I want to express my appreciation to everyone here on this forum for the support I found after joining and reading about everyone else's experiences. It has been very comforting and reassuring.

After trying too many different "diets" that would initially work and I would drop the weight I wanted to get rid of... I would gain it all back and then some. The yoyo dieting took its toll on my health and heart.

While I knew about the band I thought it was too drastic and that I should be able to just lose the weight like I've been programmed to by all the radio ads and television ads. With many fears I called and made an appointment to meet Dr Powell. I had a list of questions and he put me at ease and helped me decide that lapband surgery was the right direction.

I had my surgery exactly 2 weeks after my initial consultation so I had little time to worry... but I did... and kept doubting that I was making the right decision.

I wanted to do this on my own without telling family or friends for fear they would talk me out of it. The surgery center even provided a car to pick me up at home, bring me to surgery, and then return me home after the surgery.

I am now 18 days past surgery and except for the first night after surgery - all has been wonderful. I followed my doctors instructions to the letter... only Clear liquids for the first 2 weeks and now I'm able to have yogurt, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, no sugar Jello pudding, and soft Soups. I eat a little something when I need to and find that I need very little to get full.

On Aug 11 I weighed 244 going into surgery. I just weighed myself and I'm 221. I met with Dr Powell this week and he was impressed with my progress and basically said to call him when I started to feel "starved" and he would do the first fill. As long as I am not feeling starved and continue to lose weight - the restriction is good enough.

I just want to thank everyone on here who shares themselves - this has been a great support system and without all of you I would not be experiencing felling as GREAT as I do today.

Thank you.... thank you!

Ron

Sounds like your off to a great start!!!Congrats and keep up the good work!