angelburch

Okay, so you gained some weight, but the health consequences of not smoking are so totally worth it. Now it's time to focuse on getting prepped for the band. I drink ISOPURE protein drinks. They come in all kinds of flavors and have 40g of protein each. They give plent of energy and help you feel full. Now get out there and go for your new vision -- a slimmer, trimmer and overall healthier you !!

Today was so much better than yesterday. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I was so glad to be at work on Monday. Being on clear liquids on the weekends, without much to do just flat out sucks :faint: Well, only 36 hours left to go, and then I will be in surgery. What are my fears? -- My fears aren't of the actual surgery, it's of the "great unknown" afterwards. Each person's experience is so varied, that it is impossible for me to predict how mine will feel. Will I have a lot of gas pain in the shoulder? Will the gas pain be in my shoulder blades or back? Will I have very much gas pain? Where will my port be and how long before I can sleep on my tummy? I'm a tummy sleeper and I don't think I'll be able to sleep very good until I can roll onto my tummy. What if I don't have any restriction, what if I have too much restriction and can't eat. What if I can't figure out how to use the band? What if What if What if. Being the type of person where any action is better than no action, this is probably going to be the worst part for me. Waiting for the surgery, waiting to heal, waiting to figure this all out. Waiting for my new life to begin. After 3 months of anticipation, what will take it's place once this is done? Questions, Questions.

Today was so much better than yesterday. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I was so glad to be at work on Monday. Being on clear liquids on the weekends, without much to do just flat out sucks :faint: Well, only 36 hours left to go, and then I will be in surgery. What are my fears? -- My fears aren't of the actual surgery, it's of the "great unknown" afterwards. Each person's experience is so varied, that it is impossible for me to predict how mine will feel. Will I have a lot of gas pain in the shoulder? Will the gas pain be in my shoulder blades or back? Will I have very much gas pain? Where will my port be and how long before I can sleep on my tummy? I'm a tummy sleeper and I don't think I'll be able to sleep very good until I can roll onto my tummy. What if I don't have any restriction, what if I have too much restriction and can't eat. What if I can't figure out how to use the band? What if What if What if. Being the type of person where any action is better than no action, this is probably going to be the worst part for me. Waiting for the surgery, waiting to heal, waiting to figure this all out. Waiting for my new life to begin. After 3 months of anticipation, what will take it's place once this is done? Questions, Questions.

Hello all -- As I read through these posts, I find it so interesting that each experience is so different. Some people don't get any restriction what so ever until they've had a couple of fills, some aren't hungry and have to force themselves to eat, and others have good restriction and can eat well. Also, the pre-op and post ops diets are about as varied as everything else is. I'm on Day 6 of clear liquids and it's amazing to think that in just 36 hours, I will be in surgery getting mine. I'm beginning to get nervous. Not about the actual surgery (I've had 3 surgeries before), but about what it's going to feel like once I have the band. My surgery is scheduled for 7:15 Wednesday (1/10), and I should be home by around noon.

January 7, 2007 Upper Right Arm: 20 1/2 Upper Left Arm: 20 1/2 Bust: 48 Waist: 45 1/4 Hips: 56 1/2 Right Thigh: 29 3/4 Left Thigh: 30 3/4 Weight: 279.8

January 7, 2007 Upper Right Arm: 20 1/2 Upper Left Arm: 20 1/2 Bust: 48 Waist: 45 1/4 Hips: 56 1/2 Right Thigh: 29 3/4 Left Thigh: 30 3/4 Weight: 279.8

You'd think by now that I would be okay . . . but NO, I'm not. I am truly hungry -- head hunger -- but still incredibly hungry. I have less than 72 hours to go, and I know I'll make it, but OH MY GOD, this is hard. And another thing, I'm on my period . . . Yep, started it full blown, and it ain't helping my hunger any!! Chocolate, Meat, cheese, mexican food, italian, whatever!!!!! PMS on a clear liquid diet . . . welcome to my HELL.

You'd think by now that I would be okay . . . but NO, I'm not. I am truly hungry -- head hunger -- but still incredibly hungry. I have less than 72 hours to go, and I know I'll make it, but OH MY GOD, this is hard. And another thing, I'm on my period . . . Yep, started it full blown, and it ain't helping my hunger any!! Chocolate, Meat, cheese, mexican food, italian, whatever!!!!! PMS on a clear liquid diet . . . welcome to my HELL.

Cheese? What I wouldn't give for cheese right about now. My BF was on her 7 day clear liquid diet, and posted "Is it cheating to suck on a chicken nugget? " At the time she was just being funny, but right now, anything sounds good :biggrin1: It's hard for me to think that I can't have any "real food" until January 24th - that will be 2 weeks post op. Then I can have mushies.:hungry:

Audree-I am so glad to see that you are back, and things are going well. I have missed reading your posts while you were gone! I am less than 72 hours away from my banding, and it's beginning to sink in that I'm about to join the band!!! I am so excited, not the least nervous about the surgery. The only thing I'm nervous about is afterwards. What the band will and won't let me do, and how bad the consequences are. Not to mention, this is my 5th day of clear liquids and my throat thinks it's been cut. What I wouldn't give for a sandwich with all different kinds of meat and cheeses right about now!:biggrin1: Anyway, I know those days are gone. That's what this is all about. My doctor requires 7 days of clear liquids prior to surgery, then 2 weeks after surgery I can add cream soups, milkshakes, V8 juice and tomato soup. After that, it's 2 weeks of mushies (i.e. oatmeal, mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, etc). I can't wait until I get to the mushie stage :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

My BF and I both have discovered the Cinnamon Dulce Latte at Starbucks. It's like drinking a liquid cinnamon roll. We love them with the non-fat milk, and we still get in lots of protein and feel full. Congratulations on your amazing stats !!!

Saturday wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My DH and I worked most of the day taking down and putting away all the Christmas decorations, both inside and out. DH says we don't have a single inch of spare room in the storage shed, not for even a single Christmas bulb :biggrin1: . But staying busy really helped. Later in the day we went to see two movies, "We Are Marshall", and "Pursuit of Happyness". Both were good movies, although I liked We Are Marshall just a tiny bit more than the other one. The movies were really hard because it was 5 hours with nothing but one bottle of water. Even though I wasn't really hungry -- it was all in my head. I think that must be the "head hunger" that I've read so much about. One of the ladies at my office had LPS back in September and she had brought me some chicken bouillon to try and I thought it was the best tasting thing ever (after 2 days of clear liquids :biggrin1: ). She said she would bring more to the office, but she had forgotten to, so she put it in my mailbox at home. Thank Goodness she lives fairly close. She also added Beef Bouillon too . . . they were very very good. They may be the only things that keep me on this for another 2 days. After the surgery, I'm not too worried about cheating, as the fear will keep me on the straight and narrow. Fear of causing a a problem with the band while healing.

Saturday wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My DH and I worked most of the day taking down and putting away all the Christmas decorations, both inside and out. DH says we don't have a single inch of spare room in the storage shed, not for even a single Christmas bulb :biggrin1: . But staying busy really helped. Later in the day we went to see two movies, "We Are Marshall", and "Pursuit of Happyness". Both were good movies, although I liked We Are Marshall just a tiny bit more than the other one. The movies were really hard because it was 5 hours with nothing but one bottle of water. Even though I wasn't really hungry -- it was all in my head. I think that must be the "head hunger" that I've read so much about. One of the ladies at my office had LPS back in September and she had brought me some chicken bouillon to try and I thought it was the best tasting thing ever (after 2 days of clear liquids :biggrin1: ). She said she would bring more to the office, but she had forgotten to, so she put it in my mailbox at home. Thank Goodness she lives fairly close. She also added Beef Bouillon too . . . they were very very good. They may be the only things that keep me on this for another 2 days. After the surgery, I'm not too worried about cheating, as the fear will keep me on the straight and narrow. Fear of causing a a problem with the band while healing.

I just made homemade quacomole. Using only 1 avacado, mayo, pace picante . . . and then ate it with several Tostitos. I'm supposed to be on all liquids! What the hell is wrong with me?????:angry :angry :angry :angry

I just made homemade quacomole. Using only 1 avacado, mayo, pace picante . . . and then ate it with several Tostitos. I'm supposed to be on all liquids! What the hell is wrong with me?????:angry :angry :angry :angry

I have completed everything with Dr. Jay and my surgery is next Wednesday (1/10/07). I actually met Dr Jay this week, and absolutely love him. By BF had her LP by him just 2 weeks ago and had nothing but praise. I am so thankful for each of you encouraging me. I hope to talk to you soon -- from the other side

I had one of my "para-thyroids" removed and at the same time my entire thyroid removed back in May of 2005. I've not had any issues with either the Dr or my insurance company about getting the band. My Dr said that thyroid issues for him were a "non-issue" other than making sure that I took my medicine regularly (150m synthroid daily), and following up with my Endocrinologist on a consistent basis because as I lose weight, my synthroid will need to be adjusted accordingly. Good luck to you! If there's anything else I can help you with, please let me know.

Hello all! I just realized that I'm only 4 days away from my surgery, and I'm beginning to get a little excited. Up until now, it just seemed like I was going through the motions, and not really "waking up" to the fact that this is going to really happen. I guess I've been waiting for "the other shoe to drop". Today is my 3rd day on clear liquids, and I've already lost 4 pounds -- I know, it's mostly water, but still, it's 4 pounds that I will never have to see again! My energy is finally starting to return, and I think that maybe that is why I'm beginning to "believe". It is so good reading this thread from the beginning through to now, because you can see the things posted by someone at first, who is now banded, and it's reassuring to know that you have all done great. Keep the comments coming! I may not post much on this thread, but it's the first thing I look at each day when I get home from work.

The hardest part so far is getting through the 2nd day (ha-ha). Today has been good so far. I'm beginning to feel better, and my energy is better. Luckily, only 1 or 2 nicotine twinges, but so far, so good. Today's Stats: Weight: 274.4 (down 4 lbs!) Cinnamon Dulce Latte (non-fat) 12g protein Won-ton soup (????) Chicken Broth Crystal Light (pink lemonade) - very tart :guess IsoPure protein drink (40g protein) 2 Low-Carb Slim fast (40f protein) Cherry popsicle Water, Water, Water It's hard to believe that I'm only 4 days away from Surgery! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I think that now, I'm beginning to really think this is going to happen, and I can't find the words to express how happy that makes me. I know that I will look back on this journal and it will help me through the next several months. Isn't that the point of doing this?

The hardest part so far is getting through the 2nd day (ha-ha). Today has been good so far. I'm beginning to feel better, and my energy is better. Luckily, only 1 or 2 nicotine twinges, but so far, so good. Today's Stats: Weight: 274.4 (down 4 lbs!) Cinnamon Dulce Latte (non-fat) 12g protein Won-ton soup (????) Chicken Broth Crystal Light (pink lemonade) - very tart :guess IsoPure protein drink (40g protein) 2 Low-Carb Slim fast (40f protein) Cherry popsicle Water, Water, Water It's hard to believe that I'm only 4 days away from Surgery! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I think that now, I'm beginning to really think this is going to happen, and I can't find the words to express how happy that makes me. I know that I will look back on this journal and it will help me through the next several months. Isn't that the point of doing this?

Bullwinkle - here's your hug (hug hug). I don't know what it is you do for a living, but I work for a trucking company. All our drivers are Owner-Operators (self-employed), and I hear a lot from them about how hard it is to get their trucks unloaded sometimes. I'm glad you did what you did. One of my biggest pet peeves is someone who refuses to work for a living, as if the company owes them money just for showing up !! Well, I say GOOD FOR U!!!! You did the right thing.

Today started out great. I felt great, everything was fine, until about 1pm. Suddenly my energy bottomed out and I felt a little funny. Also, I had a nicotine craving so huge it scared me. I hadn't had one that strong in a long time. I called the Dr's office and they said it would be fine for me to wear nicotine patch if I felt I needed it, it wouldn't interfere with my scheduled surgery for next Wed. So, today's stats: Weight 278.4 (down about 1.4lbs) Isopure Protein drink (40g protein) 2 low-carb Slim fast (40g protein) 2 cafe latte's (non-fat) (14g protein) Won-Ton soup - minus the wonton noodle Sugarfree Jello water water water water I'm sure the tiredness is normal, and is because of the lowered caloric intake. I've been told that it will improve in a couple of days. I really hope so! It's been almost 2 years since I felt this tired. That was back when I was having major thyroid issues.

Today started out great. I felt great, everything was fine, until about 1pm. Suddenly my energy bottomed out and I felt a little funny. Also, I had a nicotine craving so huge it scared me. I hadn't had one that strong in a long time. I called the Dr's office and they said it would be fine for me to wear nicotine patch if I felt I needed it, it wouldn't interfere with my scheduled surgery for next Wed. So, today's stats: Weight 278.4 (down about 1.4lbs) Isopure Protein drink (40g protein) 2 low-carb Slim fast (40g protein) 2 cafe latte's (non-fat) (14g protein) Won-Ton soup - minus the wonton noodle Sugarfree Jello water water water water I'm sure the tiredness is normal, and is because of the lowered caloric intake. I've been told that it will improve in a couple of days. I really hope so! It's been almost 2 years since I felt this tired. That was back when I was having major thyroid issues.

Hello January Bandsters! Today was my 1st day of liquid diet. My surgery is next Wednesday, and I am sooooo excited. I had my pre-op appt with Dr. Jay today, and paid my $415. It's for real now! My 1st day of liquids has been fine, no problems. Not really even feeling hungry. I just hope that by tomorrow I don't feel like a "witch". My DH is doing the liquids with me - at least at home, so I won't see, hear, or smell food. Audree -I hope you get to feeling better, and you will be in my prayers this week!

Hooray! Today was my first day of clear liquids. Just 6 more to go before my surgery :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I had my pre-op with Dr. J today. It's the first time I met him. I absolutely love him!!!! He said that I was very healthy and thought the surgery should be easy for me. I also got my pre-op instructions, and was told I would receive a call the night before surgery to go over final instructions. I asked Dr J about my being on synthroid. Since I had my thyroid removed in May of 2005, would that affect my ability to lose weight in a satisfactory time. He said no, as long as I continue my follow ups every 2 months with my endocrinologist, they would make the adjustments to my synthroid as needed. His experience with patients who have thyroid conditions is that their metabolism speeds up after the surgery due to the weight loss and watching what is eaten. So here are my stats: Day 1 of liquids: Beginning weight - 279.8 (my scale - which is in sync with the Doctors) 2 Chai Lattes (non-fat) Sugar Free Jello 1 White Mocha from Starbucks - non-fat (too much fat, won't do that again :embarassed: -- 6g of fat, but 20g of protein) 2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth 2 low carb slim fast (chocolate) total of 40g of protein Isopure Passion Fruit zero-carb drink (40g protein) Flinstone chewable vitamin B12 vitamin - melts under the tongue Water, Water, Water . . . Oh yeah, more water So that puts me at 100g of protein. I will have to watch that tomorrow. So far, so good, not really hungry or craving anything . . . yet! Before bedtime tonight, I'm going to drink some skim milk, so hopefully that will help in case I wake up hungry during the night.