cranioDan

Wow. Thank you all for such incredibly fast responses...and all relevant, too! I truly appreciate all the positive support I'm getting, nudging me in the right direction. I was afraid of the answers regarding soda. Let it be known now... {standing} My name is Daniel, and I'm a carbonation addict. I drink on average between 4 and 6 cans of soda each day (mostly diet). I love the feeling of the cold fizziness on my throat. But if that's one of the habits I need to kick, I think the results will be worthwhile. As far as the spicy foods answer, I'm very happy. Thanks again for the help.

My name is Daniel. I am 26 yrs. old and morbidly obese. My weight problem is mainly caused by two factors: a brain tumor that severely damaged my pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and my obsession with food. I currently weigh about 415 lbs., with a BMI of around 71. Although I currently have two inoperable brain tumors, I have been told by my doctors that the greatest risk to my health is my obesity. At this point I have come to the conclusion that I would rather live a longer, happier life than live by the old "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die" philosophy. I have been told by numerous sources that Lap Band surgery would be beneficial to me as it is effective as, but less invasive than gastric bypass. However, I would like some input from some people who have had it done. I have two questions to start with: I read that soda is not good after surgery...is that FOREVER after surgery, or just the first few weeks? Are spicy foods OK when done with the post-surgery diet? I would appreciate any help you could offer to help me take this drastically needed step. Thank you. I look forward to getting to meet and know all of you