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!

Congratulations!!!!!

Especially congrats on the stop smoking thing!!! How are you kicking the habit??? My best friend is doing commit lozenges. I hope they work for her.

Whoo-hoo! Got my date today - Feb 26! I'm thrilled. I start the pre-op diet (medifast) on Monday 01/21 (ugh - a whole MONTH...ah well, better to get started as soon as possible, eh?). Stopped smoking today in prep as well.

I can't wait!!!!!!!

Hey, NYTrink!! I'm one day after you!! We need to keep in touch and compare notes!!

Hey, NYTrink!! I'm one day after you!! We need to keep in touch and compare notes!!

There are a BUNCH of us! This is gonna be fun!

As for the quitting smoking, that's one thing I haven't had a problem w/in the past. I started smoking at age 14, and have picked it up and put it down a few different times. Cigs never caused a physical craving for me - just the mental part of wanting to do it, or the social aspect of smoking in bars, etc. This past time I've been smoking about a year, but never on weekends at home (hubby doesn't know, or at least doesn't say anything).

I guess that's how Mother Nature dealt it to me...no cig cravings, but just ask me someday about the year I gave up chocolate for Lent - my coworkers wanted to put "caution" tape around my cube at work!!!!

Anyway, I thought I'd better quit now so I can get my lung capacity back up pre-op. Plus, deep breathing really helps a lot when stopping smoking, since you get that nice "drag" feeling going to replace the cigs.

I'm so excited about taking this big band-step forward in my life...I feel like I could conquer the world right now. :cool:

Heya, Melinda! Glad to know you!

Hello!

I am scheduled for my surgery on Feb. 11. I go for pre-op testing on Friday, Jan. 18, which also includes an endoscopy. I worry about that test but everyone assures me that it is not anything to be concerned about. I hope all my pre-op tests are ok and I get clearance for the surgery.

I am 54 years old, the mother of 4 children (young adults) and wife to a wonderful man who is concerned about the safety of the surgery. I would like to lose 80-90 lbs.

My fears.....Sometimes the thought of the band creeps me out....I worry about having a foreign object inside of me forever. I also worry about being successful. I know I have to be faithful to my band.....

I start my pre-op diet on Jan. 28, which consists of 1000 calorie diet to shrink the liver.....Does anyone else have a similar pre-op plan?

Good luck to all of us....Let's keep in touch and be each others' cheerleader.

Tina

Hello BeachComber,

I hope to be approved for Feb… An upper endoscopy is not too bad, a few years back I had one, they put me under for a little and hand me lay on my side, next thing I know they are pulling the tubing from my mouth. Other than a tender throat and some…*blush* drool. It was fine; just relax.

Loup

Hi Loup!

Thanks for your reassuring words. I appreciate it.

Good luck with your approval. I had to complete a 6 mth weight program and got approval right after that.

Tina

Hi Tina!

I am on a pre-op diet which requires that I consume no more than 30 carbs a day, sort of a modified Atkins Diet. (Glad I'm not have to do the induction phase of that plan!). Two days before surgery I go to Clear Liquids. I have already lost about five pounds on the diet alone so I'm getting a head start.

I am sort of looking at having the band inside of me like I would if I had a rod in my leg or arm, or a hip replacement, etc. It will be something that helps my body to function properly

My surgery is on 02/07. I am definitely depending on this group and a couple of others I am on to keep my head in the right place. I know that in order to be successful I am going to have to lean on my fellow bandsters from time to time and let them lean on me as well.

Good luck!!!

Hello!

I am scheduled for my surgery on Feb. 11. I go for pre-op testing on Friday, Jan. 18, which also includes an endoscopy. I worry about that test but everyone assures me that it is not anything to be concerned about. I hope all my pre-op tests are ok and I get clearance for the surgery.

I am 54 years old, the mother of 4 children (young adults) and wife to a wonderful man who is concerned about the safety of the surgery. I would like to lose 80-90 lbs.

My fears.....Sometimes the thought of the band creeps me out....I worry about having a foreign object inside of me forever. I also worry about being successful. I know I have to be faithful to my band.....

I start my pre-op diet on Jan. 28, which consists of 1000 calorie diet to shrink the liver.....Does anyone else have a similar pre-op plan?

Good luck to all of us....Let's keep in touch and be each others' cheerleader.

Tina

I'll be keeping an eye on all of my fellow Feb 2008er's. My surgery is Feb 12th, and I hope we're all here to Celebrate and complain with.

Any one else from Massachusetts?

Ted

Well fellow Feb bansters... Was there an official name.. I know there were several that were thrown out there, but was one chosen? Also wanted to update that I am still a Feb banster, but I had to change my date for the wls. My husband is taking a state test, and they determine the date (which happen to be the date I go in for labs and the day before my surgery). So I changed it to 2/15....I am still scared and I know that my husband is too. So I wonder if that was a sign...not sure...Still excited though. I have a family reunion that I am attending in August and would love to have some weight loss by then.

Hello Everyone!

I am officially now a February Bandster! My sugery date is February 13. I got preadmitted on Tuesday and did all the test. I hope everything comes back okay. I am getting very excited and nervous. I start the preop diet on January 30. One week with liquids and one small week and then the week before sugery an all liquid diet. I am excited to get to know everyone!:smile:

I'm all set for February 11th. I'm being banded at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. I'm not nervous about the surgery, but I am nervous about the one month of liquids and mushies. I'm determined to do this and I know I'll get through it. I'm stoked!

bonnie

Stayed stoked Bonnie. I'm scheduled for Feb 12th. Anyone else having a hard time resisting that Last Great Meal?

Ted

Hey Ted....

I started a thread yesterday about my dilemma of indulging this weekend. My surgery is 2/5 (which ironically is Fat Tuesday!!) and I start my "official" pre-op diet next Tues. I've been on an "unofficial" diet the last couple of weeks doing low carb, small portions, lots of protein shakes, no alcohol BUT.....I'm thinking I might have to treat myself to a nice sushi dinner and have some wine this weekend. PLUS...I live in San Diego and my Chargers have a BIG day on Sunday and we are having a party at our house. I don't plan on going crazy stuffing my face and getting hammered....but I think I will give myself permission to enjoy these things before adhering to the pre-op diet....which I'm TOTALLY ready to tackle. Glad we have a group here for support. What would your "last meal" be?