I went in for my pre-op testing yesterday (Ekg, blood work & x-rays) passed all of these with flying colors, again much to their surprise considering I now weigh 331. Then I got to sit down with the surgeon Dr. Morton and talk one on one and ask questions. I really like him. Very personable. He was impressed with my pre-op test results and wanted to know how old I was. He thought I was in my late 20's. He said that I am really fortunate to be my age and numbers wise be this healthy. He had a couple of band samples there and he demonstrated filling one up through the port. That was pretty cool. he's done over a 1,000 of them now. His stats are better than the us average. He has only had 12 bands slip, all of which he was able to fix. he hasn't had any erosions and he's only had four that leaked and zero deaths, blood clots or any other serious issues related to surgery. Todd has taken three days off next week so I'll be well taken care of. As soon as I'm able to walk and swallow a small sip of water without it coming up I'll be able to come home. It's considered outpatient. He said within 2-3 weeks my appetite will start to go back to normal, and that is when I go in to get my 1st 'fill' to restrict the opening in my stomach. he said sometimes it takes 2 or 3 fills to get the restriction just right. He thinks within 4 or 5 years that I will end up around 150 or 160. I was quite shocked. I have a hard time seeing myself below 200, but I guess that's because I haven't been below 200 in 16 years. He also said I would lose the fastest in the 1st year then it would taper off and how well I did was up to me and how I 'worked the band' and exercised.

My surgery is next Tuesday Feb. 27 around 9 or 10 a.m.

I'm kind of in the surreal part of this experience so far. I feel fortunate that my family and friends are so supportive.

Thanks guys,

Tracy

WOW your surgery is right around the corner. Good luck and it is great that you like your surgeon.