HarleyGirl

My fears........hmmmm....I'm a little over a week away.... I'm afraid I won't be able to stick to the liquid diet....well, not really afraid....because I know I will....but I'm nervous about how miserable it's going to be....BUT alas, it's only a week. I'm afraid of the anesthesia....I always get horribly sick/nauseaous after anesthesia. I did talk to the surgeon and she gave me a prescription for something....said it's what they give chemotherapy patients before treatments....I'm to take it the morning of surgery and she said it should last three days. I'm afraid of the pain.....I'm pretty tough, but there is that nagging feeling that it's going to hurt more than I think it will. I'm afraid of the lengthy restrictive diet afterwards...the liquid, full liquid, soft diet stages.....I guess again, afraid isn't the word....but just wonder how big of a bitch I'll be going through it. God help my family. My fat and I have become pretty good friends through the years.....I wonder who I'll be without it....a different me? a better version of me? a *worse* version of me? or JUST ME? Mostly my fears are 'what's going to happen'....will I really be successful this time or will I be a laughing stock because I spent all of this money and really don't make my goal? Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez, I sound a little neurotic........well, I guess I am....but it's quite an adventure!

:clink: TO THE FUTURE! I know I've had those same.....'maybe if I just try harder' feelings recently....and now I've decided that I'm not going to try HARDER, I'm going to try....no...do BETTER....doing the same things that have made me successful at losing in the past and then ADDING the 'POWER OF THE BAND', I know this time will be different, better.......why am I hearing the opening part of The Bionic Man.... We can rebuild her....make her smaller, faster, stronger, thinner.....

They made a point at my pre op appointment of telling us we would be asleep when it went in and asleep when it comes out......that made me happy! I'm getting very eager to JUST DO IT ALREADY!

I hadn't thought about tattooing the scars......great idea! I have been thinking about tattooing 13,625 on my wrist, so every time I'm tempted to binge or go astray I will be reminded how much I've invested!

I went to a pre op appointment yesterday and they actually encouraged us to cough to clear our lungs....did show us how to hold a pillow tightly against our chest to minimize the pain.....

My date is the 18th also, pipes! We'll get through it......... The only place I've seen UNJURY is online, I've googled the hell out of it trying to find a retail outlet, but looks like that's the only way to go. They're shipping costs are reasonable, though and pretty quick delivery.

Had my last pre op appointment yesterday.....one step closer. It was another educational meeting with our support group....I was amused that I didn't hear anything that I hadn't already read here! Good to know exactly what my doc wants, though! Gave us a little goodie bag with a Water bottle, pedometer, journal and a few other things..... OH....and dropped off the gigantic checks....that was a little painful, probably moreso than the surgery. I will start my liquid phase on Tuesday! GAME ON!

Throughout our lives "normal" changes.... When I was single it was "normal" for me to go out party several nights a week, spend my money on *wonderful* frivolous things....then I met a great guy, got married, had a kid....and "normal" changed for me. It used to be "normal" for me to call my Mom every day, chat with her in the morning and go have a cup of coffee with her in the afternoon....my Mom passed and "normal" changed....... There are so many times and so many situations that cause us to find a new "normal".....lap band is one of those situations. We just have to come to know that "normal" has changed and we have to settle in to a new normal. I'm not banded yet, so it's easy for me to spout words of wisdom.....but truly this is one of those times that I look forward to finding a "new normal".

I am ten days caffeine free! It was in my pre op instructions that it was not recommended after surgery, so I figured I might as well get it done. I was very caffeine dependant, so it was pretty hard the first two or three days.....no problem now. I am going to the doctor today for my last pre op and I will ask about the caffeine issue!

Good thoughts for you, Fenton! Looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow!

I got a similar reaction from an aquaintance.....I told her I hadn't really prayed about it but that I had consulted a Magic 8 Ball and according to it, I was good to go.

I don't think it's my responsibility to educate people, it is my priviledge. We lament our treatment as overweight people, but when we have a chance to really do some good and work towards changing attitudes, we've been beat down and sometimes choose not too. For me, I am telling people....I am creating a support structure that reaches out beyond the walls of my home....will they talk behind my back? Hell, they do now so why would it be any different later? Do I care? NOPE...... Again, this is about ME!

I was soooooooooo lucky, my PCP was 100% supportive. She knows I've struggled for years. She has other patients that have been banded, and is all for it. I'm sorry your doc was a little less than supportive. You're right, though....it's all about choosing your own path to HEALTH!

Just got my letter with pre op appointment and information.........AND got approved for my loan.........all systems are GO for March 18th! I start my pre op liquid diet on the 11th.....is it weird that I'm excited about that? I'm sort of considering it a CLEANSE (sounds better, huh?) and the beginning of a new way of life......just so happy!

Softail girl here....I'm too freaking old for a rigid!

I didn't mean to imply that it was that way for anyone else...... notice I said that I felt like I was keeping a dirty little secret.....

That's encouraging to me! I'm being banded on 3/18 and we were planning a ride on 3/30....wasn't sure I'd feel up to it....you inspire me!

I wasn't going to tell anyone.....but then told a few friends...then told a couple of co-workers....then told a few more people...and I have found that I am surrounded with this wonderful support system. Knock wood, but so far, every response has been overwhelmingly positive. I decided that *not* telling people made me feel like it was a dirty little secret, like I was doing something wrong......and I don't want to feel like that....I am proud of my decision to take steps to change my life and make myself healthier.......and that's not something I want to keep a secret! I'm sure I will be met with some attitude at some point......but eff 'em.....I know what I'm about.

Are you mixing the protein drinks in the blender? It really does help with the chalky taste....try whipping a few ice cubes in with them, too...... Maybe try a different brand.....I tried the myoplex lite and they're not bad at all.

........tying my shoes with ease ........buying clothes without an X on the size tag ........crossing my legs ........sitting on the floor....and not worrying about looking like a floundering walrus getting back up. ........playing tennis ........not being winded after a flight of stairs ........feeling prettier .......giving up HBP and other medications .......eating to LIVE rather than living to EAT! How about you?

There's a forum dedicated to riders with bands, so I think you'll be fine....sure hope so, 'cause I'm goin' for a ride as soon as I can! Here's a link to the forum: Biker Bandsters - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support

I thought of another one! ..........wearing my wedding ring! I 'outgrew' it a few years ago....

Well, March is officially here TOMORROW! Looks like it's going to come in like a lamb here.......so I guess we'll be going out like a LION....which of course, reminds me of the lap band commercials! I start my pre op on the 11th, with surgery on the 18th. I've been very mindful of what I'm eating now, trying to stay away from the "Last Supper" syndrome! Feeling a little pissy today because DH came home with Cookies AND ice cream from the store....he SWEARS he's in this with me, but I have to wonder. It's okay, I'll do it IN spite of him TO spite him, if that's what it takes!

I'm glad that someone brought this to the top, it was something I needed to hear, especially this part: "(1) Just hold your breath and get banded. Quit second-guessing yourself. I second guessed my decision for 3 years of "research" and if I'd just accepted that needing the band is a responsible solution to weight management and isn't a sign of failure, I'd be at goal right now instead of having wasted that time. Yes, I could have lost the weight on my own, as I'd done before, but the band is the only reasonable tool to lose AND keep it off. I've been struggling with those very feelings.............thanks Julie!

Ease my mind a bit....been reading some thing about some of the complications that arise in the long term....would love to hear from those of you who have had the band long term.....four, five years plus....how are you feeling and do you still love your band?