I watched two of my friends (brothers) for about a year as they went thru their WL journey, and gained the confidence to do it myself. Dr. Jawad did both of their surgeries and I made up my mind that if I had it done it would be by him .It is the best thing I have ever done for "me"
I am 47 yr. I am 5'7 and I started out weighing 272lbs. I have been married to my best friend for sixteen years. We have two sons 10 and 3. I have a 30 yr. daughter and a 19 yr. son. My husband and I both have lived in Fla. all our lives. I home school my 9year-old and I home schooled my 20yr too. He is a hairdresser now. He took cosmetology when he was 16 as a joke to meet more girls. It has been real good for his ego. I have been a hairdresser for 27yrs.

The only problem had after surgery was that I kept getting panicky feelings. I kept this to myself for a couple of weeks and when I figured out it wasn't going away I mentioned it to Dr. Jawad. He told me to re-start the Wel-butrin I was taking before surgery and I feel more normal now. The G-tube was a pain in my side, but VERY NESSARY. I sleped in a recliner for 2 weeks because it was easier if I didn't lay completly flat. After I had surgery I went back to work on my feet after only 1 and 1/2 weeks. I did ok....but really should have waited longer.
My advice to anyone just starting out is to start your protein suppliments , protein diet, and 64oz. of water or more daily with a multi-vitamin. Afterwards follow Dr. Jawad's instructions carefully. Don't try to skip ahead with your diet.

UPDATE: 1/16/06
I now weigh 150 pounds, and I have stayed there for 11 months.
I continue to eat high protein foods, and I drink one or two Nectar protein drinks everyday. I have gone from a size 24-26 jeans to a 8-10. Medium tops. My SHOE SIZE changed! I went from a 9 ½ to a 8 ! Exercise has been the hardest for me to get motivated to do.

UPDATE 5/12/06