Anwyn

It really depends on the doc - I was told at my consultation that if I was up even 1 pound at my final weigh-in (one week before surgery) they would reschedule my surgery. So of course I promptly gained 5 lbs and then stressed about making my weight for a month. It came off, but I wish I had been able to have a last splurge before weigh-in! Don't worry though - I don't think most facilities have this requirement, and I'm sure they would have made it clear to you at your consultation. I say enjoy a last hurrah!

I know exactly what you mean - I'm being banded on Tuesday, July26th. I've been on the liquid diet for 5 days now. I feel so emotional! One minute I think I'll stay on Protein shakes for the first 6 weeks and lose a ton of weight (completely unrealistic) and the next minute I'm not sure if I can make it another 2 days. I'm tired, cranky, and what I really feel like doing is having a final binge. It's so comforting to eat, and it'll never be the same again. I've kept going without cheating by trying to focus on one day at a time. A big incentive - I got on the scale today and I was down 6lbs. I know I shouldn't indulge my obsession with the scale, but it's keeping me on track. I'll probably gain it all back when they give me fluids during surgery, but for now it's exciting. Good luck with the liquid diet and with your surgery. For all my complaining, time is passing quickly and the big day will be here before we know it!

Good luck to both of you! I'll be sending good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery. Anne

Fortunately my insurance is paying for the op and I've already met my deductible for the year, but otherwise that would be a great idea!

I was approved for surgery back at the beginning of May, but they asked me to be a particular surgeons first patient. Maybe I was nuts, and I've always have a problem with the disease to please, but I said yes. They set my surgery 2 and a half months out so that they could get another patient lined up for the same day. I was totally disappointed, so the nurse promised to do everything she could to get another patient sooner and move my date up. She then ignored my repeated emails and phone calls. The end result - they called last week and told me that they never did find another patient so the more experienced surgeon will be performing the surgery. So basically, I waited for nothing. I'm so mad at myself for being a pushover and for letting them play with my health. I've had two back surgeries this past year and my neurosurgeon told me it was imperative to lose weight as soon as possible, so putting the surgery off for almost 3 months was not exactly in my best interest. The good news is, my surgery date is FINALLY around the corner (July 26th) and I'll be having the procedure done by a more experienced surgeon. I also considered giving up, and I'm so glad I didn't. It has been a really long road, but don't give up now! I myself plan on sending a nasty letter to the Chief of Staff and copying the Surgery Department Chairperson, Credentialing Committee Chairperson, and Patient Relations. Can you tell I used to work in a hospital...? Of course, I don't want to piss them off before the surgery, lol. Sorry to go on and on, but it feels so good to vent. Good luck with your surgery, and don't worry - the big day will come! Anne

Hi Flower, My doctor always does the first fill with a contrasted x-ray so that he can see where the port is (maybe this is the same thing as the fluoro that La Madam was referring to?). I haven't had my surgery yet, so maybe I'm not the best one to give you advice; I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. You are NOT doomed to be fat, and you WILL get through this. Good luck!

One of my most embarrassing moments came when my sister visited me at work several years ago. After she left my boss exclaimed to about 10 coworkers (one of whom I had a major crush on) that my sister is HUGE!! We're twins, and she weighed about 40 lbs less than me. Why are people so stupid?

Hi Mandy, I hear ya! My surgery is scheduled for July 26th and I am on day 1 of a 7 day liquid diet. I'm having some trouble with lightheadedness, but fortunately I haven't been too hungry. I made myself a bunch of sugar free Jello and that seems to fill me up. I don't enjoy it because I hate the taste of artificial sweeteners, but it's definitely helped to take the edge off today. What kind of Protein supplement are you using? I should have taken their advice and tried a few beforehand because I can hardly stomach the one I chose. I keep telling myself this will all be a distant memory soon. Keep me updated and we can help each other through this! Anne

Micki, I was feeling EXACTLY the same way. Two weeks ago I was up 5 lbs. I am having my surgery on the 26th. Tomorrow is my final consultation and weigh-in. If I have gained even one pound since my last appointment I have to re-schedule my surgery. According to my scale I'll be okay (with a whopping 1 lb of wiggle room!) but I'm still mad at myself for making these last two weeks so stressful. I lost 6 lbs by walking slowly on the treadmill and cooking dinner instead of eating out. I did have apple pie last night for a last hurrah before the liquid diet began this morning! :-)

My doctor has also performed only 15 surgeries and I'm not worried at all. He is an experienced trauma surgeon and he has hundreds of RNY's under his belt. As long as your surgery is being performed at a reputable facility I say go for it. Good luck with your surgery!

Hi Primadonah, I don't think there is any pre-op here who doesn't have a few doubts about long-term success. Let's face it - we wouldn't be having the surgery if we hadn't all been through endless dieting and subsequent failure. I find that reading every lapband success story I can get my hands on helps me feel optimistic. There are no guarantees, but at least the odds are strongly in our favor for once! Good luck with your surgery!

Thanks for the encouragement Mousecrazy! I'll be sending good thoughts your way on the 22nd! Where is everyone going for their surgery? I'm having mine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Their program is relatively new, but I've had several other surgeries there and their staff is wonderful. p.s. Is anyone else nesting? I can't seem to stop organizing closets and paperwork. Must be all the nervous energy...

Hi everyone! I began my fasting diet today and my surgery is scheduled for July 26th. How long does everyone else have to fast? I just had my first Protein drink and let's just say it's going to be a long week. 8-) It'll all be worth it though! I'm so glad I stumbled on this site - I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone. Good luck to everyone!