Hello Everyone,

My Name is Joe and a I was banded on 1/08/08. At 38 yrs old, I've lived with high blood pressure for most of my life and primary care was not something I sought up until about 4 years ago when my wife asked me to get a physical. At this stage in my life I am beginning to see feel the effects of high plood pressure and obesity on my livelyhood. My doctor warned me that diabetes would be next if I continued my current lifestyle. Thats was when reality knocked at my door and I decided it was time to confront my demons.

I started the process back on June 7, 2007 when I attended my first Lap Band informational meeting. Today, I began phase 3 of the post op program after 3 weeks of liquids only diet. A week before my operation, I weighed in at 285.6 lbs. and I will be seeing my doctor for the first time after surgery in two days. Now I am wondering how much difference has the liquid diet made in kick starting my weight loss journey. I plan to use this site for support.

My wife and I are planning to start a family late 2008 and my goal is to be healthy for my family and play the best role I can as a husband and a father (God Willing). BTW - I hope have Toprol, Norvasc, Lipitor, and Hyzaar out of my life in the future.

Welcome Joe! You seem to be doing really well. I know exactly what you mean when you say you want to be healthy for your family. I have a soon-to-be 2 year old and my only regret is that I didn't do this before he was born. I wasn't able to do the things moms are supposed to do after he was born. I'm just now getting to where I can run around and play outside some. I'm hoping by the time he turns 3, I'll be healthier and at my goal weight. Good luck on your lap band journey and good luck with starting your family.

Thanks for your response Giorgia Girl. I hope I can get and give support in this forum during the process of getting my ideal weight.

Welcome Joericua

I too was banded on the 8th....just now 2 weeks post op and it is a rollarcoaster ride. I believe that this site will really help our process towads not only a thinner self but a healthier one. I wish I had been able to do this 20 years ago. I feel like I missed out on so many things with my kids. They are now 16 and 14............and I'm not going to miss out on anything else if I can in anyway help it. Good luck and hope to see you back.

Hello Seajules,

Thanks for stopping by. I see you are doing great with the program. I had my first visit today with the Doctor after the surgery. I must I am very excited about the results so far. I realize it will slow down now that I am phasing out of the liquid diet. I know I will have to offset the difference with exercise. Its all well.

Stay in touch.

Hey Joe,

Thanks for you posts. They were very encouraging. I have high blood pressure and am a boarderline diabetic. I have 3 children so I know what you mean when you mean when you want to be healthy for your wife and kids.

I'm from Ansonia, CT and am having my surgery in Bridgeport. Good Luck to you with reaching your weight loss goals. We have a Connecticut post in here, if you like, it would be great for you to come on in and let us know about your post op experiences.

42, 300.9lbs, 5'11", BMI = 41

12/08/07 - Initial Seminar

12/18/07 - Therapist & Nutritionist Appts.

01/03/08 - Met w/ Dr. Ehrlich - Surgeon, Bloodwork, Gallbladder ultrasound

01/08/08 - Primary Care, EKG, more bloodwork

01/15/08 - Blasted the PC office so the Surgeon's billing dept. should have all of my paperwork

01/29/08 -I got my band date 03/04/08 at St. Vincents in Bridgeport, CT, my pre op diet begins on 2/14/08.

Thanks again and Good Luck, CTman = Chris