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!

Hi Red Saffron,

My surgery date is also on February 4th! It was supposed to be on Feb. 11th, but I got a call yesterday asking me if I could do it on the 4th, instead. I'm nervous and scared and all the rest. This is a HUGE step, but I have to remember that I'm doing it for my health -- both physical and mental!

Where do you live?

I live in Massachusetts.

b.

Hi, my surgery date is Feb. 6th with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali!!! I am so excited and cant stay focused on anything else! Im so readyt o begin my journey to a new me!!!!!

Hello Everyone...

My surgery date is February 13. I start my pre-op diet on January 30. I am getting so excited. I can not wait to start this journey with all of you. We are going to have so much fun.

Kimberly

This day will be the best 4th ever even better then that little known one in July. I get banded that day and can hardly wait. Yes I am scared, nervous and all the rest but I am also excited, overjoyed and speechless (okay maybe no speechless but I was when they told me my date).

My motto "Bandland the Happiest Place on Earth!"

WOO HOO! Congratulations. You are a week ahead of me. Let me know how you make out!

Tina P.

What is your pre-op diet like? I start mine tomorrow. It is a 1000 calorie diet to shrink the liver. Good luck!

Tina

Hello fellow Febs...

I am one week into my pre-op diet, which is 3 shakes a day and "one small meal". The first few days were rough, but I figured out how to adjust to the diet and make it work for me. As of this morning I'm down 7 pounds!! I'm getting banded on 2/5 and the reality that is 9 days away has definitely kicked in. For those of you getting ready to start pre-op diet, IT DOES GET EASIER. Not that everyone will struggle, but I was really hungry the first few days. I've also been gettting on the treadmill which has made a big difference. Hope everyone is doing well and feeling great!!

Amy

WOO HOO! Congratulations. You are a week ahead of me. Let me know how you make out!

Tina P.

Hey there.

I am so excited!!!! I can hardly sleep, eat, concentrate or anything else....Im so ready for this...I will keep your bed warm for you! Keep me posted on your journey too!!!!

What is your pre-op diet like? I start mine tomorrow. It is a 1000 calorie diet to shrink the liver. Good luck!

Tina

I dont have a pre-opt diet.....thank god!

Hello fellow Febs...

I am one week into my pre-op diet, which is 3 shakes a day and "one small meal". The first few days were rough, but I figured out how to adjust to the diet and make it work for me. As of this morning I'm down 7 pounds!! I'm getting banded on 2/5 and the reality that is 9 days away has definitely kicked in. For those of you getting ready to start pre-op diet, IT DOES GET EASIER. Not that everyone will struggle, but I was really hungry the first few days. I've also been gettting on the treadmill which has made a big difference. Hope everyone is doing well and feeling great!!

Amy

Where are you getting banded?

Hi Everyone! My banding date was moved up to feb 4th from the 18th.I'm starting to get nervous now. I've been reading all the blogs and am readying myself psychologically.I am taking off that week and hope to be able to work the following Monday.I have my husbands support and we are trying to get him approved also. We didn't tell the family at this time.I've been yoyoing for years since I'm 13 years old and have hit rock bottom.Any strong recommendations for docs in ny? anyone out there banded by Dr.Artuso?

Hi Lisa..

Ohh...you're so lucky you don't have a pre-op. I'm getting banded at Sharp Hospital in San Diego by Dr. Mueller. How about you?

Hi I am scheduled for the 4th too. Keep intouch post op. I'll compare my postop course with you.

Congratulations! That just happened to me from the 18th to the 4th. my stomach did flips and now the reality is setting in.Good Luck

Yes I have a pre op diet low or no carbs, high protein and low fat:drool:. So basically I can eat chicken and high protein meats no breads or pasta. I am drinking alot of shakes just because it is easier on me and I am not tempted to eat any other thing though I have had chicken 3 times in the last week. I have lost 10 pounds and I still have a week to go until surgery:crazy:. As the day draws near I get more nervous but I had a wonderful lunch today with the AZ Bandster's Monthly Luncheon:grouphug:. I got to meet alot of people that have been banded and that have gone to the surgeon I have chosen so it eased my mind a little. I am much more confident in my choice now and just want to get this journey started:hurray:.