So, I wanted to first say hello to all. I am a 29 year old male with the need for the lapband or something drastic to help remedy my many medical issues. I have GURD, Gout, Back, Shoulder, Neck pain, Arthritis, sleep Apnea, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, and am HypoGlycemic. I have tried Weight Watchers among many other diets with limited or no success. After attending the seminar, I feel possitive that this is the right direction for me. I have been doing my research on it for several years, and this just feels like the right thing to do. For someone my age, I should not have this many issues, but I do. I am looking forward to starting my journy. I have one question...how hard were the first 4 weeks after the procedure? The liquid diet seems to be fairly rough. Thank you all in advance, and I look forward to many conversations with you all.

:biggrin:

I had liquids week one, week 2 liquids with Protein shakes, then on to mushies, then soft, then regular food. Each doc is different. Sure it's hard, but it beats the alternative. I'm not going to pretend it's a breeze but if you can't get through it you probably won't be successful with the band. Not because they are the same; they aren't. But because the band does take work, as I"m sure you know from your research. You have to change how you eat, how long, no drinking with meals, chew chew chew, etc etc. And WL is usually slow, 1-2 pounds a week. (Lots of people seem flabbergasted that they get the band and don't drop a ton of weight in the first month or two. This isn't bypass! LOL)

And I'm not picking on bypass patients. IT's scary. They just do lose faster, but I know they have to work at it too

So my bottom line at 7 weeks out is that for me personally, none of it has been even one iota as hard as when I felt huge and hopeless. Period. It's worth every minute of willpower, hunger, and forbearance. The band is my safety net. I'm so darn glad I have it now!

Yes, it does sound very difficult, but nothing I am not willing to attempt. With all of the issues I currently have, if it solves just 1 or 2, it will be well worth the efforts made.

It's not really that difficult if you know it's coming and can mentally prepare for it! Sounds like you have the right mindset already. And when you lose weight, any problem you have that is weight related will resolve, and that will encourage you too! I'm sure you'll be another very successful bandster. :biggrin:

I am looking forward to being in the elite club!

On a completely side note, talk about bad timing...my wife left me...not helping with the self esteem issues...I suppose I will have to end up looking good and making her jealous!

There are way more women looking for men for relationships than there are men looking for women! Once you start to regain your health you'll feel better, women will be drawn like flies to honey, and your absconding wife will be a dim dim memory! :biggrin:

Hah, I hope you are right...would certainly be nice to have that support system in place right now though. I suppose thats why you guys are here!

Well, I went for my consultation and other than having to switch one of my meds, I am listed as a prime candidate! Now we wait for insurance...

Its official, insurance has approved me for the procedure. I am looking to mid January for the procedure. The nerves just set in.

Started Pre-op diet today...I hate protein shakes, smell like hell.