I can't wait! I saw the surgeon on Wednesday, and I am SO glad that I changed surgeons. Dr. Weaver has a much better bedside manner than my old surgeon (Dr. Olsen from Centennial in Nashville) did, and she's much more positive about the band. When I saw the old surgeon, he made comments about "people getting the band are less committed than people having RNY," which absolutely burned me up. Now I think that his attitude was because he has very little band experience. Most of his patients are having RNY.

Anyway, the meeting with my new surgeon went very well. I'm very comfortable with her, and she seemed to be very positive about the band. I knew everything she talked about, which made me grateful that I had done my research beforehand.

I have to go back on the 26th/27th to have pre-op blood work done and to attend nutrition classes. I also have to do a liver shrink diet for two weeks before surgery, which means this coming Tuesday is the last time I'll get to eat normally for 4 weeks!

This surgeon has a much more user-friendly diet afterwards than the first surgeon had, too. The old one used a very RNY-centric diet (600-800 calories, three ounces Protein, 2 T each of two veggies). This surgeon has nothing like that. In fact, I was just told that I would be on pureed foods for two weeks after surgery, and then I can eat regular foods. I'll probably get more detail in the nutrition class, but it seems to be much more band-friendly than my old surgeon's plan.

Well congrats laurend!!, I know it has been a long time coming for you, I have followed your posts since coming here and I am tickled it is finally happening for you! The liquid diet is rough but you can get through it,at night I would just go to sleep early because it was my hardest time. You will do fine you have wanted this for so long, congrats again!

Almost there Lauren! This has been a LONG road for you. I know I was getting frustrated when I was still playing the waiting game and finding people getting their band within days/weeks of deciding to have it done. I had a hard time being happy for them because it was so much work and took "so long" for me. You REALLY hung in there, much longer than most would, and I am certain that with your determination, you're going to be 100% successful!!

Hello Everyone,

My name is Lisa and today I got the Surgical date set.....Aug 6th. I am 51 yrs old, about #100 overwt. I've alway's battled the bulge but after turning 50, having a foot injury that really limited my excersise and working 12+ hr shifts I really packed it on. I am SO looking forward to having more energy, being able to cross my legs, and generally having a choice on not wearing a tent or a shroud! I have only told a few people of my descision to do this. I know it's only a tool to help me on my journey back to health. Glad to have found this site and hope to connect with others!

Lisa

Congrats Laurend! Four weeks of a liquid diet will really jump-start your weight loss! I can't wait to hear of your successes.

Well, I just called the nutritionist about the 2-week diet that I have to start tomorrow, and she's faxing me the information packet on it. Apparently, I have to replace 2 meals with protein shakes or bars, and eat a low-fat/low-cal dinner. I get to have a piece of fruit between each meal, and pretty much as many low-carb veggies as I want. I have to be on clear liquids the day before the surgery, and nothing after midnight the day of surgery.