Madogmedic

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded ~Emerson :biggrin:

#1. Surgery Date: February 11, 2010 #2. State you live in? Michigan #3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Dr. Kralovich, Hurley Hosp. #4. Insurance or self pay? BCBS #5. Age and height 46/ 5'4 #6. Current weight and goal weight? 233/140 #7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? Healthier lifestyle and to avoid the comorbidities. #7. Do you have the support of family and friends? Yes an awesome husband. #8. Concerns and questions? Fear of failing again.:thumbup:

Hello everyone, my name is Ronda and I am awaiting my surgery date 2/11/10. I am very excited, and a bit apprehensive at the same time. I am currently doing the liquid diet portion of the process. I am a wife of 19 years to Tim, a firefighter, mother to Kaitlynn, 15 and Sarah 14. I am a social worker who works with the elders. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have been a yo-yo, up and down the scale. I must have lost what feels like a 1,000 lbs, but never was able to maintain it for the long haul. I know that the band is not a quick fix and that it is a commitment to change behavior and my relationship with food. I am on the road visiting clients and wonder if anyone out there has suggestions on how to incorporate this lifestyle change when you are constantly on the run and have to stop in restaurants. I also would like to hear from people's way of coping- I mean the relationship with food is ingrained in me- in my world it is love, nuturing, comfort. Every interaction with others involves food in some way- socialization revolves around eating... What do you put in place of food as a coping mechanism? Anyway- these are some of my thoughts as I am awaiting surgery. I welcome online friendship and support connections. Thanks for listening.:biggrin:

Hello Bell, Congratulations to you also. I think it is a great idea to keep in touch and to support each other on our Journey. I am now on day 4 of the liquid diet. It gets difficult at times, but I am doing pretty good. How are you doing?:thumbup: