I went to my first support group meeting last night.  Life changing isn't even close to a valid description.  

To all newcomers GO TO YOUR SUPPORT GROUP!  

I'm at the final stages of prepping for my surgery.  I've browsed, posted, and made friends with tons of people on this website.  I've blogged and made a few buddies.  I've talked endlessly with family, friends and doctors.  But NOTHING has compared to the group.  

I had to giggle last night because looking at all the before pictures that everyone carries on them made the meeting feel like OH.com but in 3D.  

I didn't learn anything new per say.  But I gained immensely.  I gained confidence in my decision. I gained some new acquaintances. I gained support.  But mostly I gained insight.  Insight into a life I am so anxious to be a part of and am within reach.  

I will for-warn you, bring tissues.  It is emotional.  I cried during and after.  A woman stood up and shared her story and every little thought I've been thinking and every emotion I've been feeling she spoke about.  It was calming and reassuring to hear that someone else understood.  Someone else felt what I was feeling.  They were passionate about the DS for the same reasons I am.  I couldn't have found this anywhere else.  Sure I can talk to people on the forums and they, I'm sure, feel the same way.  But there's something about being inches away from a person and hearing all they have to say. 

The passion the veterans have and the insight they provide is amazing.  Please don't short change yoursel*****o your meetings and go often.  My meetings are once a month and they only last an hour and a half.  I'm sure anyone can manage that.  

Stop making excuses and go!

 Hi Stella,

I did inquire to the producers about doing a segment on the other surgery options.  They answered saying that they would be doing one in the future.  This show was done for the sole purpose of the new lower BMI requirement on lap bands.

Personally, I did not like the way the lady 6 months was only eating soft foods unless she was having difficulities.

Dr. Oz did say at the end of the segment something about it not solving pych issues and noted therapy, nutrition and exercise, but would have liked more discussed on these topics as well.  I was happy to hear that one female doctor noted the many things that could go wrong and do with lap band surgery.  I think it is important for people to be fully informed of all the possibities before they make this big decision.

But what I would have liked even more, if our very own star, Tom Casola featured!  Maybe next time?

 You explained yourself fine :)  Thank you for your insight too.

I'm not so scared of the pass/fail thing as I'm scared of the "this is all going to easy and the ball is about to drop" thing.  I have had no real hurdles so far.  So With each new test or appointment I get paraniod that this will be the one that ends it all.

Dr. Bertha did not ask me to lose anything before surgery but I wanted to and I was on my 6 month supervised diet so I did try...

I started making sure I ate 3 real meals a day (not junk food) I got rid of soda, sugar and white foods and started cutting my portions down. I had a high weight of 330 and was 309 on surgery day. So it worked for me, good luck on your upcoming surgery.

Stella

I was thinking of you!  I am glad you are feeling good and doing well.