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Hey Sil, Yes, you told me so! :wub: Thanks for the good wishes and prayers - they work! I've been working with Dr. Duffy, and he did NOT require a pre-op diet. I chose to do one because I read so much about an enlarged liver being a problem during surgery that I wanted to give the surgeon as easy a time as I could. I started a pre-op diet of my own (2 shakes a day, 1 meal) two weeks before surgery. I fell off the wagon a bit this week, but will be okay, I think. Back on the shakes for the weekend to empty out my system, and Monday, I'll be in Bandland! I agree with you - the pre-op diet would have been WAAY to hard without the reward of being banded on the other side of it. I have tried it before to lose weight, but never really succeeded. My DH and DD are even going to follow me through the stages of my post-op eating plan. They are going to do liquids with me for two weeks, then mushies, and then back to real food. They are sweet to do that - and it will help both of them get on the right track as well. They will, of course, eat more than I will, but having company will make it easier for me. I will be sure to check in after my surgery - I'm so excited I can't see straight!!! :thumbup::biggrin::w00t::thumbup::w00t::w00t::thumbup::biggrin:

Mornin' Ladies! Reporting in to say that I'm only 4 days away from surgery and getting more excited by the minute! :thumbup::w00t::w00t::thumbup: Had my pre-op appointments and all went well. I've been walking every morning and at lunchtime, but we've hit a busy period at work and I haven't been to the gym. I'm definately going back as soon as I get the okay from my doctor - probably sooner because I can do aerobics without bothering the weights until he says okay. I'll be sure to clear it with him first. He is very supportive - and happy that I lost another 5 lbs prior to surgery! I was determined not to make the surgery hard for him, so the next few days I'm going stay with my protien shakes (2 meals) and a real food meal for either lunch or dinner. I was tested as slightly anemic, so I started taking a supplement called SSS Tonic. I feel better already - not so cold all the time - so I know my iron levels have come up. I will continue it after surgery because it's a liquid, so it will be easy to take. I have a goal to become his best lap band patient ever - I want to eventually co-lead the support group that meets here in New Haven. I'd also love to do one closer to my home in Norwich...I don't know if the hospital in my area does the lap band surgery, but I'm going to check into that. Congrats to everyone on their commitment to exercise - I know I would not be in as good a shape for my surgery if I was not exercising...keep up the good work! Trina - you are getting stronger - that's why your recovery time is shorter. Your body is telling you that it LOVES the exercise...you will probably gain strength and endurance easily! LastOptionAtty - your commute sounds a LOT like mine...an hour on the train, a 30 minute drive...I found a gym in the train station where I start my journey, so that's where I joined. I have to walk past it / drive past it every day. Though I've been working late the last week or two, I've felt kinda guilty about not working out because I have to SEE the gym every day! That's what made is easy to stick to my workouts initially...and it will help me go back to them when I am cleared by my doctor. Will check in before and after my surgery - thanks for all the prayers and good wishes!:thumbup:

Very happy to report that I'm on track for my Monday, Nov 17th surgery date...had a scare with anemia, but am better now. Can't wait to be banded...everyone in the surgeon's office is amazed at how calm and prepared I am. They even talk about the binder I bring to every appointment with all my info in it - I'm a bit anal-retentive about organization when it comes to medical and health matters. I don't depend on my memory - I write it all down and bring it with me! I'm SO EXCITED...Monday can't come fast enough for me!

Very happy update - my surgery is ON! :biggrin::thumbup::biggrin::tt2: Went for my pre-op testing and consult with the surgeon yesterday, and he didn't even mention my anemia - he was more concerned with my prior abdominal surgeries!:cool2: My November 17th date is now good again, and I can't wait! I've lost another 5 pounds, so my pre-op diet is working just like I'd intended. My surgeon was impressed that I'd lost another 5 prior to surgery and praised my seriousness about the process. I'm so excited! I started taking a product called SSS Tonic (available at Walgreens) which has definately helped. It was recommended to me by a friend who has had the bypass. I feel the difference in just 4 days...I'm not so cold anymore, and because it's a liquid, it's easy to take. I will continue to take it after I am banded - I want to be sure NOT to backslide. I can't wait for Monday - final shopping trip this weekend for post-op stuff, and then Monday I'll be banded!:w00t::w00t::w00t: Thank you all for your encouragement, prayers, good wishes and positive thoughts...it works!

I got the go-ahead for my surgery! :lol::thumbup: I'm so happy I can't see straight...I'm very very excited! My surgeon didn't seem to think the anemia was a problem - he was more concerned about prior abdominal surgeries than anything else! I'm completing the pre-op diet I put myself on this weekend, and was told not to take my diabetes meds on the day of surgery. I'm SO EXCITED to finally join my sisters and brothers in bandland! Monday will be the first day of the rest of my healthier life...many thanks for all those who sent me good wishes and who have kept me in prayer... I'll definately be checking in between now and then...and my self-imposed pre-op diet made my surgeon very happy - he said I was doing the right thing by being proactive about it, even though he didn't require it. Can't wait for Monday!:cool2::w00t::tt2::w00t:

PJTP - I'M FINALLY GOING TO HAVE MY SURGERY!!:tt2::cool2::thumbup: I'm so happy I don't know what to do!!! I went for my pre-op with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist yesterday and all went well - no one even mentioned my anemia, though I think since I started taking a super-iron supplement, my levels have come up. I followed the recommendation of a good friend who has been bypassed and struggles with her iron levels. This stuff (SSS Tonic - avail at Walgreen's) reportedly raises your levels in just 4 days. I started taking it last week after finding out I was still anemic and that it might postpone my surgery. I'm happy to report that I am, indeed warmer (iron deficiency makes you cold) and I'm back on schedule for Monday surgery!!!

Hey Everyone, I was so PISSED at the end of that show, I couldn't see straight...:thumbup::cursing: My DD and I watch faithfully, and neither of us can STAND Vicki---if I was on that show, we would have come to blows by now. I hate fake a** people and she's definately one of those! She even said she'd vote her own husband off rather than leave herself...what a roaring B**CH! I'm glad Amy stood up to the "blue" team...and I hope she stands strong. I think the conspiracy stuff has GOT to stop...they will have to pay, sooner or later. I was so glad Bob chalked Heba's wheels when he was working with her hubby - basically told her to shut her mouth and worry about herself...HA! I feel for the black team - it seems Jillian's teams are ALWAYS underdogs - she even said so herself...I just want another Black team member to win - like Ali from last season, who looked awesome, by the way:biggrin:

Hi Heather, Thanks so much for the good wishes!:cool2: The Iron supplement is a liquid, and is called SSS Tonic. It also includes the following: Supplement Facts: Active Ingredients: Each High potency Dose (3 Tablespoons) Contains: B1 Thiamine 5.0 mg, B2 Riboflavin 2.4 mg, Niacinamide 20.0 mg, and Iron 100.0 mg as Ferric Ammonium Citrate. Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Ethyl Alcohol 12%, Sorbitol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial flavors, Gentian Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate and Saccharin Sodium. I have been taking it since the middle of last week, and though I haven't had my iron checked since then, the product does say you'll feel better in 3 - 5 days. I got mine at Walgreens - they had one of the best prices, and there's one near me, so no shipping cost. It doesn't taste too bad - kind of like Vitamins I used to take when I was a kid...my anemia may have been complicated by the fact that I also suffer with fibroids. My menstrual cycle can be a real bear to handle...:thumbup: Hope it helps - I'll let y'all know on Wednesday if I'm still going to have surgery in November...:eek:

Xtightend - I agree with Jmegirl - two days after surgery you are NOT going to feel like sitting up straight and socializing...tell your family you had surgery, but don't tell them what kind. That isn't their business, but when you don't show up, they will need an answer... Protect yourself after surgery - I've heard people mention on the site that the gas pains don't hit until a day or two after the surgery sometimes, so that may also happen to you. I'm not wishing it on you, but if that happens, you won't want to be around a whole bunch of folks. Your health is first - they'll get over you NOT being at holiday dinner and if they don't, OH WELL!:thumbup:

Hey Ladies, Checking in... Jen - good for you in renewing your commitment to exercise. It's obviously working for you (24 to an 18, Woo Hoo!:thumbup:) so keep up the good work! I was a lazy girl last week - didn't make it to the gym at all...I still walked every morning with DD and DDog, plus my walk at lunchtime, but I think I've been doing that long enough that there isn't a significant "stress" on my body. I really NEED to be in the gym, and today, I'm going back! I'm only one week from surgery - assuming my recent indication of anemia doesn't stop me from getting it next week - I need all the good thoughts and prayers I can get. We'll see tomorrow morning...:eek:

Good morning Bandster Family, I had a temporary setback last week - my PCP told me that my Iron levels are low - I'm anemic - and that it might postpone my surgery!:cool2::eek::w00t: As I'm sure all of you can imagine, I'm NOT happy :thumbup: I worked hard to get to this point, and I'm not giving up! I have a good friend who suffers with serious anemia, and she's on a special supplement. I went out and got myself some - it's a high-potency liquid iron supplement, and is reported to raise your levels within 4 days. I am still scheduled for my pre-op tomorrow, so I'll report in and let y'all know what's what. I am praying that my surgery will go ahead as scheduled...I arranged for the time off work at one of the busiest times of our year, and my DH and DD have been so supportive...I just hate to wait any longer.:eek::crying: For those who know the power of prayer, please keep me in yours...I need all the good thoughts, good energy and positives coming my way that I can get!

Hi Heather, Thanks so much for the luv...I'm starting to feel a little better about the whole thing, but holding out hope that I'll still be banded in November. My PCP told me my hemoglobin level was 9.1 versus 11 or 12 being ideal. It's been that low before...I guess that's why I'm sensitive to cold. :cool2: The iron supplement I'm taking is called Perfect Iron by Sundown Naturals. It lists the amount of iron per tablet at 50 mg. I don't think your body absorbs all of that, because my PCP said 2 of these were roughly equivalent to the others I used to take. I went from taking 2 per day to taking 2 per meal for breakfast and lunch. I've added dinner to this now that he's talking about rescheduling my surgery!:w00t: I still haven't heard from the surgeon :frown: - though I'm supposed to see him next Tuesday for my final pre-op appointment. Until they tell me otherwise, I'm continuing on as if everything is okay. Acting "as if"...I just hope I'm not fooling myself. :thumbs_up:

Good afternoon Sistas, I got some difficult news today :thumbs_up:...I am anemic (found out at pre-surgery blood test) and they may want to postpone my surgery until my numbers look better. :tt2::eek::mad: My PCP told me and of course I cried...the good news was that my irregular heartbeat did not show up (good EKG) and my prior challenge with my platelet levels is gone - they are normal again. I SO want to have my surgery on Nov 17th! :frown: I am praying that taking my Iron supplement and eating iron-rich foods will help bring them up, and that my surgeon doesn't feel it's that much of an issue... Pray for me, sistas - I sure need it right now! :cool2::crying::w00t:

My fellow Notorious Novembers... I need your good thoughts and prayers...I've just been told by my doctor that my Iron levels are low enough that my band surgery might be postponed. I understand the reason WHY this might happen, but that doesn't make it any easier.:mad::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying: I have increased my iron supplement (doc's suggestion) and will concentrate on eating iron-rich foods, but my surgery is scheduled for only 10 days from now, and I DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANY LONGER :w00t: *EbonyRose has a tantrum, stamping feet, waving arms and all like a two-year old*:thumbs_up::cry_smile::crying::crying::tt2::cursing::mad::mad::mad2::mad2: Please send good thoughts and prayers my way that my surgeon doesn't see this as an issue. Because it's a laparascopic (sp?) surgery, I am praying that blood loss will be at a minimum and my surgeon will continue. On the bright side, my formerly irregular heartbeat seems to be just fine (normal EKG) :frown: and the temporary bout I had with ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopaenia purpura - very low platelet levels) has also been resolved -My platelet levels are terrific now. :cool2: I desperately want to be a November bandster - I'm gonna do all I can to make sure I stay a part of the Notorious Novembers :crying:

Jamie (jmegirl) - I'm sitting here laughing about your post...not because you're having the difficulty, but the funny way in which you typed it...the shocked smiley was just too cute! I'll be ready for that - and for all those who have posted their post-surgery experiences, I want to second the heartfelt thank yous! :frown: It's really, really helpful to have actual experiences to read...and I promise when I'm banded on the 17th, I'll check in and do the same thing!:thumbs_up:

Yay Sil! Follow up is definately key - being proactive without being a pest (a very fine line!). I have found that attitude is big - if you are letting them know that you're excited about the surgery and that's why you keep calling, they will understand. Review for me took about a week and a half to two weeks, and then I was scheduled for a second, more intensive info session with Dr. Bell and the staff. After that, it was about another 10 days until I got my surgery date. Hang in there, it will be here before you know it!:wink2: Are you coming to the Lap Band support group meetings? We just had one last night - great fun! 3 newbies like myself and three veteran banders, including the lady who was "Patient Zero" the first woman they banded at Yale. The next meeting is on Wednesday, December 3rd at which time I hope to report that I'm banded!

Very interesting...why would someone read the title of this thread, post that they are offended, and then come back several times to make sure EVERYONE knows they are offended? Just stay away...it'll be easier for you, us and everyone who really DOES want to know more. I haven't participated in a threesome yet, but my interest is definately piqued, and I appreciate all the experienced posters who have contributed. This is NOT something I can ask my girlfriends about, nor can I talk to other married couples we know about this - I know them well enough to know they are NOT this adventuresome. I LOVE the off-topic area BECAUSE I can get answers to my questions and explore stuff I can't talk with other friends about. THANK YOU for being here, folks, and for sharing. I know I said this before, but I think it bears repeating. Carry on...I'm learning a LOT!

Yay for you, Jaime! Hi and welcome to Supergirl and all the other new November bandsters...here's hoping you find all the info you need on this site - I think it's great! Twyladawn - I'm sorry your experience has been so negative, but I have to agree with Supergirl - the positives I've seen on this site far outweigh the negatives. I find it really difficult to read and understand why someone would say that their bad experience means that NO ONE should get the band. Saying "Don't do it" may just be enough to dissuade someone else from investigating a procedure that could literally save their life. I don't think anyone would dissuade you from expressing yourself, but as I've learned from my time on these boards, the lap band experience is one of the most individual experiences anyone can have. No two people seem to react the same - we don't all lose weight at the same pace, we don't all have problems with the same foods, etc. I know that this will be a process - and I'm very willing to go through the process for me and for me alone. I'm willing to share my experiences - both positive and negative - to help someone else, but I'm NOT going to tell anyone else to avoid something that is so individualized based on my experience. I hope that you are advocating for yourself and your health with your doctor - don't give up on talking to them and asking for help. From what I've read, it sounds as if you needed a slight unfill, maybe not a total unfill. Understand that it's a process and it may be a bit "fiddly" until you reach your sweet spot, but DON'T GIVE UP! Keep working with your doctor, keep getting small fills, keep asking questions and demanding answers until you get the result you started this process for. Don't give up - a healthier life CAN be yours - I believe that wholeheartedly.

phillyfawn - we've got a really experienced and knowledgeable former bandster on this forum who converted to the sleeve - her online name is MacMadame. I bet she could help answer your questions or provide resources to help you find the answers. Do a search for her on the forum and then send her a message. From what I've seen, she's a really nice person and very informed...good luck with the sleeve!:biggrin:

PJTP...I'm positively THRILLED with the outcome of the election! :biggrin: I've missed y'all - application processing has had me flat out and no time to visit LBT :biggrin: I got a call from my PCP that my iron is low (28 versus his desired 32-34) and they might postpone my surgery :eek: Now taking extra iron pills in an attempt to get my numbers up prior to surgery...:sad: NSV - all my pants are getting too big because of my walking, gym workouts and eating better. Now I just need my band...send good thoughts / prayers my way that I'll still get my band on the 17th!:w00t:

Hey Notorious Novembers! I'm thrilled that we have a new President, and I'm on day 3 of my self-imposed pre-op eating plan (I hate the word diet). I've had a minor setback - my GP called and said my iron levels are low - 28 when he wants them at 32 - 34. I told him I was taking iron pills (2 per day) and he said if I was taking one per day to take one per meal! He's not sure if it will postpone my surgery (scheduled for Nov 17th) and I'm praying that it doesn't. I've bought additional iron pills (ran out of the old ones) which have 50 mg of iron per pill, and I'm taking 2 per meal, breakfast and lunch. Hopefully that will be enough that I won't have to reschedule my surgery. I worked out the time off from my job and everything!:biggrin: Please send prayers and good wishes my way that I get to have my surgery on the day I was scheduled and that all will be well with me.:biggrin:

Oh poor Trina...I feel your pain, my sista!:biggrin: The first day I tried the ArcTrainer, I swore my legs were gonna fall off at the end...it's a different kind of motion. If I work at it, I can keep it moving with no pause on each leg...I never get the tension or the weight off of the legs while I'm working them, and boy, do I feel it! Didn't do much over the weekend, but hauled 3 wheelbarrows worth of wood for our fireplace across the yard so DH could stack them in our outside wood rack. Then we hauled more inside to the basement and some up to the fireplace on the 1st floor. My back and legs were tired at the end of that. Started my liquid diet today - have had two Protein shakes and some fruit today...my head is pounding, so I may skip the gym tonight. I did walk this morning with DD, DH and DDog, and again at lunchtime, so I'm not feeling toooo guilty.:biggrin: Hopefully tomorrow my head won't be booming and I'll get to the gym...

Mornin' Soon-to-be-Bandsters! Started my pre-op diet today...LisafromCali - I can totally relate! I've had a Protein shake, a banana and just finished an apple. If this "hunger" keeps up, I'm going to take an early lunch and go for a brisk walk to shut that hungry voice up! I really want all to go well with my surgery - therefore, I am NOT going to cheat on my self-imposed pre-op eating plan. The doc didn't say I HAD to do it, but if it will shrink my liver and make things easier for him, I'm all for it! Stay strong, fellow Bandsters - We Can Do It!:thumbup:

Hi Julie, Fellow Navy here...my hubby served 21 years and retired almost 8 years ago. I'm scheduled to be banded Nov 17th and am very excited. I've put myself on a pre-surgery diet - after reading through this site and a couple of books on LB surgery, I want to do my surgeon a favor and try to shrink my liver, plus lose a few more pounds. I think anything I can do to make his job easier is a good thing. I'm already down 10, hoping for another 10 before surgery in 2 weeks. I am doing two Protein shakes plus one sensible / normal meal per day. I'm using fruit for Snacks. My Protein Shakes have 35g of protein per can, so I'm going to continue with them after I'm banded as well. Like you, I DO want to eat...I'm going to try to keep my hands busy and incorporate some walking to help quell the hunger pangs and the "head hunger". Good luck on your pre-surgery work, and I know you'll be successful!:thumbup:

ThinkingSlim, That's great news - I'm glad you are focused and committed. Stay in touch, and we'll both be heathier and even more gorgeous this time next year!