I am loving this site. I am getting banded Thursday, March 22. My BMI is 34, I am 5'6" and 215. Audrey, you have really pushed me to do some fast research. I called Dr. Ortiz' office only last Wednesday. They had a cancellation for March 22, 2007, and since my BMI was 34, I was able to take the appointment. This has been very last minute to me and I feel I am trying to take in a lot before the surgery. I am scared, but my blood sugars are high and my blood pressure is high. I have dieted all my life only to gain it back. I was at 264 last June. After my father died I decided to do something about my weight. He was always so sweet, telling me I was really pretty and would be more so if I was able to lose the weight. But he was never judgmental. Just sweet and caring. I really miss him, but that is another story. Since he passed, I began having a different relationship with food. I began to eat less and stop binging on ice cream and candy. I have hit a plateau that I cannot seem to break. I have been at this weight since Christmas. It is time to do something to break the yo-yo dieting. I am 57 and I know I need something to help me get to goal and stay there. Gastric Bypass was not an option to me because my father died of stomach cancer and I was told it was because he had part of his stomach removed 40 years ago from ulcers. I became paranoid and decided I didn't want any cutting on my stomach or intestines. I know Gastic is a good solution for many, but for me the last year was too horrible and I didn't want to do that kind of surgery. Thank you all for such invaluable information.
Kathy