Hi guys.

I don't know what i would do without this forum.

I am getting banded in just under a month. About a week or so away from the pre op liquid diet so i am in this kind of limbo stage.

In the past couple months i have really let myself go. I have been eating junk food every day... i think i am "saying goodbye" to my old life, but i feel terrible, i don't feel good. I have gained about 30lbs in a couple months and i don't know what to do. I have things for work (public speaking) that i am SO NOT ready for. So i don't have the luxury to just wait it out... i CAN'T gain anymore weight!

I tried curbing my eating to healthier eating so i would have an easier transition from 'normal person' eating to liquid diet then to band... but i am failing miserably.

Any advice or words of encouragement? I am really disgusted in myself. My hubby is being very supportive but there isn't much he can do.

I hate looking in the mirror, i hate the way i feel and look... I know 100% that i need this tool to no longer live with the self loathing and abuse i put myself through.

I was thinking of starting the liquid diet earlier. Is 3 weeks too long to be on a liquid pre op diet? I just don't wanna gain any more weight and 'trying to be healthy' is not working cos i had to quit smoking for the surgery too, so i have no vices at all.

Thanks guys

I don't think an extra week of pre op diet would hurt you. If you feel you need to, I say go for it.

Congratulations on quitting smoking, btw. That's a big victory!!

Hi dreamers!

First of all, take a deep breath. I had a lot of worries going into this too, knowing I wanted to make the change but not believing that I could after so many years of unhealthy habits. Congratulations for quitting smoking -- you have just added YEARS to your life!

Many of us went into panic mode that week before starting the pre op diet. I hit all of my favorite restaurants and drive thru's. You know that you are only sabotaging yourself, so it is essential to reach out for help. What does your doctor say about the 30lb weight gain? Are you required to see a nutritionist or therapist? Please set up an appointment ASAP so they can help you get to the root of this.

As far as practical suggestions -- how is your exercise? You have not been banded yet but the earlier you start, the better. Even just 15 minutes. Have you considered a personal trainer for motivation and accountability? If hubby is willing to work out with you, even better.

Figure out your trigger foods because frankly those will have to go for the next few months. DO NOT have any unhealthy foods in your house, period. Pack your lunches for work. It is not worth damaging your chances of having the surgery, and later damaging your band. How would you feel knowing you threw away this life changing opportunity just for the temporary satisfaction of junk food? You deserve better.

I completely understand what your going through. Two months before lap band I gained 62 pounds. I ate so much junk food, fast food preparing for this new life style. My family kept telling me I was sabatogizing myself and they were completely right. My advice is: each pound you gain before lap band surgery is only making you further from your ultimate goal. I am so incredibly mad at myself for gaining so much weight right before surgery. Start now!! They say with lap band we can expect one-two pounds per week of Weightloss. Each pound you gain preparing for surgery is adding a week to loose...I know my body can gain one pound per day and it did. If I only didn't do what I did I'd be almost 200 pounds today but instead I'm 275.

Also, my surgeon explained to me that the weight we gain before surgery is belly fat that can cause complications during surgery. He said the fat all stays in belly first and makes the surgery harder to perform. That scared me, and I wish I knew this before gaining 62 pounds right before surgery. Also, be careful about weight gain because you can get denied if they weigh you, and a month later you've gained more. It shows insurance and surgeon unreadiness for life style change.

Also, try going on a shake morning and lunch..and eat sensible dinner..I lost twelve pounds week before surgery drinking the two shakes and having dinner. Three weeks of liquids is a lot....and mentally if you know you don't have too, it makes it very difficult. Try one day of replacing breakfast and lunch with shake and see if you can manage that before going straight to all liquids.....

i did the pre op for 2 1/2 weeks liquid

helped me kick my diet soda addiction and processed foods addiction also

and helped me realize just exactly what head hunger is..

dont feel miserable. we all have went to the dr to have wls so we do understand what

you are feeling and going through,..the fear of failure, the unknown...but you

are way stronger than you give yourself credit for..

but def proud of you for sopping the smoking also...look at how well you are doing..

your hubby sees it, i see it, other posters see it..and you will too.

here if you need me

as are the banded b's

First of all congrats on changing some of your unhealthy behaviors. I agree with daisychains7 you first need to take a breath. Breathing is important. You can start by practicing some of the rules you will live by. Not drinking while eating. 30 min before and 60 after. Chew chew chew and cut into small pieces. And we are all here for ya.

Good luck

Wendy

Start now. Even without the pre-op you can start eating smaller portions, smaller bites, chewing longer, and not washing down your food. Nothing to stress about, but it would be good if you could stop gaining. If that means pre-op for you do it. You really want to help shrink you liver since it is RIGHT there when the do the surgery! Best wishes and check back in after surgery. We'll still be here!

Thank you all SO much.

I'm going to start with some Meal Replacement with shakes and practicing some of the lap band rules (slow eating etc).

You guys give great advice and i appreciate it. I will check back to this page and re-read what you guys have said if i get off track again or to remind me ya'll are here.

Tomorrow is another day.

I'm so grateful for you all.