Hi,

I've been "lurking" the last few months but now my date is near - next week, Dr. Coburn - and I could REALLY do with some advice on the Opti-fast.

I didn't think this would happen but after only 4 days I really dread having to take it. On Sunday I skipped taking my mid-day shake and I felt like a truck had run over me by the eveing. Big mistake.

Now, I feel absolutely wiped out by the evenings and I could fall asleep anywhere, any time. I really considered asking if I could get my money back by the time Sunday night rolled around. I was getting myself prepared for the pain of the surgery etc. etc. but now I'm not sure I can handle the "hunger" thing (and the headaches). Maybe craving is a better word for it - not hunger.

I thought I was stronger than this - I feel like a wimp. Everone seems so happy with their lap-band - does it get any easier? Tonight I had 4 crackers - already I've fallen off the wagon.

Oh my God, now I'm a whiner!

I didn't have to do Opti, yikes, I probably wouldn't have made it. I only had to do liquids starting at noon the day prior to surgery.

Taymac, YOU ARE DOING AWESOME!!! you will fly threw surgery with a great attitude. 'BRING IT ON'

Way to go Taymac, one week down, only six more days to go, the clock is ticking down:clock: then you are on the road to a whole new slimmer you.

Maria:)

Taymac, you are almost there, one more day to go. Tomorrow is the big day, how are you feeling?, what time is your surgery at?. We have not much from you this week, let us know, we are all routing for you.

Maria

Maria,

What a memory! I'm just packing my things right now to head out to Toronto - soon. I was in a rush to get back from work to here.

My surgery is tomorrow morning early(ish). I'm due there at 7:15am and then heading staight home afterwards. This last week has not been so bad with the Optifast thanks to all the hints and suggestions from the gang. I'll write when I get back or on Saturday.

Actually, I wasn't nervous until I wrote that last bit - oh well, here goes.

Talk to you soon - thanks for the good wishes!

GOOD LUCK TAYMAC!!! I WILL SEND GOOD VIBES YOUR WAY!

Good luck Taymac & see ya on the other side!

Taymac, my boyfriend was on Optifast for a month prior to surgery. He went through exactly what you are going through. He lost a total of 29 pounds pre surgery. He kept busy and in between meals, he drank alot of water and crystal light. He also had sugar free popcicles. It gets easier! Don't give up. Because he followed the Optifast diet to a tee, and was very committed, the surgery only took an hour. His recovery time was cut in half. He was only banded four days ago. Don't give up!

Good Luck Taymac I will be thinking of you!!!!!!

Hope everything went well for you today Taymac, i was hoping i would have had a chance to meet with you today, i was at the clinic for my second fill but you were in recovery still when i arrived.

I will talk to you later, all the best to you. :hug:

Maria

Hi all,

I was banded yesterday - it was so quick and painless, I'm amazed. No gas pains, thank goodness, for the car ride home! I slept most of the way anyway - no time to be a back seat driver this trip.

So whenever you're ready just send me the secret handshake and I'll be ready to join the ranks of the fully-banded.

Maria, I'm SO sorry I missed you at the clinic - I was having a good snooze I think. You good thoughts and wishes were with me. I don't usually remember my dreams but the night before I dreamt that I was late for my surgery and I was holding everyone up - the others after me were in their gowns and ready to go and someone (you?) was saying it was no big deal.

Onwards and upwards (downwards?) - I think today I'll be a lady of leisure and read in the lazy boy - until its time to watch TV.

Hey Taymac....you sound so chipper!!! YEEEHAAA!!!! Congrats and I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery...as I told Doriana....get yourself some sugar free Delmonte juice popsicles....they saved my but for the first several days post-op!!!!

Welcome to bandland!

Thanks, Yoda.

I'm preparing a grocery list as we speak - hubby is going out for other supplies - I stocked up for me but not for him. Oh, well.

But the popsicles are a great idea. I'm going to try them today even if they are not technically "clear fluids". I'll tell him to look out for DelMonte.

Hey Taymac, when you get the secret handshake, let me know what it is! Noone told me! Seriously tho, WELCOME TO BANDLAND!!!

Glad your surgery went well for you Taymac and welcome to BANDLAND. Like Yoda i also had the Delmonte sugar free popsicles, i loved them.

You are now on your way to a thinner you. :clap2: :clap2:

Maria