I've made a decision that when the surgeon's office calls to set up my surgery date in the next few days or weeks, I am going to push for February. Preferrably the 11th, because where I work that would give me two Holidays off, plus one of my Friday's off. I have the 9/8/80 schedule if anyone out there knows what that is, or has it. I plan to take full two weeks off. Why not? I have plenty of time on my books, and I want to be sure I stick to my liquid diet 100%! That can be hard to do if you're stuck at work and end up not bringing enough to keep you satisfied during the day.

So, anyone else out there with a date that month or trying to push for it? I'd love to hear from you and see how it's going.

Here is my journey, I hope your up to a long read...

I began looking into the lap-band surgery about three years ago when I first heard about the surgery. Not very intently at first of course, and I always said I'd never even consider bypass.

Not long after hearing about it my PCP told me I had chronic hypertension. Well, I was only 30 years old at that time! I was blown away. I was a chubby child (not bad), but at about 12/13 I lost the weight and was able to keep it off until about 19. It was about 2 years later I met my husband and we married shortly afterward, and it was at that time I made the most of my weight gain. It was like I was sleeping all though it and I never realized it happened. My eyes were really opened that day my doctor informed me of my disease. Well, needless to say I hadn't even stepped on the scale in many, many years. I was wearing a size 28 at the time of my diagnosis. I made a conscious effort to lose some weight on my own, still not fully supporting the idea of surgery. I did pretty good. I did it through good old better eating and exercise. I lost about a pant size before making that ultimate step onto the scale. It said 315!!!

OMG! :faint:

You know, I knew I was pretty bad off, but still - even then - I didn't imagine it to be that bad. Keep in mind I'd already lost some weight. I've come to terms with it now, and can easily say I was probably at my max upwards into the 330's.

Well, I continued to lose a little more weight in the same way - but somewhere betwee 270 and 280 I'd stopped. I've been yo-yo'ing the last ten pounds ever since. I've been this weight for probably the better of two years now. It was at the beginning of this year I realized I needed more help. I figured I needed a little something to keep my portions in control, as I noticed by journaling my intake I tend to "overeat" especially during dinner hour. Breakfast and lunch are perfect, as always. I do great when my mind is busy at work.

It took a lot of courage to ask my PCP about bariatrics. It was almost as if I was admitting to myself especially that yes, I'm fat, and yes - I can't lose it alone. My travels from there have been long and arduous. But one moment of it, I do not regret. I am so thankful for the six month dietician appointments, as it prepared me a great deal and in so many ways. I don't think I will be as successful had I not done them.

I am so close now, I can see the Bandland gates from here!

So, anyone still going through the toughest part, HANG IN THERE!! It is, and it will be SO worth it.

I simply can hardly wait!

MHazelRigg....WOW!!! Congrats on going back to work so soon!! You had your surgery 2 days after mine. I'm not going back to work until Friday the 15th. I decided to give myself extra time to get back on my feet, I'm a wimp when it comes to pain! I actually have been feeling pretty good though. I've had some shoulder pain and soreness in my belly where I believe my port is but other than that I've felt better and better each day. I am soooo excited about starting the pureed foods this Wednesday!! Today was the first day where I felt hungry...I was hungry quite a bit tonight. I had some cream soup and a sugar free fudgsicle for a snack about an hour and a half later. Anyways...good luck to you with your first day back to work!! :eek:

Good luck to all the February Bandsters!!

Adkins Advantage shakes have 17 grams of protein versus 10 grams in Slimfast, and I really like both of the flavors I tried.

I went back to work Monday, and I realized that just because my doctor said that I could, did not mean that I should. But I got through it with no problems and went home and went to bed for a couple hours. Tuesday was easier, but I was really tired when I got home. I think that today was actually the worst day. I had to sit down a lot and I like to get my kids up dancing before a test and I did that twice today. I definately over did it today.

I see the doctor tomorrow. I am able to drink about 6 ounces of either water or soup now. Before my surgery, I would drink two big bottles of water each day. I would usually drink about 30 ounces at night. I am so thirsty. I want to just get a big glass of water and drink it all. But I think that would hurt REALLY bad.

Tomorrow is a new day!! Everyday is a little better!!

I'm sure glad you are all writing what its like at least in the very beginning. I will be banded 1 week from today. So glad every one is doing really well, that's very encouraging. Good luck! and keep us informed please. See you on the other side next week. :mad:

Jeanie

It is so great to read what others have said about their recent bands. I got banded on Tuesday-two days ago. My doc sent me home after about 4 hours in recovery including a barium swallow. The worst pain I've had is from my caffeine withdrawl headache the first evening. I was a bit nauseated and of course, I still have a lot of soreness. My husband took my four year old twins out all day today so I have gotten a lot of rest..'tis wonderful! I have great hope for the future and look forward to following everyone's progress.:mad:

Pontomimi, Congratulations on your recent banding. I was banded on Monday. Feeling pretty good now!

Jeanieg6, Congrats on your upcoming surgery. It is good to have the support of all of us going through this journey together!!!

I had a headache from the caffiene too. I had my husband make me a hot tea in the morning, and it not only helped with the caffiene, it relaxed my band, so I was able to get more liquid down. I was a HUGE diet Coke drinker, and I have to say, I miss it, but now that I am 7 days out, it is much better.

I am going to start back to working out next week. I am nervous, but I can do it. I know that this is probably going to be my biggest wieght loss period, so I want to maximize it!!

I had a headache from the caffiene too. I had my husband make me a hot tea in the morning, and it not only helped with the caffiene, it relaxed my band, so I was able to get more liquid down. I was a HUGE diet Coke drinker, and I have to say, I miss it, but now that I am 7 days out, it is much better.

I am going to start back to working out next week. I am nervous, but I can do it. I know that this is probably going to be my biggest wieght loss period, so I want to maximize it!!

I had the same problem, even daring to say that I probably drank more Diet Coke than you (at my peak closing in on a GALLON A DAY). I was able to pare it down pre-op, but by Monday I was still downing way too much of it. Had an absolutely wicked caffeine headache Tuesday and Wednesday prior to surgery, but honestly haven't even thought about Diet Coke since (well, until now, that is). I'm not at all sure I'll miss it that much.

Well I just decided to write because I am in my hotel room in Mexico very nervous. My surgery is tomorrow morning......thank you all for your posts...I have been logging on reading more than writing, getting information about previous banding experiences. I will post after my surgery....and add any tips I can for future bansters. Please Pray for Me...

beachcomber Tina,

how was your surgery on monday? i can't find where you have posted your experience, you ok? :thumbup:

hope your surgery goes super Glynda. :crying:

Jeanie

Hi fellow bandsters! I'll be banded on Feb 27. I've had my band for nearly 5 years (love, love, love it!), but due to recent slippage, I need to be re-banded. You will NOT be disappointed in your decision to get this band!

I lost 103 pounds with my first band. Went from barely being able to walk up the stairs, to running 5 miles nearly every day, plus strength training. I've signed up for my first marathon (26 miles!), so I'm eager to get this band replaced and get back to training!

Be well, be persistent!

Hi fellow bandsters! I'll be banded on Feb 27. I've had my band for nearly 5 years (love, love, love it!), but due to recent slippage, I need to be re-banded. You will NOT be disappointed in your decision to get this band!

I lost 103 pounds with my first band. Went from barely being able to walk up the stairs, to running 5 miles nearly every day, plus strength training. I've signed up for my first marathon (26 miles!), so I'm eager to get this band replaced and get back to training!

Be well, be persistent!

Now if that isn't an endorsement of the band I don't know what is!!!!!

Had one five years ago and is going to get another one? That's great!

I hope by the time I am done losing that I will be able to run a marathon! LOL Can't even fathom it right now but maybe someday.

Good Luck!

Well I just decided to write because I am in my hotel room in Mexico very nervous. My surgery is tomorrow morning......thank you all for your posts...I have been logging on reading more than writing, getting information about previous banding experiences. I will post after my surgery....and add any tips I can for future bansters. Please Pray for Me...

Good luck Glynda! Today is your day and you will be fine! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Glynda,

Prayers are being offered for a successful and uneventful surgery!

Jeanieg6,

I am doing well. Feel great, thank goodness and will be on a low fat full liquid diet until Feb. 27. :eek:

Thanks for asking!

WOW, Drkel! That is amazing. Good luck with the new surgery!

GO GLYNDA!! Can't wait to hear an update once you're on the other side.

Hey drkel....sorry to hear about the slippage, but your enthusiasm about the band is infectious!! As far as a marathon.....GO FOR IT!! I trained for and completed my first marathon in October. It was one of the best days of my life and I will start training for my second starting in April. The big difference will be that now I have my band and will be hopefully running with a lighter body!! Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted on your progress.

Amy