sewenup1

Carol, how disappointing for you, to go through all that and not have the band. I was banded last night and spent the first night in ICU. I am now up on a ward where I will spend tonight (Tudesday) and go home tomorrow morning. Will have to wait a while to decide if this is all worth it though. Danna

sorry, didn't know it would turn out so large Danna

Ok, so here's my before picture. Danna

Good luck to all those with ops this week - I'll be leaving for the hospital soon - will talk to you all when we are on the other side. Dec 3 - CarolK1 parrot0927 antsmith101 Christasha Danna(sewenup1) Heavy Heartland Dec 4 - TXbandit kris102003 Sandy63 candy8360 inthecitygirl Rosie15 Dec 5 - mejr62 Chienne and her dad Brooke (medic26541) Babyblues425 Munchkin392 Dec 6 – Sghatl newlife JEN_RN Lost in LS Twilight AudricIan gg88 Dec 7 - Newblew jen hollers Meghan1983 jennypoo tomecia25

Thanks Hilary, Not long for you now! Danna

thanks Deb and Sades, It's strange thinking in hours instead of days, when I got a date it seemed so far away and now there is only one more sleep. talk to you again when I get to the other side. Danna:eek::faint::speechles:fear:

When I got my date 6 weeks ago, my first thought was great, fantastic, lets go. But as I started to think about it, I also started to feel scared and ask myself what was I doing. Don't worry, all the thoughts you are having are normal. This is a big step to take for anyone and especially when it will have so many life changing effects. Just remember the reasons you are doing this. If it helps start a journal, or even better, a blog. It helps to write down your thoughts to keep your head straight and to remember your reasons for doing this. I have a blog and the encouragement I now get from friends who read it is wonderful. My blog address is below if you want to have a read and you'll see that you aren't alone. Danna:ranger:

I was the opposite - loathed the bars prefered the shakes but I only used the vanilla and use to mix diet fanta or diet cordials with it. Actually I really liked it with fanta - kind of tasted like the cake mix for an orange cake. Looking forward to some variety though - so Soups etc are sounding really great after 4 weeks on Optisludge. Will be back here on the BB for some inspiration on Tuesday. Danna:scared:

Congratulations on your weight loss. Lucky you a cruise...I wish!! What is your post op diet plan? Will you be on/off mushies at the time of the cruise? You should check with your doctor if you are unsure, but if it was me, I would delay having any fill added until you got back as sometimes you have trouble eating or get pain if you get to much fill. You might not lose as much weight, because it is easier for you to eat, but at least you know what you will be able to eat and you can enjoy yourself. There is plenty of time for a fill when you get back. How long is your cruise for? Danna:)

Sarah, You have come to the right place for support and information. the more research you do, the more confident in your decision you will become. There are lots of web sites on the net with information about lap banding and your doctor will be able to answer any questions. You may read on BB's like this about the problems that people are having. Remember that these problems do not necessarily happen to everybody, but if you asked if anyone would go without their band, my bet is you would get a unanimous NO. I am from Sydney Australia, so you can see that we come from near and far and will all have different issues or stories to tell. Welcome on what will probably become one of the most important journeys of your life. Just remember to take your time and smell the roses along the way. Danna:bounce:

I think you are both doing really well and hope that I will soon be able to say the same. Danna:nervous

I'll be in that, but as I have to stay in hospital 2 nights might take my laptop with me. Danna:cool:

I've been on Optifast for 4 weeks now - 3 times per day + veges. I haven't been told to change it so I guess I just keep going for 2 more days. I have clear liquids for 3 days post op and then full liquids for 2 weeks before going on mushies. Right now I am looking forward to anything but Optisludge!! Danna:hungry: Ps It seems like only yesterday that my ticker said 6 weeks to banding day!!!

Ok, I have to be at the hospital by 10.00am on Monday morning - everything is starting to feel very real now. the nerves are really starting to kick in now. Danna:faint:

thanks Shell, I'm being banded on Monday so this will give me something to investigate next week. Danna

I'm up on Monday - just waiting to hear from the hospital about what time to go in. This is my last day at work before the op so haven't had time to worry about it today - but in the evening I get nervous, excited, scared and wish it was over and I was at home. I get to spend the first night in ICU - I have an enlarged heart so they want to take the precaution and then a second night in a normal room. Still just want this over and the journey to have begun. Danna

Hi Amaara, The pre-op diet is a very low calorie diet usually about 600-800 calories. Most of the Dr's in Australia prefer Optifast as we generally havve 3 meals of Optifast + 2cups veges + low cal soda etc. They tend to prefer Opti because it has the added vitamins and minerals. Not all Drs require you to do the pre-op diet but it is designed to reduce liver size and make the op easier and recovery faster. Have you got a dietician? If you do, it might be best if you seek their advice. Good luck for your op. Danna:faint:

Well my Dr and dietician are very generous during the liquid phase - anything that will go up a Macdonald's straw I can have. So have favoured milks, up and go, Soups, and will get some seafood tomorrow to make into a chowder (shame to have to blend all that lovely seafood though) Danna:hungry:

Something new to dream about now - oh to have something tasty.... My mouth waters at the thought. Glad everything went down well. Have you felt much hunger yet or has the band been working for you? Dying to know!

Apparently peppermint tea is good for gas and as they fill you with gas during the op I was advised to have some handy. Danna

Only 6 days to go...how did the date get here so quickly. Nerves are really starting to kick in now. I don't have butterflys in my stomach, I have a herd of baby elephants!!! Oh well, the good things is that I'm nearly finished the Optisucks - thank heavens for small miracles. Danna

Oh yeah... I hear you. Just posted a similar comment on my support group here in Sydney just like that. As I was told I know this is what I want and need and if I was to make a list of pros and cons the pros would win. You are not alone and as Monday gets closer I get more afraid. Danna (Head scaredy cat)

Well it looks like there are quite a few of us scheduled for next week. Hope everyone has there hospital bag packed, bought their fluids etc. Good luck to all for next week. Danna:whoo::clap2:

Believe me it does. It doesn't taste any better (Optifast that is) but you definitely get over the hunger. I have been on this for nearly 4 weeks - my op is on Monday. I was so busy yesterday that I forgot to have my shake for dinner. I find that if I have my 2 cups of veges during the day I am way less hungry that night - I think it must be the fibre in the vege. Keep going just need to remember that in the end it will make your recovery easier and with the band the weight you lose will not come back. Danna:biggrin1: Any