Ami's Mommy

I had my first post-op appointment with the surgeon today. I am SO happy. Since my 12/30/09 pre-op appointment, I have lost 22 pounds. I was banded on 1/14/10. I am thrilled!!!!

My most difficult adjustment is that I can't drink a lot at one time. I could easily drink a 20-oz bottle of Water (or soft drink in the day) within just a few minutes. Now it seems to take me forever to drink that much!

Good morning fellow JanBan'ers! Question for you who have had your surgery: anyone have any shoulder pain that has continued more than a couple of days past surgery?

Okay - my big day is tomorrow. Don't know what time yet - won't know that until late this afternoon. I'm excited. I'm nervous. But, I know it's all going to be good. The pre-op diet didn't bother me as much as I had dreaded although I wouldn't want to drink those drinks and eat those Meal Replacement bars as my sole diet the rest of my life. I'm all packed, I think. I have my "lists" that I am constantly checking and rechecking. I just need to go home tonight, clean up the house a little, and then I'll be set. I won't have computer access Friday but will post as soon as I can.

Love the Jan Band Journeys name and graphic!!

One week away - I'm scheduled for the 14th. Nervous? No. Anxious? No. Not yet, anyway. I did have moment of anxiousness when doing my pre-admit screening last week, but I'm okay. Doing the pre-op diet and actually doing okay with it. Right now I'm just ready to get past the surgery and start my new life!!!

Good morning! I'm having my lap band surgery on January 14, 2010! I am SO excited. I go to the doctor and hospital tomorrow for pre-op appointment!

I got a lot of great feedback on one of my posts with recommendations: start eating smaller portions on smaller plates, start practicing no drinking 30 minutes before to 60 mnutes after your meal, that type of thing. And, yes, stop drinking soft drinks. That's going to be the most difficult for me, I think - especially as I sit here with my Diet Dr. Pepper. (Yeah Kiz, I know - you told me! I'm trying!! So - does Dr. B. know you cheat with your Diet Coke?) I am trying to change habits now so that when I'm faced with having to change habits immediately before and then after the surgery - until I reach that "sweet spot" - it won't be quite as bad. I'm getting ready to pull out the blender to start working on Protein shakes - certainly limiting the number of soft drinks I drink. This is only my opinion, and I haven't had surgery yet, but I think that if I start learning things now, it will be an easier transition. Hope all goes well for you -look forward to hearing how it goes.

Thanks all for the words of encouragement. I took another step today - I called the surgeon's office and told them the date I would like to schedule if possible. They're going to confirm that date and get back with me. But, it's a step in the right direction. I've already got my transportation schedule! Next step - support group meetings, which I haven't started attending yet. Great tips on starting to eat the smaller meals and give up those "to die for" foods. Mine will be my Diet Dr. Pepper. But, it will all be worth it. I'm so excited!!!:smile2:

Earlier this week I posted my Into in that forum. I received such wonderful support - now I'm ready to move on to the Pre-Op forum! Just as an FYI, I am pre-op with no date of surgery yet. I have had two dates scheduled but had to cancel because of conflicts. There was a point this past week that I admitted I was afraid. I don't want to fail. (Maybe that's why those conflicts with life and work came up.) Now I can honestly say - I'm no longer fearful of failing. Don't get me wrong, I have a healthy respect for that possibility, but I am more sure right now than I have ever been that this is the right thing to do. I have already gotten great support from this this board and I am sure that support will continue. I've made a "friend" who is local and has had the surgery - somewhat of a "mentor," I guess. I'm trying to get myself ready in more ways than one. For example, my husband and I just got home from the grocery store. Mind you, I don't have a surgery date yet and have not been put onto any pre-op diet. But, I decided that it would be better for me to go ahead and start preparing foods the "right" way and add some needed things into my diet now so that post-op, I will already have some "tried" recipes. I bought some flounder - that will not be fried, thank you - and some non-fat dry milk to try to start adding some Protein. (I'm going to try that before buying the whey protein powders.) Yesterday, I was out of town with a coworker and before we started on the return trip, she wanted a smoothie. Good idea, I thought. Now I'm kicking myself because I didn't take that opportunity to add the Protein powder to my smoothie. These are just small steps, but I am SO excited now. I'm ready. I WILL be successful! Have a blessed weekend! Lisa

Good morning Kiz - hope to see you at the October meeting!

Libbyjane, that's my biggest concern. I don't want to set myself up for failure because of the holidays. I especially think it will be hard when I'm with family at Christmas - they're going to want me to eat like I've eaten most of my life. Kiz - I'm planning on going to the October support group meeting. Will you be there?

Hi Kiz, Yes, Dr. Brengman is my surgeon. I have not had any problems with him or anyone in the office - even with all of these changes. Any first-hand tips? When did you have your surgery? How have your adjustments gone? Any other recommendations? Lisa

Kiz - just read the quote on your signature. LOVE IT!!!! And I have already started - I am not going to fail!

Thanks Mel and Kiz. You know - I'm not so bummed about the surgery date today. I think the fact that I finally told my manager that I would need some time off for medical reasons (although I didn't tell her exactly why) helps a lot. I attended a 4-hour educational session Monday and there was a lady who was there to support her husband, who is having surgery Friday. She had her surgery in January and has already lost 130 pounds. Do I want to lose that quickly or do I expect to? Don't know. But she sure was an encouragement. Kiz - who did your surgery? Have a BEAUTIFUL day!