Today is presurgery day,

Today is presurgery day, fluids only. prepare everything that you'll need and do anything you need to do that you haven't already done before the operation. I'm going through all my reading material to make sure I haven't missed anything. I'm doing my blowing exercises.  My highest weight before my pre diet was 278, now I'm 270. I need to go down to 140-150. I'm more than a little nervous today. It's such a big undertaking which I've failed miserably so far all my life. I don't doubt that it will work considering the tiny bit of food you are allowed to drink or eat. I just hope my body can take it graciously and I can function at work!!!


When I started this journey in November 2009, I walked into the drs office basically to ask questions and see if it was a fit. I was tired of being tired, not able to do any exercise without puffing and panting, unable to play tennis, cross country skiing or even walk any distance without sitting down to take a rest. My glucose levels were very erratic and my primary doctor was trying to make me take diabetic medicine which I kept delaying by trying to correct my diet and increase my exercise. I already had my left knee replaced. I had trouble sleeping though the night and suspected sleep apnea. I had tried everything and failed. I had to do something but what?

Some say it's hormones, I'm 62 this year and it's very hard to lose weight even when you're young and agile but when you,re old and way overweight, it's just impossible. When I first went into the office I was thinking gastric bypass but then the more I thought about it the more I wondered if that was really necessary, so drastic and more complications. I started considering the lap band and the more I read, the better the fit. After I attended a few support sessions I saw people who had about the same amount of weight to lose and they had the lap band done and they were able to lose 80-90-100 or more pounds in a year. They looked so healthy too. They general mood was that they applied themselves and it worked. So it was do-able. Maybe it is a little slower but at my age, that may be better.

The number of test required to qualify was surprising: 2 dietary consults, 2 psch consults, egd, esophageal manometry, bloodwork, sleep study, proof of 6-12 mo. weight loss by dr or other outside entity, ultrasound and a minimum of 2 support group meetings. There are other requirements that may be required that I didn't even realize. I think you have had to be heavy for an extended time 5 -10 yr or more, etc.  Anyway, I jumped through all the hoops and made it to the other side and here I sit saying...... Oh my god, what am I doing??? apprehension setting in big time. Wondering if I will be able to survive the other side. I'm waiting for the hospital to call and tell me what time to arrive tomorrow......  the first day of my new life.