gottobeme

Ummm...it's surgery people! Did you think they did it with you fully clothed? Just remember everyone there does this all the time...you don't have anything they haven't seen before! I know it's embarasing for us but they do cover us up as much as possible to protect our dignity! When I had my EKG today I was very impressed with the way the nurse was able to keep my modesty intact while she applied everything.

I sent you an invite, I hope it works. Funny thing is on my adroid it always tells me I do not have permission to view springers posts. I have not idea why, I can on my computer and can view other things on my phone.

Along those lines...I was wondering about taking communion...Pre-op and post-op will it mess me up? We have wine and grape juice (I usually choose the grape juice) and a glueten free bread. Any thoughts?...We commune weekly.

For those of you who are not already in "Springers" go to the groups tab at the top of the screen and look for us. It is for people who have (had) surgery in March, April and May. Lots of good conversations going on over there!

I would also recommend checking with your doctor. If it helps knowing the clinic I work with has recently added unlimited non-starchy veggies to their pre-op diet. Based on research they feel it does not make a significant difference...I would still check with your doc though.

I'm another one for the 13th. I've had my surgery scheduled since early this month and the closer it gets the more things I have running through my head. I've even thought of staying off this site for a while and trying to think about other things. Just not sure what is best for my mindset right now. I think of after having surgery as "Being on the other side", moving from pre-band side to post-band side. Or maybe it is more like a Wednesday, when you start looking forward to the weekend and not dreading the week ahead. Does that make sense to anyone else?

GLove, I wish you the best and yes please read our posts and chime in sometimes. You have put a lot of thought into this and with the reasons you have stated it makes perfect sense to me that you not have the lap-band at this time. You do need to think of yourself right now. I understand with two parents recently diagnosed with Alzheimers it would be extremely difficult to keep all of your needs after surgery in the forefront. Also thanks about the advice of following Elcee, B52 and Corrigan. I also have found B52 cuts through the BS.

I sent an invitation to you. If you are using the app on a phone I really don't know. The app on my android is nice but not as user friendly as the web site. You can also go to the group tabs at the top of the page and look for us. We are a public group.

I would be worried that you're not getting enough Protein also. Do you know how many grams a day you are getting? My pre-op diet has 95g per day and my post-op has 60-100g per day. Also how many calories are in your CIB when mixed with skim milk? The Protein shakes I have have 100 cal per 8 oz and 15g of protein. Since I haven't looked at CIB I don't know how it compares. My understanding is we have to make our calories work for us by getting our protein in first. I'm also worried that by getting only 320 cal a day you may be messing up your metabalism. I think you should give your doctors office a call and ask for advice before your first fill. Hope this helps!

I have been using Protein Shakes for a few months as part of my 6 month diet. I swear I could blow away the entire town! lol Recently I started using Metamucil 1x a day (liquid form mixed with Water so it helps me get my water in) to help keep me stay regular, it hasn't been a cure all but it seems to help reduce the gas a little. Sorry if that was TMI but I think that is what we need from each other!

Most docs, but not all, put us on a pre-op diet for about 2 weeks. The idea is to shrink the liver and make surgery safer. Diets vary by doctor, most seem to include protein supplements, sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles. Others also include veggies, fruit, yogurt and a small Lean Cuisine type meal or a small amount of protein from meat. I think all avoid carbs as much as possible. Once you figure out how to join "Springers" there are several nurses in our group that can probably give you a better idea of why most doctors order a pre-op diet. I have my surgery the same day as you and start mine on March 30th.

Hi Jesscaba...I also am scheduled for the 13th. Come over to the group "Springers". We are all being/have been banded in March, April or May of this year. It's nice to have a group of others close to your surgery date.

Got my pre-op diet today and start on March 30th. Averages 850 cal and 95 gms of Protein. Daily 3 Protein Shakes daily 2 Protein Bars daily - I get the shakes and bars from my clinic - their requirement and they're good too! 3 oz of lean protein 1 small - med piece of fruit or 1 cup of items like melon, berries, grapes, etc. unlimited non-starchy vegetables 64 oz of liquid (10 cal or less per 8 oz serving) additional free items include: sugar free Jell-o Sugar free popsicles spray butter non-stick cooking spray garlic / herbs / spices with no sodium

Welcom everyone! GirlieGirl you have already been through so much and you are still so young! My thoughts and prayers are with you as well as everyone in the "Springers" group! I had two of my 4 pre-op appointments today, the nutritionist and a surgery nurse. It was cool because I also got to meet the other person having lap-band surgery the same day as I am and one that is having it a week before. I also found it interesting to hear more about some things like Pbing, hair loss and other "complaints" I have read about on this site. As we have all read before, follow your doctors recommendations. I remember reading on this site about someone who said their doctor was not worried about them throwing up (Pbing) and someone else adamantly stating that it was not normal and they needed an unfill or something to help. I am glad to know my team does not consider it normal after surgery! They also explained that it was more bile-like than puke-like, not that it really is any better! I hope I haven't grossed anyone out yet. I start my pre-op diet on March 30th. It will be a combination of Protein Drinks and bars, one piece of fruit and unlimited non-starchy vegetables. I think my toughest hurdle will be giving up Coke Zero - I am addicted to the stuff!

April 13th

Mmmm...Reese's Peanut Butter eggs! lol. Last night I uploaded a bunch of "Before" pics to this site. (Only accessible to me, I may share later.) I think smmrsue has the right idea...I should pull those up and then get myself out of the house and away from food! ElizabethAnne - you said you were counting calories. Do you journal your food? I know I did best on my diet when I did but have had a hard time doing lately. I have tried many methods like apps on my phone and just trying to keep paper with me to write things down but for what ever reason cannot motivate myself to follow through with it for more that 24 hours at a time. Any suggestions?

ElizabethAnne - I know how you feel about doing well with weight loss prior to surgery. I have been working with my team since August and lost 60+ lbs so far but have been fighting the same 3 pound for about a month! I have had many people tell me ..."but you're doing so good on your own, why have surgery?". For me diets usually work for about 6 months then I start back into my old bad eating habits. I know the band is only a tool but I am hoping it is the tool that will help me make the lifelong change in habits that I need to be a healthy weight. I'm still scared and know as the next four weeks go by I will probably doubt and double guess myself multiple times but I also know my track record without the band is not good.

WOW, we have so many new members since my last post! Welcome everyone! My surgery is scheduled for (Friday) April 13th. I work in an elementary school and was able to schedule most of my pre-op appointments during spring break. I did great for a while on a modified low calorie diet that I was on through my program but I am having a hard time sticking to it now. I think knowing that I have surgery scheduled makes it tougher for me to stick to it. I am actually looking forward to my pre-op diet because I think I will be able to stick to it knowing it is needed specifically for the surgery. At least I hope so! We have such a great group going here! Nurses, be prepared for post-op questions! I know we all have our surgeons and staff to go to with questions but sometimes it just feels better to get a push from someone in the biz to call them and ask...PA my sister is a PA and I know I will often ask her things before calling my doc.

Good luck with nephrology. I also think it would be more help long term. My 13 year old son had a non-functioning kidney removed when he was in kindergarten. One of my many reasons for surgery is because I already had elevated A1C levels and a family history of diabetes. Although we don't expect him to ever have issues with his good kidney, it never hurts to keep both of mine healthy!

I agree with all of the above posts and also wonder are the rashes likely to lead to infections? That is something I think you should consider including in your appeal.

I LOVED being on Depo - no periods, no PMS, it was great!

I'm not sure about after banding but the very low calorie diet I have been on so far allows one LC meal less than 300 cal to replace protein and carbs. I agree it really does help with portion control!

I actually went to college for photography. It has become more of a sometimes hobby for me now. I have taken senior photo's for my nephew, my friends foster children and plan to take my daughters this summer. I'm looking forward to having a garden this year and hopefully doing some canning for the first time. I work in an elementary school as a special ed aide and am looking for a summer job now. The only bad thing about my job is no summer income! Although I did not go to church growing up I am now pretty involved in my congregation. The fact that my church is only 3 blocks from my home makes it easier to be involved. I also spend to much time on Facebook. My daughter calls me a Facebook stalker because I read and rarely post. I have also recently started on Pinterest, my most recent time waster!

I think my biggest fear is failure. Closer to my surgery I'm sure it will change. I hate going under, the whole not being in control thing! I'm worried about the first time I get stuck. My hair is already thin so if it gets much thinner I'll have to start wearing hats all the time. I'm sure I'll think of more