AnneGG

I have a 2 week Optifast and clear liquid diet pre-op, starting 2 weeks from yesterday. Surgery is May 26.

I use a Tribest Personal Blender- it's like a Magic Bullet, just sturdier which is good for the ice crushing. It's very portable. Just Google it- it's available several places.

I use a Tribest Personal Blender- it's like a Magic Bullet, just sturdier which is good for the ice crushing. It's very portable. Just Google it- it's available several places.

Yes, oh yes, do I have the same pattern! Wanna eat the cupboards clean at night- not that there's anything in them anyway because I simply can't keep tempting food in my house. But want to eat, yup yup yup! So I've been doing a protein shake- that helps some. Or sugar-free popsicles. Thank heavens for sugar-free popsicles!!!

High carb high fat high calorie soft foods like ice cream that slip right past the band.

I was trying to be coed with "Magnificents" and the color scheme, but, oh well. "Marauders" has been taken, but the number of times I've used marauder as a word in my lifetime, LOL... I'm happy with whatever. May Movers? May Bloomers is good. May Marchers?

Congratulations! Woo-hoo!

Keep on keeping on! Great work so far, and you'll get there!

I didn't even know the lap-band existed until last summer, and as soon as I heard about it, I was "That's it! That's what will help!" I wish I had heard about it sooner, but I'm just glad I found out about it. I must say the most help and information I've gotten has come from reading this board. I've also read a couple of books that have been good, but for just plain 'ol practical experienced knowledge, it's here!

Ugggh! I found out yesterday I have a two week Optifast plus clear liquid pre-op diet, starting 2 weeks from today. It's getting real!

Congratulations!!!

Turns out my date is May 26 not 28. I'm glad, because I have an overnight stay, and hospitals are better places during the week than the weekend.

Sounds like people are having a lot of fill issues! I have SO much to look forward to! Turns out my surgery date is May 26 not 28. That's a good thing. I have an overnight stay. Other than that not much to report.

I now have my date- May 26- but haven't been submitted for approval yet because I still need some test results sent, and have a pre-op nutrition class this afternoon. But the office said not to worry- thank heavens I have good insurance.

I have to have a hernia repair with my band surgery May 28- I guess I might have something to look forward to! Thanks for the heads-up and the suggestions!

"How soon?" is definitely a question up to your doctor and his/her particular protocol. What tests are required seem to also vary widely. I've had both a sleep study and an endoscopy plus some tests my doctor's new practice doesn't require. One more hoop (I've been at this since last August)- a class this afternoon with my support person. I'm scheduled for May 28, but haven't been submitted for approval yet. I figure they wouldn't schedule me if they weren't pretty darn sure of approval.

Congratulations on both your choice and your surgery! I'm still experimenting with protein drinks myself. So far I like the Bariatriceating.com ones and the unjury.com ones the best. Both these sites have packets of samples (for a charge) so you can try them out.

I'm scheduled for May 28, and haven't even been submitted for insurance yet- so I may be like you, Betsy, and approved as I'm being wheeled in to the OR! I'm not worried, though. Everything is complete except for one class I'm attending this afternoon, and I have excellent insurance, thank heavens.

My surgery has been scheduled before insurance approval, too, but I've completed all my pre-op requirements except for one nutrition class I will be going to this afternoon, I have excellent insurance, and they have given it a month- May 26. It does sound rushed in your case. Good luck!

Good response: "Don't judge until you walk a mile in my moccasins." Easy way out???? Hahaha.....

I know talking about it helps me- they say that you use a different part of your brain when you talk than when you just think. Keeping a journal of how I feel in addition to food and exercise journaling has also been helpful. You definitely haven't lost the plot!

Me, I just can't have stuff in the house that I shouldn't eat.

I have a BMI of 35.7 with co-morbidities, and I would give anything to have heard about the band years ago; I would have been self-pay if I had to. All of us know our own personal struggle, and I would have loved to have the support when my BMI was less and I had no co-morbidities. I know the life of gritting my teeth and sheer willpower- I don't wish that on anyone. I know that post-band I will continue to have to operate on willpower but not to the same extent, and there will be help once I get to restriction. That said, I'm sure doctors in the field run the gamut just like doctors and people everywhere. And I think it's useful to not judge and make assumptions- they usually don't pan out.

I can't imagine that there would be one single person not concerned about life post-band. I know I'll deal with it thanks to the support and inspiration from those of you further along the road, but my goodness, yes, I'm concerned about how it will be! Especially during times of stress and too much busyness. My nutritionist said for awhile it will be a full-time job, which is why I've been practicing beforehand with eating well, etc. Yes, I'm concerned, worried, anxious, and excited at different times.

Hey Cathy! Welcome aboard! I'm up for banding May 28. I share your sentiments exactly, have been practicing and walking for three months now, but lack your actual banded experience.