ddrobins

I'm being banded on July 27th. Today was my second day of pre op protein. I feel totally full and satisfied with the protein and I'm very surprised that I'm not hungry and obcessing about not being able to eat. Of course, it's only the second day. What I'm noticing on here is that there are definitely two camps of Lap Banders. Some of you sound very upbeat and determined to follow the program and make this work. You seem to be losing weight, not at a fast rate, but steadily. Which is what I want to do, after all I didn't get fat in a month and don't expect to lose it that fast. The second camp seems discouraged and even wishing that they had never had the surgery. I am feeling a bit worried. I don't want to make a mistake, but I really need this to work for me. I decided on the Lap Band after doing a lot of research. I was very uncomfortable with having either the sleeve or bypass because it just seemed very invasive and I didn't like the thought of actually changing the anatomy of my stomache or digestive system. I'm not saying it's not the right decision for others but I felt that it was not right for me. I am totally committed to following the rules, before and after surgery and taking things very slow as I progress through my dietary restrictions: clear liquids, full liquids, puree and soft. I'm reading all that I can and I have purchased the bullet processing machine and I'm practicing pureeing foods and freezing some things in ice cube trays for after surgery.\ I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance. I know it's not an easy fix and I'm praying that I have an easy post op with no complications. Good luck everyone.

me too. I'm a size 22/24 pants and I would love to be a size 16. I remember last when I was a size 16 and I was unhappy being that size, I dropped down to a size 8 by pretty much starving myself and that's when my yo yoing really began. Up and down , Up and down and then just up up up. So I feel that size sixteen is doable and maintainable with the help of the lap band.

Today, July 13th, is the first day of my pre-op Liquid Protein diet. Made it through today with no problem. Well, maybe one little problem. I was'nt able to finish all the protein that I was supposed to consume today. I had 4 Protein drinks, which used up two pouches of the protein, but I still have one pouch left. I'll try something a bit different tomorrow and try to get it all in. My Dr. prescribed a medical grade protein that has all of the nutrients and Vitamins that you need on a daily basis, plus, if you drink it all you get 107gr. of protein. Seems like a lot, eh? The only solid food that I had today was 1 very small zucchini, 4 mushrooms, and 6 asparagus spears. I'm only allowed very low glycemic veggies, plain, and the Protein Drink. Oh, and I can mix a bit of Crystal Light into the protein to flavor. Boy am I glad that I can do that, because it's nasty on its own. Any way, today is almost over and I made it through and do not feel hungry. I'm thinking I will be able to get through these next two weeks and my liver will be in good shape for my July 27th surgery. Yesterday evening I was really doubting myself if I would be able to stick with this two week diet. My friend was here and I was whining to her and she did such a good thing. She gave me a little bit of tough love and it straightened me out. She reminded me how important it is to get my liver into shape before surgery. She asked me if I wanted to be split wide open so that my Dr. would be able to repair my bleeding liver, and that is what could happen if I can't be honest about this process. She said I have no business going for surgery if I can't follow this two week plan. I knew she was right and decided right then and there to commit onehundred percent to making this work for me. There really is no plan B if I fail at this, I wont let that happen. And thank God for my wonderful friends who are supporting me in all of this. My husband is cold and hot about the whole thing and deep down I don't believe that he thinks I will lose the weight. But, saying that he did go out and get me all the veggies that I had on my list and he has agreed to do the shopping so that I don't buy anything crazy. It's just the two of us now and he's never been a snacker. One of the lucky ones who eat to live, not live to eat. We grilled out together and he cooked his own meat and potatoe while I did my veggies on the grill. They were tasty. Well, tomorrow is day two and I'm hoping it goes as well as today. G'night all.

Please seek medical help for your wound sooner than later. It worries me that the Dr. mentioned MRSA being on your skin. This is not something that should be taken lightly. I'm not liking his , well let's wait and see attitude. Dr's can be very frustating people to deal with sometimes. I'm praying that Jesus lays his hands on you and heals your wounds. God Bless and keep us posted.

You should call your doctor's office about this. They can help you, I'm sure. Are you drinking enough liquids? Would you be allowed to have prune juice? May if you diluted it with water.

you've lost 30lbs. That seems like you are doing very well and right where you should be at this point. What is an average day of food like for you? Are you journaling? Don't get discouraged.

Oh gosh, I am so hoping that this surgery will help with my fibro and chronic fatigue. I am so tired of being tired and achy all of the time. I was on Effexor for a year and it really did help with the pain. But it elevated my blood pressure and help to add another twenty pounds to my fat A-S. I went off the meds and my pain is back. I just can't believe it. Also I hated the way the anti depressants made me feel in my head. Very vague all of the time and I just could not focus. I didn't feel like me anymore. Did the surgery help any with your achiness and overall fatigue? It's the main reason that I want this surgery.

Ok. I have been feeling really guilty and telling myself that you are wasting time and money if you let yourself pig out at this stage of the game. I start my protein pre op fast on July 13 and have been dreaming of having one last blowout day. Maybe I'll allow myself a "last" meal. Chicken Gyro with all the fixings, Greek salad, seasoned fries and a coke. This could happen on July 12th. :wub:

I'm self pay also. Everything included in cost of surgery. Also covered for 5 yrs of checkups, fills, nutrition counseling and in the event of the lap band needing to be removed for a medical reason. I'm covered for that also. Do you mind discussing price. I'm paying 16,000.00 and like I say, this is all inclusive.

I'm getting Banded on July 27th. Almost as exciting as getting engaged eh? I'm loving this site. What a wealth of info. I start my two weeks of protein diet on July 13, just protein drink and green veggies allowed...I'm a little worried about sticking to it but realize how important it is to ensure a good outcome.

I'm excited for you....you are in my thoughts.

What a great idea about using a muffin pan for mini meal. Never would have thought of that. Oh, and also the tip about a travel pillow for after surgery. I'm being banded on July 27 and will be using both of these ideas. Thanks Band sisters, for all the info, I'm feeling very grateful for this site...

Wow, Good Going! I hope I have similar success

I'm reading lots of blogs and getting lots of info here. Really a great site. I'm being banded on July 27th. I notice that a lot of you are young women and with BMI's in the 30's. Good for you for not letting things get too out of control. I'm wondering how many on here are extremely overweight, as I am. At 5ft 3in, I weigh between 280-285 depending on how much Water I'm retaining. My BMI, is 49. Yikes, yeah I know. I'm really hoping this will work for me. Is there any of you out there that have lost over 70lbs? and how long did it take? Does the band seem to help with emotional eating. You know, you're not really hungry, you just want that feeling that comes over you from mindless carb munching? Also, I'm a self pay and since I had no insurance comp. to deal with, I've had no psychological evaluation. I'm not sure if this is a good thing. I'm sure I want to lose weight. I'm very worried that soon I'll be the person that needs a motorized cart to get out of my house. My knee are very bad. I so want this too work for me and I chose the lap band because I felt it was not too invasive or drastic. What do you think? Am I being realitic thinking this will help me?

Oh Yah! Thanks for the book titles. I loved Shades of Grey and felt almost depressed after finishing the 3rd book, because there was no more. I'm going to put your suggestions onto my Kindle. Good luck with your preop protein . I start mine on July13 and hve surg. on 27th

I hope I have that problem!

painting my toenails , crossing my legs, feeling sexy again for my husband, not being the fattest woman at the party...sigh, that's a big one!!

Good for you Stephanie, BTW, I have a daughter: Stephanie. How encouraging to hear that you are doing so well. My surgery is scheduled for July 27th. I start my liquid protein diet on July 13th. Did you do the two weeks on liquid protein and if so, how did it go for you? I'm very committed to having this surgery work for me and I want to do just what I'm advised to do, but I am a little worried about being able to stick to two weeks of liquids. I can also have a bit of greens. Cooked or raw and I do like spinach and different lettuces. I'm so excited to hear that you lost 10 lbs already. Looks like we are starting a wonderful journey. My goal is to be a size 16. I'm a size 24 now. Also, I have very bad knees and I'm hoping the weight loss may help them too. What is your goal?

My husband came with me to my consultation and asked the surgeon lots of questions. He and I talked a lot about the surgery and he seemed fine with it when I booked it too. I was really surprised and disappointed to overhear him talking with one of his friends and I heard him say that he thinks I'm just setting myself up to be depressed after I fail. He said my surgeon was quite a salesman. That wasn't true at all. At this point, I'm doing this for me. I'm putting me first.Maybe for the first time in all of my adult years. I'm not going to stress over making him meals while I'm doing my protein fast either. He can figure out how to turn on the stove, microwave and barbecue. He's a very spoiled man, my fault. I think he's afraid that things will change around here. And you know what, he's right. Things are changing. I'm starting my journey to help myself to a longer and more active life. He can come along for the ride and be my partner in this or not.

My banding is being done 7/27. I haven't started the protein diet yet. I think I am fearing the pre-op protein diet more than the surgery. My surgeon stressed to me how important it is not to cheat on the pre-op diet. This will get your liver in shape for the surgery. He told me that the liver has to be moved and lifted to apply the band and the pre-op diet will make things a lot easier on him and my liver. I'm really not scared of having my surgery, and usually I'm a total scaredy cat about medical procedures. I'm taking my calm attitude as a sign that I am totally on the right track. I know this will work for me. I am so ready to get my life back. Good luck to you, and let us know how you are getting along.

My surgery is scheduled for July 27th. I'm very excited, not nervous yet. I want this to work for me. I'm committed to following the program diligently. So looking forward to losing some weight and not having aching knees and sore hips every day. I've been practicing taking very small bites and chewing, chewing, chewing...... Sometimes the food slips down my throat before I'm done chewing. I hope I get this chewing part, down pat. How hard is it to learn to eat with the band in place?