Elayne

Friday night - the traditional P_Z_A night here in my neck of the woods. On day 5 of the liquid pre-op diet the most tasty thing I've had so far was my non-fat Greek yogurt (which by-the-way tastes so much better than my beloved Stonyfield). Then my husband walks into the house with a half tray of you-know-what. :scared2: With the intoxicating aroma of garlic and other goodies - I ran upstairs to my workshop, shut the door and LOCKED it! I'm still up here I hope he ate the whole thing. (At least I have a bit of fresh-frozen berries left for tomorrow morning's smoothie)

4 days down and 10 to go for my liquid diet. First days were fine but today I feel weak and my teeth want to chew something more substantial than a berry fragment in my Protein smoothie. 10 days until surgery?!?!? I have sleep apnea and had to get a CPAP ("crap" mask) which I've never used. My surgeon requires all sleep apnea patients to bring the mask to the hospital. I guess I'll try out the dang thing sometime next week. :confused:

Yep - My date is April 13. I'm into my first week of the 2 week full liquid diet -and I think I've been losing about 2 pounds a day! But it's getting more difficult because it's low carb and high Protein. I'm getting kinda weak and my teeth want something to bite into. I have pre-op testing at the hospital on Thursday the 9th followed by an appointment at Dr. Bono's office on Moisey Dr. Hospital's at 12:45 for several hours of tests. I had about 12 tests/consults/approvals before submission to the insurance for final approval Psych, blood, chest x-ray, endoscopy, primary Dr., cardio, sleep study results (if you have sleep apnea), pulmonary, support meeting, physical therapy, dietitian, Doppler, supervised diet (which is no longer necessary for BC) Since my BMI is under 40 - I had to have more tests to warrant the necessity of the procedure. It's an intensive process - but I can't believe I'm almost a week away from the surgery.

JoannMarie - We share a love of needlework - Quilting for you and embroidery/knitting for me. You are broadening your passion for the quilting arts into writing and I'm making serious plans to teach knitting and embroidery skills. As for the hair business - A beautician/RNY patient addressed our support group about hair loss several weeks ago and recommended "Strength" by Mediceuticals. Apparently their products are also used by Chemo patients. I bought what appears to be a clone product by Sally Beauty. I bought Naturelle yesterday and I'm about to take a shower (to drone out my growling stomach) and use it for the first time. I also kinda-sorta color my hair as it's totally white. I use the color-depositing BROWN shampoo products in my own watered-down version with great results. Interesting side-story to my Sally Spree - The clerk who helped me was in month #4 of her supervised diet for a RNY. She was unaware of the lift of the 6-mo diet requirement by several insurance companies. She's with Geisinger, I'm with BC and she was very excited about contacting her surgeon's practice about her own status. I gave her my card (I have an online-store where I sell needlework originals) and hope to hear from her soon.

I start the full-liquid pre-op diet tomorrow as well. Tonight I'm finishing off the last drop of Peanut Butter with a crunchy BIG Fuji apple. Then - a final glass of wine - white merlot. I shopped today - my purchases include - 1. Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery: Over 140 Delicious Low-Fat High-Protein recipes to Enjoy in the Weeks, Months and Years After Surgery 2. Protein powders in chocolate and vanilla, frozen berries - for smoothie concoctions 3. Nutri-Ox Starter Kit for Color-Treated hair from Sally Beauty- to help reduce hair loss 4. A Gratefull Dead CD - to keep me smiling

I start the full-liquid pre-op diet tomorrow. Tonight I'm finishing off the last drop of peanut butter with a crunchy BIG Fuji apple. Then - a final glass of wine - white merlot. I shopped today - my purchases include - 1. Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery: Over 140 Delicious Low-Fat High-Protein Recipes to Enjoy in the Weeks, Months and Years After Surgery 2. protein powders in chocolate and vanilla, frozen berries - for smoothie concoctions 3. Special shampoo from Sally's - to help reduce hair loss 4. A Gratefull Dead CD - to keep me smiling

Tomorrow is day one of Pre-Op diet. I'm addicted to needlework - ALL kinds from exotic embroideries to common sock knitting. In addition to this LBS - my New Year's resolution was to pursue my love of needlework and by taking a class each month and absorb as much practical and historical data on my own. Last month was a "red work" class, last week was "crazy quilting, today is hand-piecing and I'm preparing to start teaching all levels of knitting and crochet in my home by mid-summer. New body - new outlook - new life - new focus. So - I'm determined to use the energy and passion and concentration inherent in embroidery and hand work to help with this transformation. It's the focus on "process" and enjoying the journey. Meanwhile - after today's class I'll have a nice shopping trip for the "vittles" needed for the full-liquid diet that starts tomorrow. Smoothie maker, juicer, food processor all polished up and ready to make magic out of mush. And - to complete the drama - hand embroidered tablecloth, crystal goblet and silver baby spoon by the big kitchen window overlooking a bird feeder and the returning daffodils.

I started taking Biotin last week. A beautician who had a bypass addressed our latest LB/bypass support group meeting and made some recommendations. Mediceuticals makes a line of hair and scalp care products. She recommended "Strength" - a treatment used between shampoo and conditioning (like we need yet another step!). Studies have shown that it lessens breakage. Pricey - but it looks promising. I believe chemo patients also use these products. The nutritionist from the surgical group stated that our scalp - just like other body parts - has fat cells as well. So - as we lose weight - our scalp is affected to some degree also. 'my a fat head?

Good discussion about constipation. I've had it most of my life with it worsening these last 2 years. I had a colonoscopy - everything's ok in that department. A nutritionist recommended Miralax last year and it's been my "plumber's helper" ever since. I add 1/2 cap to a half gallon of water (with a small splash of juice for flavor) each morning when I sort my daily meds allotment. My liquid diet starts Monday - but right now I'm constantly tired and feeling a bit dragged out. I hope it's just the stress of my separation and the anxiety of the upcoming surgery. My husband (what-oh-what should I call him at this stage??) is a remarkably level-headed gentleman in regard to the surgery and the emotional aspect of it all and has been the "friend" that I wish he would have been in the past - so that's a mixed blessing. Meanwhile I just want to do this right and eventually get some of my health back (physical AND mental) So - is it normal to be tired at this stage? Is there a miracle herb/mineral/drink/supplement?

Since I have the biggest house (and the most "gifted" bread maker) - I usually host the holiday dinners. Everyone knows I'm getting the surgery so this year my mom is hosting Easter dinner. She keeps asking me what to serve the family and what to serve me. My surgery is the next day - April 13. I'm enjoying the "I don't care!" answers I'm able to get away with finally after all these years. I just say - "It's your house - your dinner - your decision." I'll bring a clear liquid something-or-other and enjoy the family without the kitchen-duty. :crying:

My e-mails are still coming - but to my "Junk" box now. (I'll fix it) Exactly one week until my pre-op liquid diet starts! Instead of counting the days - I'm ENJOYING the days. Like a vacation - it starts when you lock the door of the house and back out of the driveway - Enjoy the ride! With impending separation, surgery and the decision to teach/lecture needlework - I'm on emotional overload. So - it's ME ME ME for several weeks - health, attitude, esteem, discipline. I spent a long weekend with a long-lost childhood friend and it was as if we just returned to school on a Monday morning. I had a "last hurrah" bread-baking spree (left all the loaves in her freezer) while gabbing for 2 1/2 days. It helped put a refreshing perspective on the "Me" I was, the me that is buried and the me that should be regained. Very - very appropriate for this time of life and year.

I think I overdid the Bread and Booze Bye-Bye at a family b'day party on Sunday. I weigh in at noon with my nutritionist and I'm sure I wandered out of "onederland" My doc recommended the realize band. He's experienced with the 2 bands and his main reason was the size of the port (which is easier to find) I'm not familiar with the "C" but I haven't seen the group since November '09 when I started my then-mandatory 6 month diet (lifted in Feb!) There is a support group tonight and I'll bring up the Realize "C" subject. and about family support?? Last August when I started this Quest - my husband and I were on shaky terms but he fully supported the banding - as did my 3 grown children and close friends (most of them) and family. However - now we are separated (in the same house because of the economy AND the health insurance coverage). He STILL supports the surgery because of my health situation - hi blood pressure, diabetes and the rest of the "stuff" But - he wants to come to the hospital with me and I'd rather just my 2 oldest children and my mother. There is no anger or nastiness in our situation -but I think the sadness may be overwhelming and stressful. I'll see how I feel when I'm in the throes of the pre-op diet.

Thank you Helene, It'll be hard accepting compliments - but I'm sure I'll welcome and enjoy them. I don't want to hear - Wow - you look so much better NOW lynnt1215 - We were married 25+ years, 2 grown children and another from my first marriage - all FABULOUS, healthy, smart and independent except for the youngest who is looking for a grad school after one more semester. We're also living in the same house which fortunately is large enough to give us distance except for the kitchen. We're almost past the arguing phase and mostly amidst the hurting stage. It's really bad at night when my thoughts wander and I lock the side door realizing that my children aren't coming home that night. But - With the sun, flowers, birds, warm air AND the upcoming changes - I'm trying to focus on a new life-style. I'm a semi-reclusive ex-1960s artsy fiber/needlework fanatic who used to work full-time as a computer programmer. With a retired ex-art teacher friend who now teaches small classes at home - I'm "hatching" a plan to teach embroidery, knitting at home and when I get my confidence back - maybe teach and/or lecture in the "outside world" Thanks girls - I need the chats and experienced guidance through this transformation. (weigh-in today with nutritionist and Lap Band support meeting tonight) BTW - I'm having the REALIZE band

It's very exciting/scary to see that slider move closer and closer to the surgery date. 27 days and counting. I have a twist to this "quest". My husband and I recently separated (after 25 years) and we are putting off the legal papers until after the surgery and recovery. We both agree this surgery is necessary to get my health back and don't want the insurance to get into nasty red tape. I've come to terms with the split (MOST of the time) and although it's a painful painful time - I've been at this LBS quest since August 2008 and it's helping me find the strong person that I once was. I think I'll spend more time on this forum - 'cuz I need some real "girl talk" and support. Yikes - 27 days!

I start my pre-op all liquid diet April 30 - 2 weeks before my April 13 surgery. :lunch: Is anyone else required to do this? I have no problem with it - I'm just trying to prepare for it by making up a shopping list. I certainly DON'T want to go to a grocery store and all its lovely sights and aromas after the diet starts. I prefer to follow an all-natural plan and make most of the concoctions myself - although pureed salmon doesn't sound appealing. But I guess when hunger happens - weird things start to taste good.

I fixed the banner in case anyone is interested here's the link (hope it works) - Free Glitter Text Words Generator | MySpace Glitter Text Word Name Graphics Maker | Cute Happy Birthday Comments | SparkLee.com

I made a little banner for our "group" See below VVVV "bunny bandsters" If you like it the way it is - go to this link and copy the Bulletin Board (1) code (near the bottom on the right) go to your control panel (CP) and then "edit your signature" and paste the code at the bottom (or top) of your editable signature info. Save and that should do it. If you don't like this font or color or words - I'll fix it. The code generator is SPARKLEE.com if you'd rather design your own. (I have to work on my breads now - be back later today)

Yep - BUNNY Bandsters (I like it) Birthday party today and it'll be my goodbye to wine day. Bread is in the oven (my specialty) so it's also goodbye to bread day. Peanut butter and apples has been my addiction for the last several months - one jar left and a basket of Fuji apples. Goodbye to PB after the jar is empty and the apples will be pureed soon. The sun is back - the daffodils are up - the leaves will return soon. This is my focus/pleasant distraction while I prepare for the change and heal. (Gawd - I'm sounding like my old 70s self! - and that's a GOOD thing) Weigh-in on Wednesday followed by a LB support meeting. I'm hovering at 200 - hopefully this will be the last time to move that dastardly weight thingie over a notch!

:crying: Pre-op diet of liquid starts March 30. Pre-op testing on April 9 followed by Dr. pre-op visit. ?!?!?!?!:scared2: How do we get a special "shamrockers" signature thingie??

Yes - I live west of Scranton and I started the process back in September 2008. I finally have my surgery date - April 13

Yep! Got my date today - April 13!

Hi - I'm back after a very disgusted (almost) 6 month diet. Into my 5th month and guess what! - the 6 mo. diet requirement was lifted in February. So - I contacted my surgeon's office via e-mail and received THE CALL today - April 13 - I'm not superstitious - but I' still glad it isn't a FRIDAY. Now - I see my nutritionist tomorrow and will probably get the pre-op advice and guidelines. (yabadabadoo)

(I'm back in this forum after a disappointing halt to my LBS quest) pinkXX88 - Yes - I'm one of Dr. Bono's patients. I haven't had the surgery yet but I was required to satisfy 12 different tests and procedures!! Among the usual blood tests, Dr's approvals for surgery, psychiatric approval, endoscopy, support group attendance, heart and lung, etc. and on and on. The halt for me was my insurance company's requirement for a 6 mo. Dr. supervised diet. Altho I've done weight watchers, slim-fast, diet workshop and others - I have no proof of a recent 6 mo or more diet. I'm into my 4th month of nutritionist/dietitian diet. (Mary Webb of Wilkes Barre/Clarks Summit) Amy Cartwright is Dr. Bono's dietitian of choice but she is too far away (Cunningham) for me to go to frequently. My diet started very well - 10 pounds or so. But now I'm at a crisis - Impending separation after a 25 year marriage with a dive back into emotional eating binges. But - I'm determined to get back into the Quest and aim for a late spring surgery date. Dr. Bono's coordinator is Jane Lashock - But she's become so over run by patients, insurance tasks, hospital dates, support groups that Amy Cartwright has taken over many of the interface tasks. The group is very efficient, experienced - but I found the initial appointment fast paced and routine. There was only one preliminary appointment with Jane throwing all the requirements at me (along with a brief presentation of the surgery). I got my list of tasks, saw Dr. Bono about 1/2 hour for a brief examination (clothes on and just a tummy probing) and I was dismissed to attend to my appointments. The support group is mandatory (once before surgery minimum) and that is where the bulk of the info is obtained because it's more casual and loaded with feedback about the procedure from start to finish (maintenance). I wasn't aware that Dr. Bono used Lehigh - I thought Hazelton General was his hospital. (I got good and negative reviews about Hazelton G.) I plan to use this forum more regularly now so I'll monitor this thread ~ ~ ~ Elayne

I've been absent from this thread for several months. After whirlwind testing and the obsession with getting this LBS ASAP - I lost the wind in my sails after I realized that there is just no way to get around the mandatory 6 mos. supervised diet. Well -I'm into the third month of the diet and after a grand start and a pitiful last 2 weeks - I'm slowly getting back my determination. Also - added two more ailments to the list. Asthma and some heart malfunction. My stress test revealed a Diastolic dysfunction. So - An even stronger determination to have this surgery.

My doctor strongly suggested the Realize band at my consult. (He does both types - his decision is based on the patient's anatomy) He said the surgery is about 30 minutes quicker because the port is put in place differently and more firmly. Also - the port is wider but flatter and is easier to find altho he does use the X-ray fluoroscope. I also read that the Realize band is essentially "older" than the Allergan LapBand as it's been used in Europe for years under a different name. It only comes in one size (or so I was told by PA) Here's a good site for the differences - Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band