If you're planning on being banded in January your either half way thru your 6 month wait or you've just recently met with your surgeon and you're beginning your 3 month wait filled with dr appts and nutrition classes.

I have aetna and I only have to wait three months but it'll be filled jam packed w/ dr appts and classes, etc...

I went to see a pulmonologist last week and he wants me to get a breathing test, chest x-ray and sleep study. Saw the GI yesterday and my endoscopy is set for 11/5 and my cardiologist is Friday - can't wait to see what HE has in store for me - haha --- I'm actually excited to get this "work up of the stars" --- how many others are thankful for all these tests (cause when else would we get them done??)

My BMI is under 40 and my last two years worth of weights was around a 35 but I have diabetes and high triglicerides...hoping that this is acceptable for aetna approval cause I'm gaining and not losing no matter what I do - I presently need to lose 80-90 pounds and there is no way I could do it on my own with the diabetes and hypo-thyroidism. :laugh:

I'm curious to know who is getting banded in January (My surgery date is 1/18/11 if approved). I'd love to hear your stories and concerns - anything at all --- just want to put together a group for those that are planning a new life style come January - I can't think of a better new years resolution!!!! :thumbup: ~Renee

My surgery will be Jan. 18th. This is a great blessing for me as well as a birthday gift to myself. My b-day is Jan 13. I consider this to be a re-birth. It has taken exactly a year to get everything taken care of. My surgeon is the best in the state so I'm told from all the research.

As for right now I'm going through my liver detox and not eating for the 2 weeks pre-op. I must say this is SUPER difficult. I'm pushing through with tons of prayer.. Any suggestions?

Surgery's Monday; got all my pre surgery lap work done and filled my pain/nausea meds yesterday. Fingers crossed all my labs come back normal! Apparently my stomach has shrunken during this diet as I'm finding it harder and harder to eat; as I write I'm sitting here staring at this 6oz cup of yogurt I mixed with 1 scoop protein powder and I can't finish it. My dogs have been more than happy to finish food for me (lol). I'm just ready to get started on this journey and be a happier, healthier me.

Melzie, what kind of protein powder do you use to mix in? Does it get clumpy when you stir it in and does it add a funny taste?

Good luck and thanks

Melzie, what kind of protein powder do you use to mix in? Does it get clumpy when you stir it in and does it add a funny taste?

Good luck and thanks

I use non flavored Unjury (it's what my dr likes); depends on what you add it to how much the flavor is affected. I was eating it with non fat Vanilla yogurt and it's fine (of course, you get used to the flavor after awhile IMO). I mix in a little at a time and stir thoroughly to avoid the clumps. Oddly enough it seems to thin out the yogurt as opposed to thickening it up.

Start liquid diet(optifast) on Jan.12. Surgery on Jan 26! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Im starting my preop tomorrow...my diet says i can have veggies! those are a good chew!

Well, today is the last day of my old life; surgery first thing tomorrow! I'm still much calmer than I thought I would be; my family's more worried than I am. I have to say I look forward to be able to eat semi-solid foods again...applesauce sounds like heaven right about now. I've been on a clear liquid diet all day, and I'm tired of it. I'm even craving those stupid protein shakes! (lol) Good luck to everyone, and I'll let you know how things go as soon as I can!

Well, today is the last day of my old life; surgery first thing tomorrow! I'm still much calmer than I thought I would be; my family's more worried than I am. I have to say I look forward to be able to eat semi-solid foods again...applesauce sounds like heaven right about now. I've been on a clear liquid diet all day, and I'm tired of it. I'm even craving those stupid protein shakes! (lol) Good luck to everyone, and I'll let you know how things go as soon as I can!

good luck, melzie! i think i have to go clear liquids two days before my surgery. im barely making it through now!! lol...see you on the other side!

I am having my surgery on wed and tomorrow is my last day of my high protien liquid diet then tues is all clear liquids I think ill just sleep all that day to keep from beeing hungry lol. I am so nervous about the fact that my entire life is about to change. I know I need this but I'm scared too.

About to leave for the hospital; couldn't sleep at all last night and the nerves have finally gotten to me. *deepbreath* Wish me luck!

Good Luck!! Let us know how you make out. I have one more day of the yucky shakes and then clear diet then surgery on Thursday. I have lost 10.8 lbs since I have started the protein shakes. My cravings are getting so much worse then they were.

How many days are you going to be off. My goal is to return to work the follow Tuesday. My biggest scare is that I have a 2 yr. old who only wants me to hold her. I take her to daycare and get her ready in the morning. I have been practicing with her using a step stool to get in and out of my SUV so I don't have to lift her.

About to leave for the hospital; couldn't sleep at all last night and the nerves have finally gotten to me. *deepbreath* Wish me luck!

My surgery is January 18th - I start pre op diet tomorrow - (i'm so going to dinner tonight, not to GORGE but to eat something that I am sure will be difficult to eat AL (after lap-band).

I've decided to take the full three weeks of NJ temporary disability. I've spoken with several people that said one week wasn't enough and since the swelling lasts several weeks - wth i'm doing it!

I also found two amazing proteins! ISO 100 (Vanilla) and Isopure (Chocolate)

I'm nervous too - some of you here have already had your surgery, one even went this morning - the rest within the next couple weeks --- it's an exciting and scary time (lots of anxiety) but if we work this new lifestyle the way it SHOULD be worked - we'll all be here this time next year feeling great and looking amazing!

I look forward to staying in touch with all of you January 2011 Bandsters - I'm glad I started this thread - it's been awesome reading all of your posts and you've helped me a lot even if I didn't always post !!!

CHEERS! to us!

My surgery date is January 14. I've been on this pre-op diet since the 31st. It's 5 Bariatric Advantage shakes (nasty!) or 5 Sugar free carnation instant breakfast (not filling). I can also have broth, sugar free jello and sugar free popsicles. I felt like I had the flu the first few days. Now I am just plain hungry for some real food. I went to my first seminar in April 2010. Saw the doc in May. Then I did 6 months of dietician visits and 6 months of exercise calendars. I also had to visit a psychologist. I got approved (5'4 and 268 at the time) and was supposed to have surgery in November. Instead I had gallbladder surgery since stones showed up on my upper GI. THEN a heart issue showed up during surgery so I needed to get cardiac clearance. I did not get clearance until mid December after the cardiologist wanted to do a heart cath. So, here I am. Ready, nervous. My doc says the surgery will be a breeze but that I will probably have to spend the night due to my heart (I have "extra beats"). He said I should be able to eat broth that night and that I will be walking around soon after surgery. Oh, and I've already pre-registered and paid the hospital so no backing out now!

If anyone has the same surgery date (or around that date) I'd like to hear from you. I've had the opportunity to do tons of reading and research as my surgery kept getting put off...meanwhile I'm down to 254.

I put two really yummy shake recipes on my blog if you want to check them out.

I start the pre-op diet tomorrow. I can't believe surgery is only 2 weeks away!

I am done did the surgery :-) all went well I feel more like myself today!! Went to see dr. All looking good!! I am 5 days post op! Also the cpap machine it helped, believe it or not you will actually feel good with it after surgery :-x lol

Back from the hospital, and word to the wise: hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE the day before surgery! Took 4 tries and a mini panic attack on my part (I hate needles) to get the IV started because I was so dehydrated and have small veins to boot. Very glad they had me spend the night in the hospital; the staff was wonderful and with my husband having to work a night shift I got everything I needed and more. Relatively sore and tired today; the gas pain is horrid. Hurts worse than the incisions. Never wanted flatulence so badly before in my life lol. I haven't been hungry and drinking is a slow process. Definately walk if you can as it helps a lot. Good luck to everyone!