Hi, I'm Sandy and I'm really excited - I've been on a diet LITERALLY all of my life. I know how to eat right and I don't mind exercise - I just love to eat. Really glad that I found this forum and would like to know what I should expect, how I'm going to physically feel, what I'll be able to eat (I know that I have to eat lots of Protein, but everything is different regarding what you can tolerate and portions).

Best of all, there's a place I can go where everyone is going through or has gone through what I am.

Good friends help make painful issues a little easier to deal with.

Good luck, Sandy! Can't wait to hear how it goes!!!!! :-)

WOO HOO! Had my initial/first consultation this morning and since I'm self-pay and already had most of the tests (sleep study, blood work last week, etc), my surgery is NEXT THURSDAY!!!!!!!

So excited - everyone at True Results-Richardson is awesome. Spent approximately 2 hours there, first with the intake person, then with the PA, had an EKG and lung test, then met with the surgery coordinator. I was really surprised when they said I could have it done so soon,but really glad I don't have to wait.

Nothing special before surgery; I have to get some blood work done tomorrow morning and my husband has to give me a shot of Lovenox (a type of heperin) twice a day because I take blood thinners for a mechanical heart valve. Can't eat or drink anything after midnight before my surgery (which is typical) and that's it.

So I'm going to spend a few days getting things together for post-surgery: Clear liquids the first week, puddings, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, etc. the second, and solid foods the third week before I go back for my first post-op appointment.

I wish I could hug all of you - I am so excited!

OMG, Sandy, I've been thinking about you all day today...this is great news!!!

I've heard of cash patients getting scheduled really fast - I'm so happy for you!

I've been reading the forums a lot as well and don't forget Life Savers (sugar free) or Halls Throat Drops (sugar free) in case you have a dry mouth after surgery...and Gas X strips...ya know...in case you're farty. :-)

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

OK, everyone - its down to the official countdown: I'm having my surgery at 7:30am on Friday (12/30)! I'm excited and ready, but I realized today how much I'm going to have to change my thinking when I was trying to figure out what to cook on New Year's Day!! I honestly didn't know how important food is to me. Any suggestions??? I really could use some hand holding right now...

Sandy, I've been thinking about you!

As you know, I haven't had my surgery yet...but I have had many conversations with my husband regarding what life is going to look like post op and beyond.

The first several weeks after your surgery are not going to be typical when you consider the big picture - however, they are extremely important. If I were you, I would do whatever I have to do in order to focus on my own healing and recovery...even if that means not cooking for New Year's.

I am fortunate in that I don't like many of the foods my husband does...most of the time, I make two dinners. However, he already knows what's not allowed in the house and what I'm not going to be focused on at first.

You're the one having the surgery, but it'll make it easier if you have family willing to make the little sacrifices for you...I'm betting they'll care less about New Year's food and more about you having everything you need to succeed. :-)

I'm so excited for you!

You know, Dianne, I'm not worried about cooking for my husband - he knows what I can eat and what I can't - I just never realized how much I love food and how much I think about it.

I've been dieting all my life, so I'm not worried about THAT part of it; its getting hit in the face about my relationship with food. Funny, after dieting for 44 years I finally get it.

SOOOOO glad I've got you all to talk to!

OMG yeah...I'm worried about that too. Like...is feeling full going to be enough? If I'm fortunate enough to have that feeling of restriction, is it going to stop me or am I really going to test the band and have a meltdown?

My nutritionist recommended this book to me...and I'm still reading it, so I can't give a review...but it's for people who have a relationship with food like we do. Maybe it'll help us both.

It's called "Intuitive Eating" and you can find it by clicking here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312321236/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=batofthebut-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312321236"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0312321236&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=batofthebut-20&ServiceVersion=20070822"

Hi ladies, I, also have decided to get Lap Bad. I am at the beginning of the process. My best friend had the procedure several years ago and lost over 100 lbs. I have researched this for years, and have my mind made up! It's exciting to hear all the success stories, and to have this site to share the experience and learn from others.

I'm so happy for you, Sandy!!! Congratulations on your surgery and sorry that I couldn't get on sooner!

So happy for youuuu!!!

Im pretty new at this whole thing also. I just went to my primary yesturday and gave me a referral to a surgeon. Just waiting on the paperwork from them and then get a appt. I already pretty much have some of my tests done so hopefully that helps and he said it shouldnt be no problem with the insurance co approving!!!! im so excited and excited to meet the newbies that are going through the exact stage im at now too

I'm home and have posted my surgery day story - I'm not going to tell you that this is a piece of cake, but fortunately, this part of it doesnt last very long. I'm at day 2 and still sleeping a lot: I walk, drink, go to the bathroom and sleep some more. Haven't had to take any pain medicine today - just Gas-x - so I feel like I'm making some progress. More tomorrow - hope you all sleep well!

I hope all went well! That was a quick process, the advantage of self pay!! I am waiting to hear from my doctor's office for my initial appointment this week. I have a while to go because of the insurance, about 6 mos. I am excited! Sandy, I hope all went well, and keep us posted....

_{Gosh, as I read everyone's posts, I'm so excited for everyone. My insurance will pay 100% but I have to do the 6 month physician visits. I had visit #3 in December and had gained 4 lbs since November which made me feel horrible. After physician visit #4 in January...I will then meet with the surgeon. I'm hoping my surgery will be end of March or first of April. I love reading/hearing about others. I think 2012 will be a GREAT year.}

Congrats!! hope to hear from you soon! I hope you are doing well!

Hi, everyone! Well, this is day 4 and I'm HUNGRY! I was reading this afternoon and the book described, in detail, 2 pizzas from pizza Hut. Honestly, I could smell them. (My husband is eating a Healthy Choice italian sausage and marina sauce over Pasta with zucchini and green Beans - it smells sooo good)

The gas pains are pretty much gone except for under my left shoulder blade. The biggest problem I'm having is drinking enough. I've GOT to get in the habit of carrying my Water bottle around. The second biggest problem is the Protein powder - gotta find a new one, because my system does NOT like this one.

So I think I'll have some yummy chicken broth for supper and then maybe a Jolly Rancher popsicle (they are the BEST! Make sure you have a box in the freezer when you get home from getting banded!).

sleep well, peeps - hugs to all!