Hi Shel, Long time, no see! Okay, so I found my way over to the Sept. 2006 Board. I just wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone. Shel is a great person and she's suggested we take a field trip over here to see you all and let you know a little bit about how our past year has been. Well, I had my lap rny on Sept. 19, 2005. I never, EVER thought I'd get up the nerve to do it, thought it was too risky. peeshaw!lol I sailed through it incredibly well. My pain was pretty low with the main complaint is the drain tube they send you home with. That little thing really smarted until it was taken out a week or two later. I started out, well, actually my all time high was when they weighed me in August, a few weeks before surgery...I weighed 326#. Then I fasted for two weeks, which stunk, lol, but lived through it and lost down to 309#. Today, I weigh 226# and couldn't be happier. It has been a slow loss for me, compared to others, but if I had been an angel with eatting, I would have dropped a lot more. The one thing I wish I had known pre-op was that I had "food issues". Who would've thunk it? I feel like I'm a fairly smart, well-adjusted lady, I don't binge, etc. However, even after I went through this procedure, I didn't always adhere to the rules. Even when I was full...I wanted more of something...even when I knew a certain food would make me sick...I would try it again...No wonder I was so heavy and no wonder I still am losing sloooowly. My head is somewhat clearer now, I concentrate on getting my proteins in, etc and watch the carbs, but ya gotta be CAREFUL! Just because your new pouch may tolerate it, just don't DO that to yourselves. It's definately not worth it. It stinks to be the slowest loser on the board. The thing I'm most thankful for now that I'm almost a year out is energy and more confidence, definately. I'm still not thin, but I tell ya, the energy is awesome! I thank God that I've had this opportunity to get this surgery and live life again without huffing and puffing my way through life. I am happy that clothes fit me nicer now. I am no longer just a round ball. People COMPLIMENT me all the time and that is an AWESOME feeling. The thing that I would most likely change if I were to have the surgery THIS year, instead of last year??? I'd definately be on my Sept. 2005 board alot more, those people are awesome, so encouraging!!! Also, I'd not "try" any illegal foods to see if I could tolerate them. I just want to tell you all you are in for the best ride of your lives and I'm excited for you. Keep up the motivation and positive attitudes. God bless you all. ~Kelly

I'll be in surgery on the 1st!

Hi Sharon, Good Luck with your appointments. I have a pocket calendar that has my countdown and all the pre-op stuff in it, so I feel as though the dates are closer and closer... There's a lot to juggle! I think I'm going to start a list of all the things I'll look forward to doing. Good Luck! Elisa

COngrats Elisa!!! I know, I am so excited too. Mine is on Sept 20th!!I am starting a countdown. I have my pre-op appt. on the 15th and I think that is when I will get more info. on what I am to eat post op and stuff. I have lots of questions. Good luck to you!

I have a date 9/11/06...With Dr. Moazzez in Fairfax, Va. I'm so excited to excited to be scared. I think I've done the research on the "pre" stuff now just waiting for the appoinments on what to expect...Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers! Thanks!!! Elisa