JazzyMom17

YEAY!!!! You got in! So exciting--I go in tomorrow!

So excited for you!

YEAY!!!! Awesome! I was so hoping you would get a fill! Hopefully this one will give you a little restriction! And, if it doesn't, I would be tempted to pull the same trick again in a few weeks! What's the worst they can do? ) Woot! with you!

I'm down to the wire--and the days are taking LONGER and LONGER to go by. I am at strict liquids for these last two days. I've lost almost seven pounds on this preop diet in the past five days doing strict Adkins. My goal is to be at 205 the day of surgery. I have 1.4 pounds to go--but think that should be attainable doing all liquids. My clothes don't feel so "poured into" feeling--and so I'm glad I didn't splurge and buy some last week when they were all straining to keep up with my last supper weight gains! I'm regretting not exercising as I had vowed to do--haven't so much as walked..but am planning on doing that the day of surgery! Wednesday, June 17th, 2009.... is the first day of the rest of my life. With the force of all my past failures, the suction of the hopes of a new unburdened life, and the grace of God...I will make it thru this transition and finally, for the first time in what seems like a lifetime away, will look in the mirror and see someone "in control" of my self---confident, vibrant, alive. I go to visit my family and friends over Christmas vacation and I am SOO excited about that! I will look at pictures taken of myself from this time and not die an inward death--or try to hide behind someone. I've learned alot this past week of pre-op dieting...I have really felt a slipping of the grip that food has had on me. I really WILL do this this time!

So, tomorrow I go for the Lap-Band seminar in Reston, VA at the hospital. I am borderline 35 BMI, so I have basically allowed myself to eat whatever to try to gain a few before my appointment with PCP on May 7th. Monday is my appointment with the Sleep doctor to get a diagnosis for sleep apnea, which I am pretty sure that I have. The only one I've told about my interest in the band is my husband. Haven't got up the nerve to tell anyone in my family (and definitely not his) or my friends yet. Can't wait to be skinny and have shoulders again!!

I'm down to the wire--and the days are taking LONGER and LONGER to go by. I am at strict liquids for these last two days. I've lost almost seven pounds on this preop diet in the past five days doing strict Adkins. My goal is to be at 205 the day of surgery. I have 1.4 pounds to go--but think that should be attainable doing all liquids. My clothes don't feel so "poured into" feeling--and so I'm glad I didn't splurge and buy some last week when they were all straining to keep up with my last supper weight gains! I'm regretting not exercising as I had vowed to do--haven't so much as walked..but am planning on doing that the day of surgery! Wednesday, June 17th, 2009.... is the first day of the rest of my life. With the force of all my past failures, the suction of the hopes of a new unburdened life, and the grace of God...I will make it thru this transition and finally, for the first time in what seems like a lifetime away, will look in the mirror and see someone "in control" of my self---confident, vibrant, alive. I go to visit my family and friends over Christmas vacation and I am SOO excited about that! I will look at pictures taken of myself from this time and not die an inward death--or try to hide behind someone. I've learned alot this past week of pre-op dieting...I have really felt a slipping of the grip that food has had on me. I really WILL do this this time!

Good luck!!! Can't wait to hear your stories! I go in on Wednesday!

In one week I will hopefully be prepped for surgery and getting ready to go under. My surgery is scheduled for 2pm on June 17th. Today is day one of my pre-op diet. I am crashing hard!!!!!! Everything was stockpiled and ready to go to get thru the day. I am taking RELIV vitamins and Isopure protein drinks. I am thanking God above for Isopure--although right now I can't even bear to think about drinking another one--they are a God-send! How well do I remember the days back even 10 years ago--and the hideously disgusting protein shakes that I would choke down doing the Body For Life challenges and trying to get ripped. I'm a LONG way from ripped--but this stuff makes this phase so much easier. Right now I am sweaty, nauseous, shaky, can't think or focus, want to cry. This is my body's typical reaction to drastic drop in blood sugar from cutting out carbs. I've had my limit of carbs already for the day and have been snacking on nuts and other NO carb things....but not helping. Completely second guessing my resolve and my ability to get this surgery. I'm wondering if I totally caved and ate something if I would just feel better. But I know I WOULD feel better--but I would not be better. This is part of the cost I counted before I started this journey...and I will be ok. It is day one --six more to go until I'm banded. It is a miracle that I was even approved and so many of my friends don't have this opportunity. I've got to seize this day for me, my little family, my sister that wants to get this, and all my friends who would die to be a week away from surgery, but aren't able to. My daughter went to be with her dad for a few days, then to Missouri to visit my sisters and family for a week. I will miss her SO bad, but thankful she will be away for this pre-op diet---that I don't have to make any food for her in the next week and that she won't be around for the surgery. She'll be back 2 days after with my awesome sister who is the best nurse in the world. My husband is the best in the world! SO supportive of me and is vowing to go on some kind of crash diet this week too, so I won't be alone. The good part about this is not having to smell or make good food (tuna is not a temptation) or fast food or any of that stuff. He will likely lose more weight than me in the next few days but who cares. I'm going to be banded in a WEEK!!! Oh, side note----ha ha ha---my skinny mother in law (who still knows nothing about the surgery) made a comment about how much weight I had gained since Easter. She thinks it's thyroid meds causing me to go "up and down". And she was concerned. I've gained 9 pounds since Easter--but have to agree....these last 9 pounds were BAD ones---and I felt like each one was an extra comorbidity for how horrible physically I felt with each one--not to mention the inches around my middle! My ex was at my daughter's kindergarden graduation last night--and he didn't say anything but I prob'ly weight more than him for the first time ever. Not cool. I had my "last supper" last night, and had heartburn (STILL) from it clear up till 11:00 this morning. I CAN make it thru today...and will take this one day at a time.

I'm on day 3---4 days to go after this one! Yesterday morning---after my HORRIBLE day one--I woke up and felt AMAZING (Not OK--really really good). I still haven't figured out why, but I wasn't even hungry. When I stepped on the scales I had lost 4 pounds that first day. I drank my protein drinks (gag) and my RELIV vitamins (GAG GAG!!) and started my day. My surgeon told me that I could to Adkins diet along with liquid---AS LONG AS I WAS LIMITING MY CARBS TO LESS THAN 50/day. So, I did liquids all day until around 4:00 and my husband and I went to LongHorn steakhouse and I had a steak with blue-cheese crumbled over it and some lettuce. No tomatos, no croutons, no carrots....just leaf lettuce. I could only eat a little of the steak (about half) but it was the best thing I've ever eaten. So driving home last night--I know I can make it thru this next week. This morning I had lost another 1 1/2 pounds....so down 5 1/2 pounds from just two days of preop diet !! I can't believe it. Back to protein drinks today!! I have to pay a little penance for my steak splurge. The shakes are gone now--I can focus again...I'm feeling really good--which still astounds me.

Praising the Lord right along with you!!!!! As a Christian, I just feel like the Lord has provided this band for me and for this long losing battle I've had with weight. I have one week left and I'll be with you! So happy for you!!

Keep it up, Sunshine! I've done BFL too! I was in the first group of people in 1997 when they did it the first year....(hate to think how many times I took those "Before" pictures since then) and I know it is a really great diet/exercise regime when you stick to it!!! Hopefully the band will be a great tool for you and this time will erase any past failures!!! Good luck! I'll be following your progress!!

Yeay!! Another June 17th person!! What is your preop diet like???

Day one of my PreOP diet!! I am dying, you guys!!!! I feel like I've gone from 100mph to 0mph in a split second from all my last suppers to whey protein! I keep reading everyone saying it gets easier and easier and I'm hanging on to that with all I got!! I feel exhausted and like going home curling up and sleeping the rest of the day/night. :ihih:

In one week I will hopefully be prepped for surgery and getting ready to go under. My surgery is scheduled for 2pm on June 17th. Today is day one of my pre-op diet. I am crashing hard!!!!!! Everything was stockpiled and ready to go to get thru the day. I am taking RELIV vitamins and Isopure protein drinks. I am thanking God above for Isopure--although right now I can't even bear to think about drinking another one--they are a God-send! How well do I remember the days back even 10 years ago--and the hideously disgusting protein shakes that I would choke down doing the Body For Life challenges and trying to get ripped. I'm a LONG way from ripped--but this stuff makes this phase so much easier. Right now I am sweaty, nauseous, shaky, can't think or focus, want to cry. This is my body's typical reaction to drastic drop in blood sugar from cutting out carbs. I've had my limit of carbs already for the day and have been snacking on nuts and other NO carb things....but not helping. Completely second guessing my resolve and my ability to get this surgery. I'm wondering if I totally caved and ate something if I would just feel better. But I know I WOULD feel better--but I would not be better. This is part of the cost I counted before I started this journey...and I will be ok. It is day one --six more to go until I'm banded. It is a miracle that I was even approved and so many of my friends don't have this opportunity. I've got to seize this day for me, my little family, my sister that wants to get this, and all my friends who would die to be a week away from surgery, but aren't able to. My daughter went to be with her dad for a few days, then to Missouri to visit my sisters and family for a week. I will miss her SO bad, but thankful she will be away for this pre-op diet---that I don't have to make any food for her in the next week and that she won't be around for the surgery. She'll be back 2 days after with my awesome sister who is the best nurse in the world. My husband is the best in the world! SO supportive of me and is vowing to go on some kind of crash diet this week too, so I won't be alone. The good part about this is not having to smell or make good food (tuna is not a temptation) or fast food or any of that stuff. He will likely lose more weight than me in the next few days but who cares. I'm going to be banded in a WEEK!!! Oh, side note----ha ha ha---my skinny mother in law (who still knows nothing about the surgery) made a comment about how much weight I had gained since Easter. She thinks it's thyroid meds causing me to go "up and down". And she was concerned. I've gained 9 pounds since Easter--but have to agree....these last 9 pounds were BAD ones---and I felt like each one was an extra comorbidity for how horrible physically I felt with each one--not to mention the inches around my middle! My ex was at my daughter's kindergarden graduation last night--and he didn't say anything but I prob'ly weight more than him for the first time ever. Not cool. I had my "last supper" last night, and had heartburn (STILL) from it clear up till 11:00 this morning. I CAN make it thru today...and will take this one day at a time.

Have you tried Papaya Enzymes (gel-tabs I think)...I was told at a support group meeting about them and to take if anything was having trouble digesting or stuck. It might be worth a try.

When an elephant is young and weak, an animal trainer ties its leg to a short wooden stake in the ground. In the beginning, the young elephant tries to escape. It struggles against the rope that holds it in place. For several days, the rope keeps rubbing the same spot on the elephant’s leg. The rope finally wears through the elephant’s tough outer skin, and cuts into the elephant’s soft pink flesh. The pain is excruciating. It’s the worst thing the animal has ever felt. The elephant soon learns that pulling and struggling against the rope will only bring him pain, so he doesn’t struggle anymore. The elephant grows to be a 12,000 pound monster-sized animal. It could physically crush the animal trainer like a small bug. But it doesn’t. The animal trainer still keeps it tied up. To the same short wooden stake. If the elephant tried, it could snap the wooden stake in half by simply shifting its weight. But it doesn’t. It doesn’t think it can break free of the stake because of the early experiences it had trying to break free. It thinks the outcome will be pain, instead of freedom. Isn't food just like that little stake? Something that has caused us so much pain and failure? Something that has held us back from so much? I am finding that the "mental" part of this "breaking free" is the key for me.

When an elephant is young and weak, an animal trainer ties its leg to a short wooden stake in the ground. In the beginning, the young elephant tries to escape. It struggles against the rope that holds it in place. For several days, the rope keeps rubbing the same spot on the elephant’s leg. The rope finally wears through the elephant’s tough outer skin, and cuts into the elephant’s soft pink flesh. The pain is excruciating. It’s the worst thing the animal has ever felt. The elephant soon learns that pulling and struggling against the rope will only bring him pain, so he doesn’t struggle anymore. The elephant grows to be a 12,000 pound monster-sized animal. It could physically crush the animal trainer like a small bug. But it doesn’t. The animal trainer still keeps it tied up. To the same short wooden stake. If the elephant tried, it could snap the wooden stake in half by simply shifting its weight. But it doesn’t. It doesn’t think it can break free of the stake because of the early experiences it had trying to break free. It thinks the outcome will be pain, instead of freedom. Isn't food just like that little stake? Something that has caused us so much pain and failure? Something that has held us back from so much? I am finding that the "mental" part of this "breaking free" is the key for me.

Couch to 3K sounds great! I have wanted to do a 5K forever and it is one of my NSV goals.

Today I ordered my last Iced GRANDE Upside-Down Caramel Machiatto. Tomorrow will be a TALL....and down to one shot of espresso/day. Just got a call from my PCP alarmed about my TSH test results. My TSH was less than 0.05....and signified possible hyperthyroidism. I am not at all suprized by this. I am seeing a "alternative" medicine thyroid guru lady. I thought that all my problems (weight...etc) would be solved by getting some synthroid. Nothing has changed--except a little more energy--my nails have hardened up and been easier to grow--my ovarian cysts have cleared up. So some good has come out of it...but I gained 10 pounds on the stuff. GOT RAVENOUSLY hungry. Everyone said that it was b/c my metabolism was going up---fine..but I have never been able to navigate HUNGER very well...One way to look at it is that it helped me get approved for the band!! :w00t:) Certainly NOT what I expected it to do!! I POURED over my book last night! I am SOOO grateful for my surgeon's and the nurse and the PA that puts the fills in. I may be biased, but I feel like I have the best team in the whole nation, the information they've given seems SOOO balanced, logical, and SO much information. I'm still fighting the urge to find "loopholes"...how much can I eat and NOT hurt the band kind of thought process. I am going to really purpose in the next two weeks to try to find that RESOLVE within me that wants to fight. That can find the advantage in adversity and rises to meet it, not skulk around it. This is where I'm going to have to DIG DEEP. I found a short-term contract job too for some extra hours that I applied for back in December. The guy called me last night. I AM SOOO excited about it on many levels. It should be fairly easy for me to do, but will consume about 30 hours in the next couple of weeks. THIS IS A VERY GOOD THING!!! My daughter will be gone in 7 days and I am looking SOOO forward to spending some alone time with my husband!!! But I need some distraction to get thru the liquid diet and this extra job would be GREAT DISTRACTION not to mention extra $$$. I've hung up my size 6 low-rider khaki pants from The Limited on my closet. These used to be my favorite pants...and are my inspiration. I'm also getting pictures/clips/momentos to make my vision board.

Today I ordered my last Iced GRANDE Upside-Down Caramel Machiatto. Tomorrow will be a TALL....and down to one shot of espresso/day. Just got a call from my PCP alarmed about my TSH test results. My TSH was less than 0.05....and signified possible hyperthyroidism. I am not at all suprized by this. I am seeing a "alternative" medicine thyroid guru lady. I thought that all my problems (weight...etc) would be solved by getting some synthroid. Nothing has changed--except a little more energy--my nails have hardened up and been easier to grow--my ovarian cysts have cleared up. So some good has come out of it...but I gained 10 pounds on the stuff. GOT RAVENOUSLY hungry. Everyone said that it was b/c my metabolism was going up---fine..but I have never been able to navigate HUNGER very well...One way to look at it is that it helped me get approved for the band!! ) Certainly NOT what I expected it to do!! I POURED over my book last night! I am SOOO grateful for my surgeon's and the nurse and the PA that puts the fills in. I may be biased, but I feel like I have the best team in the whole nation, the information they've given seems SOOO balanced, logical, and SO much information. I'm still fighting the urge to find "loopholes"...how much can I eat and NOT hurt the band kind of thought process. I am going to really purpose in the next two weeks to try to find that RESOLVE within me that wants to fight. That can find the advantage in adversity and rises to meet it, not skulk around it. This is where I'm going to have to DIG DEEP. I found a short-term contract job too for some extra hours that I applied for back in December. The guy called me last night. I AM SOOO excited about it on many levels. It should be fairly easy for me to do, but will consume about 30 hours in the next couple of weeks. THIS IS A VERY GOOD THING!!! My daughter will be gone in 7 days and I am looking SOOO forward to spending some alone time with my husband!!! But I need some distraction to get thru the liquid diet and this extra job would be GREAT DISTRACTION not to mention extra $$$. I've hung up my size 6 low-rider khaki pants from The Limited on my closet. These used to be my favorite pants...and are my inspiration. I'm also getting pictures/clips/momentos to make my vision board.

This morning was the pre-op appt with my surgeon. His nurse is phenomenal!! LOVE HER!!! She has EVERYTHING written down and a self-compiled book that she sent home with me. I am DYING to get home and read it....it is litterally packed with information. I start my liquid diet on June 10th...and have a whole week on that. She said if I am going crazy with the liquids that I can alternate to strict Adkins. I'm SCARED to death of dropping my carbs down to 50/day...I've NEVER been able to sustain this without HORRIBLE blood-sugar crashes and feeling shaky/sick to my stomach....but I'm getting mentally prepared for this part of it being extreemly grueling and almost the worst part. I know Bandster Hell will be equally as much of a mind game. There is ALOT going on in the next two weeks---my daughter's graduation...her flying out to Illinois to stay with my fam while the surgery is going on...several birthday parties & events. TWO days after my surgery my neighbors are having a BLOCK party!!!!!!! I'll make an appearance and drink something. My surgeon took my pictures and the nurse took measurements and my weight. The next time I'm in that office it will be for my 1 week post-op appt. I LEARNED THIS!!! Papaya Enzymes dissolve meat. Anytime you get something stuck or get PB or spasms-----> TAKE PAPAYA ENZYMES!!! The people at the support group said they never leave home without them. ALSO---the post op diet's MAIN purpose is to make sure the band gets SECURE and DOES NOT SLIP. Weight-loss is NOT the goal of the post-op....so now I will stick to it 100%.

This morning was the pre-op appt with my surgeon. His nurse is phenomenal!! LOVE HER!!! She has EVERYTHING written down and a self-compiled book that she sent home with me. I am DYING to get home and read it....it is litterally packed with information. I start my liquid diet on June 10th...and have a whole week on that. She said if I am going crazy with the liquids that I can alternate to strict Adkins. I'm SCARED to death of dropping my carbs down to 50/day...I've NEVER been able to sustain this without HORRIBLE blood-sugar crashes and feeling shaky/sick to my stomach....but I'm getting mentally prepared for this part of it being extreemly grueling and almost the worst part. I know Bandster Hell will be equally as much of a mind game. There is ALOT going on in the next two weeks---my daughter's graduation...her flying out to Illinois to stay with my fam while the surgery is going on...several birthday parties & events. TWO days after my surgery my neighbors are having a BLOCK party!!!!!!! I'll make an appearance and drink something. My surgeon took my pictures and the nurse took measurements and my weight. The next time I'm in that office it will be for my 1 week post-op appt. I LEARNED THIS!!! Papaya Enzymes dissolve meat. Anytime you get something stuck or get PB or spasms-----> TAKE PAPAYA ENZYMES!!! The people at the support group said they never leave home without them. ALSO---the post op diet's MAIN purpose is to make sure the band gets SECURE and DOES NOT SLIP. Weight-loss is NOT the goal of the post-op....so now I will stick to it 100%.

I just started a powdered (liquid) vitamin called RELIV...and have been pretty impressed so far with it. I couldn't find any chewable vitamin that could match it. The one drawback is it is yet another gross tasting thing to get down...but I've felt more energy since I started it last week. Congrats! I'm 16 days out!!

AWESOME POST!!!! This really helps me overcome some of the fear I have of being in a lifelong diet.....THANK YOU!!

Yesterday seemed like a blur of appointments and blood work & tests. The highlight of my day was my annual appointment with my gynecologist--never thought I would say that. But, last visit, I was in there for ovarian cysts---not "Polycystic"--these were the kind they were really worried about...solid adnexal cysts with significant fluid around them. Didn't look good on the sonograms, but after being on the pill they have gone away. Problem is that I want to get pregnant again--sometime before I'm 35. The lady put my stats in the computer and I could see the history of the last 3 years as she did so. Weight 212.5, Height 5'4.5"....compared to last time of 203 and then the time before that at 186...I see a pattern. The girl didn't say anything. When I met with the GYN in his office we started talking about me wanting to get pregnant and then going back on the pill about a month ago. I took a breath and told him the surgery I am getting ready to have. I always feel trepidation when telling people. Not sure why--but am anticipating some kind of judgement or alarm. (Most of the time I get that!!) But anyway, He was OVERJOYED and SOOOOOOO supportive. He knows of my surgeon and said he's the best one around and that I would NEVER regret the surgery, and that someday I will look back and say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. He looked at my blood pressure--history of weight--cysts...etc. He told me that he has had SEVERAL patients who have gone thru it and then have gotten pregnant--and they've done "remarkably"---and EVEN that they had LESS complications and problems than their FIRST pregnancies without the band. He just went on and on and the more he talked the more reassuring it was. I was thinking while I was waiting for the appointment...I wonder what he would say--and what it would take for him to say to make me NOT want to get it. Obviously that wasn't an issue. I have only three more hurdles before surgery. Monday is the first support group--my surgeon requires that I go to ONE before surgery......Tuesday is my PREOP appt with the surgeon (I will talk with the Nutritional Therapist at the same appt)...then the 10th starts my PREOP liquid diet. 19 days left...the countdown has begun!!! I am getting SOOO excited I can hardly stand it. My two sisters are distributors for this vitamin supplement called RELIV....they have talked me in to starting it NOW and taking it THRU the surgery--THRU POSTOP diet---etc. I'm excited about that too. It is a liquid vitamin--and 45 calories for the shot--which I can live with. It will provide plenty of great micronutrients vitamins and minerals. If I can get this stuff down then I'm good with whatever liquid protein stuff they can throw at me for this preop diet. I did my will---I know---that might be overkill, but it is a good feeling knowing that my baby girl will be ok if the worst were to happen. But, I'm hoping for the best ---and keeping my eyes on this Christmas and next summer and having a new little baby brother/sister for her.