Well folks, I have an appointment in Moncton on July 23rd, to meet with my doctor and sign the papers to have Lap Band surgery. I will be done in October, November at the latest. my doctor does not do a pre-op diet a few weeks befor the surgery, he wants it several pounds off now and I am struggling like crazy trying to get 10 lbs off befor the 23rd. I am getting very nervous now that I know in the fall I will be done. At first I was excited and scared, now I am scared and wondering if I am doing the right thing. I cannot do it on my own, tried and failed so many times. I need the surgery to do it. Any advise?

So many mixed feeling here.

Sherrylynn

Sherrylynn,

Like you I have tired and failed so many times in the past - that is why I have turned to the lap band. I still have a long ways to go, but I don't for a minute regret having it done. It has and will continue to change my life - but you have to be prepared for that. Your like when it comes to eating will change drastically. No only will you not be able to eat the same amounts, you will find that there are foods that you ocannot tolerate, and that they WAY you eat will have to change and that if you use food (like I have) for comfort, to relieve boredom or stress - it will not be able to work like it did. You have to be prepared for all these changes and more.

I hope I did not scare you - but it is important to really weigh your decision. I have been banded since May 2nd which is not a long time and there have been moments that I thought I must have been insane when I signed up for this, but again, I do not regret this for a second.

I wish you the very best of luck - keep posting!

You will go through all the emotions known to the human race. Everything from second guessing yourself to fear, to joy, to excitement, anticipation, frustration, on and on and on.

I was banded in Feb and even after PBing, I would never give up my band. It has made me "normal". I eat small amouants, know when I am full. I have had periods when no weight has come off but at first I concentrated on learning to eat small bites and chew. Now as of the 1st of July, I am exercising on the treadmill. I couldn't change all my bad habits at once so have been doing one at a time.

So hang in there. I would be very surprised if you didn't become a convert like the rest of us. doddie

Dear Sherrylynn,

my dr had me on a liquid diet prior to banding. its important you lose a few lbs before surgery to shrink your liver. Id never..NEVER ...fasted before and was worried...as LONG as you get in alot of protein each day you can go a week without solid food! its true. Mine had me drink FOUR high protein slim fasts or atkins shakes a day plus drink a buttload of fluids. chicken broth worked for dinner, hot tea for breakfast, and lots and lots of protein shakes. AMAZINGLY once i stuck to the program it wasnt so bad. i had NO energy but told myself it was okay, it was for this specific reason and only for this week. you can do this.

also..

i LOVE MoNCTON!!! i have six large paintings (four foot by four foot) hanging in a building on Vaughn Harvey? its been a while since ive been out there. I live in northern maine. Drop me a Private message and ill send you my regular email address. GOOD LUCK!

The others have pretty much covered everything but as for the fact that your doctor doesnt provide you with a pre-op diet. Do one yourself! Follow one of another clinic. If you want to, simply ask and within a day i'm sure you'll get the one for TLBC and SWLC in toronto. (basically the short version is tlbc= cottage cheese and sugar free yogurt, swlc=optifast and a small amount of a specific type of vegetables) If your doctor doesnt ask for one doesnt mean its not a good idea. The fact is, it shrinks your liver, the reason they make us do it is to make it easier on them. So don't do it for him but do it for yourself.