Hello to All! My name is Dennis, and I joined the New England Medical Center Obesity Consulting Clinic last January.

I've been heavy all my life. The heaviest weight that I know I got to was 355 pounds in 2002 when I turned 50, all on a 5ft 3in frame. I suffered going to the "Big and Tall" stores for many years, and making do with whatever they had on hand in the store. When I went to the OCC in January, I weighed 304 pounds; I've been as low as 210 and as high as 304 since I initially lost a lot of weight 6 years ago. The other physical problem I've been fighting the last several years is arthritis; while I don't expect a weight loss to "cure" my arthritis, I feel the weight taken off my joints will relieve my symptoms.

I have lots of reservations about the surgery; even though its relatively minor surgery, its still surgery and everyone reacts to it differently. My weight goal is 175 pounds; I haven't weighed that little since I was 16.

Good luck to everyone with their weight loss. If all goes well, I'll be banded on July 2!

Dennis

Welcome Dennis you have made the right choice! I found this site pre-surgery also and found it extremely helpful and informative. Everyone has the same worries as you, just put them out here and you will find everyone very helpful.

Does your doctor require a pre-surgical liquid diet?

I go in for an Upper GI, meet with the anesthesiologist, a pulminary test, and a "short" physical next Friday. That's 10 days before my scheduled surgery date, and they told me they will explain the pre-op diet and procedure then.

hello!! good luck on your journey! :cursing:

Sounds like you might only have to do a short liquid pre-diet. I only had to do 2 days pre-op so it was manageable.