Cindy2013

Oh my goodness everyone! This is such a fun group of people. I'm enjoying reading your posts and learning your personalities. I look forward to all of us being great friends and helping one another along our journeys. I have a daughter who spent this last summer in Peru on a humanitarian trip. I so want to do something like that! I used to think it would never be possible, but who knows. When I get all this extra weight off of me, perhaps my health will be better and I'll feel alive again. Wouldn't that be something? I'm sure all of us want to feel alive again. We have hosted 2 exchange students from Paris over the years. I would love to be able to go visit them. Maybe, just maybe... Danielle, my official pre-op diet began today. I have been trying to adapt those eating habits a bit over the past few days so that it wasn't such a shock today. I didn't much feel like eating, but I obeyed all the rules today. You mention a headache. I actually am on day 4 of a horrific spinal headache from a procedure I had on thursday. I'm going tomorrow for a blood patch to fix the spinal fluid leak, so hopefully this monstrous headache will ease off. I'm sort of okay if I am laying down, but the moment I am upright, the pressure increases and it is awful. But that is another story. I hope your headache gets better. I told my dietician I was worried about the headaches that come when I feel the need to eat, and she said everyone gets them and it is just part of the process. Hopefully it will get better.

How did you to today? Stay strong. You can do this. I'll be following close behind you soon.

That is great to hear. If I can get enough protein in, I will gladly forgo the shake. I already have very thinning hair on top, due to some other health issues through the years. I'm told that I can avoid losing more hair by getting enough protein. So that is a priority. Time will tell. I'm glad to hear that you get enough protein without the shakes.

I think I have enough information now to make an educated decision on the chocolate milk. That is what is great about a forum--people who are doing the same thing and who know what they are talking about are the first ones I should be asking. I did have a similar conversation with my nutritionist and she just said the rules are sugar free everything, but she couldn't tell me why. I wanted to know why. Now I do. 2muchfun asked why $50 worth of shakes. I will be drinking 2 per day for the pre-op, so that is 28 shakes right there. Then 1 a day for the first 7 after surgery. 2nd week post op will require 3 per day, so add another 21. 3rd week @2 per day. + 14. 4th week and for the rest of my life, 1 Protein shake per day. That 6 week period alone adds up to 77 shakes. My doctor said he does not wants me to rely on proper foods, but that it is so difficult to get 60-80 grams of protein in every day that he has all of his patients do a Protein Shake for their entire life. It sounds like every doctor is different in their instructions. Perhaps my bedtime chocolate milk will be replaced with a Protein Drink.

Is your diet strictly liquid? Mine is a 700 calorie diet that includes fruits and vegies. I get one protein, one fruit, and one dairy at breakfast. That could be 2 eggs, some berries and an 8 oz glass of skim milk. Lunch and supper are a protein and 2 cups of veggies. My preop protein choices are: 3 oz cooked meat (lean meats only--no processed meats such as hotdogs, bologna, bacon, etc., and not fried). 3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese or 3/4 cup egg substitute, 2 whole eggs, or a protein shake that has at least 20 grams of protein and no more than 10 grams of carbohydrates., I like the chocolate premier protein ones. I think the difficult part for me will be no snacking between those three meals. Once I eat 2 cups of veggies, I will be full! But I don't think it will last very long. Maybe strictly liquid would be easier because you don't have any other choices to make. But I think I prefer mine over a full liquid. Of course the week after surgery is clear liquid only. They want me to drink more than 200 ounces of liquid per day in that first week post op. Wow, that is a lot of drinking. I'm still struggling to get to 60 ounces.

I'm just new to learning about all of the diet restrictions and such. Everything I read says to use sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles, sugar free this or that. Why? Will it cause erosion of the band? Or is it because of the added calories? I have a stockpile of jello, but it is not sugar free. We typically try to have a year's supply of food on our shelves. I would prefer to use what I have than go out and purchase new stuff. I'm just wondering if the no sugar is a calorie thing or if it can cause damage to the band. If it is because of the calories, I can cut in another area to compensate. I'm already going to purchase $50 worth of Protein shakes every month, and extra veggies that I wouldn't have normally eaten. Add to that the expense of going to and from doctor visits, therapies, etc. and I am putting somewhat of a burden on our family finances. We don't have a lot of extra money in our budget, and I have to make it work with what we have. My favorite indulgence is a drink of chocolate milk before going to bed. Honestly I don't want to give that up. I will if I am not losing, but I'm thinking that if I use skim milk and drink a smaller amount than my normal, it should be okay. I think in every diet, you have to still get some of the things you like or you will give up and quit. Is it unreasonable to want to hold on to the chocolate milk at night? Or the sugar in my jello? Please educate me.

Shellee, I know this sounds like a crazy question, but did you have ketchup with the roast beef? Or had you drank V-8 tomato juice or anything else red. The reason I ask is that I have a daughter who once called me freaked out after vomiting, thinking it was blood, but she had eaten some watermellon earlier that came up with the vomit. Sounds silly, but it does happen.

I can't believe I'm just under 3 weeks away from my big surgery day, February 11th. It took me over 2 years to make this decision. In fact, I first met with the surgeon in January of 2011, but I chickened out because of the fear of how drastic the life style changes will be. I guess my biggest fear is how much this will effect my family. I'm the only one overweight, but we love to eat. Every time we get together, food is a big part of it. We get together to play games, there will be chex mix, brownies, chips and dip, etc. Yesterday the family wanted me to make caramel popcorn. I LOVE caramel. I made it and was okay until I saw the leftover caramel sauce that I had poured onto a tray. There is nothing like that chewy buttery flavor. At the start of making the recipe, I felt strong and that I would be able to make it without even a taste. By the end, I lost my resolve. I have not yet begun my official pre-op diet, but I am trying to ease into it. In my mind I gave myself permission to eat some of the caramel because I "still have time." But I know in my head that I should have been strong enough to resist it. This tells me that I will no longer be able to cook those yummy treats for the family, at least not in the beginning. Overall that is much healthier for all of us, but my family will still want it and I am a pleaser and have a tendency to put them before me all the time. It breaks my heart when I give them what they want. My other fear is of the exercise. I have a spinal cord injury which limits my exercise ability greatly. I can walk slowly on a treadmill by holding on to the handrails. What if this isn't enough? My doctor has assured me that the trainer will work with me and help me to find things I can do. Water aerobics is one, but I live so far away from a pool that this will be a problem. My positives are that I want this! I WILL find a way to adapt with the family. My college daughters were all home this weekend and wanted baked potato Soup, filled with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream. They can still eat it without it going to their hips! I cooked it for them without being tempted to eat it. I had some pineapple and a Protein Shake and felt completely satisfied. So for regular meals I think I'll be okay. I am confident that I can follow the rules regarding quantity of food. Yes, I know it will be hard, but I can do it. I just have to avoid the sweets. I'm the only one home during the day. Evenings will take the most strength, and my family tells me they will help me, so I'm very optimistic. I have struggled for 6 years with being basically homebound. I used to be a vibrant energetic person who didn't let anything stop me. The SCI stopped me in my tracks though, and I spend a lot of time in bed, mostly due to pain. I am having a trial for a pain pump on Thursday (January 24th). So I have a lot of hope for 2013. My goal is to get back to living again. At a weight of 270, I get tired from even the most basic activity. I stand for 10 minutes and need to go sit down or lay down. I walk for 5 minutes and can't go anymore. I'm tired of living like this. 6 years is way too long. For me, this surgery is about feeling better. this surgery is about living my life again. Losing weight will help my pain. Losing weight will help me to function better. Getting the pain pump will help the pain too. I decided that I can't do anything about my injuries, but I can use whatever tools are available to help me get back to living. The lapband and the pain pump are key to my future, and I will make both of them successful. My goal is to weigh 160 at the end, but that is because this is a healthy weight. More than the pounds, I want to just feel better. Losing 100 pounds should give me a big boost. I look forward to doing this together with all of you. 2013 is our year. We can and will do this. I will need lots of encouragement, so I'm happy to have found this site. Also, I will give lots of support, so please feel friend to become my friend.

Hey Miss V. It is good to know someone else has the same surgery day. Where are you from? Do you feel ready?I've had family home all weekend, and I did fairly well until they wanted me to make caramel popcorn. I LOVE caramel and I succumbed to a few pieces of the lucious smooth caramel that was left over from the popcorn. I always make too much and if I were to pour all of it on the popcorn, it would get soggy. So we have a plate of caramels that I just can't avoid. But then again, I haven't officially started the pre-op. Still have another week before it starts. So I could look at it this way--this is the last time I will enjoy those silky smooth delicacies and I deserved to eat it one last time. Man I've gotta change that attitude! I really am looking forward to the big day and I will be good. I have to. I want to feel better.

I had to sign a contract with my doctor that I will exercise. I gave him my word, so now I have no choice. I know it will be difficult, especially because of my spine issues effecting my legs, but I've already started a little bit on the treadmill. I'm only up to 6 minutes, but it is a start. I can't walk outside or in a mall because I need something to hold on to. But the treadmill works. So for me, I'm going to exercise for the rest of my life! Maybe not gung ho enough to gain major muscles, but enough to get myself feeling better. That is what it is all about for me. Not being skinny--I just want to feel better.

My husband and I want to go on a cruise for our 28th wedding anniversary in November. We've never really been anywhere without our kids. I want to feel and look fabulous, whatever size that may be. Just hope I'm at least 50 pounds lighter by then.

I don't officially start my pre-op diet until the 28th, but I've been slowly starting it. The Breakfast won't be hard at all for me. Right now I seldom eat breakfast. With my diet, I get one Protein, one fruit, and one dairy for breakfast. Of course the dairy choices are low cal. For example, I can have a Protein shake, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 low fat string cheese stick. I tried that yesterday and it was difficult for me to eat that much. Like I said, I haven't been a breakfast person. My lunches and suppers will be difficult though. A protein and 2 cups of veggies. I have never eaten 2 full cups of veggies ever at one sitting. The no Snacks in between will be difficult too. But all in all, I feel like it won't be too bad. Until the headaches set in. Yuck. My surgery date is February 11th. Thought it was the 12th at first, but now it is the 11th. I'll be watching for posts from you ladies that are a little ahead of me. Good luck to all of you. And yeah, I'm scared too. Not for surgical pain, but for the huge lifestyle changes we are all about to make.

I love your statement "To accept that I am worth this." I am brand new lapband. My surgery is February 11th. I've read a couple of your blogs. Please keep going. I'm so concerned about the menu part and feeding my family at the same time as I restrict what I eat. When members like you post their menus, it gives me ideas. I can't really give advice on the 2 pound weight gain, but congratulations on the overall 30 pound loss! Cindy

I've been searching for the cheapest price. You can get it at www.premierprotein.com for $37.95 for 24 in a case, plus shipping. Costco is $24 for 18, which is a better price, but if you can't find them anywhere else, they are available online. I'm currently trying to find a coupon somewhere, but so far no luck.

I just drank my first Premier Protein one. the nutritionist gave me one to try before I purchase them. I'm very pleased that it actually tastes good! So I think I'll be purchasing a case of them before I head home later today. She stressed to me that I will need a protien shake daily for the rest of my life. The ready made ones are sort of pricey, so I think I'll try the powder too. Does anyone have suggestions on how to make the powder mix well? The nutritionist said that it can be gritty sometimes.

So all went well with my appointments yesterday. The nutritionist visit was an eye opener. My pre-op diet will be 700 calories per day, and I'm expected to lose a minimum of 12 pounds during that 2 weeks. So what if I don't? Apparently my surgeon has actually taken patients to surgery, looked at their liver, and closed them back up with the instructions to do the 700 cal diet for another week or two. So I think I'll definitely be sticking to the 700 cal per day diet! I can't imagine the disappointment those patients had. The nutritionist explained the first 6 weeks post op to me. It won't be easy, that is for certain. But so many of you have done it--I can too. I go back today for the written testing with the psychologist stuff. I also have an appointment with the pain doctor regarding a pain pump, so it was really nice that they fit me in for the testing while I'm in town. Things are moving along! All sorts of emotions going on in my head. Am I sure I want to change my lifestyle so drastically? Do I have a choice if I want to get back to living a productive life?

Today is a big day in the beginning of my lapband journey. I'm so excited, yet also anxious about the whole thing. Because I live 1.5 hours from the surgeon, they scheduled 3 appointments for me on the same day. So today is the psychological evaluation, meeting with the nutritionist, and meeting with the physical therapist. I think my brain will be on overload by the end of the day. I still have just over a month before my surgery, and I'm not a patient woman! It took me 2 years to make the decision to move forward with this, and now I just want it done already! Do any of ya'll have advice on questions I should ask? I have a list already of things I've come across from reading the boards here. This is a WONDERFUL place to gather information. I look forward to making friends here. I will need the support, and hopefully after a while, I'll be able to help other newcomers. Oh, on the psych eval, how many times did you have to meet with the psychologist? I'm told it will be 3 times. The first is tomorrow, then I'll have to come back for some testing, and then meet with him for a final appointment before he will issue his report. Is this the normal protocol? Or possibly that is what my insurance requires? Cynthia

Hello everyone! I'm so happy to have found a place to learn more about gastric banding from patients who can give me real life experiences. This looks like a wonderful site. I'm a 47 year old mom to 5 children, 4 of whom are adults now with one 15 year old still at home. My husband and I have been married for 27 years and I am fortunate to have such a good man who loves me no matter my size. I've been considering weight loss surgery for a couple of years, but fear has kept me from jumping in. I have some other health problems that interfere with exercise, so no matter what I do, it seems that I just can't lose weight. My doctors have been talking to me about banding for a couple of years. In fact, about 20 months ago I first saw a surgeon about the LapBand procedure, but I chickened out. So here I am, 15 pounds heavier than when I first saw Dr. Davis, and I'm finally ready to do it. I have had serious complications to surgeries in the past, and so I am nervous about that. I had a cervical spine fusion surgery and ended up with damage to my spinal cord from the surgery. Way too complicated to go into the details right now, but the effects of that surgery have left me with leg issues and chronic pain everywhere. I can't do anything to change that, and it will be a problem for the rest of my life. I'm tired of being miserable and laying in bed all the time. I can't fix the spinal cord, but I can lose weight, which will help with some of my pain issues. So 2013 is the year I take charge of my future. I'm going to do everything I can to get healthier, and if LapBand is the way to help me get there, then I have to forge forward through my fears of surgery. I am also taking the steps to get a pain pump so that I can function better. Hopefully that will be in place some time in January. I now weigh 270 pounds, which is my heaviest. I used to be a vibrant energetic woman who never stopped. Now I seldom do anything because of pain and being tired. My doctors tell me that losing weight will help me overall, which in turn will help with the pain. I am looking forward to living again! I do have concerns about the adjustment to eating such a small amount. As a family we enjoy gatherings where it seems that food is always an important part. This will be a big lifestyle change. I need this support group to hear how others had adapted to these changes. I look forward to getting to know everyone here.