I am finally joining the club.

[ShyTexRose 0]

After lurking quite a bit, several posts here, and a struggle with insurance I am being banded on December 21. This is my third day of the pre-op diet. Not easy at all.

I am in Dallas. Like many of you I am concerned about whether I can change my habits for life. The mental hunger has been a problem for me all my life. That is something I will have to fight. I am concerned about pills. Of course, hopefully I will be able to get off most of them.

Thank you to all for letting me lurk and learn. My doctor has 24 hour call thank heavens. I read horror stories about follow-up care. I learned questions to ask.

This is a very valuable site.

Elaine

[losingjusme 12]

welcome! i'm from the DFW area as well.

[Woodys 0]

The mental hunger is a problem.....however, it doesn't last long with me....I think of those unwanted, life threatening, life sucking pounds and I quickly realize what I want more....and its never the food.

Carol

[flabuless 18]

Welcome to LBT Elaine..

Best wishes for the 21st...We look forward to hearing of your progress.

Becky

[ShyTexRose 0]

Thank you all for the good wishes. I am going to remember that saying, Carol. LOL. I am having trouble with the pre-surgery diet but today was a little better - my 3rd day. Losingjusme? Where in Dallas?

[smithkr1 0]

Hi Elaine, I know exactly what you're going through. My surgery date is Dec. 13...pre-diet is tough...never realized how good broth could be.lol

Kathy

Chattanooga, Tenn

[Iluvharleys 15]

Welcome to LBT and congrats on your surgery date! It's all worth it in th end, so just hang in there! Good luck and don't forget to keep us updated after your surgery!

[juliegeraci 7]

Elaine, welcome to the lapband forum. One of the things you will find with the band is your hunger is gone. It may take you a fill or 2 but mine was just after surgery. Good luck.

[bigbaby 4]

Welcome...Where are you having your banding done? Who is your surgeon? I completed all of my "pre-test" to clear me for surgery....and then we'll start the road to insurance approval. I went to Dr. Benevides'seminar. (Surgery Center of Richardson)...I've heard good things about him. Anyone else utilized the Surgery Center of Richardson or Dr. Benevides....What's been your experience?

[ReneBean 3]

Hi Elaine!

I'm an Allen girl. Hi Kathi.

Yep - the pre-op diet is hard. And until you get to the point where you have restriction, the post op diet may be hard, too - but it does all get better - and it is so worth it!

JUST the slowing down on the eating helped me to feel full faster. Each fill has made it a little easier to eat less. It still takes some work - but it's all good.

And - since the loss is slow/gradual, there is less flappy skin, and less embarassing interest from the people around you. So, if you are shy - and you don't want to be the center of attention - this is the best possible surgery.

Nobody even notices for the first 30-40 lbs.

Hugs and congrats on your upcoming surgery dates!

[wootsie73 0]

Hi and welcome to the site. I am waiting for my consultation on January 5th, so I'm on auto pilot for the time being. I'm worried about the pre-op diet to, but I know I can do it and I know it will be worth it in the end. I am having my surgery in Dallas to by Dr Provost. I kinda live back and forth between Sherman, TX and Amarillo, TX, so I will just have to be going back and forth a lot to see my doc.

Good luck with your surgery and let us know how it goes!

[ShyTexRose 0]

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful posts back.

I had a great deal of trouble getting approved. It has taken a long time. I worked through the AIBG at Surgery Center of Richardson which seems to be a good group. Insurance will not let me have the surgery there - I will have it at Presbyterian. I have heard of Dr. Benavides but have not met him. I originally went to a surgeon whom my primary care doctor recommended - Dr. Hagood. He had done her (primary doc) mom's surgery.

I hear Dr. Provost is phenominal but has a long waiting time to get in. Good luck.

This is the fourth day of the pre-op diet. I tend to get the shakes around 10:30-11. I get up really early and am at work by 7 or so. My lunch time is 1. So.... I have started doing part of the Protein shake at 11 and then part at the regular lunch time.

I guess I need to figure out how to do the stretch thing to show my progress. I have already lost 9 lbs in 4 days of pre-op. I know that is all Water weight probably.

Somebody better notice my first 30-40 lbs. If they don't I certainly will call it to their attention!

[54Shirley 105]

After lurking quite a bit, several posts here, and a struggle with insurance I am being banded on December 21. This is my third day of the pre-op diet. Not easy at all.

I am in Dallas. Like many of you I am concerned about whether I can change my habits for life. The mental hunger has been a problem for me all my life. That is something I will have to fight. I am concerned about pills. Of course, hopefully I will be able to get off most of them.

Thank you to all for letting me lurk and learn. My doctor has 24 hour call thank heavens. I read horror stories about follow-up care. I learned questions to ask.

This is a very valuable site.

Elaine

Nice to have you aboard Elaine! I hear what you are saying about the horror stories, but, just imagine when it all works out for you, and the weight comes off. It's a wonderful feeling. I still have a long way to go,

but, a lot has already come off. Trust me no complaints here. Shirley...

[transformer 1]

I'm scheduled for banding on December 21st, and I'm already trying to think of ways to occupy myself to keep my mind off of food until I get my first fill!

[ShyTexRose 0]

We are scheduled for the same day. I am having trouble with the pre-op diet. Have stuck with it, though. I have read that many people aren't hungry right after.