Thank you Dragonfly. I am at the opposite end from you, at the very begining. I can't imagine what this path will look like. I am not sure if surgery is the right thing to do. I am considering banding. I have alot of anxiety about the choice to do this, or go back to WW or MediFast. I hope that when I do make the decision it will all become clear. 

I look forward to hearing more from you and seeing your sucesses in getting that last 30 lbs off.

Advice for newbies
1. Get counseling- it is hard to deal with issues when you can't eat.  This journey can become very difficult and frustrating and if you start to feel depressed or overly anxious please seek help

2. Don't rely soley on the surgery- it is not the end all be all, you need to make permanent changes.  All of the food issues are still there.  As they say you changed your body not your mind.

3. Don't become complacent (sp?) - Once you start to break the "rules" it is a slippery slope.  Over time you may find you can eat more or things that used to make you sick- don't do it.  Stick to the plan and the new habits you have.

4. Love yourself and your body- neither will ever be perfect, even at a size 4 I still didn't have a beach body, my thighs will forever look like they belong to a Shar-pei

This is the best thing I ever did for myself.  At times it seemed so easy and at times very hard.  I am happy to chat with anyone who may have a question.  I am hoping, by making this a priorty again, I can get back on track and loose the few extra pounds I have gained back.

I used Dr. Borkowski on Church Street in Middletown.  I had my arms and chest done in his office and then a total lower body done a month later in the hospital in 2006.  The office surgery is so much cheaper than a hospital stay. Something to think about.

Week 1 post op update here

Started my journey at 290
After 2 week liver shrinking diet 279
TODAY Week 1 Post Op 270

Since Surgery 9 lbs gone for good
over all 20 lbs gone forever.
Yay ME!!!!!!

This is the most amazing thing ever.. To finally be losing and losing and shrinking and shrinking.