Today was my first follow-up visit to my surgeon. It has been 2 weeks since my re-birth and it was even better than I thought it would be.

First, I was asked to get on the scale. I was at the doctor's office on the Thurs before my surgery (6/21 surgery date). At that time I was 254lbs. Today I stepped on his scale and weighed, drum roll please, 238.4. Yes you are reading this correctly. I am actually out of the 240s for the first time in years.

He said my incisions (3) have healed so nicely that you can barely see them. I have to say I do heal rather quickly. My new "diet" has been good for me. I am more energetic, feeling better and sleeping better. I was an insomniac, but now I can actually sleep in bed all night. I can now eat regular foods, no more pureed or mushy.

He wants me to stay away from sugar, which not be a problem for me because I never cared for sweets and carbs. Now carbs are where my problem has always been. I am a french fry and pasta-hollic. He said to lay off them for about a year, then if I wanted to add a little bit every now and again I could. But if I work my ass off to lose all of this weight, I am not going to want to add anything that could jeopardise my loss.

Further, he said I can start lifting weights, just not to hurt myself. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

I am not going to kid myself and think I will lose weight each and every time I step on the scale, but I believe that if I continue to do what I am supposed to do, the weight will eventually come off.

The funniest thing happened this past Friday night at the gym. I got on the scale and couldn't imagine why I was 2lbs heavier than I should have been. Well, then I realized I was wearing my breast prosthesis for the first time to the gym, which must weigh easily 2 or more lbs. When I went back on Sunday, I didn't wear the "boob" and my weight was back on track.

Dr. Bass, Hollywood Bariatrics, Hollywood, FL said I should make an appointment to see him in 2 weeks, but if at the time I don't feel I need any restrictions, I should make it in 3 weeks. I have a 14cc band and he usually inserts 2cc a visit. I may need a fill by then, or not. Because everyone is different, only time will tell.

Best of luck to my fellow bandsters.