TerriDoodle

I am not having any major pre-op testing either. I'm thinking it may have to do with your current weight, relative health, and whether you are using insurance or self-pay. I'm "low" BMI, in good health otherwise (except for joint pain, suspected apnea & lipids) and I am self-pay. I think my doc knows what he's doing....he's done thousands of these surgeries, so I'm not concerned. And I'm darn glad I don't have to self-pay for all those tests!!!

I went to my family practitioner complaining of mood swings and irritability...thinking I needed Paxil. But she recommended Lexapro after asking more questions and talking about my family history a bit more. As I said, it has really done the trick for me!

The whole food pyramid is the biggest bunch of hooey I ever saw! and....fat does not make you fat. CARBS do. After 1 year of low-carbing my lipid profile was much improved and PICTURE PERFECT! When I fell off the LC wagon (after I quit smoking) my bad choleserol levels started creeping up and now I'm borderline high. I'll be glad that the band will help to keep me away from those nasty refined carbs.

I am new to antidepressant therapy and my doc started me on Lexapro. I feel like a brand new human being. It has worked wonders for me.

I weigh in the morning, stark naked, after I go potty, before I even drink one ounce of fluid, or even brush my teeth, after I clip my toenails, pluck my eyebrows, trim my bangs and exfoliate thoroughly!!!!!!!! My goal of 150 is based on the last time I weighed 155 and was *almost* happy with my weight. I'd be happier at 145. 140 I'd be freakin' ecstatic.

Jenn -- Take a look at the second post on the first page of this thread. The list is there.

Oh good, so that means I can have chocolate cake, as long as it's not white chocolate?? :pound: This morning, as I was dressing for work, I was thinking that I CANNOT WAIT for the time when I can wear slacks without also wearing "shapewear". I HATE "shapewear". Hey guys, guess what?? I found a local buddy that lives less than a mile from my house that was banded over a year ago! Same surgeon and everything! She's taking me under her wing and we might even join a new gym that is opening up in our neighborhood. Met her right here on LBT! Is that cool or what? BTW, she looks awesome now!!

((((((((Pamela!!!!!)))))))) I'm so sorry

Oh, this IS getting exciting! Well, yes, I am somewhat nervous about my surgery but know that it is absolutely the right thing to be doing. And I'm not nervous about the surgery itself. But I AM nervous about the various restrictions on what I can eat afterwards....hearing people say they can't eat lettuce and chicken and asparagus....YIKES. Right now I eat salads with chicken at least 5x a week. I don't like to cook. I guess I will if I have to. I'm sure I'll adjust and find my groove. I work in the oil biz as an exec. secretary....I've been there 20 years and I like it well enough. Great people and a fair wage...can't complain. I just want to RETIRE!!! I'm divorced with a daughter (13) and son (16) and I remarried 6 years ago. Life is good! And I'm damn tired of being FAT!!! I've been overweight since I was 10 years old. 38 years. Long enough! I'll PM you with my phone number/email address.... let's get together!

We were members of the Y, too, but I never stepped foot in the place!! It always looked SOOOO crowded and lots of cute, fit young moms and dads going in and out. I was just feeling too frumpy and embarrassed. I have to do something to get active and have no place for any equipment in my house. I am not the best at staying motivated, but I thought I would try this: I will try going to Fitness 19 (?) for 6 months and if I go consistently then I will reward myself by then getting a membership at LA FItness (over by Kohl's). It's a nicer club and there's also one right by my office -- in case they allow reciprocal priviledges. I'm game for getting together if you are! You know how it is...always better to have a workout buddy. At least I know it helps me to stay motivated. Do you work? Have kids?

I'm not surprised that Libras are at the bottom of that list and Gemini's are at the top. Libra's take forever to make a decision and Gemini's are daring and impulsive! Duh! Interesting concept for a poll. Thanks!

I live at West Road near Barker Cypress!! We are REALLy close to each other. I'm thinking of joining that new gym they're building on Queenston...have you seen it?

Head on over to the April 2007 thread and introduce yourself!! Tracy will get your name on the official list. Please post often -- we have a wonderful group there and you are WELCOME to join us!! Pretty exciting, eh??

I guess it all depends on how you are built, but I would say around the 200 mark you should notice a big difference.

Well, I just got home from my really, truly LAST SUPPER. I'm not on a strict pre-op diet like most, except that I cannot have any red meat for....well, for a really long time. We had this dinner planned with some friends long ago....before I even scheduled surgery....at it was at the finest steak house in the city. I won't go into details....that would just be cruel...but I did enjoy every single bite. I have been practicing eating small bites and very slowly (putting my fork down) and I was most definitely the last one to finish by at least 15 minutes. I felt good that I had made at least that much progress. Starting tomorrow I have to get really serious. 10 days to surgery. 10 days. 10 days. 10 days. Wow. I'll be going to the grocery store and the drug store to stock up on needed items because won't be able to do it next wknd. This is getting kinda freaky. Mazie - you did real good. Better than I could have done. You should be proud of yourself! Take heart in every victory....like I did with my fork tonight. Tracy - Sorry about the Kansas game :girl_hug: Jenn - Where are you going on vacation? Do you live in NYC? Dave - Yogurt and cottage cheese are two of my favorite foods for breakfast, but only with fruit and Splenda mixed in. Maybe you'd like to try that. I use fresh or frozen strawberries or blueberries, or canned lite pears....really, it is so good! And the blueberries are excellent antioxidants. I add whey protein powder for an extra boost so for a cup of cottage cheese I get about 30 grams of protein!! Night-night buddies. Manana.

CONSISTENCY *If the food you are eating is keeping you full for 3 or less hours you must increase the consistency/thickness of your food. (Generally when you are on clear liquids and ready to move to full liquids, full liquid to mushy, etc) *If the food you are eating is keeping you full for 4 or more hours your food is at a good consistency/thickness. *As soon as you feel full (this may feel like discomfort in your chest) STOP EATING. If you ever feel like something is stuck STOP! Do not drink or eat. Typically, in 30 minutes the food will come up or go down. · Special note: If all you can eat is soft/mushy foods, you are too tight and need fluid out of the band. ADJUSTMENTS · You are ready for an adjustment when you are eating good solid nutritious food (the highest consistency) and it is no longer keeping you full for 4 hours and/or your portions are increasing, and/or you are not losing weight. DAILY ROUTINE · Upon waking drink 20 oz of water (anything 1 calorie or less, no caffeine, no carbonation). The first 8 oz may need to be hot clear liquid. This is also a good rule to apply when preparing your meals. (If you feel pressure/tightness, you need to loosen your band before you eat with hot clear liquids and deep breaths, then repeat water process) · Wait 10 minutes. No eating or drinking (let the fluid drain out of the pouch). When dining out, this would be when you are waiting on your food. At home this will be the time you take cutting meat, moistening meat, and getting it ready to eat) · Breakfast: Protein 1st (use fork and knife and cut up food well), Fruit 2nd (Sample breakfast: ½ cup low fat, low sugar yogurt, 2 T of almonds, ¼ piece of fruit w/ no skin OR 1 very soft, moist scrambled egg, 1 crisp piece of bacon, ¼ piece of fruit w/ no skin · Wait 1 ½ hours (no eating or drinking) · Drink 20 oz of water up until time for lunch. · Wait 10 minutes. No eating or drinking (let the fluid drain out of pouch) · Lunch: Protein 1st (use fork and knife and cut up your food well), vegetable 2nd, carbohydrate 3rd (sample lunch: ½ cup chili (beef or turkey and beans), 4 whole grain crackers OR 1/3 cup chicken salad, ½ seedless cucumber, 4 whole grain crackers OR 1-2 oz grilled chicken on 1 cup garden salad w/ low fat dressing, 4 whole grain crackers · Wait 1 ½ hours (no eating, drinking) · Drink 20 oz of water up until time for supper. · Wait 10 minutes. No eating or drinking (let fluid drain out of pouch) · Supper: Protein 1st (use a fork and knife and cut up food well), vegetable 2nd, carbohydrate 3rd (sample supper: ½ cup stew (beef and vegetable), 4 whole grain crackers OR 1-2 oz meatloaf, ¼ cup green beans, ¼ cup mashed potatoes OR 1-2 oz bake or grilled fish, 2-3 tops of broccoli (steamed and very tender), very small baked potato w/ no skin · Wait 1 ½ hours (no eating or drinking) · If you are getting hungry between meals, you are waiting for an adjustment and you feel you must eat a snack, it should be a protein snack. (low fat chunk cheese, T of peanut butter, nuts, turkey jerky) · Once you get close to your ideal body weight you may have to pay closer attention to your calories. You should not have more than 1200 calories a day. They also recommend when drinking right before your meal to drink/gulp to see if it moves smoothly. This will let you know if you are ready to eat yet. Also, my doctor's office does not recommend snacks.

CONSISTENCY *If the food you are eating is keeping you full for 3 or less hours you must increase the consistency/thickness of your food. (Generally when you are on clear liquids and ready to move to full liquids, full liquid to mushy, etc) *If the food you are eating is keeping you full for 4 or more hours your food is at a good consistency/thickness. *As soon as you feel full (this may feel like discomfort in your chest) STOP EATING. If you ever feel like something is stuck STOP! Do not drink or eat. Typically, in 30 minutes the food will come up or go down. · Special note: If all you can eat is soft/mushy foods, you are too tight and need fluid out of the band. ADJUSTMENTS · You are ready for an adjustment when you are eating good solid nutritious food (the highest consistency) and it is no longer keeping you full for 4 hours and/or your portions are increasing, and/or you are not losing weight. DAILY ROUTINE · Upon waking drink 20 oz of water (anything 1 calorie or less, no caffeine, no carbonation). The first 8 oz may need to be hot clear liquid. This is also a good rule to apply when preparing your meals. (If you feel pressure/tightness, you need to loosen your band before you eat with hot clear liquids and deep breaths, then repeat water process) · Wait 10 minutes. No eating or drinking (let the fluid drain out of the pouch). When dining out, this would be when you are waiting on your food. At home this will be the time you take cutting meat, moistening meat, and getting it ready to eat) · Breakfast: Protein 1st (use fork and knife and cut up food well), Fruit 2nd (Sample breakfast: ½ cup low fat, low sugar yogurt, 2 T of almonds, ¼ piece of fruit w/ no skin OR 1 very soft, moist scrambled egg, 1 crisp piece of bacon, ¼ piece of fruit w/ no skin · Wait 1 ½ hours (no eating or drinking) · Drink 20 oz of water up until time for lunch. · Wait 10 minutes. No eating or drinking (let the fluid drain out of pouch) · Lunch: Protein 1st (use fork and knife and cut up your food well), vegetable 2nd, carbohydrate 3rd (sample lunch: ½ cup chili (beef or turkey and beans), 4 whole grain crackers OR 1/3 cup chicken salad, ½ seedless cucumber, 4 whole grain crackers OR 1-2 oz grilled chicken on 1 cup garden salad w/ low fat dressing, 4 whole grain crackers · Wait 1 ½ hours (no eating, drinking) · Drink 20 oz of water up until time for supper. · Wait 10 minutes. No eating or drinking (let fluid drain out of pouch) · Supper: Protein 1st (use a fork and knife and cut up food well), vegetable 2nd, carbohydrate 3rd (sample supper: ½ cup stew (beef and vegetable), 4 whole grain crackers OR 1-2 oz meatloaf, ¼ cup green beans, ¼ cup mashed potatoes OR 1-2 oz bake or grilled fish, 2-3 tops of broccoli (steamed and very tender), very small baked potato w/ no skin · Wait 1 ½ hours (no eating or drinking) · If you are getting hungry between meals, you are waiting for an adjustment and you feel you must eat a snack, it should be a protein snack. (low fat chunk cheese, T of peanut butter, nuts, turkey jerky) · Once you get close to your ideal body weight you may have to pay closer attention to your calories. You should not have more than 1200 calories a day. They also recommend when drinking right before your meal to drink/gulp to see if it moves smoothly. This will let you know if you are ready to eat yet. Also, my doctor's office does not recommend snacks.

Jenn - Have you told your dad yet?? What about surgery-- did you find somebody to stay with you?

Ya'll are crackin' me up with your liquid diet stories. Not that I'm actually 'amused' by your suffering! Oh, NO!! But you do have a way of making me VERY GLAD I'm not on liquids!!! I wish I had comforting words of encouragement. I do know that when I'm hungry but don't want to pack in any more calories that I turn to my beading .... keeps my hands and mind very busy and I can be distracted pretty easily that way. So maybe if you make an effort to do things that are not 'ordinary' for you. In other words, don't sit in your favorite chair and watch your favorite show when you know you can't have your favorite snack! Avoid the triggers, I guess is what I'm saying. Play cards or Scrabble or go for a walk at the mall, get a pedicure, pick up that needlework you've been neglecting, clean out the pantry. KEEP BUSY. I know, I know....not exactly pearls of wisdom, but it's all I got. It's all going to be worth it in the end. Keep your eye on the prize! You're all doing GREAT!!

It's funny how much of the country is just getting their springtime weather...and here (Houston) we are already well into it. Today it will probably hit 80. By May we'll be hitting 90! July, Aug and Sept. are just pure hell no matter what the temperature. We will be going to Colorado hopefully sometime to escape the heat. ANYWAY.... today is nice and we're enjoying our weather while we can. I'm feeling very *balanced* right now. I'm a little nervous, but not much, and get a lot of positive encouragement from the forums and threads I visit. I am trying to keep in mind that the complications are rare in reality, they just seem more frequent on the boards. One resounding theme throughout the success stories seems to be, "I follow the bandster guidelines". Wow. Who'da thunk it? The best one I read today was a girl about my size who has lost 65# this past year. Normally lower BMI and older ladies (me) have a harder time losing. And no, she didn't exercise much. I was thrilled to see her progress. She just "followed the bandster rules"!!! If I could be down to 150 by this time next year I think I would just have a FIT!! I think I'd have to go out and buy myself a CORVETTE or something!!! Ya'll have a great day. Smooches!

Your concerns are the same as many on the April 2007 band wagon.... come join us and stay awhile! Click here for the thread. We'd love to have you. :welcomeB:

No offense taken, Kat....I had the same concerns when I posted it, but just thought it was funny. All is well. I'm down to 13 days now. I don't have a pre-op diet except to "eat low-carb". I've been doing fairly well at it and have gained and lost the same 3# over and over again. This is exactly why I'm getting banded. I don't think my doctor will be upset by my lack of loss, but I will try in earnest for the next two weeks....uh, 13 days. The April 06 Bandiversary thread is really awesome. I totally recommend you all go take a look. Thanks to those who are posting their memories, dreams and reflections. It is very, very reassuring.

This thread is so very inspiring to all of us that are anxiously awaiting our banding. You probably remember your anxiety, too....second-guessing, worrying, wondering, mourning, etc. Every time I have any doubts I just hang out on LBT for awhile, maybe go look at the before/after thread or the 'would you do it again?' poll, and I'm right back at the place where I know without a doubt that I am doing the right thing. Thanks to all of you for taking the April 07 Bandwagon under your wings. It helps more than you know. :love:

Sorry, group! I was really only just kidding about the drill sargeant routine.

Well, isn't THAT interesting!!! I will definitely be looking for that signal when I eat my lunch today!! Where would we be without this board??? ....just fumbling around in the dark!!! I'm really proud of you Tracy....you did real good! :clap2: Check it out........exactly 2 weeks from today I'll be going under the knife. Most of my doubts and anxieties are all gone and I'm READY to get this show on the road. I mean, it's already time for me to clean out and then start re-stocking my pantry and lining up my post-op supplies!!