Tmac

I've been away for a while, so first I want to thank everyone who replied to my post. I can't believe how fast time is flying and I apologize for the couple week absence form the forum.

You guys have been a great source of inspiration and information. You've given me a lot of tips, help, encouragement and good information. For that, I want to say thank you to everyone.

Since I've been gone, a few things have happened....

1) I've made up my mind to go with the band. It's been a tough decision to come to and all of you make excellent points. For what it's worth, the good advice here helped me to seek out additional information and make sure that I'm really prepared for what lies ahead. I'm not too concerned about the foreign object in my body as I've had metal rods in my back for 20 years and I actually have a friend who works at Endo Ethicon, the company that makes the Realize band. He's been great about giving me information and addressing some of my fears. I've come to believe that while I might not lose the weight as fast as I would like, the band is going to offer me the kind of controlled reminder that I'm looking for. At this point, I'm a bit on information overload and regardless of the procedure, I'm ready to start changing my life.

2) I've started my liquid diet in preparation for the surgery. I've done Optifast in the past and actually didn't mind the flavors. This time, it's Medifast and there is only two words to describe it: It SUCKS! LOL. Well, I don't like it, but I'm doing it and I'm already losing weight.

I started the liquid diet the day before another trip. I'm currently in Munich and traveling with several plastic bags with my daily portions of powered food measured out.

I successfully denied myself German beer, brats, etc. Although, I've absolutely salivated at my colleagues as they've partaken in such delights. I just keep telling myself that I'm going to have surgery in 2 weeks and that keeps me going. If I've done the Kilos to Pounds conversion correctly, the hotel scale says that I'm already down 4.5 lbs. My goal is to drop about 15 lbs prior to surgery which I think is completely do-able. (You see, I think I've been on a "tour of foods I'll miss" for the 2 weeks prior to starting this diet.) I realize how bad that sounds, but given my stress level at work I found a way to rationalize it.

Well, I'm off on a day trip to go see the concentration camp at Dachau. I'm told it's a very sad and sobering experience. I'm sure that it will add some perspective to my week and remind me that there are bigger issues in the world.

Take care everyone and thanks for the kind words.

Tmac

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Tmac
Surgeon: Dr. Trace Curry
surgery date: June 1, 2009