Hi everyone - so glad I found this site. I started this process last year but could not get the surgery because no insurance coverage. I'm now using my bonus to self-pay, so I'm worried about spending so much money and not being happy with the results. I was suprised when I went in to re-start the process and they scheduled me for surgery on May 1!!! I'm so happy I get to do it soon but also I feel like it's happening so quickly (I think the latter is just nerves). I'm so ready for a life change - I gain so much weight during my two pregnancies and have not been able to loose any of it.

One of the things I'm concerned about is a social life. I'm frequently invited to parties, happy hours, "hang out and drink beer" events. I don't want to broastcast to the world that I've had surgery, but I know that this is going to be a life change. How do you politely turn down invitations or, if you do go to an event, are you able to enjoy it? Can you still have a social life?

Hey I am on 1st may too. Will start my pre op diet on Tuesday .

Congrat, Micky! We'll have to chat afterwards!

I just know both of you will do just fine!!! It is a bit of change in life-but I can eat almost everything I used to with a few exceptions (that I have chose not to try or have tried and just can't do). One major thing to remember is the amount you eat!!! That is the trick. Hang in there ladies you are both going to do just great!!!

As far as going to parties and all...I have done just wonderful there (once I could eat regular foods)...I maybe limited to which choices-but I just remember not to hog out and I was fine. I don't drink so that might be an issue-but have read red wines are okay and even beer when you don't overdo. There is life after lap-band surgery...honest. Best wishes to both of you...peepsbrown and micky29...will be waiting to hear from you!!!

Congrats!

I've not had any issues with parties/social events. I'm not much of a drinker, so that wasn't an issue anyway. But when it came to food choices...well...you make the best choices you can with what you have. Take something in your purse that you can eat. I survived the holiday season with only a few people asking why I had so little on my plate...and I just told them I wasn't really hungry. Not a lie

I know for me, when I'm out with friends, I make it about the people...not the food or drinks. I'm not hanging out at the chips waiting for people to talk to me. I'm following people around the room, laughing and cracking jokes. Who has time to focus on food when you are focusing on friends? You'll suddenly realize this for yourself one day and think "That SillyAuntDi chick was right." LOL

Good luck! Keep us in the loop as you get closer to surgery!