KayVee

My current surgery date is Aug 27, but I did have a July 20th date scheduled previously and started my 2 week pre op diet and actually got 3 1/2 days in before it was changed. My diet consists of protein shakes before breakfast and lunch. For b'fast I can have hot cereal or grits, yogurt and applesauce and 8 oz of milk. Lunch is broth or just the broth of a soup, yogurt or applesauce. Dinner is much the same without the protein before and I can add sugar free jello or popsicles with a protein drink after dinner. I lost 7 lbs when i did this for less than 4 days. I"m thinking a good 15-20 will drop when I get on this prior to my surgery! Yeah!

Hi Ya'll I'm Kathi from the Dallas area and I'm just hoping this is the last monthly group I'll be joining. Until I fix my signature, you'll see I was supposed to be banded TODAY! Oh well, a little pneumonia postponed my surgery! I had a June 22 date initially and then sleep apnea pushed that back. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Aug 27 will be the ACTUAL date I get banded. I went to my first WLS seminar last year on Aug 28, funny how we can remember these dates so easily. I had some insurance changes midway through which also changed my requirements. In April I was all ready and paperwork went through in less than a month. More about me, I'm 5'8" (pretty tall) and my current weight is around 305. I did 3 1/2 days of my liquid diet before the pneumonia and lost nearly 7 lbs then. It wasn't too awful, but it is just another hurdle and I'm treating it like the challenge it is. My fave protein shakes are the muscle milk, I much prefer 'milky' shakes rather than fruity supplements, and these are pretty good. I have not been overweight all my life, just after having kids (2nd daughter) and dieted and got into ONEderland once or twice. Been well into the 200s for the last 15 years or so and managed with it. I'm 49 and want a healthier more active life with my wonderful boyfriend. My girls are cheering me on and we're all excited for the new life this Realize band will afford me. I have a blog that I'm pretty regular with if you'd like to know more about me and my crazy thoughts. I'm happy to be with a group of supportive folks with the same goals. I am ready for this band and am looking forward to being more fit in my 50s!

You lost 10 years at least so far! Great pic, keep up the good work. (note to self-stop cutting hair so I can have facelifting pony tail! )

Wow, look at you missy with the blondest hair and sassy pony! Your new pic is fantastic! I was going to ask if the family made any comments on the weight loss? Day 3 of liquids is halfway through and I'm quite hungry for something to chew! I do want a big loss though, so I'm plugging through. Talk to you soon.

EL, any gas pains? Did you take a GAS-X? I'm getting banded on July 20th also and the liquid diet is not very much fun, but I keep visualizing my weight loss, and I'm sticking with it! I don't have any 'fear' right now, I'm just ready to get on with it. Congrats on becoming a 'bandster'! Keep posting so we can follow your progress.

I"m starting my liquids tomorrow also and being banded on July 20. There is a bit more than liquids on my diet, applesauce, grits, yogurt, but no salad or chicken. One thing I've learned though, it is different with every doc in every location. You are doing the right thing by eliminating caffiene and starting with straight liquids. Here's to your success.

I'm with pickly, you look wonderful and if you looked at the photo without your face, you'd think that woman looked NORMAL weight! Keep up the fabulous work, girlfriend!

It has been a month and I"ve been wondering where you were!! You look FABulous and I'm betting the family won't recognize you. Congrats and keep up your great job! You're an inspiration to all of us.

I had a half day of appts at my surgeons office on Wednesday also. Got my spirometor too and they explained nearly every step of the surgery. There were three of us, all getting banded on Monday, July 20. I learned that I don't have to stay overnight, which I originally thought, so I'm really happy about that. Got my liquid diet instructions and was quite pleased to see more than pure liquids on there. I can have applesauce, yogurt, grits and broths. It is for 2 weeks and I'm planning on sticking strictly to it. Good luck, and can't wait to see how your surgery goes.

Sounds like so much fun. We have stories too, but not 4th of July ones. Enjoy your family weekend and get back to us safely next week!

I'm glad you're giving the band a second chance. I have a friend who got one and hasn't been working it/using her tool and only lost about 30lbs. She doesn't have a fill dr near her and is just drifting. Stick with us and you'll find lots of help and inspiration. Good luck and keep us up to date on your progress/loss!

I've heard many versions of that vacation voice in my head too. I am looking forward to a time when the voice of reason is louder. Have a great time.

Wow, luckydog, congrats. Sorry we won't be July 20 buddies, but early is GREAT. So glad for you and your new band! We'll still keep in touch and follow your progress. Relax and feel good.

Yeah for JULY! I'll be thinking about the lucky ones going in early in the month. I'm less than 3 weeks out now and start liquids on Monday! It's going to be a good 4th weekend, visiting all my favorite foods for the last time! Can't wait to start reading reports from our July Banders! Good luck all!

I started looking into this almost a year ago, so the time for what if's has passed for me. I just can't wait to be banded and get on with the weight losing! I'm so glad there are so many here to help us on the way. I read blogs and have made friends that I'm sure I'll stay in touch with for years to come. I hear it so often, what took me so long to come to this decision or it was the best decision I ever made, wish I'd done it years ago. That will be me one day when I'm healthy and even more fabulous! Go Freedom Fighters... July 20 here! Can't wait.

Wow, never really gave so much thought to what you said, but it sure rang true. I hope that as you lose you're walls will come down. I know that the one true thing about me is that I would do anything for anyone (kind of a doormat, here) and I may not embrace that about myself, but I do recognize it. I guess knowing what you know about yourself and being more aware of it will either help you change it or be happier in accepting it. I'm sure you are a great DOC too! Animals just can't help but love everyone! I love reading your blogs and always enjoy hearing from you. Take care.

Just beautemous! I would love to have flowers in my yard, but there is a lot of shade and can't seem to keep much alive in the heat and shade here. I also would like to have a herb garden, even if was only container size, but again, the green thumb does not live here! Looks lovely! Good job.

Hey you, thanks for the note. I was thinking about your Bandiversary, Congrats on #2. The countdown is beginning, I have less than one month now!! YIPPEEE! What a wonderful trip, I would LOVE something like that, reminds me of my visit to the longaberger factory years ago. Enjoy your week. KV

Its a great list my banding buddy birthday girl! We're gonna make 7/20 a day to remember! We can do it and we will shine like stars!