Hi there. I just wanted to introduce myself here before I start posting in other forums.

I am being banded in March (unless something horrendous comes from my tests) by Dr. Van Vallina out of Central DuPage Hospital (suburbs of Chicago).

Psych is finished, I do a group meeting requirement tonight, Barium swallow and blood tests Wednesday, PFT and exercise physiologist March 2nd and then I'm done. It's through BCBS HMO so I did a 6 month diet through the end of December. Looking forward to getting my date in mid-March.

I have three children ages 6, 3 and 1. Unfortunately, having all of those babies in a short span of time gave me an umbilical hernia, but that is going to be repaired at the same time. So, I do have a little bit of a different situation in that I will probably have more lifting restrictions than most after surgery. Tough when you have little ones, but with planning, it should work out fine.

I've been trying different RTD shakes and powder and finally found some I like, so that's a bonus. In fact, I really prefer to use these as Meal Replacements sometimes now. Taking 30 minutes to sit down for a meal is just not always possible around here. If I can drink lunch instead, hey, that works for me.

I lost nothing on the 6 month plan, but my nutritionist was a bit of a moron. I've already dropped about 5 pounds just from using these shakes for a week instead of grazing Snacks. Can't wait to see what I lose on the pre-op diet!

Can't wait to read everyone's stories and see how the band is working for them. I'm so excited. (While I was busy having babies, my best friend was banded by Dr. Sarker at Loyola and lost over 100 lb - she's now below her goal weight!)

Erika (I'll figure out the siggy thing later)

Hi there. I just wanted to introduce myself here before I start posting in other forums.

I am being banded in March (unless something horrendous comes from my tests) by Dr. Van Vallina out of Central DuPage Hospital (suburbs of Chicago).

Psych is finished, I do a group meeting requirement tonight, Barium swallow and blood tests Wednesday, PFT and exercise physiologist March 2nd and then I'm done. It's through BCBS HMO so I did a 6 month diet through the end of December. Looking forward to getting my date in mid-March.

I have three children ages 6, 3 and 1. Unfortunately, having all of those babies in a short span of time gave me an umbilical hernia, but that is going to be repaired at the same time. So, I do have a little bit of a different situation in that I will probably have more lifting restrictions than most after surgery. Tough when you have little ones, but with planning, it should work out fine.

I've been trying different RTD shakes and powder and finally found some I like, so that's a bonus. In fact, I really prefer to use these as meal replacements sometimes now. Taking 30 minutes to sit down for a meal is just not always possible around here. If I can drink lunch instead, hey, that works for me.

I lost nothing on the 6 month plan, but my nutritionist was a bit of a moron. I've already dropped about 5 pounds just from using these shakes for a week instead of grazing Snacks. Can't wait to see what I lose on the pre-op diet!

Can't wait to read everyone's stories and see how the band is working for them. I'm so excited. (While I was busy having babies, my best friend was banded by Dr. Sarker at Loyola and lost over 100 lb - she's now below her goal weight!)

Erika (I'll figure out the siggy thing later)

First let me say BLESS YOU. You certainly have your hands full. But kids are such a blessing. Next let me say CONGRATULATIONS. I am glad that you have a friend to help you through this as well. I wish you all the best and do keep us posted with your progress. Good luck with your pre-op diet. BTW I had a umbilical hernia too but had that repaired way before my lapband surgery. I did have a hiatal hernia repaired during surgery though.

Wow, three little ones! I wish you a swift recovery so that you can keep up with them :tongue_smilie: Congratulations!