Hi all,

I'm sort of a newbie--I've read the posts here in the past, but never really written anything until now. I'm being banded on 12/31 and I'm excited about this new chapter of my life, but I'm also really nervous. I've been on the liquid diet for the last 4 days, and it's been quite difficult but somehow, I feel ok. I've been trying to avoid reading any negative posts, but it's helpful to get a broad range of perspectives from people who have had this surgery. Somehow, I feel like my life is starting over again, like this band will give me back my life and future. I've researched this procedure and gone through all the required testing and in about a week, I'll be on the other side. Throughout the last week, I've become more mindful of the fact that I was eating to deal with stress, sadness, boredom, etc--and I didn't know that til I started the liquid diet. I think all the stress over the holidays will definitely make it harder, though, to stay on just liquids, but I'm really hoping that I'll find the inner strength to carry this through! I'll definitely be reading the posts on this forum, though, to stay motivated and on track. I just wanted to say good luck to anyone having this procedure this month--it's a tough decision and a hard road, but we can do this if we just believe in ourselves and in the power of positive thinking! Good luck to all!!

Maribel

You CAN do this.

You WILL find your inner strength.

And next year you will be looking HAWT in your new clothes.

It is such an exciting thing, KNOWING you will be losing weight and that with proper care, you will NOT gain it back.

Good luck and best wishes.