Wow, talk about an emotional rollercoaster ride this was! Pre-op focus and preperation for a solid 2 weeks with no food, just liquids. Accomplished that without cheating and lost a total of 32 lbs pre-op. Surgery went absolutely smooth. Doc said the weight loss made the difference for him, that made me proud. But then I went home. And then the night gas pain kicked in for me. Now, Im a big guy, played football for 16 years and have been through alot of pain. But man, this gas travelling through my chest and into my shoulder? Drop me to my knees and begging for my mom a 1000miles away(its a guy thing) :wink2: but I managed to survive. But I can tell you, for the following 2.5 days post op, I was really doubting this journey. Was it worth it? The pain? no food? gas pain ect? Then I started to think how I felt. I am now 42lbs down and havent even started my life with the band. Seeing those kind of numbers, just shot me through the roof. I firmly believe the liquid pre-op is a huge factor. It is a total kick off for whats to come.....and just makes things easier. Last night we went to the grocery store to prepare for my second phase. I was told clear liquids for 5 days, then back to my shakes and strained creamed soups. I think I almost cried last night in the grocery store because I was so happy to be picking out soups. Have I mentioned that I hate broth and will probably never be able to manage it alone unless ABSOLUTELY necessary? LOL I even got the sugar free applesauce and V8 with low sodium. I was like a kid in a candy store! The weight loss without the band is an amazing feeling to me, and now that I am 42lbs ahead of my curve, its all exciting and just makes me want to push harder. So, the satisfaction on my decision is slowly starting to kick in!:smile:

Finally.......