ladykcusa

Yes, I'm able to eat salad. Small amounts.

Toto - discuss your schedule concerns with Dr. Hoehn. I worked with Dr. Malley and 2 weeks pre-surgery with shakes & one ww meal per day were required. Then post op - one week of shakes, followed by mushy foods for another week. I also prefer privacy relative to this decision. It has been amazing to me how little ppl notice what I do/do not eat when eating out. I respond (if they comment, which is seldom) just not too hungry today, ate a late lunch, etc. Just returned from my first vacation (since banding) and was concerned about food choices. It was NOT a problem.

Have heard wonderful things about him. He performed my SIL's bypass surgery and I've spoken to others who worked with him on lap band. They have a marvelous support group. Good choice.

tiger - congrats on ceasing the coke addiction. I am proud of NO diet pop since Feb. 8th. Don't even miss it. No carbonated beverages at all. KS - sxy - keep up the workouts and your weight loss will continue. All part of our new life style.

Kendra - nice to see you post and congrats on your weight loss. You are rocking it, girl. Joyce

Body image is a journey, too. We need to see ourselves differently. Wonderful to feel healthier and have more energy. Wonderful to wear smaller clothes and NOT regain, each time we lose.

Hi Sparkle - welcome to the group. Be patient as you learn this new way of life and eating. Lots of success here. Joyce

Glad to hear you are both doing so well. Great info on the vitamins from oldone. Took my walk after 9 pm last night and still felt like I was walking in an oven. KC heat and humidity is here again.

Sending hugs, Tiger. You will be fine. Check in with us.

Cold fluid while eating tightens the band. I don't drink anything during a meal. Nothing until one hour AFTER the meal. My surgery was 4 months ago and I don't anything doughy things like the soft taco. Crispy would be OK. No toast or bread either. PB at least once a week, even when I'm careful. But I've learned, when I'm full - stop eating or I will pay for it.

You are on YOUR WAY as your title describes you. ALL OF US felt anxious before surgery. It is a big step and life changing. But, a change to improve your life and health. Now is the time to make a list of all the reasons you decided on lapband. Cross them off the list as they as accomplished. Good luck to you.

Congrats Panfisher and Deuces. Evil - I've lost 29 and, like you, fluctuate 2-3 lbs. then lose more. It's so wonderful to NOT regain as we lose, just keep plugging away toward goal. yippee

KS - Yeah - you did very well. Enjoy daughters b'day tomorrow.

No regrets - and your anxiety is normal. Make a list of all the reasons you want to weigh less. Success awaits. Look at the photos on this site. Joyce

kcarny - make a list of all the reasons you chose surgery - mine included eating myself to death, NO self confidence, shame, guilt, lack of energy, hating shopping, poor health, knee/joint pain, you add the rest. This surgery is a drastic change in life. However, a new life awaits me. Shame & guilt are no longer my sisters. Some days are very challenging. Everything I've lived for 67 years eating this way and now I have to change everything. Is it worth it? Definitely. I'm 4 months banded and each day is easier. Welcome to your new life. Joyce

Good luck tomorrow and think positive. For me, the surgery was simple, like have my teeth cleaned. No problem. No shoulder pain, and I slept in bed from the first night. (Just not on my tummy) Can't wait til you are a banded lady.

Good preparation. Well done.

Lots of community fireworks with food stands (for the 16 yr. old). Have your protein drink before you go. SF pop sickles and SF jello for you all weekend. You CAN DO THIS.

sphipps41 - are you on clear liquids? Tell us what you are eating? Follow you doctors instructions and call him for advice.

Welcome scrapebook girl. Hope all goes smoothly for you post-op. Joyce

We all have slips. Shake it off and continue the pre-op diet. Perfection is NOT our goal. Happy B'day. Just think what you will look like next year on your b'day. Wow. Joyce

Yes, I cried and wondered WTH have I done to myself. It has been 4 months now and I still have days that I grieve loss of favorite foods. Then I remind myself why I chose this option. Was it really FUN to EAT MYSELF TO DEATH???? Shame and guilt were my constant companions. Hang in there, sweetie. Health and self confidence await you.

KS_sxy - Great job. For those hungry periods, try SF jello or SF popsickles. Take some walks or go to pool to stay busy - or walk the dog, if you have one. Now is a great time to start some new healthy habits and you'll feel proud for doing it. Keep up the great work. Joyce

KS-sxy - Good job on your pre-op. I also worried what ppl would think when I didn't eat, as I also chose NOT to share my decision about WLS. Guess what - you will be surprised how little anyone cares. Sometimes they don't even notice how little I eat - most of the time actually. Just say, "I'm not hungry, ate before I came" Yes, I have goal clothes. A whole closet of designer outfits and plan to pick one of three RED ones to wear at the holiday parties. Yippee.

Windus - congrats, sweetie. You will make this happen. So proud of you. Tiger & KS-sxy - You are on the Kansas City group board now. Takes some time to learn to navigate this board. Be patient. As far as pre-diet, day three the hunger monster arrived. Tough it out. You CAN DO IT. This is a life style change and the pre-diet will help prepare your body and MIND. You are taking control of your health. Be proud and strong and come here to whine & complain. Joyce