I am now one month away from being banded so I decided to start my own journal/blog to chronicle this adventure.

Last night I had an interesting dream. I dreamed that the colleagues I used to go to WW@Work with, all went to a seminar for a weight loss diet that involved eating very small amounts but with whole wheat pita. I said that I was not going to go because I was being banded, but I found myself wanting to try it and then being indecisive about getting the band. A reflection of my (as Jack would say) 52nd thoughts.

I yo yo from being so excited to terrified and can hardly wait to wishing it was 2 months away! (Although I have gained 5 lbs since I had my consult - eating all this junk to give in to the cravings).

I am so glad I found the board with all of you. You are all so supportive of each other and seem to genuinely care that we all do well. I know I am making the right decision and reading the posts make me feel that there will not be any surprises. I have confidence in Dr. Yau and the team. I think they too have my best interests at heart and will look after me.

Then...it will be up to me to make this work. I can. I will.

Susan

This should be the link, but if it doesn't work - its in Lapband FAQs.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=33949

HI: My objective in writing how I felt, is to point out your original reason for getting the band. Don't loose site of it. At the seminar, it was pointed out that the liver is a very delicate organ and the doctors have to move it aside to put on the band. The liver can be easily damaged so the smaller the liver the better it is for you. Does this little reminder help any of you "in waiting banders"???? I hope so. Doddie

Yup! It sure does and I am feeling proud that I have done well. I am ready for this surgery!

Yup, I hear ya Doddie and I hope the soon to be banded folks also do!!!

THAT was the reason I was able to stick to the pre-op diet....that is what I kept reminding myself of....that it was to shrink the liver to make the surgical procedure easier/safer/more effective etc. For me, it was an actual safety/health issue as opposed to "just another crazy diet".

So, whenever I wanted to have a little something and stray off the pre-op, I would remind myself that I was going under the knife and I didn't want to screw it (the procedure) up in any way!!! Worked for me!

So, whenever I wanted to have a little something and stray off the pre-op, I would remind myself that I was going under the knife and I didn't want to screw it (the procedure) up in any way!!! Worked for me!

That is what kept me on the diet too. I had nightmares about them getting inside me and finding that my liver was too large to be operated on. It really is a matter of personal safety that you guys stick to your pre-op because a nick in the liver can be a serious thing if you arent successful in reducing it.

Andrew

:clap2:

Not just the sun outside but in these dark days of preop diets and anxiety!

I am actually feeling pretty calm today. On the urging of my one sister, I called both my father and my other sister to tell them I am doing this. Surprisingly, they were both supportive and my sister said she will have mushies for my on Mother's day. To be honest it is a relief because I don't like to lie - it's one thing to lie to colleagues or even my in-laws, but it's much harder to lie to my own family, I never liked to do that.

DH is as always supportive and wonderful, giving me extra long hugs and not complaining about the lack of fresh food. He even booked a pedicure for me for today. LOVE THAT MAN!

To all of you who are going on Friday - it will go fast now...wait and see.

I think you done good! I really don't like lying to family. And I guess if you don't tell your friends then your not really lying right? It will make family times much easier and see how accomodating your sis is being for mom's day. They love you and want you to stick around. We are doing a good thing in every way. My best wishes for tomorrow.

It sounds like everything is falling into place for you and that's a good thing. I am pleased that your whole family is on board about the band. :girl_hug: Good luck with your operation, grrl!

Back from the pedicure and MAral called me to answer my question about Clear liquids today and YES!!! I can have broth and POPSICLES and CLEAR JUICE!!!

I am sipping hot consomme right now and in heaven.....

Popsicles were a life saver for me. I started on them the day after surgery. It gave me something to do with my mouth other than swallow.... (ahem....you guys get your minds outta the gutter!!!) :embarassed:

Seriously....they really helped...and they also helped to keep me hydrated. I had the Delmonte juice Pops....(small and 100% juice).

I've already got a box in the freezer for Mr Yoda.

It's been ages since I wrote on here. Gotta keep up!

Tomorrow I go back to work. I am a little nervous worrying what if:

I become weak or dizzy.

People notice me only drinking fluids.

Don't think they will notice my weight loss because I am wearing the same clothes that I was rapidly growing out of! Anyways at my weight 20 lbs is not that noticeable!

I am enjoying being off work!! Thank goodness I did not have to take this as vacation time - I need to plan some.

On the other hand it will be good for me to get back into my routine and not think about "ME" all the time. DH is a dear but does not know how to do laundry.

I miss cooking.

The weather is nicer, looking forward to going out for walks without fear of falling down!

Can't wait to get on my bike!!

Looking forward to my first bite of real food and to see how fast I can feel full!!!

Morning! Back to work today. I was getting used to retirement! The worst thing about is putting on makeup and a suit!

Since I have coffee first thing in the morning, can't eat yet so I will bring a Protein shake for mid morning and Soup at hand for a later lunch.

Hope things are not a disaster at my desk!!!!

I just found out that for the past 2 days I have been "eating" way too much. For some strange reason I thought that the 1/2 c of this and 1/4 c of that were just to start you off slowly. I didn't realize that is the actual portion sizes that you must stick to.

Now I am worried. Perhaps I did some damage to my band or my pouch. Also, I am feeling "deprived" now, knowing that of the fluids I CAN eat, i CAN'T eat very much at all. I know I will be hungry! I bought some Beneprotein today to add to everything, but how do you add beneprotein to 1/4 C of Protein shake????

This is the first time since I started the pre-op that I am frightened of cheating myself. I need to really get my head around these quantities and feel satisfied with my portions. Any suggestions?

You just have to be STRONG Susan and use willpower until you are at the stage of where the band will work for you. You stuck to your pre-op didn't you? So you can DO this. Yes, it seems long...but really....6 weeks will go by in no time!

To curb the hunger....have as MUCH Protein (ie. protein powder) as you can and drink drink drink your Water all day long. Otherwise, you just have to try and ignore the hunger and the belly rumbles. You know that physically speaking you are okay and don't need more food; you just have to convince yourself for now. I know, I know, if we all knew how to do that we wouldn't be here...but this is only temporary and just a necessary step you need to take at the beginning of this journey....keep that in the back of your mind; it can help.

Good luck.

Thanks for your words of encouragement Yoda. Send me your bill for therapy! LOL!

I do feel better this morning. I think it was the shock at learning all that I was doing wrong. I will stick to these portions, I will add Protein powder to everything, I will drink lots and lots of Water and I will be strong.

You guys did it and I can do it too!!

Wow, I am totally eating too much. I am on mushies but I ate 2 meatballs and a piece of toast for dinner and a whole can of Chicken with rice soup for lunch and yoghurt. I don't feel any restriction but I do eat all that. Is that really bad?