Hi,

My name is Mutt, and I am scheduled for surgery 9/19/08. I have had weight problems since the mid 80's. Im 46 yrs. young, and an amazing 296 pounds heavy. I have been researching this procedure for about one year now and when I asked my doc. about it he said it was a good idea. Next thing I know im appoved, I hope not a little too soon. I guess im just a big chicken, I have never liked the idea of surgery. Reading some of the horror stories really hasnt helped. Given my faimly history and the fact that I fail misabrilly with any and all diets I know its nessary. Any suggestions? Should I seek professional help?:thumbdown:

Hey Mutt,

Congratulations on your decision to have the lapband surgery! I am 2 months post op and feel great! I am very happy with my decision and I am absolutely sure you will be too! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! Good luck to you on your weight loss journey! We are all here to give you the support you need.

Good Luck Mutt,

I decided in April I wanted surgery, had it done Aug 1st. I am happy with my surgery, recovery, and weight loss so far.(25lbs)

Think positive...thoughts are things. I truly believe that you can affect the outcome by keeping a positive thought process. If you think you will fail...you just might. If you put your energy into achieving your goals, failure won't be an option. Once again, good luck, and remember thoughts are things.

Did the seminar you went to not allay your fears? Honestly, the horror stories are in the minority. As my surgeon and the nurse practitioner told me, odds are very high that I will be able to eat whatever I want, just in smaller portions. I had my surgery on Friday and am doing great. I'm on the liquid post op diet and hungry but I know it will pass and I'm on my way to a lifestyle that I anticipate will be free of diets and worrying about the scale. There are quite a few long term bandsters here who have achieved that nirvana....

but you have to do what is right for you. The process was kind of fast for me, too (from my primary doc on 7/3 saying I needed the band to my 1st attempt on 8/11) but I'd thought about it and turned it over for years. I bought 2 books and read them (about banding) , mulled it over, and went for it. You do need to be ready to commit to chewing well, and there is a learning curve for this new style of eating. But I'm thinking a year from now I'll be a much smaller old pro at this. My alternative? A year from now I would've been on diabetic meds and feeling pretty low. For me, it's a no brainer. You will find what's right for you, just give it some thought.

Hi again,

I want to thank all of you for your support, the big day is 09/19. I am concerned about my pre-op diet, I didn't exceed the 1250 calories limit per day but I kept forgetting the protein drinks and could not stand the bars. Should I worry about this or is it too late?