Hi all,

I am still in the insurance phase and hope to hear something soon. I started looking at WLS about 6 months ago. I was all set for the RY until I went to an information sessions which was a requirement to even be considered for surgery. Glad I went because that is where I found out about the lap band.

Now, what I really want to know is if there is anything you could suggest I could or should be doing right now that will help me be prepared for after banding? I have done my research, both on the procedure and the surgeon. I have a copy of both the pre-op and post-op check list (thanks to everyone for their input on them), I even have some of the recipes. I am trying to eat slower and chew longer (not an easy task), I plan to start walking at least 30 min 3 times per week. I don't have McDonalds for Breakfast on my way to work, well not every morning:nervous . Is there anything else that will make the transition easier? Any input would be wonderful.

I thought about this while drinking a glass of ice water yesterday and this morning while drinking hot tea, can I still have hot or really cold food/drink post-band? Does this bother anyone?

I understand the no carbonation thing but why no coffee?? I was told none...not even decaf. I dont understand why it would be so bad. Can someone give me any answer...I have to have a really good reason to give up my coffee in the morning. I am not banded yet and having difficulty with this one.

I am allowed to have all the coffee I want. In fact, they brought me a cup (real stuff - no decaf) the AM after my surgery. As for carbonated drinks... THAT they said no to.

Cowbay1: Don't feel too bad. I started on low carb on the first, and went totally off the deep end tonight. My hubby said he won't divorce me yet since it was his idea... but I am back on tomorrow. I figure we need to do the best we can right now, and get REALLY serious two weeks pre-op. When is your surgery?

Love this thread BTW... advice is great!

I would love to know about coffee also. I haven't heard to cut out coffee - if so, then I am going to be a bad bandster because I will never give my up my coffee hehehehe

It wasn't hard to give up soda - I drink unsweet tea or use sweet n low.

I would make sure and start taking a hair, nail and skin vitamin and also a biotin each day. A lot of people lose hair at first because of the quick weight loss. I am taking them now but I have heard a lot of people say they started them before surgery. I wish I would have. You can get both of those at Walmart for pretty cheap. Good luck to you on your surgery. You will LOVE you band. I know I am happier now then I have been in years.

If I have learned one thing here at LBT, it is that every surgeon is different. The best thing to do is to listen to your surgeon. That doesn't mean their always right. Listen to your surgeon AND use your own common sense!!

coffee ~ I was told it dehydrates you which defeats some of the Water your trying to get in especially in the early days after surgery. I forget how many additional ounces you need of water to counteract the coffee. I am now down to less than a cup a day from at least 2 cups a day and some days more. I have always found coffee comforting.

Carbonated beverages ~ I was told it was O.K. after 3 mos, although I rarely drink them now b4 surgery.

Now, if I could just stop inhaling my food and not drink with meals!!