Scheduled for December - actually Realize Band

I'm 47, male, work in law enforcement (retiring in April) and have passed all of my pre-screening examinations. Just have to attend a few nutrition classes while my 6 month mandatory diet is completed. I reached an all-time high of 308 in late May after a prolonged bout with pneumonia and several courses of IV and oral steroids. All of that is resolved now and I am already down to 251 (I'm 5'11"). Generally good health, but was on the verge of pre-diabetes. I have well controlled HBP and some GERD and lower back pain; all of which are caused or aggravated by my weight. I'm trying to lose as much weight as possible to make the surgery as easy as possible. I know that if I don't have it, I will regain the weight over time. I'm located in northeastern PA and will be having the Realize Band placed by Dr. Michael Bono at Hazleton General Hospital. I would love to have someone who went through the banding procedure, preferably around my age, but not necessarily, to kind of baby sit me as I go through this. although I have worked in law enforcement for 25 years, I'm a big baby when it comes to medical procedures. Thanks! Please contact me.
Dan

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Pre-Surgery
Anticipated Surgery Date: December 09 (My insurer requires a 6 month medically supervised diet)
Highest Wt: 308, Current: 251, Goal: 185
Psych, Cardiac, Doppler Vascular, and Pulmonary clearances, and Upper G.I. done, P.T., and Nutritionist appts. pending.

Hi Dan,

Sounds like you are really mentally ready for the band. Great weight loss pre-surgery. I started the process @ 337 and lost 50 lbs pre-surgery. Lost 64 post-op. I was banded 5/11/09 and just reached my goal of 223.

Would be glad to help you through the process. I'll send you my email address.

John

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John - L/B 5/11/09, Port Replacement 10/26/09. recalibrated fluid to 5.4cc.