I'm 32 years old with a starting weight of 287 (I'm 5'4"). I'm nervous, excited, ecstatic and terrified!! I'm doing a lot of self-doubts and could benefit from a buddy! Thanks!

It willbe the best decision you ever made- I'm 5 years out and DOWN 250 lbs ( I have lost more than I weigh now) and am loving life. Talk to me...what are your concerns?

Thanks for your reply! WOW!!! 250 pounds is amazing!! I have a bunch of concerns, any advice is appreciated!!

Can I find a shake that I won't gag drinking? Can I get the strength to follow through will all that is needed? Is my life going to be so different that I won't be happy? Will my loving hubby be annoyed that we'll never again eat the same meal? How am I going to get through work lunches and dinners? When people ask how I lost the weight, do I tell them I had surgery? I have a pretty high level job, so I'm not sure how understanding people will be. I'm so lucky that I have the unending support of my husband, family and close friends, but it's the work questions that are kind of haunting me.

I hope that I can find the answers before surgery, but what if I can't? I guess I'll be abandoning the organized planner side to my personality and start living in the world of "TBD"!

I'll take these on one at a time- and if you want to email me it may be quicker?

1. Keep buying single protein drinks - you have 3 weeks to find a few that you can tolerate- it's not forever, just for a couple of weeks..

2.I am happier now than I have ever been before...I can move around at will, I can live my life instead of sitting ont he sidelines because of physical restrictions due to weight.

3. Your loving hubby will support you in all of your choices to be healthier IF you enlist his support- and, by the way, you guys will be eating the same meals and you will have a healthier hubby too..

4. Work lunches and dinners are easy once you are back on solid foods...Check out the places you are going to and know in advance what you will order- you can approximate calories and protein - I travel all the time and my first trip was 1 week away 5 weeks after surgery.

5. You will know what you want to tell people at the time they ask you- Don't try to figure it all out now- you are just looking for ways to sabotage yourself- it's ok to be frightened and a bit insecure- this is a bIG step- but it is a good one!

6.The work thing is not difficult- it takes the organization and planning that you are so good at- food is probably the only thing you haven't planned carefully before in your world- it was in mine- I ate with reckless abandon- you will now learn how to taste, chew and enjoy your food instead of "wolfing" it down....

You are going through what I just went through! I had the band surgery on August 6th and I already know that I made the right decision. I have decide to share my experience with friends, family and coworkers but it is completely up to you who you tell! An option can be that you went through a lifestyle change and began eating less and healthier which is essentially what the surgery is helping you do. I have had an outpuring of support from everyone that I have told! I am 5' 1.5" and at the time of my consult I weighed 291. This has been difficullt so far, especially the protein drinks! I have found one that tastes like coffee and goes pretty good mixed with a chocolate flavor. My doctor lets patients taste what he sells. You can also buy powder that can be mixed into anything and is tasteless.

My husband has been my only skeptic, more concerned that I will not be healthy due to starving myself! I plan on incorporating as many healthy changes as I can when I cook dinner so that he benefits as well as my kids. I still eat with them (or I drink for now!) and I plan on still enjoying going to dinner and all the other things I did, I just will order and eat carefully, chew well, and plan on having lots of leftovers to take home!

Check for a support group in your area where you can talk to other people who are going through the ame journey as you! I have been able to speak to several people in person and I have not met anyone who regrets this decision!

Good Luck and Be Strong! The surgery will be over before you know it and you will be well on your way to a healthy and happy life!

I will also be getting my band in about 3 weeks, I have only told one close friend at work and my family has been very supportive. I am the one who is doubting myself. I am also searching for a great tasting protein shake.

Thank you for your input! It was very helpful!!