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!

I'm sure we're all thinking about a last, great meal, but you know, this is what got us into this mess in the first place. Basically, there is no last, great meal. We've had a million "last, great meals," and it never ends. So, yes, I want a last, great meal and yes, I may have one -- even though I know it's a totally self-destructive thing to do.

When does the self-destruction end and the healing begin?

bonnie

Hi everyone, I'm Gena and I'm having my band done Feb 11 in CT. I'm so excited, I'm actually having a party 2 weeks prior to my surgery.

BigMarathoner,

Funny coincidence, we're having a football party on Sunday too...it may well be my last meal, and I'm making a cassoulet. I'm also sorry to report that the Chargers are playing the Patriots, about 15 miles from my house. I'll be able to hear the cheers from here when the game is over. (well, maybe not, but the Pats will win)

Ted

Ted...

I will refrain from the smack talk.....but just know my Chargers WILL give your boys a run for their money!!! May the best team win!!! What's a cassoulet? Sound like a snazzy kind of casserole!! I went to sushi last night and enjoyed every single bite. I didn't go crazy and STUFF myself. Just ate slow and savored one of my favorite foods. I'm going out with my gal pals tonight and offered to be the designated driver. No wine for me!! BUT....I will enjoy a glass or two tommorow!!

Surgery date 2/7/08..*deep breath* wow.. it's not that far way although it does feel like it took forever!!6 months but I made it!.. I wish everyone here the best of luck this next month.. the start to a healthier , longer life!

Gena,

I will be banded also on the 11th in CT.

Where are you having your surgery?

Tina

I got two restaurant gift certificates for Christmas. I made sure I enjoyed these last dinners before my pre-op diet. I ordered foods that I thought I may never enjoy again!

Karen,

Sounds like you are well on your way! Thanks for making the thought of the band inside less creepy! LOL Where are you having your surgery?

I will have mine in New Haven, CT.

Tina

I'm still waiting to find out what a cassoulet is along with bigmarathoner.

I'm such a rube.

Hello fellow feb bansters,

Well as January comes to end, I am getting nervous. Did anyone have to watch the EMMI videos? I will be banded on 2/15. I am nervous about the surgery and the first month of liquids, etc.

I have the same date Feb 6th. I start the liquid diet tomorrow and hope I can stick to it. Had to get rid of all the junk food in the house so I would not be tempted. Good Luck to you all and I look forward to reading more on everyone's experiences.

Obviously I'm not TedOB, but I can explain a cassoulet. It's a sort of casserole or stew that usually contains white Beans and meat such as chicken, duck and/or pork sausage. It often has a tomato-based sauce as well as onions, but that's the basics. There are a lot of variations but it's originally a peasant dish from France. :rolleyes2:

I'm still waiting to find out what a cassoulet is along with bigmarathoner.

I'm such a rube.

Because my surgery date is Valentine's Day and we usually go out to dinner on that day, we'll be going on February 1 or 2 instead. I don't intend to go insane, but it's just a nice dinner for the holiday. My pre-op diet starts February 4.

I agree with the idea that the thinking behind the "last big meal" is what got me where I am now. There are people post-banding who have no problem eating all kinds of foods and there are people who can't ever eat certain foods. Obviously, I don't know how it'll be for me. But I do know that there isn't any food that will taste better than finally being healthy. If there is some food that I can't eat after banding, then that's what I'll have to remember.

I am scheduled for the lapband on Monday, Feb. 11 at St. Raphael's Hospital in New Haven, CT. I had my endoscopy and priority testing and will attend a seminar tomorrow night. I start my 1000 calorie liver shrinking diet on Monday, Jan. 28.

Good luck to us all!

Tina

Hey all glad to have found the Feb 08 bandsters.:biggrin: My story sounds the same as everyone else's I've read so far. My surgery date is Feb. 4th. Started the Atkins pre-op diet Tuesday. I joinded Butterfly Life this week in prep for Surgery. I know I should have started earlier but I had surgery on my arm in Oct. The stitches broke thru and it had to heal open. It didn't close until around the third week of Dec. Although it has started opening again (dang it:mad:). Dr. Tribble put me back on antibiotics and says that it will be ok to have the band anyway:biggrin:. I'm nervous but not backing down. My family are all supportive and I have told some of the staff at work. The managers are going to take it easy on me considering I'm pushing to go back on the fourth day after surgery. I look forward to going to bandland with this group:party:. Maybe when we all reach our goals we can have a big party.