tammyj

Congratulations Tracy!!! I hope you'll be getting a surgery date very soon!

I like you was worried about the liquid diet but I like your plan and have decided to do it with you.

That sounds cool! We can encourage each other along the way. I'm just anxious and ready to start losing weight so that's why I'm starting early. I actually started today and drank a Slim Fast for Breakfast and had Soup for lunch. I'm going to wait a couple weeks before starting the Protein drinks...probably the third week in February. I don't want to wear those out before I actually need them.

Sounds like March will be your month!!!

I just got my official approval letter in the mail today! The request for approval was just sent in on January 24th and I got the approval already. I'm so excited!!!:bounce:

There's so much to read on the lapbandtalk.com. The more I read the more I'm a bit confused! Can you tell me about the liquid diet you have to go on prior to surgery, my surgery will be with the BMI health group (Private hsp group in the uk not the NHS) and all of the information they sent didnt say about a liquid diet until after surgery (4 weeks liquid, then pureed food for a further 2 weeks).

Most surgeons require some form of pre-op diet. I have to do a 2 week liquid diet before surgery, but I am allowed to have soft Cereal like Grits or Cream of Wheat and 2-3 oz. of lean Protein a day. After surgery I have to do the same thing for another 2 weeks with no lean Protein, 2 weeks of soft foods and then on to solid foods. Some don't have to do a pre-op diet at all and some are told to follow a low carb/low fat diet before surgery. It varies, so ask your surgeon what his or her pre-op instructions are.

Good Luck next Saturday!!!

Welcome Sara!!!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get a March surgery date...the sooner the better! This waiting is about to drive me CRAZY!!! I am coming up on week 7 of a 12 week program required by my surgeon. I'm trying to stay positive!

A friend of mine is having a Tastefully Simple party this afternoon. I hear they have a variety of Soups. I'm sure they are more expensive than store bought. They would be prefect for my pre and post op diet and I'd be helping my friend get free products as the hostess so I am going to buy some. Anybody ever try them? Are they any good?

Puddin, you look amazing! We are the same height and I can't wait to get to a size 10/12. Your pictures are such an inspiration!

Welcome CarolynB! You ARE doing the right thing.

I'm an all or nothing kind of girl though, so gradually starting the liquid diet would not be something I would consider. The liquid diet should be good after you get through day 3. I recall with any diet that after day three - you feel really good and your body has kind of acclimated to the new food intake.

I sure hope so. I think easing into it may discourage me even more so I may just do a couple trial runs instead.

I have not heard anything about liquids before the surgery. Is this something everyone has to do?

Not everyone! Check with your surgeon to find out. You may get lucky and get away with a low fat/carb diet or Clear Liquids the day before surgery.

Hello all you March Bandsters!!!

My surgery date is March 15th. I have been researching the Lapband since this summer. I changed my mind quite a few times. I finally went to my first seminar in November, saw the surgeon in December, and now my date is almost here!!! I'm almost done with all my testing...I still have the Pulmonary Function Test and sleep Apnea Test.

I have been really worrying myself about how I'm going to handle the pre-op liquid diet. I decided to work my way up to it. Starting Feb. 15th I will replace one meal with liquids and starting Feb. 22nd I will replace 2 meals with liquids and then March 1st I will start full liquids. Maybe if I ease my way into it, it won't be so bad...or will this just prolong the process and make it worse???

At present, I am 5'9", 275lbs, BMI 40, size 26. My Goal is to lose 100lbs and weigh around 175. Not sure what size I'll be at that weight maybe 14/16, but size 10/12 sounds better!

March is just around the corner, but now I won't feel so alone during the wait.

I think the majority of Americans (white and black) DO place race as a deciding factor in choosing their candidate and choosing alot of other things in their lives! Sometimes subconsciously!

Hi Cheryl,

I know the wait can be very frustrating. I still have 2 months left and it seems like my day will never come, but I know it will. My process is a little different so I have a longer wait. You've already got the ball rolling and it sounds like you'll be having surgery soon...probably before me:rolleyes:...lol!

Hi Michelle,

Dr. Bonomo and his staff are great! They make the whole process very easy and they are really on top of things. The counseling/support they provide before and after surgery is excellent which alot of people don't get. I'm sure I'll see you at one of the group meetings after your first appt. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Hi Jack,

I'm hoping I won't need anything after my surgery. I was thinking of taking something during my pre-op liquid diet.

I went to the seminar on Nov. 21st, had my first appt. w/ Dr. Bonomo on Dec. 26th, my surgery is scheduled for March 15th. The whole process does take a little time, but one you get started it goes by really fast. Good Luck to you and let me know how everything goes.

No, In Chicago...lol!

I think it should be mandatory as well!

I'm actually enjoying the group support meetings. It's fun getting together with other people who are also getting banded. They give instructions and tips/rules for living with the band. And get this, I have to attend another 12 weeks of group support meetings AFTER the surgery with people who are already banded. It's only once a week so I'm okay with it.

Dr. Bonomo @ Mercy Hospital in Chicago accepts Medicaid.

I think it varies. It seems like some people are banded within a matter of weeks after the psych eval and pre-op tests. My process seems a little different from others. My surgery date has been scheduled already, but I don't have my psych eval until Monday 1/15. I have to attend 12 weeks of group support meetings before I'm banded so that's why my surgery date is so far away. I guess it depends on where you go and what their procedures are. I hope you get your date soon!

I'm having some unexpected company this afternoon so I won't be able to make it. I'll see you guys next time.

Hi Susannah,

I'm a little worried that some of them may be a little too harsh, especially the prescription pills. I'm going to talk to my doctor to see what he says before I do anything. If you know of any good natural appetite suppresants please share.

I bought it from my chinese herbalist, but you can check the site

http://www.goldvitamins.com/quickslim30.htm

I used them pre band and it worked better for me than any prescription appetite control pill!

Audree

Wow! I think I'll try them out. Thanks for the link!

Truluv, I've never heard of tenuate, but it sounds alot like phentermine. I'll probably use the phentermine if it's okay w/ MD since I've taken it in the past.

Babygotback, is Quick Slim over the counter? I may try that if the phentermine is too strong and my doc says no.