:update:

Just thought I'd post an update on where I am at with my "journey". I'm scheduled for surgery on June 6th and am currently trying to follow my pre-surgery diet as faithfully as possible. Thankfully I've been donig pretty good and only have 5 more pounds to lose in the next 2 weeks.

I made a decision to quit the 2nd job I started barely 6 weeks ago. It was a hit to my ego but I found that I just do not have the energy I used to have to work those kind of hourse. I was pushing 70 hours a week and trying to prepare myself physically and mentally for this surgery and it just WASN'T working. I was so worried about our finances and how this would impact them but thankfully due to some creative number crunching we've figured out a way to get buy with me just working my primary job. YAY!

My husband is SOOO happy to have me home in the evenings again (my part-time job was Mon-Fri 6pm-12:30 am) Before we only saw each other on the weekends. It's amazing to me what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of money sometimes.

So now I am re-focused and getting very excited about finally getting my band. My hubby cooked me a sort of "last supper" tonight (although I'm proud to say I really watched my portions) and I'm just feeling like, "bring it on!"

:peace:

Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! I was so glad to see this post!

I owe you an apology for not getting together to walk yet. I've been babysitting my 2 1/2 yr old grandson during the week and it's pretty much kept me off the computer and worn me out but good!

But Kayla! I'm very happy to hear that you are back on track. I was really worried about you girl. *hugs*

Come to the Idahobandsters dinner Tuesday night - and bring your hubby!

Hi Kayla,

I met you at the St. Al's support group a couple of months ago. I am so glad to hear you are doing well and in good spirits! Good luck with your pre-op diet. I know it sucks, but, I know you can do it!!!!

Keep us posted!

Kayla,

I am so glad to hear that things are going well for you. I am glad you were able to quit your second job and spend more time with your family, that is so important. We had to do a lot of number crunching and cutting back recently too, as my entire department was laid off the week before my surgery. I thought for sure that would end my surgery plans, as I was self-pay, but my hubby said this was too important and I went ahead with it.

It sounds like you are doing great on your pre-op diet. Are you on all liquids, or what type of diet are you on?

Best of luck to you.

My doctors recommendations for the pre-surgery diet is 3 slimfast (or other Protein shake drink) three times a day and unlimited fruits and veggies. The idea is to do this 75% of the time and obviously it would be pretty easy for the weight to come off.

I personally have a really hard time with Slim-Fast or any other Protein Drink for that matter. I've tried several and just feel like a little kid trying to choke something down becuase mom told me to. lol. So what I've been doing is 1 protein drink for Breakfast, some kind of lean protein for lunch (like tuna or some sliced chicken or deli turkey) and then a lean cuisine or south beach frozen meal for dinner. I eat a LOT of veggies, mostly from frozen but now that summer is here I hope to start havin more fresh. And a lot of fruit. I also bought some low-sugar individual ice cream treats and fat free popcorn for Snacks. I try to buy pre-portioned whenever possible becuase I find it really helps with portion control.

I use fitday.com to track my calories/fat/protein/carbs and my target calorie intake is between 1200-1500 per day. It has been easier than I thought and the weight is actually coming off fairly easily. I've started drinking a TON of Water (about 8 16oz bottles daily) and I try to walk 3 or 4 times a day for between 5 to 10 minutes.

I plan on switching to an almost fully liquid diet for the last 4 days before surgery. Just to get myself ready for the liquid phase after the diet and also to kind of clean the solids out of my system too. Eww, icky thought, eh!?

PhotoNut - I'm so glad to hear from you too! Now that my life is back to semi-normal we should really get together to walk. Where is the dinner at on Tuesday night? I'm so excited at the prospect of getting together with some bandster folks!!!

dinner is at Johnny Carinos in Meridian. There's a shopping center on the east corner of Fairview and Eagle Rd. Old Navy and ShopKo are in there. Carino's faces Fairview and is in the same parking lot. If you are coming from the freeway and Eagle Rd, turn right onto Fairview and it's the second or third driveway on your right. You can't miss it, but if you get to WalMart, you've gone too far. Can't wait to see you and give you a big hug!

I miss walking so much. LindaV and I walked every day for a solid week until she got banded and I got my grandson! hehe