Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

Well tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous. I can't stop thinking about it. I'm very afraid. As I said in previous posts, this is my first surgery

George, You will be fine. Your first surgery! A surgery virgin!!! It will be a new experience. You'll love those heated blankets in recovery. You will appreciate how important a good nurse can be. And you will post on here by Wednesday that you are doing ok!

Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement!

Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement!

You have it in all of us. We are all behind you! You've got this!!

Someone on this site quoted Bill Cosby..."you have to decide you want it more than you are afraid of it.". That has become my mantra about everything...my career change' date=' my moving and my choice to become a healthier me. I want those things more than I'm afraid of the change. Let's go November Sleevers. We're up![/quote']

That was me! I love that quote. I also think it works well for everything. I also whisper the "Serenity Prayer" right before I have to face something tough. I will probably be screaming it into the OR on the day of my surgery, lol!

Well tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous. I can't stop thinking about it. I'm very afraid. As I said in previous posts' date=' this is my first surgery[/quote']

George, you are going to do great! We are all here sending you good vibes and cheering you on. It's completely normal to be afraid, just don't let it grab you by the balls! Walk in there tomorrow with a smile because you will be coming out a new man! Let's us know how you are doing. I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Well tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous. I can't stop thinking about it. I'm very afraid. As I said in previous posts, this is my first surgery

we are all with you. Sending loving thoughts your way tomorrow.

Test

LONG..........I went to a local support group yesterday and only 3 of us showed up. One woman was 1 year out and had lost 130#. The other 5 1/2 months out and had lost 65 #. and me. Wow what a lovely place to be.

if I write everything this will be too long. I will add more later, like the books they suggested for before and after surgery.

It was all very spontaneous. They walked through the entire surgery, from the minute I show up in the hospital until I get out. (both had the same hospital as me). One woman had been in the hospital many times so she walked from anesthesia to the OR and they walked her around and showed her the equipment. The other had never had surgery and she told the anesthesiologist that she wanted to be OUT instantly. The EP (expert patient) had many surgeries and 1 year post-op had no throwing up, or reactions to food, ever. She said she loved spicy food but can't eat it now. She eats pretty much a bland diet. She suggested going to your local Chinese rest. or soup place and ask for Chicken noodle soup and hold the noodles. If you can only access canned soup, add chicken and fresh (or frozen) vegetables and don't eat the noodles.

They both said not to worry about failure because you WILL NOT be hungry. The EP hated protein drinks and the other lived/loved them.

Eat your protein first no matter what. Buy yourself a special, 6" plate. And a special small bowl. SMALL. She said Martha Stewart has a nice one with measurements on the inside. When she is alone, she eats out of the bowl. With people she flips it onto a plate.

Once you make a plate of 2 oz of protein and vegetables, take pictures of them and post them around the kitchen so you train your brain to see small.

They both eat Greek yogurt. one liked it pre-op the other hated it. They suggested adding a bit of honey and any berries. Also, to take an oatmeal protein bar, with any berries (and nuts) and crush it up well and add it to the yogurt.

They both said if they didn't exercise they lost one pound LESS per week.

I asked about self-esteem. They both said not to worry. You will naturally acquire so much self-esteem. The EP has a high power job with all men. She said she is treated with so much more respect than before op.

The expert had her surgery on Tuesday and was back to work on Monday.

I have to go walk my neighbors dog (thereby walking me). I will write more about the suggested reading list later.

Hope this is helpful. It sure was to me!!!!!!!

we are all with you. Sending loving thoughts your way tomorrow.

Thank you so much!! It means the world to me.

George, you are going to do great! We are all here sending you good vibes and cheering you on. It's completely normal to be afraid, just don't let it grab you by the balls! Walk in there tomorrow with a smile because you will be coming out a new man! Let's us know how you are doing. I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Thank you so much!!

Hi November crew! I'm scheduled for nov. 12 and I am so nervous..... Only seven days until surgery day! Yikes!!!

Hi November crew! I'm scheduled for nov. 12 and I am so nervous..... Only seven days until surgery day! Yikes!!!

Hi November crew! I'm scheduled for nov. 12 and I am so nervous..... Only seven days until surgery day! Yikes!!!

November 12 sister, hello! There are 4 of us, I think.

Best wishes to Boston George and any others whose life will be changing tomorrow I am just a few more week away! Come on november 19th!!!!!

I can email you one I made in excel if you want. My docs gave me a pamphlet but I wanted something to put on my fridge.

Just PM me here and I will send it. Anyone else interested just let me know.

Tally, do you mind sharing your preop with me as well? I start my preop tomorrow...my surgery date is 11/19...thanks a bunch!

Debbie

I meant the 5 th! So I will be sleeved tomarrow! I go in tonight at 3:30 in the morn;) but please send prayers a bit nervous' date=' lol

I will surely message you post op and let you know all the details;)[/quote']

Jessie our prayers are with you!