Scared but so excited...50 years old 225 lbs. Any tips are welcome. Thank you

I was 63 and 252 lbs, so I can relate. Take advantage of all the resources offered to you, dietary and group support. All of it is there to help you.

I had to do a 6 month diet for insurance prior to surgery, so I used that time to educate myself. I came here, I went to group support (great place to meet people at all stages of pre an post-op) I bought some books (I have The Lapband Solution and The Lapband Companion, but there are lots more--try amazon.com). I went to obesityhelp.com and researched all the surgeries, subscribed to OH magazine and WLS Lifestyles magazine and by the time surgery came around I could almost do it myself!:thumbup:

I also used the time to revamp my exercise habits. I started walking at a park near home. I don't walk particularly fast, and I carry peanuts for the squirrels. The trail is almost 2 miles long, and I try to do twice around minimum, more if I have time. I have gotten more fresh air since this surgery than I have in my life!

Look at inexpensive ways to buy clothes as your weight transitions down. I went from 2x to large to small-medium. I found an outlet store for work clothes (scrubs) bought stuff from Blair catalog, and now I am a thrift store junkie. I even found a pair of Ann Taylor Loft jeans at the thrift store, in mint condition, on sale for $3.50 (50% off the $6.98 price).

Take stock of what you eat (if you can get rid of stuff you can't or don't want to eat--get it out of the house) and get your head around the fact that for this to work, you will have to eat differently. Bread doesn't go down so well for me, though some people can tolerate it. I love pizza so I designed a crustless pizza so I have all the toppings and none of the bread. Send me a private message if you would like some recipes. One of my favorite quick meals is chicken caesar salad.

Good luck on your journey. Each one is personal, though we share many issues. The band is a tool. It doesn't control what you put in your mouth, only how much. You are in charge of the menu. Make it a good and healthy one.

Thank you so much. I start my liquid diet on Monday and will try to do some walking too. I appreciate you taking the time to hlep.