I thought I was getting one but they did not give me one. Is that unusual? I didn't think to ask.

Nope. I didn't have an upper GI. Turns out that I had a hernia as many of us did but Dr. Ren fixed it and that was that. As an FYI, I used to live on Tums and Rolaids but not any more. Haven't had to take an antacid since being banded.

Since we had the same surgeon I feel better. Thanks.

Are you guys at NYU? If so, I'm being operated by Dr Ren on Nov 11! Briefs, I think you have a similar date? I read on your other post you start pre-op in 3 days, and I start mine in 2 days.

I'm scheduled for November 4th with Dr. Fielding so I am 5 days into the pre op diet.

Ah okay, on the other thread I was confused by the date on the post (today) which is more recent than when you posted it. Good luck to you!

Good luck to both of you and hope to see you at a future NYC support group meeting.

i realize this is not the right thread for this, but I'm having surgery with Dr. Ren Nov 13th! I've been reading this forum for a couple of weeks and just registered. Seeing a few future banders with the same doctor is somehow making this more real for me. My pre-op is tomorrow.

Elizabeth. Congrats!!!!

i realize this is not the right thread for this, but I'm having surgery with Dr. Ren Nov 13th! I've been reading this forum for a couple of weeks and just registered. Seeing a few future banders with the same doctor is somehow making this more real for me. My pre-op is tomorrow.

Congrats Elizabeth. If you are interested, we are having our face to face support group meeting on Saturday in midtown. All are welcome...those who are pre and post surgery. If you want details, feel free to PM me. Oh...by the way, Dr. Ren is awesome.

That's great! It's amazing to meet so many people going to the same practice! I am 3 days into pre-op. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's not great, but I thought it would be *horrible*. I've been using the GNC Total Lean shakes that the nutritionist recommended. They're really good. They sell a similar formula in a powder and it's really gross, so I stick with the ready-made ones. I ordered a ton online! We need 5 a day pre op for 2 weeks (depending the brand, but most are 5), then at least 2 a day post op for 10 days. It's over 100 shakes.

Can't wait to see how everyone does, and I'm glad I found out about the support group. I can't attend this week, but I'm looking forward to future meetings

Go walking. I can't make this weekend either. Getting my pre op hair done ????

We've actually decided to cancel tomorrow what with the weather prediction of rain and wind. We'll reschedule for closer to Thanksgiving most likely.

That's great! It's amazing to meet so many people going to the same practice! I am 3 days into pre-op. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's not great, but I thought it would be *horrible*. I've been using the GNC Total Lean shakes that the nutritionist recommended. They're really good. They sell a similar formula in a powder and it's really gross, so I stick with the ready-made ones. I ordered a ton online! We need 5 a day pre op for 2 weeks (depending the brand, but most are 5), then at least 2 a day post op for 10 days. It's over 100 shakes.

Can't wait to see how everyone does, and I'm glad I found out about the support group. I can't attend this week, but I'm looking forward to future meetings

I'm using the GNC shakes too. They are sweeter than I expected, but not bad. I ordered a slew online as well recently when they were on sale. The poor delivery guy had his work cut out for him that day! I'm not telling people at work, so I've been emptying them into insulated Water bottles that I sip at my desk. They stay incredibly cold all day (Contigo brand) and I don't have to deal with questions.

Sorry to hear this weekend's meetup due to the weather, but I understand. How often does this group meet?

Clever Elizabeth. I decided to tell people at work (there are only 10 people in my office though!). I've seen threads with people discussing who they told, and it seems most people don't share. I've shared with all of my friends, my family, and coworkers. It was a little embarassing, but for me it was very liberating. And I'm really lucky bc 100% of the people have been supportive. You definitely know the people in your life, and I don't mean to say you should say something or not, just wanted share my experience.

I've told friends and family, but have chosen not to tell those at work. I wouldn't call it a supportive working environment. I'm so glad to hear yours is; that's wonderful. Family has been great too since they've obviously known me my whole life and have seen my struggles with weight. Friends have fallen into two camps; "normal" folks have been great,and the "skinny" friends I've found that just don't understand. Some of those have been against it and some have had the initial 2-minute discussion and it's never come up again.