chasingadream

Well, it's post op day 4 and I'm trying to figure out this new me! Happily I am feeling really good! The surgery went well and I'm glad I was able to stay overnight in the hospital...I do feel it made quite a difference in my confidence coming home. I did not experience the gas some complain of and was able to sleep in my own bed laying on my side the very first night. Only needed some liquids Tylenol for pain too. I have tons of info to read and re-read but when it comes down to the nitty gritty your pretty much on your own to figure out your new "innards". I need to drink lots of fluids as not to dehydrate but that's tough one sip at a time...I'm getting in as much as I can! Not nearly what I should. Will keep working on that! Eating...wow...that's a whole new world...again get in your protein shakes first...very important, but only can take in 3-4ozs at a time...trying to throw in some soup to add some variety but not a lot of protein there! I'm very much looking forward to mushies (actually looking forward to some tuna fish)-don't know why but I am! Then there's the whole- are you full??...it sounds easy to know pre-banding but not so much after! Afraid of taking that one more sip that may push you over the top....I'm getting it-slowly but surely! Still some very old habits to break there (going slower, actually thinking about what your doing when you eat, and the whole clean your plate club)--all of which are very embedded after years and years of use. Then there's the vitamins...need to get them in but their chewable and big and I'm on liquids-so I chew and chew and dissolve them all the way! They taste pretty yummy...lol. It's a lot of pressure to follow all the rules. That parts a no-brainier for me-it took me a long time to finally decide on WLS and I won't jeopardize anything by cutting corners...but it's hard...not a bad hard just a new hard. Many said the band is a lot of work and they weren't kidding! I know I'm fresh out of the starting gate and things will continue to progress, heal, and I will become more accustumed to and knowledgeable about my new me! I'm blessed to have the most supportive hubby and two little ones who are being gentle on my belly but still sharing lots of hugs and kisses with their mama. I'm blessed to have been given this new chance to make a change for the better concerning my health and to finally feel better about myself and who I am. So this is a whole new chapter in my book of life! And these weren't complaints or gripes about the band but more of an acknowledgement that I have much to continue to learn about me and my new little friend... They say you learn something new everyday...ain't that the truth....and a good truth it is! So to all those who have helped me get this far, and you know who you are...I say a great big THANK YOU-because as scary and as daunting and as exciting of an adventure as this whole banded world is -it's nice to have people who know what you're taking about and care to help!

Hang in there...I just had my surgery 2days ago and this site and some wonderful people I met on my lapband journey have made this such a positive experience! I too learned that life doesn't end on the preop diet...in fact being SO compliant helped me lose 20lbs before surgery. But I agree with you with food smelling sooooo good...we get to have it again so that's never a worry! Keep up the great job and keep blogging! Love your artwork!

'Twas the night before surgery and all through the house everything was quiet even this mouse! Well in 12 hours I will be leaving for the hospital to begin a new chapter in my life. I never thought this was a road I would be taking but here I am nevertheless. It has been an eye opening journey so far. My pre-op diet turned out to be a total success. For 14 days I followed all the rules and directions of my surgeon and nutritionist. It was a positive experience and actually taught me a lot about myself. I can do what I must even when it puts me in an uncomfortable spot. I've re-learned what TRUE hunger is and I now have a better and more intimate understanding of what head hunger is and feels like. I wonder why I never strayed for these past 2 weeks and then I came to this conclusion. Besides laying on that operating table for the surgery, I have one job...and one job only. Shrink my liver! Well, I figure since they need to move it a bit I could at least make it as lean and non-slippery as possible. I've read many posts lately about how people are falling off the "pre-op wagon" and that its okay because after all if we could stay on a 2week diet we wouldn't need weight loss surgery would we....those posts really got to me. But in the end, I am only responsible for me and my body. I've abused it enough over the past 44 years so i figured I could do it right for 14 days at least. So I am not saying I am any better than the next person, because I surely am not....but perhaps people should think about those goldfish or that cheeseburger....is it really worth it....ummm, for me....NO. And please know, with a 3 and 6 year old I made it thru making lunches (with extra peanut butter on the knife)...lots of snacks (some with just a cookie or two left in the bag)...and meals (nothings better than leftover mac and cheese from my kids' plates). I lived my life and made it work because I HAD TO! I've learned more about fear and uncertainty...constantly wondering if this was a good decision, the right decision, what may or may not happen before, during and after surgery. Will I love it....will my band be good to me...will i be good to it???....will I have success like so many here. Lots and lots of unanswered questions. I've learned more about support and friendship. I've met many nice people, on this forum and in person, and am happy to now call several of them friends. It's nice to have a place to go and people who support you. A place like this...a place to come and not be judged....for what you look like or how "large" you are. That's a rare thing in todays cruel society. I sit here on my couch feeling very calm and at peace and it bothers me a little that I am not more nervous...since that is my nature. Granted, my one and only concern....and its a biggy....is I just want to wake up from this surgery and know that I will see my babies again. I know that I will...I've come this far and all of this has happened for a reason. For me, I'm going to take each new day as it comes....each one is a gift and I am walking forward on this journey with good thoughts and the hopes of positive things to come. Tomorrow's a new day! A day to celebrate a new and healthier me! I want this...I want it bad. I'm willing to work and following what I must. I'm willing to take responsibility for me and my new little friend that will soon become a part of me! Sometimes it takes a lot of faith and a lot of work....I'm ready for both!

I understand the part about reading the forum here....as for the rest you've already been through a lot....keep moving forward and see how it goes.... wishing you all the best!

Stacey, I am having surgery tomorrow. The process began for me on May 28th. Since that moment I became a member here and there were quite a few times I almost backed out because of things I read on this forum. I took all of my concerns and questions and HEADED RIGHT BACK TO MY SURGEON (some questions were great and some probably silly)...but he answered them all and my surgery was never cancelled. There are many many MANY stories on this forum and a lot of WONDERFUL people here that have success and yes, some bumps along the way. I look at it this way....nothing in life is 100% full-proof, I need to do this for myself and my family. After surgery, if things arise (and I certainly hope they don't) I will handle them (with my doctor) as they come up. Weigh your options for banded life and staying as you are now and i beg you to please go back to your doctor to clear up any concerns you have. Either way you decide I wish you ALL the best and hope that this has helped you in some way!

I got some wonton soup from the local chinese place....drained everything and the broth was delicious and actually tasted like something....finishing up day #14 of preop diet tomorrow...tired of soups so the broth was a nice change today.... 2 more days than surgery....seemed so far away a few months ago....glad its finally here! Feeling at PEACE!

Love how they make you sound like a car....LOL You are a good "make and model" so hopefully all will turn out okay without a problem! Thinking of you...keep us posted!

You are amazing...i'm so lucky that i've gotten to know you better!...what an amazing anniversary gift and even better an amazing husband! Looking forward to seeing you! You look amazing...keep up all the hard work!

Looking good! Nice progress....what a change already!

That is AMAZING....what a wonderful post...I get banded next thursday and hope to be able to share a story like that very soon...what an inspiration!!!

Amazing job.....keep it up! You deserve every one of those FULL shopping carts

That's almost my diet to a "T"...except for the chili and i'm eating cream based soups as long as they are below 3g fat.... I'm on day #6 and down 10lbs...i have soooo much energy today its CRAZY. I'm a grazer and like to eat all day and have found it to be doable....the head hunger got the best of me for about a day but im not really all that hungry! Spacing is the key and so is keeping busy! I'm on it for 15 days prior to surgery with the last day clear liquids only. Don't worry you can do it! Just take it one day at a time and keep your eye on the prize. Im proud to say ive NOT slipped up even once...although licking the peanut butter knife while making my kids lunches is tempting.... Just knowing what i am going to do (the surgery) makes all that not so important right now...and hopefully for the long term. Good luck and keep us posted!

You look amazing...and VERY happy! Great job!

Gotta love family...or not so much!!! LOL Sounds like you really had a nice time! Love your descriptions!

Looking forward to the 19th...seems like its been so far away and each day its a little closer! Pre-op diet has been going well after Day #3...today a little mentally tough but keeping my eye on the prize! Had pre-surgical testing today and tomorrow final clearance from my PCP and then its just me and lots of liquids until sept 19th! Good luck to all...we are a very busy bunch in September!

Hang in there Lisa! You can and will get through it all! You are strong and the NO word will come easier and easier with practice. You look wonderful and there is no turning back now... Ever need a voice on the other end of the phone to talk to...please call me. Sending you hugs and peaceful thoughts!!!! ~Tracy

Congratulations and WOW...you look amazing and yes, quite different from your before pic....what an inspiration! THANK YOU!

You are an amazing person who has been through so much! It was my pleasure to meet you and hear your stories first hand! You have a ray of sunshine that beams from you and that is quite contagious!! Im glad to have a new friend on this journey and I'm glad that friend is YOU! You look fabulous and i look forward to hearing more of your stories. Take time for you, discover something that you love to do just for YOU, 'cause you deserve it!!

I have GHI as well and it was a 6 month supervised diet (it would have been 3 months if I was able to use a bariatric center for the monitoring which mine didnt have available) Hope you figured it all out...the insurance requirements are a bit much but we must follow them....ugh! My surgery date is set for 9/19...will be starting preop diet 9/4...if you ever want to chat message me!

You look AWESOME!

You guys look AMAZING!

I went to my primary doctor who referred me to a bariatric surgeon. I immediately called and had a consult with the surgeon who felt I was a good candidate for lap band surgery. Met with his assistant on the way out of the office and had a list of testing that had to be met before I could get a surgery date. You should definately check with your insurance company ASAP...seems as though many of them require a 6 month doctor supervised diet (mine did), along with all of the testing, before they will consider approving you for weight loss surgery. Hope that helps...and good luck!

This was great...thank you....i'm one of those "not telling anyone at work because it becomes EVERONE'S business!!!

Hi, I've seen this before and it sounds DELICIOUS...im due for surgery 9/19 and know i have a ways before this stage but im taking notes and adding things that will help me later...so thanks to ALL of you for sharing such great ideas... One question though....and since im NOT banded I dont know this....the melted, stringy cheese scares me already ....LOL....is that something you can chew enough to mushy consistency???? Thanks!