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Day four,and I'm feeling great. Maybe a little too great? I actually feel like eating today. I've done pretty well sticking to my liquid diet (only a total of one week--so 3 more days) but today I felt the insane desire to chew. I wanted to chew something. I ate some soup, and my roomate had some yummy french bread, so i grabbed a piece and began to chew. I felt guilty and spit out every bite i took. I was worried for how it would feel later, but no issues. I could feel it go passed my band. So my swelling must be going down. This is just a road block. I need to behave from now on. No more bread. If i'm going to be serious about making the surgery work (and of course it will, and I will) i need to get my act together. I don't feel hungry, it must be all this "head hunger" thing going around. I've been having to force myself to eat, because even the thought of food made me feel nauseated. Now it doesnt make me feel nauseated and it's like i miss it. I'm not hungry, just bored. I CAN DO THIS! How is everyone else dealing with it?

I wanted to write a note (it might not be quick) about my day, to update those that love me. I got to the hospital today around 7am, to be in surgery at 830am. I was ready. I didn't feel nervous, i felt prepared. Thank God for that peace. I knew I was in a good place, and I trust this institute to take good care of me. When they called my name, I was told mom couldn't come back to pre-op with me right away. It made me a little bit nervous, but I know she will be back eventually. After saying a quick goodbye and trying not to cry because my mom's tears were breaking my heart, i followed the nurse to my room. Then, I get dressed, peed in a cup (to prove I'm not pregnant), and was asked a bunch of questions. They started my IV (which didn't hurt at all, thank you lidocaine), and give me a shot of heparin! That shot is no joke! It BURNS! Then an anesthesiologist came in with a research project prospect which promises to help with my pain, came in and discussed the "tap block" study with me. The tap block is something I'd seen with my c-section patients, and it's been proven to be really good for incisional pain. The study was to see if this procedure would work with my type of surgery. I would either get normal saline injected, or actual medicine. He said that even patients with the normal saline injected have improved pain management. So, needless to say, i signed up for that! Next the anesthesiologist who was going to intubate me came in. I knew him! He's a Dr I've worked with many times at L&D. I felt so relieved. I truly was in good hands. After some more medicine (anti-nausea) and the like, Dr Nagle came in and talked to me. He said that if I feel fine, He sees no problem with me going home. YAY! I wouldn't be breaking the rules, but could recover at home! I said another goodbye to mom (more tears) and it was off to the OR. I was given a cocktail of yummy anesthesia and was in another world. Next thing I remember I'm waking up, not able to breathe, with a tube down my throat, breaking my hands out of the "restraints" I wanted to pull the tube! I apologized to the anesthesiologist and maybe used an "R" rated word. He laughed. It's funny the random things you remember while waking up, and the loony things you say. I recovered for a bit, walked, and was able to go home (after given plenty of pain medicine). Now, I'm home, not feeling 100% but trying to take it easy and recover. Thank God mommy is here taking care of me!

I just had surgery today!!! ahhhh i feel pretty good. I'm not hungry at all, but I feel weak from not eating. So I'm trying to eat. Did you feel that way? Pain is a minimum. I know i need to eat. I ate some tomato soup. and i think I stood up too fast because i felt nauseated. Sound familiar at all?

and I can't sleep. So here I am thinking. CRAP! i'm actually doing this. In 5 days I'm about to have a life changing surgery. I know that it's only human, but I'm having some random thoughts and doubts. Will I be ok? Will I be successful? Am I strong enough to do this? Is this the right choice? To which I can answer all of those....YES!! I know in my heart of hearts that I am making the right, and wise choice. Everyone around me is so supportive. I just don't want to go back to my old ways. 5 days...wow...I've been thinking about this for a year. I think it just finally hit me.

congrats ssmom on being banded! i can't wait to read more of your blog!

3lbs is good! way better than nothing! keep up the great work!:biggrin:

I feel the exact same way!! One minute excited, the next scared! I'm getting banded on June 11th! CRAZY! Trying to eat as much Protein as possible right now!!! Allie- Illinois :wink2:

I cant believe i am 3.5 weeks away! of course i have a mix of emotions, but i'm ready!! My pre-op diet is 10 days, just low carb and high protein!! we can do this!

I meet with a behavioral psychologist on a regular basis who works with the doctors who ready us for the gastric procedures. Today I meet with him, Dr Peterson, and I was in a bit of funk. I've not been eating well, and I know i feel different. Turns out that I've gained a few pounds, which actually only motivates me more. I almost felt like he was a bit disappointed. I know he wasn't, maybe I was just projecting. All this is, is motivation for me to get back on schedule, back on track, and push through. I'm ready for the surgery. I know that it's the right decision, I just need to stay motivated, and continue to make wise decisions! 3 weeks away!!!

thank you! i know i'm not a quitter, and I know this is just the beginning of a very hard road!

I was really nervous going to my final class, mostly because of the contents of my pre-op diet. It sounds stupid, but it's honest. A little back ground info on me and my surgery. I'm a registered nurse, and work at a great hospital downtown Chicago. I'm having my surgery done at this great institute by an awesome doctor. So, I feel really prepared, and my conscience is clear related to my doctor and hospital. I trust this place, which I think can be half the battle. So in all, i feel very prepared, and very blessed. So I went to this class very curious. I was curious about whether or not I had lost weight (because we always have to weigh in) and I was curious about the diet. It was a good day! I had lost 9 more pounds!!! The diet also isn't as bad as some that I have heard. They basically want me to do the atkins diet, HIGH protein, low carbs. Totally doable. I feel great lately, been walking tons, and talking to friends who are very supportive about the surgery. I'm in a good place. next task: figure out my insurance related to my leave of absence!

I started a group for those of us getting banded this summer. I know we all need encouragement in one way or another. This way we can share advice a pics!! go here! LAP-BAND :smile2:

I have a long road ahead of me, but reading other people's blogs on here is really encouraging. I have yet to be put on the pre-op diet, but have my appt. next week. I also have pre-op testing next week. It hasn't really hit me, but I'm sure when it does I'll be mess of emotions. I just recently got all of my insurance figured out. It's covered 100% which is a HUGE blessing. I just have to pay my $100 deductible. I feel very lucky. I'm down 10lbs since the beginning of the year, which is better than nothing, but still want to try to lose more. Baby steps! I know I'll be in for a rude awakening when they put me on the pre-op diet, but I know I can do it! On another note, my family is having a hard time being supportive. My brother told me the other day that the lap band is for "quitters". How harsh? He has no idea! This coming from an overweight guy who should contemplate the surgery too!! Are your families supportive? I would love to hear stories of how you've dealt with these problems!

My date is June 11th. I'm anxious and nervous and all of the above. I'm mostly curious as to how I will feel, and what my results will be like!!

I told all my coworkers, and my immediate family knows. It's not a secret, but it's not the first thing i'm going to tell others, either.