I am a little over 48 hours away from getting the band. I am intellectually resolved to this course of action, but I am amazed at how difficult ignoring all of the other emotional issues continues to be. Every time I read the new postings, there is a sea of conflicting experiences that assaults your mind and emotions. In no way do I begrudge others posting, venting and seeking help for issues, many of which I may also post and seek help for myself, but it does require work and some conviction to wade through these posts to derive a clear picture of the trade-offs, filter the fears, and sift out the relevant data. (this comment will probably get me some flame mail, but it has been one to the challenges in making a final decision)

For me, losing the first fifty pounds has always been relatively easy, part of being a guy I guess. The next 100+ lbs, are the real challenge and the reason that I am getting the band. Since I started the liquid pre-op diet I am down about 40 pounds, which feels great, but it is a can cause significant delusions about not needing the surgery. However, this week provided me with some ample examples as to why I need to proceed. Starting with my trip to Europe last week, 12 hours is a coach seat is an excellent reminder. Second, I took my “official” pre-ops pictures today, which is another telling data point that I still need the surgery. I took the pictures, with and without shirt (I will spare you the Chewbacca shots) and it was a good motivator as to why I am doing this. Like many here, I will do a new set every 30 days to track and log the progress.

My company is going through a major event, an attempted hostile take over, and I almost put off the surgery planned for this week. In the end, my wife pointed out that there will always be something at work that is important and every time I put off personal items for work, in the end, it does not really matter. So I will move forward and begin my new life.

Oh, by the way…I liked the new Wolverine movie. My wife wants a few hours alone with Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds.