GRAMMYJAN

Best of luck to you - I had mine done May 9th and am doing fine! No more pain or discomfort - just make sure you follow the dietary rules and you should not have any problems!

I already have so many hobbies that I won't have a problem keeping busy, and food will take a backseat when I can do things I wasn't able to (physically) as well...scrapbooking and paper crafts; music; writing; reading; knitting; and lots of other types of crafts. Plus I have a very active part in my grandkids' lives, going to their band concerts, field show competitions, and playing for their solos, as well as chauffeuring them around whenever needed. I love your "muppets" and would love to know how you make them.

My daughter went from a size 3x to a 14. She had a whole wardrobe of clothes, expensive ones too - but she couldn't find any organization who would take them. So she just took them to Goodwill. I will have the same issue - years and years of size 3x clothes. I am going to advertise on a local website that they are available for a donation to my church, and see if anyone is interested. If not, I guess it's Goodwill for me too. Congrats on your loss!

My brother had gastric bypass 10 years ago, and was very successful. I was not sure I wanted to go through what he did, however, so I had the band done. It didn't work for me - by the time we got it tight enough to work, I was throwing up constantly. However, several people where I work recently had the laparoscopic bypass, and they raved about it. Just a week or two of recovery time (and surgical pain) and then they were so glad they had it done. I started thinking about it then. Now my daughter has had it done, and another family member is scheduled for November. I'm planning mine for January, since I am heavily committed for November and December with other things. Even if I'd just lose 50-75 pounds, I know I'd feel so much better - and then walking and riding my exercise bike wouldn't be so difficult. I want to ride roller coasters with my grandkids this summer - and be able to sit at the top of the bleachers to see their band field shows!

Starting my second journey with weight loss surgery. Had a lap band done several years ago which was not successful. My brother, two good friends and my daughter have all had gastric bypass and have been successful, so I decided that I needed to do something about my own weight so that I can do things with my grandkids (such as ride roller coasters!) before they're too old to want to do things with their grandma - plus be around for future major events in their lives. I've seen the doctor and the dietician, and will see the director of the bariatric program this week. If we can get it approved, I have a two week window to schedule the surgery for in October...otherwise, I will have to wait until after the first of the year. Either way, it's a go for me - but I'd love to start sooner than later. BTW, it's been 10 successful years since my brother's surgery. He's such an inspiration! My daughter is just 4 weeks post-op and doing well. Trying to eat a little healthier and get in that habit now. Anyone have input for me about a revision?