Ok, so this is my first blog entry. My wife and I are going thru this together, and for me, losing weight is more than just a should do, it's a HAVE TO do.

I have been overweight as far back as I can remember, and my highest known weight is 431(when I get to my goal, I am thinking of getting a tattoo of the number 431 with a line thru it). At 35, I am so used to being heavy, that I really find it nearly impossible to picture myself lighter, which makes it harder to motivate myself.

So I take my motivation from two sources: My wife and daughters, who inspire me to be healthy so I can be around as long as possible, and my family medical history, which is bleak, to put it mildly.

So my wife was banded on 4-27, and I was banded on 5-8. I really have a hard time remembering that it has only been 1 week. I did the 2-week liquid diet, and at the start of that, I was at 385. According to the same scale this moring, I was 364. At first, my pain level was low, but the last few days have seemed worse. I especially hate not being able to sleep on my side.

I know it's a long road still, but I'm ready to get on with it!

Stay focused and motivate and everytime you think about not working out or eating something your not supposed to think about your motivations. I think everybody has there struggles but you didnt pay all that money and let a surgeon freely cut on you for nothing. Nobody in my family is overweight so it's been hard to go my whole life feeling like the odd ball. I was a healthy 274 thank you lord so no co-morbidies but I still didnt like being the odd ball. Everyday I look at my scars, stretch marks, and old pictures to remind myself of what I'm leaving behind and what I am looking forward to. I hope that you and your wife kick a** together and you are around a long time for your little girl. Best of luck to the both of you on your journey and push each other everyday because its going to be hard.

Take care, B.

I haven't been banded yet, but my daughter has. Hang in there. It will get better. I think the side sleeping will get better. She was 265 at her highest and a size 22-24, banded 2/08. She's at 170 now but a size 10 and going for her first plastic surgery to remove excess skin. I go the 1st of June. I think it's wonderful that you guys did it together and are support for each other. I think it must be tough on couples or really anyone that is still having to cook and prepare the same meals for others.

I live alone and only have to feed the dogs. (thank goodness) The transformation for my daughter has been nothing short of mind-boggling, emotionally, physically and just her lifestyle. She's close to maintenance.

So kudos to you and your wife!!

Trisha in da Poconos

:thumbup:Very Exciting to hear that you are your wife are doing this together. My husband I are both being banded on May 19th!! We have almost survived the 2 week liquid diet. It hasn't been as bad as I thought! Good luck and stay strong!!