Hi I'm Melissa and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been told all of my life, that I was overweight. I look at pictures of me when I was younger, and boy do I wish to be that size again. I have finally topped the scale at 335 pounds at about 5 feet 6 inches tall. I switched insurance at the beginning of 2008, so that the band would be covered. I have my first consult on January 23rd; so my journey is beginning. I predict I will have my surgery in May, once I have done my three months of nutritionalist, etc. I have also determined, I will not be informing any of my family members of my surgery. All of my family lives in NC, so it won't be too hard to conceal it. I want to see the look on there face when I go home for Thanksgiving and have hopefully lost some weight. I'm tired of being obese. I saw a picture of me sitting in a chair at Christmas and burst out into tears; I had no idea that is what other people see when they look at me. I don't see it in the mirror, as I do not look in the mirror anymore, but now, I need to project a better image. I'm ready to make that change.

My doctor also based in Florid had me eating Clear liquids days 1-3 after the surgery. That is Water, broth, natural or sugar free juice and clear Jello. Day four I started and am still on creamy liquids. Like 100% blended Soups, Protein drinks, cream of wheat that is Soup like consistancy.

The hardest part I found was my friends bringing over foods for my family to cook, it smelled so good and I wanted to eat it. The other hard part was tv commercials. Every other one is about food, and when you can't eat it, it is torture.

I recomend getting dvds to watch so you won't be bombared with food ads while you are recovering.

I also bought cross stitch to do to occupy my time. While I was on really strong pain meds it was hard to read a book. Tee Hee.

I'm going to be weighted tomorrow, but my scale says at least 10 pounds this week.

Hi Melissa,

I'm Marsha and I live in FLorida too (south florida). I was just like you a few years ago when I had my lapband placed. Now, I actually like to see photographs of myself. I'm not at my perfect weight yet but I actually like myself again. Keep the pictures you don't like and take them out on days you struggle through (when you get your band). For me, my old pictures helped me to look back and see what I had accomplished even if it was only a few pounds. It also help me remember where I didn't want to go back to. I also have an old pair of pants (size 24). Every once in a while I take them out and put them on and give myself a big pat on the back. It may sound silly but you will have tough days with the band and these things can help you get through them!

Good luck with your journey!