sherilynn

Maro... Hard to believe a friend would say "BUT" she had an operation! I'd be mad, sad and mortified - if you're a private person about the whole thing. What you DEFINATELY should do is BE PREPARED for the next time she says something like that. Figure on, "Yea, but I'll get skinny from that operation, too bad there isn't a band for IGNORANCE!" Ohhhhhhhh, that burns me.

Hey all…week is almost over! On my way into the office today, I was thinking of all I had to do for the holidays as well as all the pre stuff I need to do before my 1/30 surgery date (shopping for items I'll need), etc. And I said outloud in the car…"This will be my last 'fat' Christmas". I just started crying. I've been fat for many of my 37 years now. I may not be at 'goal', may not be 'skinny' a year from now - but I know that I won't be 'fat'. WOW - it just really hit me like a ton of bricks, I guess b/c I never, ever think of my 'end result' of this surgery and all the effort I have already put in plus all the effort I will be putting in. Whew!:faint:

I take alot of supplements; Biotin, D, E, Fish Oil, in addition to my multi. Will those all have to stop for a while after surgery? And what about my pills for blood pressure and diabetes, that can not be crushed or cut?

Hey all… I have a food inquiry, that I've not yet seen addressed. I have read that after the band, a lot of folks can not tolerate shrimp, chicken and even eggs. I was wondering if, for the mushies stage, anyone has tried Shrimp Salad, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad or Egg salad - made with mayo? I have an "Ulitmate Chopper" and the thing does wonders. Just curious to see how you may have tolerated these things. Seems to me they'd be a great source of protein. Not to mention they can be very versatile. What do you think?? Thanks!

Honestly, I haven't gotten much out of mine at all. I've actually learned more here on this board than anyplace! However, it's a requirement of my surgeon and insurance...so I do it.

In preparation for my 'liquid stage'...I started to sample different powdered Protein drinks. I went to www.bariatriceating.com and bought some of their samples. They've been very good so far. Some, not as good. But that's the whole idea of doing the sampling!!! I'm still 1 month, 12 days out!!!!

Don't forget about me!!!! January 30!!!!

Me too...in the same boat. Fortunately, I've had complete buy in from my parents and my Darling Boyfriend. The negativity is from my best friend. She thinks it's 'lazy' and I should just do WW again. Now that I have my date, she is not aware that I'm going through with it. If I don't tell her that I'm getting it done; it's totally lying to her. I was thinking of telling her I was going in for a D&C or something 'woman' issued. lol That would explain some time out of work to her as well. I don't want to lie, but if I tell her - I think she'll be mad, then upset, then she'll get nervous...as I'll be thinner than her (she too struggles with weight). I suppose I could tell her I'm doing it; and if she shys away from me, then she's not a real friend after all. But that saddens me, b/c I love her like a sister. Oh well....

The Boyfriend and I are both planning on going Low Carb January 2, so I'll be set with getting off the sugars. I too think I will do a liquid meal every day. I did go to www.bariatriceating.com, and bought myself some samples - GREAT idea I got from here. No sense buying stuff that is just nasty tasting. Got some great flavors in the samples. As for the excercise, I have to get going. They say it takes two weeks to loose and gain a habit (good or bad).

Hey all, Happy Hump Day! I just called my surgeons office (I'm scheduled for 1/30). I have my 'pre-class' on 1/17, and thought I was cutting it very close with regard to 'instruction' for liquid diet prior, etc. I spoke with his Medical Assistant who advised me that I do NOT need a liquid diet prior to the surgery…just 24 hours prior. WOW, that got me excited! However, I know it's in my best interest, and that of my liver…to do SOMETHING before surgery, in terms of physically preparing. Do you think I should put myself on a modified diet prior; or live as I have been? I definitely have to decrease my portion sizes, as I'd like to try to 'shrink' the stomach, so that the 'after' period is not as hard of an adjustment. Thoughts??????

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know what that paralyzing pain feels like; as I've had to pass a stone once. You must be like me; doing ALL the research and dwelling on the worst case scenarios. Please, don't do that to yourself. I'm learning that it does you no good. The internet is a wealth of information, but I've learned that it scares me to death. Best of luck; keep us posted.

Hey All, Happy Monday! I've done a bit of reading and posting here the last few months - and I've seen so much talk on band size being reflective on fill quantity, etc. Can you please tell me what, why and how my Doctor determines what size of a band I will get?

My surgery is going to be January 30. My Doctor's office staff is THE BEST. I mean, every question answered, all concerns calmed; I wouldn't trade them for the world. Is it in appropriate to send them a little 'gift' for the holidays? Or should I wait to send something after surgery as a 'thank you'? I can't afford to do both. Also, I wanted to send a 'basket' of treats…but considering that it's a 'weight loss surgerical suite' - that might not be the gift in 'the best taste'. I was actually thinking of a vendor I found that sends 'Old English Muffin' breakfast baskets, with jams, syrups, etc. Definitely won't send candy or cookies - I'll send flowers before I do that. Your views/opinions are appreciated!!

Tricia, My deepest condolences.

Good Morning. Before posting this message, I've been mulling over some comments made to me the other day. But since I can't 'just let it go', I'm writing in to you all. I went to my hairdresser the other day. I told her that I'd next be in right before my surgery; yes - I told her about the Band. She said she heard of it, a friend she just saw at a holiday party had it done. **then came the the sucker punch to my gut. She went onto say stuff like "Oh, well you know...you really don't loose weight that fast with that. She ONLY looked as if she were just dieting". "You know, you loose much faster with the Bypass". That was enough to send me into another 'self doubt' about my pending surgery. So I have been online, looking at another 'obesity' website, checking out the photos, etc. I learned that these AMAZING results are from the Bypass; no pics from lap band folks. Now I KNOW how amazing you all have done, how healthy, gorgeous and amazing your photos show you as you are today. I guess I was just disturbed by the 'lack' of Banders out there...other than what I find here. Then I also think, what IF I don't loose weight with the band...will I then go onto getting Bypass? I keep thinking that I'm going to be 'missing out', parties, events, etc. I keep thinking I am going to be 'changed for life'...almost obsessing that this is the end of my life as I know it. ***Maybe this is all jitters. I hate 2nd guessing myself. Mostly, I feel like I'm letting you all down; as if I'm doubting your faith in that this can and IS being done - and successfully. :confused:

I started my 'proces' in September. I've had to wait on getting appointments with a nutritionist, Psych Eval, Cardiologist clearance, bloodwork, and neurologist (pseudo tumor cerebri). I was given a date of January 30; but that is still pending my 1/07 insurance, which should be no problem. It seems like a long time, but I view it as a GREAT time to get on this board - and gain as much knowledge as I can. I can't imagine not being on this board, buying books and investigating for a few months prior. I guess I'm also grateful; as I wanted one last 'FULL TUMMY' Holiday season. I figure by the time the next holidays roll around, the Band will be like 2nd nature. Good luck! This is an exciting time!

Hey all… Well, the news is in from my bloodwork - diabetes has been confirmed. And right now - I'm numb. After the 1st series of bloodwork and my MORON General Practioner telling me that he thinks it was just a 'false' reading; my surgeon did a full bloodwork on me. He is sending me to the MORON again this Monday and we'll get working on some meds. I am really hoping that weight loss will bring it down so I can get OFF the meds. This disease TERRIFIES me. WHY do I remain with the Moron? Well - he's making my whole processing easy - to be perfectly honest. Once the 1st of the year hits - I'm going to definitely change. Anyway - ENCOURAGEMENT is what I'm looking for. Sniff, sniff. And SUCCESS STORIES!!!!!!!

My doctor told me stability; that I wasn't doing this on a whim, and that I'm ignorant to all the changes about to happen in my life.

Of course I called my insurance - got a listing of over 50 'M.D's' in my 50 mile radius area. My doctor does not accept evals from a social worker; must be an M.D. Of all of these doctors - NONE would do an eval. I got so many replies of "Oh, we don't do that" or "We don't believe in that". I got so fed up. So, I booked with the PhD. that works with my doctors office, made the appointment and now will pay the $275 just to get it done. Sure, would have been great to have Insurance pay for it; but it was such a headache. Yes; that much $ is alot THIS time of year...but I think that by the time this date rolls around next year...That $275 will have been worth every penny. Thank you everyone for all of your input!!!

This makes me happy to hear. As Water is the ONE thing of all things...that i'll miss being able to over induldge in. I'm addicted to my water; it's like my security blanket. I hope when I'm banded that I'll get healed, then be able to have my 64 oz a day with no problems. January 30 is a long way off so until then, I'm turning into a fish.

I can/have gone to the store, bought all the right things, have a treadmill waiting, will be getting new sneakers, clearing out the closet, bought smaller plates and forks, etc. etc. etc. I've read books, I've been here online and all over the internet. Been to the GP doctor, dieticians, bloodwork - I'm all set. Even was given my date - JANUARY 30! Heck, that's right around the corner! So, why is it that now after my 2nd meeting with my "REGISTERED DIETICIAN" (big whoop), that I don't feel so confident about the surgery/band. I felt like this after my first visit with them as well. Somehow they scare me into believeing that I can't do this; nor am I ready. I feel ready, I think ready, I see myself ready. The ONLY concern I have out of anything....I worry that I can't drink my Water and enjoy it like I do know. Won't miss cheese, bread, rice, lol. WATER of all things. I know that my annual Superbowl Party is just 5 days after my surgery...and I wonder how I'll get around all the eating/drinking, sidestepping questions I don't want to ask from our guests. Perhaps I'll skip the whole thing and stay upstairs. Anyway...what best ways can you advise for me to 'Mentally Prepare'??? :girl_hug:

Hey All - Thank you so many many times over for your words of encouragement and support. I suppose I will have to rely on support like this until that magical day comes (the day I realize this excercise is good for me). I am setting baby goals; parking farther from the door, etc. I have to get out and get myself a pair of comfy sneakers; another way to movtivate me. Thanks everyone!

Yes, I did get one name from my Dr's office. He works in accordance with them. However, he's very expensive, and not covered with insurance. I guess I'm looking for a good deal - considering some that I've called charge upwards of $400 for the eval! Hey - it's Christmas time!! hehehe

Hey all... Once I get my psych done, I can get a date for my surgery. However, I'm having a horrible time finding someone in NJ who will do this for me. Any suggestions? I'm having the surgery with Dr. Abkin in Florham Park. I can go from Netcong down past Woodbridge (my schedule allows for that.) Thanks!

Hey all. I had another visit with my Dietician this past Saturday. I left there with a head full of information; how my metobolism works, etc. He told me, after my test results (some breathing machine), that I have a high metabolism, so I burn fat before carbs in my body. Anyway - he stressed over and over how I MUST work out; and strength training is super important. He also told me that the test revealed how much of a sedentary life I lead. No kidding. Don't get me wrong; I love to go dance, swim, bike, etc. But where I live; considering the winters - not to mention the bears, I won't be out for walks anytime soon. My point is; I HATE to work out. I hate the whole going to the gym idea. I know that I must excercise after being banded...and it terrifies me, b/c if I don't get the workouts in, all of this will be for nothing. I know I should find something that i like to do; a disguised way of excercising. I have a treadmill; and hope to get on it for 4 days a week to start; maybe a mile a day to start. Will that benefit me? As for weight lifting/strenght training...I have no idea. I keep thinking I'll join curves - but last time Idid that I never felt like I was getting a workout; never broke a sweat. HELP!!! **Too bad I didn't get a work out from shopping. hehehe