I am in a new challenge, I weight over 430 lbs, bmi at 69.4, I just had surgery on my knee, and I seriously need to loose some weight. I am experiencing difficulty walking normal, I am only 44 yoa and I was told by my surgeon that my knees are that of an 60 year old with arthritis, I am still off work and can not return until I can run 1.5 miles in under 15.2 minutes, 300 meter run in 90 seconds, 45 setups, and 20 pushups in 1 minute. I am sad to say that I am struggling with the knee not wanting to work right. However, I was just approved to have the lap band and that will be on the 16 of June. I can / can't wait.

I'm confused, where do yo work where you have to meet the above criteria in order to return?

The job is with the State, So, in order to return I need to be 100% as to my improvement. I have to have a release signed by my DR stating that my injury to my knee, is now at 100% improvement. I am a Officer of the State.

Well I can tell you that I am only 2 months into being banded but it's the best thing I have ever done for myself, I had a textbook surgery and recovery was quick, I have had so much energy and I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I was 373 at pre op, did my pre op diet for 3 weeks instead of 2 just to be on the safe side. Lost 30 lbs.

Weight at surgery day was 344 and I am now at 313.I have the lap band brand but I do not know what size, which is fine with me because that would just give me something else to obsess over.

There was no saline put in on surgery day and I have not had a fill yet, my surgeon says I am doing great and we might do one in a month. Depending on what I eat I do have restriction but if I eat a slider food then I can eat endless amounts...not good!

I am new to all of this but feel free to ask me any questions.

Julie