Poster child

Well, it's time for me to join the 'club' tomorrow! I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am on Clear liquids only so today I am going to keep busy. I will be done outpatient so I'll be home by tomorrow evening. I have gotten all the post-op essentials, gas meds, liquid Tylenol, etc. I have plenty of Water and bought assorted Protein supplements at my doctor's office. I will be following the Liquid Protein diet for 10 days!! Then onto full liquids etc. I just wanted to thank everyone on this board for all the great posts, good and bad. I fell I am totally prepared because of all your input! Thanks again! Talk to you all when I am on the 'other side'! :clap2: Now I guess I need to get a ticker!

Brad, Congratulations on your achievement! Thanks for sharing your story. It is so appropriate for me since tomorrow I begin the journey as well. Good luck with the last 19lbs!!!

Ok May Bandsters, I will be joining the banded ranks on Monday May 8th!! Good luck Seminole! Good luck to everyone this month!

down 3 lbs for me! Only 5 days until surgery!

Have you ever heard of the Firm videos? They are fabulous and tone quickly. They can be found online and in stores like Target. Definately worth looking into. I know they work. I live in Columbia SC where the Firm is located. I know people who have gone to their studio to workout and even know some of the instructors you see in the videos.

Reporting in 256!

Congratulations! Enjoy the accomplishment and look forward to the next level of sizes!!!

I am on Optifast Day 4. Crazy...but I am surviving!

I am on Optifast and 1 meal a day for 28 days! I am in Day 4 right now and am surviving. If I can make it through the holiday weekend with my entire family and extended family around 'gorging' themselves, I will make it through to the surgery on May 8th. is it Monday yet?? :-)

Started the Optifast on Tuesday. Current weight 257. 27 days until surgery!!!

Susan, My surgery is May 8th. You'll be in bandland before me! I tried PWL laast year. That stuff was nasty and I didn't really lose any significant weight. hang in there, you only have 15 days to go! Shackdog, You're even closer to bandland! good luck and I can't wait for all of us to be on 'the other side'!

I hear ya, Amy! I know I have some type of abnormality to weigh 260 lbs! The Optifast is pretty good. I chose the ready to drink form and chicken soup. My doctor requires us to pay 2500.00 program fee which includes the psych testing and counseling, the nutrionist and counseling weekly and the pre-op Optifast. The counseling is available for a lifetime. They are very efficient. They even gave me my post-op appointments for the next 2 years! Yes, YEARS! So far so good today!

Man, you look good!!! Congrats!

Thanks Jesse! I am beginning right now. I forgot to mention no caffeine either. I think I am getting rid of all my vices at one time. No smoking, drinking, eating or caffeine. Wow! Interestingly enough, the psychologist said I didn't have a food addiction. I am going to become an exercise addict!!!!

I just got back from the doctor's office. I passed the psych test(yeah) and got to see the nurtitionist about starting the Optifast tomorrow. 5 shakes a day with one sensible meal. They do mean sensible, like fish, chicken or tofu, vegs and a fruit. They also recommend starting the exercise regimen now and do expect me to get up to 45 -60 mins cardio 5-7 days a week from now until 2 months after surgery. Just needed to vent. I am nervous but plan to do it! 30 days until my surgery!!!:clap2: :clap2:

You look great!!! Your doctor did a great job!! Wait until the swelling goes down and post some more pics!!!

That is so cool!!! You look great!!!!

thanks everyone! I am doing the smoking thing cold turkey. There is a shot that is supposed to conquer the cravings for nicotine while quitting. I had it Thusrday and have been doing well ever since. There is no nicotine in the injections. The shot is atropine and scolpolamine, then you countinue them orally(pill form) for 10 - 14 days. They are supposed to help the withdrawal symptoms. At times, I think, what the heck am I doing and then others when I say..way cool!!! Thanks for letting me 'vent' the nicotine craving I am having right now!

Congrats! Your surgery is the day after mine. Good luck to you!!

I have finally quit smoking and feel very good!!! I am trying to completely change my lifestyle for this year. Monday, I start the liquid Opitfast diet for 4 weeks! :paranoid I just hope I am not taking on more than I can handle. I am 100% committed to both weightloss and being a non-smoker! I just needed to share! I am curious about others quitting before banding. My surgeon really encouraged me to stop prior to surgery.

Now 258! soon to begin the liquid pre-op diet on Monday for 4 weeks!!!!!

Checking in....259. Not bad for being unbanded. At least I am maintaining! Only 6 more weeks until bandland and 2 more weeks until the liquid pre-op! Congrats to everyone! You are all doing well!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hey Heidi! I didn't get to go to the meeting last night because I was drugged from the Versed. I wouldn't have been good. Congrats on the Optifast. I start mine on April 10th. Maybe we can go on Tuesday's together?? I'll give you a call. Take care!

Had my endoscopy yesterday. Everything went well. He said I had a tiny hiatal hernia, but otherwise I am good to go. My question - does having a small hiatal hernia prevent me from having the band???

Me, too! May 8th!!!:clap2: