Hello,

My name is Raynae' and I just got my surgery date and am so excited and a little nervous.

I am going to Dr. Cywes & Dr. Baptista in Jacksonville, FL.

I was fortunate to go to the seminar with Kaliah Ali and hear her story and receive a autographed copy of her book!

A close friend of mine had the lap band done in Dec 2006 and has had great results.

Well, tomorrow I go get the blood work/EKG/x-rays, I live 2 hrs from my surgeon so I am doing all of that at my doctors.

I am self pay. I was told that if I opted to have the surgery at the Doctors out patient center that I would save $5,000

The only thing is I have to lose some weight prior to surgery.

Good news is, if I don't get off what they want then I can reschedule for Dec.

Ok, I have a BMI of 55 and they have to have a BMI of 50 in order for me to have it at the out patient center and not the hospital. Which is a great option b/c remember I will be saving 5K!!!

Also, I want to shrink my liver.

Any suggestions on how to drop the weight? I have been drinking my Water so well that I am floating away!!

The doctor suggested no more than 30 carbs a day.

Thanks!!

Raynae'

How much do you need to lose to hit 50 BMI?

I wouldnt really suggest doing anything unhealthy if you're going to have a medical procedure done... I honestly think I would just anty up the 5k and get it done right away for your health.

Hi Raynae. Try the low carb and exercise. Walk 30 minutes a day or something. When I did that in the past I droped 40lbs in like 3 months. Of course as soon as I started eating carbs again I gained and then some. Oh you could also try replacing one of your meals a day with a protien shake. I did that last week and lost 4 lbs.

GOOD LUCK!