AnneGG

I personally like the vanilla, some people really like the soups. I also had a choice of fiber bars- I liked the chocolate peanut butter the best. Make sure to ask if you cn have clear broth, too.

I think I was cheering you on in sticking with it, Katy, in order to cheer myself on. This sure isn't easy. I do support you in being honest with your doc, though, so as to have a good ongoing relationship.

I'm now on Day 11 of 14 Optifast and clear liquids! I know if I can do this I can handle the Post-op! Woo hoo!!! It will be hard but I can do it! So can we all do it- whatever our particular doctor recommends! I do know my way doesn't work- it's why I need the band in the first place. broth is a blessing.

My surgery is the 26th and I am for the most part psyched, except when I have the thought "I'm doing WHAT to my body?" We will both do just fine! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other...

Katy, I do understand where you're at- I'm on day 11 of 14 pre-op of OptiFast and clear liquids only, and I'm batty myself. Plus my doctor is super strict like yours. But- I do want to support you in following your doctor's orders just because you will find out you can! Or at least get clearance from him to stop your post-op liquids early. You have an ongoing relationship with him, and how are you going to deal with him knowing you've taken matters into your own hands? I'm grateful my doc is strict- I'll even be on mushies while I'm on vacation, long after most people have moved on to solids. But I know he has his reasons, and he's not part of a Bariatric Center of Excellence for no reason. Mostly I like knowing I can do what's difficult, that I have the necessary self-discipline. It wasn't self discipline that got me to where I need the band in the first place. My way hasn't worked. Know you can follow recommendations, and be proud of yourself for knowing you can do it!

Woo Hoo!!! I have my insurance approval in my hand- came in today's mail!!! I'm scheduled and everything, but this makes it so real! I've been losing weight on my own for the last couple of months, and it helps so much to have the band as my goal. I know it will help after surgery just because I know it's there! I've survived months of being hungry, I can survive a while longer until restriction. And man I'm jammin' doing my walk to music! I got some cardiomix stuff on my iPod, and it does help! Downer- I got a new scale that is more accurate but weighs four pounds more than my old one. So- I won't be in Onederland by surgery time unless a miracle happens. Oh well. Upper- I am swimming in my current clothes, and need to go closet shopping! Thanks all of you, for your sharing and support. It helps a lot!

My husband notices practically nothing, or, at least like yours, will notice but not say anything. Dunno why! But I sure do love him. Congratulations on both the husband saying something (that's a long time to wait) and the 91 pounds!!!

Crystl, you did better than I could not asking him for feedback. Husbands are mysterious characters, they are. 91 Pounds!!! Good for you!

Congratulations! I would support you taking the pain meds and staying ahead of your pain. Right now you still probably have the effects of the anesthesia. From what I read here, there will be pain, and you'll want to manage it so you can move and walk a lot to help with the gas.

Way to go, Whillow!!!!

I got a Wii and Wii Fit and a couple of other discs to give me something to do inside. Moving helps a lot, especially with music blasting. And this is coming from someone who HATES exercising! Hang tough! WE WILL MAKE IT and feel so much better about ourselves!

We both need to keep our eye on our goal- I'm on Day 10 of 14, haven't cheated yet, am very proud of myself and am HUNGRY!!! We will survive. I'm surviving by walking lots and sleeping when I can. Keeping myself busy. Playing with my cat, whatever. Time passes, and before we know it, we'll both be banded! Then I have 2 more weeks of liquids, at least my choice not the Optifast, then 4 weeks of mushies. Then Bandster Hell. Man, this is WORK. Worth it though, for what we want. WE CAN AND WILL DO IT!!!!

I'm finally towards the end of my 6+ months, towards the end of my pre-op diet- I have my surgery Wednesday the 26th. I'm grateful for the time because now I'm used to the idea and know I can manage it. I practiced, practiced, practiced and went through the emotional roller coaster, and am now ready.

I'm almost done with Day 9 of 14 pre-op OptiFast, and I have all things complete re: blood work and tests and seeing doctors. The next time I see my surgeon will be in surgery next Wednesday! I'm HUNGRY, did I say I'm HUNGRY? Where's Betsy's dog, mine's too small???? I shall manage I shall manage I shall manage, yes I will... Wow, Leigha, I hope your stress lets up soon. It's so hard having to come down on people. Karen, I send hopes your way for the magic fill and a clear mammogram. Katie, good luck with soft foods. What I would give to be in your place right now! Lee Anne, you have the right attitude, and I'm sure you're going to be very successful! Cristl- Here's to the magic fill for you!

Yay Biker Jon! Awesome work!!! My weight is coming off slow but sure, and- my banding happens the 26th! Yay me!

rcher, thanks so much for your inspiration! I'm being banded a week from today (May 26), and I intend to be where you are now a year from now. I promise I will chew chew chew!!!

Amen, Betsy!!! And I really like your positive attitude, John!

GOOD FOR YOU, CHOCOLATE!!!! We knew you could do it!

I have 2 of these as well as a mini blender. They work very well!

Gallbladder problems are a common co-morbidity with obesity. I had mine out last fall. The diet was standard post-op- liquids moving into solids in a couple of days. I'm getting banded in a week.

I do wish you luck, Emma. Me, too- I'm being banded May 26. Welcome to the board!

I'm going in to day 7 of 14 days. It's not easy, that's for sure. This is just so important to me that I'll do anything to make it work. Am I hungry and head-achy and cranky? That's for sure! But if I can do this, I can do anything!

I'm so proud of you for the harder but good choices! Way to go!!!

Cheating is such a slippery slope...

My surgeon is OK with 1-2 cups of coffee a day, but no more than that. That I can live with!