having food to look forward to. Thing is....I only looked forward to the food because I couldn't do anything else. My hips were so bad that each step was torture. I was so heavy that I couldn't fit anywhere and spent so much of my time on the sidelines.

Fast forward to today and I've lost 150 lbs. My hips were replaced and I can walk with virtually no pain. I can go up and down stairs again and with living in NYC, walking is vital. I went to London a few weeks ago and walked all over the city and even biked in the parks.

I've got my life back again...better than it's been in years. I'm even in a relationship again..and I never expected that for sure. Like I said Ronnie...I've been where you are so take what I say and know that you will get your quality of life back and see your surgery as a second chance. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you for such an amazing post. I really needed to hear that!