Hi gang :thumbup:
I guess introductions are in order; I'm Fred, 36, from Staten Island and I'm 5'8 and 338 (BMI of about 50 or so). I've been considering the surgery (actually going back and forth between LAP-BAND® and by-pass) for a while now and finally decided to start moving in the right direction.
I've tried Weight Watchers (still going, as a matter of fact) and after losing 30 lbs, I've been stuck, gainig and losing the same few pounds, week after week. Nothing seems to affect it, so I've decided to take a more aggressive approach - which has led me here.
My insurance, at work, is about to change from Oxford to Empire BC/BS on July 1st. HR suggested I wait until the changeover before going forward with anything.
So, what am I in for? I read about all these seminars and psyche evals, but can't find any real information. What about pre and post-op diets? My GF are both foodies and we love taking road trips to try different restaurants. She's thin and I'd hate to think this surgery would put an end to something we both enjoy doing. She's very supportive of the idea of the surgery, but I want to make sure we both go into this, armed with as much practical, real-life information, as possible.
I look forward to getting to know the people here and learning and sharing this new journey, on which, I am about to embark.
-Fred
