I'm being banded on July 27th. Today was my second day of pre op protein. I feel totally full and satisfied with the protein and I'm very surprised that I'm not hungry and obcessing about not being able to eat. Of course, it's only the second day.

What I'm noticing on here is that there are definitely two camps of Lap Banders. Some of you sound very upbeat and determined to follow the program and make this work. You seem to be losing weight, not at a fast rate, but steadily. Which is what I want to do, after all I didn't get fat in a month and don't expect to lose it that fast.

The second camp seems discouraged and even wishing that they had never had the surgery. I am feeling a bit worried. I don't want to make a mistake, but I really need this to work for me.

I decided on the Lap Band after doing a lot of research. I was very uncomfortable with having either the sleeve or bypass because it just seemed very invasive and I didn't like the thought of actually changing the anatomy of my stomache or digestive system. I'm not saying it's not the right decision for others but I felt that it was not right for me.

I am totally committed to following the rules, before and after surgery and taking things very slow as I progress through my dietary restrictions: clear liquids, full liquids, puree and soft. I'm reading all that I can and I have purchased the bullet processing machine and I'm practicing pureeing foods and freezing some things in ice cube trays for after surgery.\

I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance. I know it's not an easy fix and I'm praying that I have an easy post op with no complications.

Good luck everyone.

Well, today is July 25th. I'm being banded on July 27th. Less than 24 hours to go until my big BAND day! I'm very excited and can't stop smiling. I'm really not nervous, and I'm taking this as a good sign.

I've really had very little trouble with my pre op diet. Two weeks on the liquid protein has been very doable. I've lost just over 15lbs. Very happy about that. I always knew that I ate too many carbs and not enough protein. It seemed that no matter how much I tried to count calories, it's been very hard for me to lose any weight. The fact that I have dropped 15lbs in less than two weeks is almost a miracle. I know now that I really need to focus on protein and low carbs in order for me to be successful. I have thought longingly of my beloved pastas these past days, but they have not been a friend to me. My new love will be fish, chicken, lean moist meats, high protein, low fat dairy, veggies. But most of all I want my new love to be myself. I have hated myself for far too long. I've neglected myself and forgotten to ever put my needs first.

I have a funny story to tell. I have 2 small dogs: chihuahua and a yorkie. My two babies, always at my feet or on my lap. Before I started my protein fast I bought some high end dog food. Some very good wet and some very nourishing dry. Now I have always cooked for these two little munchkins, along with every other living thing that comes through my door. I feed everyone, that's what I do. BTW, that's changing, a bit. So, I put down their food, regular dog food, just what they should have always been eating. They both take a sniff and walk away. But, they are watching me, " yeah , right Mom, now wheres our real food?" So I say to them, " Listen up you two, new rules,, you'll either be eating your new food or I'll be planting you both in my flower bed, your choice." I swear, they were both listening to me like dogs do, turning their heads this way and that. So, Bailey, the yorkie, he walks over to his plate and starts right in eating. I about fell over. It took Coco a little longer, but she ended up eating hers too. It was the funniest thing. I swear they understood just what I was saying. Too funny. Taught me a lesson. ASK and you shall recieve.

I love it. My boys got on the healthier eating bandwagon right away - they still get their kibble, but now they get increased veggies right along with my husband and I In fact, now when I bring the veggies home it's almost impossible to set them down for any period of time to put other things away first - they'll root through the bags and make off with my fresh produce!

Good luck on Friday, you'll be in my thoughts!