tabithainbremerton

Luckily my dad had previosly had lap band, so I stole his magic bullet. I bought a blender, but haven't used it (I am on week 2 of post-op mushies).

My biggest purchase has been a sewing machine, not so I could sew all new skinny clothes, but because I need a NON-EATING hobby. Something to do besides staring at the clock waiting to eat, LOL. So I bought it at 2 weeks post op.

Other things bought pre-surgery was just lots of food for liquid and puree phases. I tried all sorts of Proteins including some clear juice ones, which actually sent me into a throwing up fit 2 days after surgery. So I got some already made shakes at costco (Premier brand) and have had one of those every day (yes, even in clear liquid phase.)

Good luck!

Tabby.

I use to weigh myself every day...became obsessed with it. When I asked my doctor why my weight fluctuates so bad, he told me that I needed to pick ONE day a week to weigh myself at the same time. So now I weigh myself on Saturday morning when I wake up. At first I had my husband hide my scale so I was not tempted to weigh every morning. I made a chart with all the Saturday dates through the end of the year so I can track my progress. Good Luck to you!

I love that idea. I had him hide credit card when I ebay'd too much, LOL. So why not the scale. I too weight myself every day and get frustrated if it's up a day or two. I am absolutely going home from work and asking him to hide the scale from me, he'll do it! Fixes that problem. Thanks!

Tabby.

Wow. It feels good to hear I'm not alone! And I'm not the only one with med changes. It's so inspiring to hear others stories and how you guys have coped. To clarify- I had to switch from my XR pill to the same med, Just not XR - instead a regular version twice a day for the first 3 weeks cause the XR pill is so big. It Just makes me so sleepy I have found I can only take it when I go to bed, so I'm not getting its full benefit. I also quit caffeine caffeine cold turkey day of surgery- not a good idea. Hope to return to mental stability soon!

I'm bipolar and had to switch from my XR seroquel that's changed my life to some instant release stuff for 3 weeks until I can take the bigger pill again, and wow... my emotions are everywhere! I feel miserable. The pills I have to take now make me so sleepy, so instead of twice a day I only take them at bedtime, so its like half a dose on top of not the ones that have made me stable for the last 4 years. I have made my fiancee promise not to leave me while I am temporarily off this pill, just in case I get really out there, lol.

I know this is all so mental anyways, Just wondered how other people with mental illness are doing, and if u had to change your meds temporarily too.

FYI for people who are wondering or not familiar with mental illness, just because I am bi-polar that does not disqualify me for Lap band. I also had to see psychiatrist that my surgeon sent me to and prove I could do this. I did not lie or deceive. I have 2 teenagers, work full time as a nurse and have a great big supportive (although crazy too) family.

I was banded on the 27th and spend every waking hour watching the clock for the next hour so I can have 4 more oz of liquid. 6 more days of that. Yae. But now I can't quit crying. I think the emotional loss of eating for joy and eating with my family is taking a toll. I was happy when I ate, now its just alternating liquids every hour to mix it up. I do feel some hunger, but its easier when I take my Proteins. I am so depressed right, I guess its food withdrawal. I know ill get through it and feel better later, just got to keep going!

I read about sex after lap band in the "powder room" section on here before I went in- so we knew what other peoples experiences were. Some people waited just a few days, others longer. But it sounded like everyone just went at their own speed, and the surgical partner of the couple being on top helped move at their speed so was less painful. We waited 3 days, just went slow- no problems. Wasn't the best time of my life, he was afraid he would hurt me. I dont know why anyone would be told to wait 4 weeks, that seems excessive- just listen to your body.

As far as shower- my sites were glued and i was told to wait 2 days. I do think these two questions could be inter-related... if I hadn't showered in a week, I might not be getting any sex either, LOL.

Good luck, just go slow. I think it's just one more thing we have to learn how to do with our new and ever changing bodies. And have fun!

How exciting, and nice to know what to look forward to that day. I'm going in in 7 days, so i'm not far behind you. I hope you are happy with the choice to have surgery. Keep us posted.

Tabby.

I tried to start it, and realized i was in worse shape than I thought . I couldn't get past the day 1 in 2 months of trying 3 days a week. I even tried to do the run every other time even instead of every time. So good luck to you. Maybe post surgery I will have more success. I wish there was a couch to 5K for beginner beginners. LOL.

Don't know if this will make you feel any better, but the day if my surgery, after I was gowned and in the surgery suite I absolutely flipped out! Crying, shaking, couldn't breath the whole 9 yards. They had to bring my husband back to help calm me down, not to mention the meds they put in my iv...lol. You are completely normal sugar, and we've all been there. So if you need to flip out, go for it. It's part of the process, your losing the only way of life you've ever known. It's scary, and exciting, and completely nerve wracking. It's ok to feel what you feel, just don't let it change your mind...and remember if you need to talk, we're all here for ya!!

Good luck!!!

Kelly

I know this isn't my topic, but it is great to hear, thank you, thank you, thank you. And to know we can flip out and not have surgery scheduled, again- thank you.

Good luck, I am 8 days away and as excited as you! Nervous but ready. Keep us posted! We're all bringing sexy back! LOL.

I am scheduled 12/27 and actually had a panic attack today. I have had 2 in my whole life. But the thought of everything this entails, the change in life, the what-ifs, I am with you there. But I am going to do it, and keep moving forward. It sounds like that's the best option. I think I will have some tears ahead of me, both pre-op and post-op. But we can do this, together, all of us! I started keeping a journal, it has been a good way for me to get out my stress instead of keeping it bottled up. I actually found an online site that is secure so I don't have to worry about people reading some of my thoughts. I think pre-op we are all having the exact same thoughts and fears. Keep expressing them, sharing them, but don't let them stop you. This is best for your health and the rest of your life.

I am pre op and went to GNC today looking to buy some protiens to try, knowing the shakes would gross me out. So some options I found were these little 3ounce juices with 45g protien in each drink. So it's way less liquid and a juice, in many flavors. You would probably only need one a day because you will get the rest in your food. This is what I plan to use. 3.50 each, so I don't know if that helps. Costs less than all the soda and food I will be doing without! LOL.

Dr. Neal too, cool. We should keep in touch. I got approval today, but haven't talked to the office about the specifics d/t I work nights so by the time i called the lady I needed was gone for the day. I heard Dr Neal didnt' require any special pre-diet, but I wasn't sure. I already lost 18 pounds in the last 6 months with the nutritionist, which Dr Neal was pleased with. I was wondering about support groups, but I work Tuesday nights starting at 7pm, so maybe there's another one you know of or i can find. I work Sun Mon Tue nights. I'm so excited for you, I hope you put up pics soon. But seriously, let's keep in touch. I'm so excited for you!

Moving forward, got insurance approval today! Yae. I didn't think I'd be this excited, but I am. After jumping through insurance hoops for 7 months this is awesome. 15 days till surgery. Have to call doc office tomorow and get all the details like what pre-surgery diet does my doc require? And yae me on my first topic start. I also decided I'm going to keep a journal, which I'll start today. Found several oneline ones. Only thing left is to get a good pre-surgery pic.

how exciting. Any compliment from our children- take it! They certainly woulnd't lie for our feelings, LOL. Good for you!

Tabby

Ahh, to be able to cross the legs, can't wait!

Tabby.

I already have hair loss and I haven't had the band yet- bad genetics. So I have been reading on how it can get worse post-lab band. It looks like Biotin is the way to go- that and enough protien. Dietary daily recommendations are 5000 to 7500mcg/day. I plan to start that right away to see if it helps. The stuff I ready said most people get enough of it in their daily diet, but I can imagine post-lab band we might not. Let me know if it helps, I see you said you're gonna start it. Me too! We will learn together!

Tabby.

My nutritionist said you can buy powder protien that you can mix in with your Soup or pudding, that way if you're like me and don't think you can tolerate the shakes you can try it that way. She said they carry it at Fred Meyers, I am going to look around, but I think for me that's gonna be the way to go. She said it is the same amount of protien per serving as a shake is. Maybe you could do some of it that way?

Tabby.

I have not yet had lap band, but should on dec 27, so my hubby asked me for a list of foods for him to buy me. I have been perusing this site tonight looking for good ideas, healthy foods to have. It looks like that's what you're asking... for ideas for alternatives. Here's what I have found, hope some of it sounds yummy.

skim milk, broth, sugar free Jello or pudding, cream of wheat, scrambled eggs (maybe with a little cheese), applesauce, cottage cheese, pureed Soup, banana, tuna, yogurt.

And remember, just keep moving forward. Just because you made one bad choice doesn't mean you have to make more. As said above- we're all in this together, you can do it!

Tabby.

My nutritionist told me you can buy the powder that is designed to mix in with food, like pudding or mashed potatos or Soup. I personally have tried different powders via my mom using them and find them all DISGUSTING. I'm a picky eater I guess. But for me, that's my plan. The nutritionist said the powders are the same amount of protien per use as the shakes- but for me I think will be easier to get down. Good luck with the shakes if that's the way you go!

Tabby.

Coming from a pre-surgery patient your weight loss is inspiring. It reassures me I'm making the right choice and that this can be done. Congratulations on your hard work and good luck on reaching your goal.

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I was required to do 6 months with nutritionist and exercise plan. I did lose 18 pounds in 6 months, bmi went from 44 to 41. I also was afraid then my insurance would say no. Either because they could say "you can obviously lose weight on your own" or "now you don't weigh enough for the surgery." Fortunately, or not furtunately I have co-morbidities. But since my BMI is still at 41 I'm OK. The nutritionist said I should lose 5% body weight before surgery, which I did!

It felt good to lose weight on my own, but I could tell I could not stick with it without the help the lap band will give me.

As for 'diet' for 6 months, for me and the nutritionist it was anything but a diet. I had to log all my food for 6 months. It helps you see what foods are high in what, how you could alter what you eat but still get better calorie intake without having to eat all veggies or whatever. For instance getting a chicken breast instead of chicken strips cuts down from like 800 calories to less than 100 per patty.

It's hard to put how great those 6 months have been for me- but i am now 1 day away from my 6 month appointment with nutritionist and I am amazed how much I learned. I feel like compared to people who did not have to do that, I am so much more ready for the lap band because of those 6 months. Definitely a lot food smarter and started some of the emotional work we will all have to deal with post lap band.

I hope that helps, think of it as a great learning experience. I didn't 'diet' so much as we set little goals each month. And some months i didn't meet those goals, oh well. Insurance just required I go, you choose what to make of it.

Tabby.

It seems like to tell or not to tell: Just tell the right people, people who you know care about you. And as was said, you can't un-tell. But I'm glad you are getting support, and it must have felt like a huge weight was lifted to tell your SIL.

I see I'm a little late on this one, but why is everyone so pro-drinking, one drink! geeze. I hope you had it and I hope you had a good time. You stated you're not a big drinker, and you know it's a lot of calories. Just don't find yourself making excuses to wander too often... that's what got us here! You still have to live life.

I've used Sparkpeople for 6 months, every day religiously for my nutritionist part of the pre-surgery. I really like it, and you can customize it any way you want it. It's very user friendly I've thought. I will keep using it after lap band to help me make sure i'm getting enough of what I need in with the reduced intake. Look me up... tabithalynn78.

If you have any specific questinos maybe I can help.

Tabby.