Hi, my name is Debbie and I am from Maryland. I went in for a
banding on February 5th,08 but during some exploratory lookies, the
surgeon found that I have advanced cirrhosis of the liver. He stopped
the surgery and I woke up to find that I didn't have the band.
Needless to say I was very disappointed. But this probably saved my
life. I have gone to a hepatologist and gotten clearance for the
VSG. I am scheduled to have the procedure on May 6th. I am both
excited and scared.

When I found out that I had cirrhosis (NASH), my primary care doc
said that most likely I would not be able to have WLS at all. That
really depressed me even more. But, because all 3 of my doctors
worked together on my case (even though they are in different towns),
my dream come is coming true.

My starting BMI in August 07 was around 66. It is now around 52 and
I have lost almost 90 pounds. If I can do this much, just think
about what I can do with my tool in place.

I am sure that I will be coming here for support from those of you
who have gone before me. And, I hope that in the future I will be
able to PIF for someone else!

Thanks to those of you who take care of this group...it is needed.

Deb