a change for the better...

i would like to let everyone know about something i've decided to do.
after much research and discussion, i've decided to have "lap-band" surgery for weight loss.
my surgery will be on thursday, december 1st.
the procedure will be done laparoscopally. it takes about 45 minutes and i will only have to be in the hospital overnight. gregg will be with me.
i will have a silicone band place around my stomach. this way, i will only fill up the top portion of my stomach when i eat, (and then the food will move on down and be digested normally.) there is no cutting or stapling. the stomach will only hold 2oz of food at time, so i will only be eating about a half cup of food at every meal.
for the first two weeks, while the stomach is adjusting to the band, i will be on liquids, the next two weeks i will have pureed food and then move on to soft foods and then a regular diet.
the doctor that is doing the procedure is dr.carlos ferrari. i was referred to him by dr. dane and i've also talked to others that have gone to him so i am comfortable with my choice.
i will be having the surgery at memorial herman memorial city hospital at I-10 and Gessner in houston.
unlike gastric bypass, this type of surgery is reversible, the band can be removed if needed. the weight loss is a little slower than the popular gastric bypass surgery. but they say a slower weight loss is better for you in the long run. within the first year, a patient will typically lose about around 70 lbs or so. i am a hundred pounds overweight right now so i am hoping for a successful surgery.
i've been told if i were to remain the weight i am now, that in another 10-15 years i would more than likely have more medical issues. gregg and the boys are very supportive of my decision and i hope you will be too, as in doing this i hope to live a long and healthy life!
~cindy