I first met with Doc on July 20th. Even before that, I knew that I was going to keep the lapband thing a secret from as many people as possible. Yet ironically I am journalling on the world wide web.

Although the procedure is outpatient, the clinic has strict rules that you cannot drive yourself ortake a cab home. You must travel home with an adult that you know and trust, and someone must agree to stay with you for 24 hours. The clinic needs to know the name and phone number of the person. THe clinic verifies that they have agreed to monitor you for 24 hours.

Okay, so now to I have to tell someone. Someone with a car, a drivers license, and the ability to leave work early to pick me up, and the ability to leave their near and dear home alone for 24 hours. Sounds easy enough.

Well LW is getting married soon, and will flip out that I am having surgery so close to the wedding since I am MOH. Rule out LW

Then there is JLY, she recently started a new job, cant take time off work so soon after starting. Rule out JLY

NS is having outpatient surgery of her own the day before mine, and will not be able to drive. Rule out NS

WLS is unable to drive temporarily due to a medical condition. Rule out WLS

Aha I have it.... P & D - they are a fantastic couple whom I have been friends with for 7 years, not as long as most of my other friends, but who are like family to me. (in a good way lol).

I invite them to a BBQ at my house, and tell them about the surgery. There reaction was really funny. First of all P guessed that I was having weight loss surgery as soon as I said " I have something to tell you". Then she misheard the price, and thought I said sixteen HUNDRED dollars instead of sixteen THOUSAND dollars. "I wish" I said as I was double over in fits of laughter.

D was telling me to try weight watchers and take up cycling. Please been there done that, about 10 years ago I would do at least one long (150 km) bike ride each summer. Well I tried, successfully not to be angry at his attitude. After all he knows about as much about having a weight problem as I know about the plight of the pine bug as it tries to survive in the diminishing forests.

They are the bestest. P was very supportive, and although D did not seem to "get it" was supportive just the same. He is going to pick me up at the clinic, and stay over night at my place my first night home. This will include of course taking the pooper dog for a walk and picking up the poopers. This I realize is quiet a gift from a friend who does not share his abode with a furry canine.

What a relief... a confession, and the first 24 hours of recovery sorted.