I don't post often enough. I just went to see the nut today. My anniversery date is May 7 and I hope to lose at least 10 pounds before then. I am down to 194 from 337. Yippee!

Sarah, I'm so sorry you're disgusted. I'm concerned, though, that your surgeon accuses you of not following a diet you don't have. You should have put him in his place and said "WHAT diet???". This is where your friends on the Lap Band forum can be a huge help to you. Honestly, I think your surgeon has failed you and not the other way around. I sure wouldn't allow him to do a bypass on me. Call there tomorrow and demand a diet you can follow. I'm also concerned that you're throwing up everything. I've had zero problems with my bypass. My husband wanted me to have the Lap Band but I was emphatic. I wanted RNY or nothing. I'm here almost 11 months later, down 122 lbs. and about 8 pounds below my surgeon's goal. I'd do it again and again and again. Of all my surgeries my RNY has been the easiest. If I were you I'd lay into the surgeon and demand a Nutritionist. Then, I'd get myself over to the Lap Band forum and see if you can get a mentor there to help you. I'm so sorry that you're having problems. But, I really feel your surgeon is the failure not you. * Cyndi *

I never had to do the liquid diet. I know that Meritcare requires it, but Dr Smith said he wanted me strong and healthy going into surgery and worry about losing weight after wards. Good Luck, you are in good hands. Brian

Kristy, Greetings from a 2007'r May 15, 2007 is my new birthday. I got something that very few people get....a second chance to live life better and fuller. The main reason I had RNY was because my diabetes was getting the best of me. I went into the preop with my pockets full of change to make sure I met the requirements from BMI and I made it. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998 and steadily went down hill since. When it was suggested that I look at RNY for a means to cure my diabetes I said sure! anything is better than 3 needles a day and loosing my feet. When I had surgery I was 275 lbs, taking three shots of insulin a day, high BP, High Cholestorol, sleep apnea, GERD and a bad case of fleas. I had surgery on Tuesday Morning in Park Rapids Mn. Tuesday was the last day I ever needed prilosec again for 12 years of heartburn and GERD, Wednesday afternoon I took my last dose of insulin (hopefully for ever). I stoped using my CPAP while in the hospital. I was taken off my Cholestorol meds in October and finally my BP meds in December. I still take some medication for anxiety and for ADD but that is not weight related at least. I went home on Friday May 18th and Mowed the lawn on Saturday May 19th. I was up and walking in the hospital before the nurses wanted me to. and I walked pretty much non stop the entire time in the hospital. I had a little scare when they thought I might have a leak, but it was not so and I started on liquid foods on Thursday evening. I have never had any difficulty eating, and enjoy eating to this day, just not as much and I also have to watch my new addiction...ICE CREAM. A little is not bad but too much is very bad. Most of my eating complications have been self inflicted. Eating too fast or too big of a bite. I had an episode in January with getting some pizza crust stuck and that was horrible, but again it was my own fault. I called the Dr in PR and she told me to drink some pop and see if it got better and it did. On the negative side....if there really is one. I separated from my wife in July, she had RNY three years earlier and they say that 50% of WLS patients get divorces so I guess with the two of us both having WLS it added up to 100%. We get along much better as friends than we ever did as husband and wife, but the lose has been hard on me and her to, I am sure. The stress of separation was difficult to deal with and I moved in with my parent for most of the summer and fall. I didn't eat the best and if not for my mom and dad I wouldn't have ate at all. They took really good care of me and got me through the hardest parts. I am not good about taking my vitamins at all and I know I should be better about it. I find myself eating not such good choices, but being single sucks when it comes to cooking for one. I stopped drinking befor surgery and still have not started up. I find that I don't need the added calories or the negative affects of alcohol in my life right now. Post surgery pain.....None On a scale of 1-10 about a five was as bad as it got. The only real pain I had was where the trocar went in against one of my floating ribs. It felt like I had a bruised rib. I accused the Dr.s of not doing the surgery and only kicking me in the ribs so I had a little discomfort. LOL I would have this surgery again this afternoon and I tell folks that are considering it that if they have it half as easy as I did it will be a cake walk. I never really made a Weight Loss goal as my goal was regaining my health. But here are my numbers as of today: Weight 170 lbs Ht 5-10 BP 128-75 No other medical conditions. My highest wt wass 299 in 2001 and I was 275 the day of surgery. I hope that my story will put you at ease and if you would like to talk more feel free to message me and I will provide you with a phone number and an E-mail address. I am a huge advocate of this surgery and love telling my story. Kristy, I belive we are neighbors. I live in Breckenridge, MN just south of Fargo ND I would love to meet with you and others in the area and help provide support, encouragement and a laugh or three. Good Luck. Brian

A pound isn't bad John. I've fluctuated between 144.4 and 147.8 for weeks. But, on Sunday, I end up around 144 again. It's weird. My surgeon warned me not to get too crazy on those "gains". It's just the body evening itself out. I'd love to see 140 but I really don't think it'll happen. Best wishes to Christine! I'm so happy for her. I hate that "poster child" line too. Yeah, I've done fantastic but I'm no poster child for the surgery. If my surgeon knew half the crap I eat he'd kick my butt. LOL You're all doing great! * Cyndi *