The talk was facilitated by one of the clinic’s nutritionists. She reminded us that we’re paying a lot of money for this surgery. And with this action we’re saying we’re very important, and what we’re doing is very important.

Exactly.

There was also lots of talk around reinforcing the need to do the pre-op diet, and the immediate post-op diet. The pre-op diet is reduce the amount of fat around the liver, making it easier for the surgeon to insert the laparoscopic band. The post-op diet is to allow your stomach get used to the lapband; it’s not necessarily to lose weight.

She also told us that the lapband provides 50% of the effort required to lose weight in this program. Each of us provides the other 50%. We need to follow the recommended food guidelines; we need to start moving more; we need to participate in group sessions.

Five weeks after surgery, we get our first fill of the lapband. Then two more fills at two week intervals. The nutritionist said that each person’s requirements for the amount of fill is different. Some people may need more of a fill, and some less. No amount is too much, or not enough. Whatever works for you is the correct amount.

I’ll write about the first five weeks of food next. Did I say food? More like liquid, and mushy stuff for a little bit. Yummy!

Get laparoscopic band surgery. Scheduled for December 11. Check.

Get a domain. You found it. Check.

Get quotes on building a website. Mulling over quotes. Using a free template in the meantime. Check.

This week there are three things to do.

1. Read the information from the clinic regarding the procedure, and diet.
2. Get blood tests and ECG.
3. Attend a Pre-op seminar at the clinic.

In the immortal words of Lao Tzu’s brother – you gotta start somewhere. Of course, Lao Tzu said it a bit better “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

So I’m taking teeny, tiny baby steps. What needs to be done now? For me right now, it’s these three items. I know I can do them. And when I’ve done these, I’ll make a list of the next items to be done.

And at the same time I’m keeping my eyes on the prize. Physical health and vigor.

I want it to be easy to get to my goal. I know it won’t be. But if I can make each step manageable, then I’ll get to my goal the best way possible.

Do you have a goal? Figure out what you need to do to get started on your goal right now. Decide on the small steps that will help you get there from here.

I’ve confirmed my date for weight loss surgery, and I’ve paid my deposit. No going back.

I’ve told my world, and I’m telling the WHOLE world.

So, why a blog? Because:

• previous weight loss efforts worked because I had to keep track in public
• previous weight loss efforts stopped working when I had to keep track only for myself
• I enjoy reading weight loss before & after stories.

I’m going to share my stories. Stories about how I decided on lapband surgery. My experiences before, during, and after surgery. And while I’m dieting, what works for me. And, where to get help online.

So, I’m a work in progress, and so is this blog. But while my blog is going to grow in size, I am not.

I’m not a medical specialist. I’m not a fitness specialist. You should seek advice from qualified medical help before you do anything affecting your health and well-being.