I wanted to start a thread for those of us who are waiting "with bated breath" for our surgeries in March.

I am supposed to start Optifast on February 26th. I am currently waiting for the shipment, including my surgical package to be delivered. Once I get my package I am supposed to call the clinic.

Ever since committing to this surgery (which I am paying for myself via a personal loan) I have been obsessed with reading everything I can about it and about people who have had it. I am still kind of hoping for some kind of "divine word" about whether or not it is the right thing for me to do.

I am "only" 75 lbs over my ideal weight but am type II diabetic. I am trying to figure out if my reason for doing this is my health or my vanity or a combination of both. The diabetes needs to be gone (when I am 20 lbs lighter it is gone) but I am sure looking forward to losing the weight and actually keeping it off for more than 20 minutes...

Hey All,

I am scheduled for March 2, 2007. Right now, head is spinning and I am coming up with all sorts of reasons not to go through with the surgery, including " how will I look at a normal weight". Luckily, my brain is stronger than my emotions and lets face it, I know how I look at this weight. Would appreciate some prayers, I have no support from family.

Annalee

Annalee..

You are not alone because I also come up with reasons to not go through with it. My biggest fear is I will be in the small % that the band does not work or I will be a stupid and find ways to eat around the band!! I wish food did not have such a strong hold on me. My main reason for doing this....cutting the cord to get rid of the monkey on my back. (Weight loss would not be bad also):clap2:

I get banded this Saturday. It's so soon, but it doesn't seem real to me at all.

I woke up yesterday with a horrific sore throat, terrible ear aches (both ears) and just feeling generally bad. I tried not taking any medication and just will this away, but it was worse today so I broke down and took cold medication this morning. I need to call and see if I can keep taking drugs, or if there are things I should be avoiding. I really don't need this right now - there's so much I need to finish up at work before taking a week off, but I can't even focus because my head is so stuffy and everything hurts. Poor me. :sick

I mentioned the WLS to one of my sisters exactly a year ago, and got the 'just learn to control yourself' lecture - I was angry at the time. Mostly because I'm already so frustrated that I can't control this on my own, and I don't need a 5'8" 125 lb person lecturing me on the ease of weight loss. Anyhow, I co-own my business with this sister so I had to tell her the truth about taking time off, and I was ready for a battle. She has been amazing and supportive ever since I told her, though, and offered to do the liquid diet with me after surgery for moral support. I can't tell you how relieved I am to have her be supportive, I can't imagine doing this with her acting disapproving to me. I'm disappointed enough in myself for getting to this weight, and for feeling like (knowing that) WLS is my only way out, I don't need anyone else's disdain added to my own.

I've told only two of my five siblings, and have not mentioned anything to my parents. To those who know I'm taking time off work - I'm just saying I'm going on vacation to Mexico.

I was in a health food store this past weekend looking for all the supplies I may need. The sales guy was trying to be helpful and ask specific questions to ensure I got the correct products. I was being very vague and trying to avoid the subject because I'm so in the habit of not telling anyone what I'm doing. Finally I broke down and explained that I was having the surgery and this is what I needed. It was not big deal, and I'll never see this person again - there was no reason not to tell him. And he didn't even have a judgemental look cross his face (lucky for him, as I may have tackled him if he had given me attitude).

Planotxgirl - I'm also having the surgery in Monterrey, but from Dr. Rodriguez.

My brother-in-law called me last week to tell me about someone he knew (see subject ) had it done in Monterrey, and he was thinking it was the same Dr, though it wasn't. Anyhow, she had it done by Dr. Rambaut almost a year ago and has only wonderful and amazing things to say about the doctor and the staff and the procedure and the whole experience.

Congrats on the date Blondylocks. I was also going to be banded on the 21 but they had to change it to March 20. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery next month and sending prayers that will we all pull through with flying colors.

Went to see my primary Dr. for results of labs and to do EKG. Apparently my liver and protein readings were a little high, and my Dr. was going to contact my surgeon and recommend postponing for 1 week :faint: . I had to fax the Dr. info on the herbs I'm taking as she thinks that might be the cause of the readings. So everything is in limbo now, and I was all ready.

Today is day 2 of liquid protein diet, and a little better than day 1 (except for this headache!). I realized at 5:00 pm on day 1, that I had only had 2 of my 5 protein drinks. I was STARVING when I got home from work, but managed to avoid doing anything crazy. I'm a bit concerned about how I will manage to get my protein/drinks/H2O in during my hectic workday on an ongoing basis - while eating slowly. It will be a major adjustment in making sure I eat at regular intervals with the band and not do my starve until evening - then binge - behavior. I'm not sure it will be possible....

I am supposed to have my surgery on the 19th (the first day of my spring break) but i have my appointment for the ekg, psyc,bloodwork, etc etc tomorrow...im mildly worried that there will be some reason to postpone it till summer which will break my heart. has this ever happened to anyone? also, im wondering if i will be ok to go back to class the next week...sitting in a desk isnt too strenuous but still. anybody know?

For the past 8 days, I have been drinking 2 protein shakes and eating one low carb meal a day, working out every other day, and drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day. It has really paid off! I was weighed in at the hospital today and I am 9 POUNDS down from last Tuesday. 270lbs!!!!!!! I am so psyched!!!!!! I have never been able to lose that much weight at once without using appetite suppresants. I hope I lose just as well when I start full liquids on Thursday. WOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!! :clap2:

:welcomeB: planoltxgirl, demsvmejm, blondylocks, and ladybug390!!!!!!!! Congrats to everyone!!!

Yea TammyJ

You are doing great!! My surgery is next monday and frankly I'm looking forward to the time away from work.

I need a break even if it's to recoop from surgery:D

Welcome to all the new March bandsters!!!!!!!!!!

As far as who knows about my surgery - EVERYONE knows. And for the MOST part they are all really supportive. I have gotten a few "but you are doing so well, why do you NEED surgery?" I just repeat that the band is a tool and I need the tool, and that shuts them up

In just a few more weeks we'll all be talking about scars and post surgery stuff....can't wait!

Oh, just an F.Y.I. don't purchase Designer Whey protein mix....UCK!

LOVE the Muscle Milk Light!

Has anyone tried GNC's protein water?

Welcome to all the new March bandsters!!!!!!!!!!

As far as who knows about my surgery - EVERYONE knows. And for the MOST part they are all really supportive. I have gotten a few "but you are doing so well, why do you NEED surgery?" I just repeat that the band is a tool and I need the tool, and that shuts them up

I love that I need a tool!!!:mad: Thank you for sharing that I have been trying to figure out what to say to a few nay sayers who will certainly want to put their two cents worth in when I return to work. I teach and sometimes teachers mean well:rolleyes: but don't know when to respect a persons personal space and decisions.

And I know in one month we will be talking about how's it going in Bandland!! it's coming up quick....I go for my pre-op test at my surgery center on this Thursday!!:biggrin1:

I cannot believe that my surgery is in just a few days (March 5). I actually like the protein shakes but the chocolate has been keeping me up at night:) I have also been eating the protein bars which are yummy. Today I was a bit out of control and had 2 handfuls of chips..I gotta watch that. Starting to get nervous about the pain and the possibility of failure. I REALLY want this to work. Who else has a MArch 5th date?

Mags

I cannot believe that my surgery is in just a few days (March 5). I actually like the protein shakes but the chocolate has been keeping me up at night:) I have also been eating the protein bars which are yummy. Today I was a bit out of control and had 2 handfuls of chips..I gotta watch that. Starting to get nervous about the pain and the possibility of failure. I REALLY want this to work. Who else has a MArch 5th date?

Mags

Me Me Me!!! I know it's almost here!!! I'm feeling a little nervous about "this better work"....a friend who I told today said "I am so happy for you. This is going to work. You have tried so hard and dieted so much I just know this will help you do it." I was stunned at such support but my friend is like that. :mad: So I send her statement out to all of us!! We have tried and with this tool we will succeed.

Now I really gota get off this and do my homework....for some crazy reason I decided grad school was a good idea a few years back....but I am on the down hill side and will graduate next fall:fruitsex: Yea Me!!!!

Hang in there everybody and have a great day tomorrow.