Lauren448

Another Novemberian here! I initially was denied by my ins. co. because my PCP didn't provide the proper information needed for weight mgmt., and he turned out to be a completely callous and ignorant man -after 20+ years of treating me! It turns out that MY conversation with the ins. co. medical director encouraged him to turn the decision around and I was approved in under 2 weeks after the denial - no thanks to my PCP - who, by the way, I am leaving and finding another PCP now. In any case, my original October date has been changed to November 18th and I am feeling all of the many exciting, fearful and complete spectrum of conflicting feelings about the surgery. Basically, all I want to do is wake up from the surgery, then I'll take each day as it comes. I had some complications from the only other surgery I've had - rotator cuff surgery - which put me in the hospital for about 4 days after a "routine, same-day surgery", so I am somewhat scared of the procedure itself and possible complications. I am staying positive though, because my surgeon, Dr. Noel Williams of Univ. of Penn. hasn't lost any one yet and is considered to be one of the best bariatric surgeons anywhere. So.. I guess I'm in good hands and just have to trust God. I'll be thinking of all of you other November bandsters as we move forward toward a better, healthier life! Lauren

Hi all... I am a little over a month pre-op for lapband and here is my worry and question for you veterans. I know I'm supposed to change my eating habits BEFORE surgery to get my mind and body ready for the drastic changes post surgery. The problem is I'm having a rough time changing things up the way I ought to. Obviously, I'm addicted to certain foods (breads, bakery goods, sweets, etc.), which has gotten me to the point where I am today: Obese. I desperately want to change my life and eating habits, but it hasn't come easily for me. I'm still eating a bagel & coffee for Breakfast and though I am better throughout the day - eating yogurts, cottage cheese and decent meals at dinner, I revert to old ways and sneak in a piece of cake, Cookies, whatever... sometimes when they are in the kitchen at work. How crucial is it that I change my eating habits completely before surgery? I know I should and I will continue to make the necessary changes... but I wondered if all of you gave up all those foods you knew you couldn't eat with the band and how successful you were in doing so in advance of the surgery. Even though I'm doing much better with food choices and am more cognizant of what I put in my mouth, I am afraid I will fail afterward if I don't change my eating completely to stay in line with what I will be eating post-surgery. Any experiences you can share with me is appreciated. All the best to you in your pre or post op journey! Thanks for being here to vent and get valuable feedback. Lauren

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions. Of the MANY worries I have over my upcoming lapband surgery (one month away!), I want to be sure to get in the necessary protein grams. For the first month post-op, I would like to be able to find the best possible protein shake. You've all listed a few... but here is my question: While getting the maximum protein grams, what shakes (or shake mix) taste the best in terms of not having that "vitaminy" protein after taste? And during the first two weeks following surgery, can I mix the shake powder with 1 or 2% milk? I have a deep hatred toward skim milk and can commit to 1% at the least. Is this OK? Also, is it better to just buy the ready-to-pour shakes or the fully liquid, clear protein drinks? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm really concerned with the first 4 weeks of food following surgery.

Thanks Bobbi... I appreciate your reply. I do realize that I have to make the ultimate decision and I am leaning towards "yes" much more than no. It's just the scheduling of the numerous tests and such that I am dragging my feet on. I wish I was less fearful. I know one thing.. I can't continue to live as I have been in this unhealthy body and mind. Losing weight - in any way - can only make my life better, and probably help me to deal with my daughter's illnesses better in the long run. God's ears are probably burning. I am praying incessantly on his guidance as to whether this is the right choice for me. Thanks again for your reply.

Hello All, I've finally taken the first few steps of meeting with the surgeon and nutritionist, etc., but am really frightened about scheduling the tests I need and REALLY SERIOUSLY considering this surgery because: 1) I have had gastro problems for many years. Mainly, lower GI problems, such as IBS, mucous colitis and have been on meds (Lomotil & Levsin) for years just to control this enough for me to work and get out of the house. At this point, I am probably addicted to these meds; without them, I'm a mess, with constant gastro pain and diarrhea. My fear is having the LB might make things worse?? My current eating habits are undoubtedly making things worse - post LB surgery - will I feel better and can I finally get off of these meds?? I also burp a lot; it seems like a must after eating or it hurts inside. This will probably increase with LB - right? 2) Now this is the "biggie": Am I psychologically healthy enough to live with LB and make the life changes I know I must make? Long story short - I have an adult daughter (22 yrs) who suffers with Tourette Syndrome and Bi-polar disorder. It would be an understatement to say life has been very difficult over the years trying my best and spending a LOT of time and energy helping her to be stable and safe. I know I will have to put myself first and do what is necessary to be successful, but I have lived with so much stress and fear (her decision making is often very bad, with scary & often dangerous results) that there is no doubt my food addiction and gastro problems are a direct reflection on how I emotionally handle the almost daily crisis that arise in my daughter's life. I am currently in therapy to get some help with my "enmeshment" with my daughter, but am worried that I will fail post surgery because of the extreme level of stress in my life. Any help or advice on either of these subjects would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks for being here to vent and discuss important issues. I want so much to be healthier, but this terrible FEAR is standing in the way of me moving forward toward a realistic surgery date.