Spaness2012

I'm not sure I would throw the 'failure" word around so easily. You lost 80lbs.....and only gained 35 back. Honestly...in my opinion...still pretty good. Knowledge is power...you know why you gained the weight and what it will take to get it off. Your not starting over...just re-committing to the process. I bet you'll be fine! Good luck~

My insurance also required a 6 month monitoring program. I spend that time just trying to learn new habits...i.e, eating slowly....no soda, etc. I didn't lose a significant amount of weight but it really gave me some time to do some soul searching. Can I do this? Do I want it bad enough? I worked out the kinks. And when I was sooo ready I couldn't take it anymore....my surgery date came around quickly and I will be banded on Thursday! It seems like a long time....but even had I had the cash to self-pay....I would have still been better off going through the 6 month motion! Good luck!

Day 3 was the hardest for me! If I was on Day 3 and had a Superbowl party...I would have surely cried! I am on Day 12 and although it is easier....it is NOT Superbowl good. No party for me and if the hubby wanted one, I would have gladly told him to go elsewhere...lol. My surgery is Thursday and I too am on a 2 week liquid diet (Protein shakes-broth-water-tea,etc). It's hard...not easy. But my motivation is like yours. I want the surgery and I am ALL IN to get it. Good luck Mama! Shopping sounds like a great idea.

Wow! I am on Day 12 of pre-op and really, really needed to read this today! Feeling sorry for myself why? The reality is..I'm not starving. My body is getting the protein and fuel it needs. Is it uncomfortable....yes! But people endure so much more and live to talk about it. Thank you for this!! Good luck....your journey will be worth it! My surgery is scheduled for Thursday...and I am thrilled!

Woot, woot! Now that I know you teach nutrition...I am blowing up your inbox!! Just kidding. I am sorry you were pushed to ever write this post. I agree.....if one is upset about someone's post......it's time to do some internal inventory and figure out why.

Yes. I have those fears as well however, I have found that adopting the "one day at a time" mentality helps me immensely. If I look too far ahead...it's too overwhelming and scary. I tell myself that I can do this FOR TODAY (eat well, exercise, drink liquids, etc.). TODAY I can do this...tomorrow is a different day and I can't control that.....but I can do it today. Take some deep breaths....it's gonna be a long ride. But one worth taking. I'll be your band sister the very next day....Thurs the 7th. We can do this together.

Your boss knows! Stay in the game. I agree with others....non banded people might get on weight loss meds or get a personal trainer at some crazy boot camp. But here's the thing...we have to exersise too...we have to portion control too......I say..it's fair game!

I have not always said nice things to my Mother either...lol.

FYI.....The docs office was bragging about you the other day (not using your name of course) but nonetheless it was you. Thank you for befriending me through the journey. You are soo inspirational. xoxxox.

Thank you for that! I never thought about it that way. The band is a physical "thing" I will be holding close to my heart......right next to the spirit of my Mom. I am certain she will take the whole process over and make me wildly successful! That's how she rolled!

I love that some of the post op'ers name their band. I have been putting some thoughts into naming my new band (to arrive on Thursday, Feb 7th...so excited). I don't really have anything that seems to stick or have a nice ring. How did you all come up with your cute and clever names? My Mom past away 4 years ago of ovarian cancer and when something has happened in my life that smacks me upside my head, I always say..."thanks Mom". Don't they always know best? Is calling my band "Mom" creepy? Can you tell I miss her . Have a great weekend!

This is exactley why I am doing this. To regain control...not to be in a bikini by summer. For the long haul...thanks for the post.

It really is a good time to make this a hand in hand journey of health. I too struggled to quit...but I am not having surgery to look good in jeans. I am doing it to live a longer, healthier life. Continuing to smoke, for me, makes no sense.

I have been practicing with both. I like the chop stix for some things and the baby spoon for others. Your breakfast sounded delicious by the way.

I'm not banded yet but I know those days where emotionally and physically all I want to do is eat. Maybe take inventory of what is going on.....are you sleeping well enough, early enough? Work or family issues/drama? It doesn't take much for me to turn to food for all sorts of reasons. Take a deep breath....don't be disappointed in yourself for some weak moments. We would be blind not to think they won't happen. Next time you will be prepared and to look at other ways to cope. Be proud of yourself!! You are doing this!! Stay on the road.......it'll be fine.

I am slightly nervous about "gas pain" too but I am not obsessing about it. Reports from those who have already been recently banded will help ease my mind. Even if it's bad...knowledge is power.

Good to know! Nice work! One day at a time...

Got back from my pre op appointment this morning and I am down 9.5 pounds (on liquid diet until next Thursday- 2 full weeks) but blood work was done and I am ready to go! Getting more excited than nervous. Good luck everyone!

Ask the surgery center to calculate the costs for you up front. Last September, I was hit with a $4000 bill 3 days before the surgery for various expenses the insurance would not cover. I had to postpone the surgery until this month because I didn't have the money. So do this beforehand. !!

Yes.....that's what my costs are as well...after insurance approval.

In an effort to get my mind off of being hungry (on liquid pre op diet-day 8) and the anxiety of my upcoming surgery (Feb 7th) I thought I would treat myself to a ME day! Hour massage and facial was just what I needed to "check out" of my head for a few hours! Feeling relaxed and happy right now! What things do you do to try and shut your brain down from the process?

Cheryl...I totally agree! Had a DR told me that I would be on protein shakes forever.....this would have NEVER been an option for me! I would rather eat a small cup of food per sitting forever than be forced to drink shakes forever. Thanks for the post.

What an accomplishment!! I am in awe.....good for you!

I agree with Cynthia2013: Not "caving" is a major sucess all its own! Congrats superhero!

On Day 7 here (5 shakes a day....no food). In some respects it got easier. In other respects....my resolve is waning thin. My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday (2/7). Just plowing thru it. I always, always have water or some other sugar free concotion near me. By the end of the day...I am pretty exhausted from my body fighting for fuel and living off of whatever is in my system....so I go to bed early. I really just try not to obsess over it too much. I have to cook for children and that is the hardest time. Good luck...we can do this.