I started this journal today as I read others on this site. I'm amazed at how different the surgery is performed and how informed the people are about it. So many people have discussed differences in diets, differences in bands and fills. It makes me wonder if I did enough before hand to really understand what was going to happen to me. Well, that doesn't matter now, I'm in for the win!

I was banded on 11/28/07. I'd love to say that's my new birthday but I can't. I will say that it is a new beginning. Were does it start? 3rd grade, 5th grade, 28 years ago.....is the first time I remember being fat. It's time for this to end. This is it!

Why I had the band.....

1. I want energy....Tired of being tired.....

2. I want to play with my kids, on the floor and outside

3. I want to play with my husband and not fear him squeezing a fat roll

4. I want to buy clothes and like the way I look in them

5. I want to be a good example for my children and family

6. I want to put on pantyhose and not be disguisted

7. I want to not have to look at a chair and wonder if it will hold me

8. I want to not wonder if I'm the biggest person in the room

9. I want to slide into a car and not plop down

10. I want to jog

11. I want to buy sexy underwear

12. I want to go down to my basement without thinking about the exertion it takes to come back up.

13. I want to know that I'm fat and not lazy.......for sure.

14. I want someone to look twice as they pass me or even get hit on! even though I would never accept........just the thrill.

15. I want to go to any store and shop.

16. I want to BE HEALTHY....no prescriptions.

17. I want to DANCE like no one is watching.

I'm 1 week post-op and have definitely felt better. In one week, I had surgery, a yeast infection (from antibiotics), a urinary tract infection and am having trouble expending all my lung capacity (not serious). But I feel better than I did a week ago. I'm ALERT for one. I have some energy. WOW! I never new how much time and energy I let food steal from me.

Speaking of food---this is horrible. I still have a 75% desire for something to chew. This liquid diet is killing me. I'm stronger than I thought but each day its a fight to not break down.

I had a bowel movement on Monday but not Tuesday. I'm praying for one today. That's a sure sign that things are getting better in my mind. I protective of my stomack so I'm walking slumped over a little. My children notice and I think are somewhat worried but I think I'm putting up a pretty good front.

I look forward to exercising. I think Saturday is the first day I'll try (10 days post op)

Oh, how could I forget my home scale says 288.5. If that's true, it means I've lost about 14 pounds in two weeks. I LOVE IT.

Wow congratulations! I haven't got my band yet, 8 days to go! But that has got to make you feel wonderful!

Congrats! I started my journal and have been updating it pretty regularly since I got my band in January. You will love going back and reading it months down the line. Others will enjoy reading your progress too.

I too am amazed at the different information provided from different doctors and hospitals. My wife was banded earlier this year at a different place than I was and just the different information between these two places alone is astounding. For example, her place said a little caffiene is okay, while mine says no way. I have seen some that say a little carbonation is okay, while mine says no to that too.