Ok here goes. I am moving forward with this process and to be quite honest I am scared too death. Not so much of the surgery but of life after the band. Every day of every year for the past how many years has been all about food. What am I going to eat, what I ate, how I am not going to eat like that anymore. What a waste of time because in the end (today) I am exactly where I was twenty years ago. Planning to do something about my weight and never actually doing anything. I am afaird that after surgery I won't know how to be a new me. How do you just wake up with a band and suddenly become a different person that reacts to food differently?? I guess that's where the support groups and educating myself will have to come in. I am really, really ready to do this. I just have to be ready for the stuff that comes after. This has been in the makings for two years. I had a consult June 2006 and chickened out. Thinking I could do this by myself if I just tried really hard this time. Because Lord knows I never "tired" hard before! Well no surprise I wasn't able to do it on my own. Now I am right back where I started only two years has pasted. I probably needed that time however to realize this is really the only hope I have at every loosing any real weight (more than 20lbs) and keeping it off forever (more important). I plan to record my steps, progress, slips and success in this blog.

My first appt is scheduled for Jun 4th with my PCP. I had to change doc the last PCP did not support the band nor have a clue how to go about doing a referral. The new PCP is in the association at Cedars where the WL Center is located. I spoke to the nurse practioner at the Ctr last week and she told me that my new Doc actually refers quite a few of his patients to the Ctr. so it should make this initial phase pretty smooth. At least I won't have to explain to him what I want. It also sounded like I should not have any insurance hassles. The nurse I spoke to "Brandy" was very helpful. She told me from consult to surgery was about 6-8 weeks. OMG I instantly got queasy when I thought about that. Anyway I stop smoking June 1 to get my six weeks in before surgery date. I have been practicing chewing slowly and thoroughly. That hasn't been easy. I need more practice. There is an information seminar Tues 5/27 I am going to try and make. So until next time. :thumbs_up:

OMG! I am so happy for you! It is a easy yet hard decision I know! I too have had to quit smoking for a surgery date of June 17th. I figure if I can stick with that I can do most anything. Life after words will just take it's course, I guess. I think everyone is different. It will deffinitley be a challange! Kerry