hansnmerl

OMG, How cool! My surgery is on October 5th. I think you should be good taking off the rest of the week and going back on Monday. When my aunt had the surgery she was out shopping the day she was discharged from the hospital. Just try to get as much rest as you can while you are at home. Good luck!!!! and Congrats:w00t:

Both chocolate and vanilla flavors of Body Fortress (from Walmart) are awesome. I order sugar free flavored syrups from DiVinci.com. There is every flavor you can imagine so you can have anything from chocolate covered cherry to vanilla chai to peppermint patty. the sky is the limit with the sugar free syrups. I have a little Hamilton Beach blender. I fill it with 4 or 5 ice cubes, 8 oz of skim milk, a scoop of protein powder and about 2 tbs. of syrup. you can even add multiple syrups like pineapple and coconut with the vanilla and you have a pina colada. YUMMM. I have to be honest, I actually enjoy having them. They are really good.

Ok well, last night I went to visit my friend. While we were sitting in the kitchen just chit chatting she says "I have a terrible feeling about you getting this lap band." She had gastric bypass in June and has already lost 60 lbs. She continued to tell me how she strongly feels like the band will fail and how it always needs to be replaced every 10 years. She said "You should just go for the gusto, do the right thing and have the bypass." I was so winded by this conversation, I couldn't do anything other than sit there and listen. It went on for like an hour. She wouldn't stop bashing the band! How do I handle this???? I am not sure why she is trying to change my mind...

Rockstar, You're right. Almost every bariatric surgeon refuses to operate on anyone that smokes. In most cases they do test "suspected" ex-smokers before the surgery. When I was posting this I was really craving hardcore. I have been a smoker for 16 years and quitting has been a really crazy ride. I have moments that I really feel like Im gonna cave, but I just remind myself that this surgery means more than any darn cigarette. Good luck and best wishes on your journey.:thumbup:

Well, I was walking with my friend down a fairly busy road. A group of teenage boys drove by and one screamed "FAT ASS" out of the window. I acted like I didn't care and kinda shrugged it off in front of my friend, but when I went home I cried for about 3 hours. :thumbup: Still hurts my feelings when I think about it. Why do people feel the need to humiliate others? If they really knew how much it hurt, do you think they would still do it? PS, I hate when you are out to eat and the waiter or waitress asks you if you'd like desert, and you respond "no." They come back at you with a "Are you suuuuure??" Like, I know you want it because you are such a fattie. JERKS!!

Fusionbell, You are awesome. Thank you for the pep talk. You are right, we CAN do this. I have faith in you too. I agree that it is mind over matter, its just hard when you've been smoking for so long. It almost feels like a part of who you are, ya know? I had to do it cold turkey. The withdrawal only lasts 72 hours and every other time I quit I used Patches, gum and perscriptions. Nothing ever worked. My dad quit 30 years ago cold turkey and never picked up another smoke again. I feel like the sooner the nicotine is out of your system the faster you can get over the cravings. LOL, even though my dad says he still craves one everyday. Yes, after 30 years he still wants one. The key is to just fight it until it goes away. I know it will get better and everyday it gets easier. Just keep truckin girl, we can do it..... :thumbup:

elcee, You are totally right. When I posted this I was really craving. Sometimes the cravings are so intense that I don't know what to do. My withdrawal period was so hard, I had nausea, sweating, mood swing, headaches etc. I know that I can do this, I must do this. Sometimes I just need a pep talk. Thank you for the reminder.

Thank you guys. I really needed the input. I feel peaceful about my decision to have the band. I guess I was just looking at my close friend who had the surgery in June and feeling a bit envious of her weight lose with the gastric bypass. I know that it will take me a bit longer, but I feel like the band is the right way. Slow and steady wins the race. LOL.

btrieger, That is so true.. I have never looked at it that way. Congrats on your weight loss. I am truly inspired.:thumbup:

Please don't freak out.... I quit smoking on the 1st of this month. I am dying..... I was wondering if anyone started smoking again after the surgery? Also, what are the complications with smoking and the band? I know that with the bypass it causes bleeding ulcers. YIKES.. I wasn't sure if its the same with the band.

I know that the bypass is far more invasive. I guess I am having doubts because my bff had the bypass and has been SO successful. She had the bypass in July and has already lost 60 lbs. YES, 60 pounds. She keeps reminding me that with the band I wont see the same success. I am still convinced that the long term effects of gastric bypass are NOT safe. I just can't imagine that re routing your digestive tract is safe (long term.) Therefore, I know that the band is the best choice.

Hello, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Melissa and my LAP-BAND® surgery is scheduled for October 5th. I am very scared, but thrilled all the same. This journey has taken my up, down and all around so far, but its nearing the climax. I originally started out as a gastric bypass patient, but I backed out at the last minute. Good luck to everyone... This truly is a life changing experience.