Hi everyone--I thought I'd listen to some advice from one of the other monthly groups and start one master thread in which we have an ongoing discussion/updates. I don't know about you all but I certainly spend most of my time on these boards on the pre-op forum and the general forum, not here. It would be nice to have just one thread to go to once in this forum.

We can maybe start out with introductions?

As for me, I'm going the "online privacy" route for now (paranoid that people I haven't told about this will somehow stumble across me on this site I guess, which is crazy, I know) but I can give you the big picture:

You can call me Penny, I'm 27, single and live in the Washington, DC area. I have a background in politics (which is why I live in DC) but now I'm a librarian which is much cooler and way more fun (trust me on that). Oh, and there's no "Marion the Librarian" thing with me either. One of the things I hear most frequently (besides the cliche "you have such a pretty face") is "but you don't LOOK like a librarian", which is another one of those bizarre backhanded compliments that you never really know how to take.

Personality wise, I'm kind of dorky, big into public radio and books and popular science. Oh, I'm also a little on the paranoid side (as you may be able to tell from earlier in this post). Beyond that I'm just kind of silly and friendly, VERY much so into traveling and I'm an aspiring "green" domestic diva (but that's not going so well).

I have no idea how I am going to sleep tonight. It is like Chritmas eve! I don't want to take anything because I have a really important meeting at 0730 AM and nned to be alert. Then I am going to go over for my surgery (I am a nurse and work for the hospital where the surgery will be)

I guess I will take a hot bath and read a while after I pack. Oh shoot; it is only 630 pm,:embaressed_smile: I have 12 hours to kill. When in doubt -go to Wal-mart!

I will post on Thursday; asking for prayers, please.

Lynn:embaressed_smile:

I have no idea how I am going to sleep tonight. It is like Chritmas eve! I don't want to take anything because I have a really important meeting at 0730 AM and nned to be alert. Then I am going to go over for my surgery (I am a nurse and work for the hospital where the surgery will be)

I guess I will take a hot bath and read a while after I pack. Oh shoot; it is only 630 pm,:embaressed_smile: I have 12 hours to kill. When in doubt -go to Wal-mart!

I will post on Thursday; asking for prayers, please.

Lynn:embaressed_smile:

Prayers will be going up tonight and tomorrow. I hope you get some sleep but I know how you feel. I'll so be feeling and asking for the same thing.

Prayers will be going up tonight and tomorrow. I hope you get some sleep but I know how you feel. I'll so be feeling and asking for the same thing.

Pray for me too!

Pray for me too!

You bet! I believe in the power of prayer.

Hello every! Just wanted to say everyone is doing a great job.

I am over the top of being sad. I went to my consult with my doctor July 2. I was told then that I had to have blood work done which was no problem. I went straight to the hospital to have it done. The nurse said as soon as she got the results back she would call me with a date for surgery. So I was so excited, how long could blood work take right? I emailed her the next Tuesday and she said that I had to have it paid in full (I'm self pay). So I said ok thats understandable I went and paid it in full even got to work late that night. That was on a Thursday they said they would call me Friday with a date for my surgery.

I waited and never did get a call. So Monday I called and then found out I guess it didnt matter if I paid for it yet or not. Because till ALL of my blood work is back she wont give me a date. Did I mention I would 3 full time jobs. So knowing a date is very very important to me I have alot to get in line before I can have it.

So I just suck it up and say ok as I have a tear in my eye. Well this morning I have a wake up call telling me,"I am very sorry but Quest lost your blood for your B6 test" I was like excuse me? Yes mam you will have to come back to the hospital and more blood taken.

So yet again I suck it up and say ok. I get to the hospital and ask the lady who was taking my blood how long it would take to come back she said 2 weeks. I could feel the tears coming on so I said ok thanks & left.

I called my nurse and told her just so she would know that she would be waiting for that one to come in. I was wishing she would go ahead once she got the other test results back and shedule my date sence this was only B6 result we were waiting for. BUT she said no I had to wait.

So tears came to flying. I just feel so sad and angery I am not sure what it is I am feeling. I cant wait to have my surgery.

I went to the dietitan tonight as well and I am telling you she is stupid as a brick I dont think she knows what she was doing. She put me under as well today lol.

Also did I mention my little girls birthday is Aug 5th and I dont want to have surgery right before her bithday and be sick on her birthday.

I know this has been alot to take in, I just feel so defeated at this moment. Just wanted to share my story with everyone. I know every thing happens for a reason but gezz I am tired of the run around. So anways thanks to everyone who take the time to read my message.

Good luck to everyone you are all doing so great!!!!

-Sthernbrat:confused::embaressed_smile:

Hello every! Just wanted to say everyone is doing a great job.

I am over the top of being sad. I went to my consult with my doctor July 2. I was told then that I had to have blood work done which was no problem. I went straight to the hospital to have it done. The nurse said as soon as she got the results back she would call me with a date for surgery. So I was so excited, how long could blood work take right? I emailed her the next Tuesday and she said that I had to have it paid in full (I'm self pay). So I said ok thats understandable I went and paid it in full even got to work late that night. That was on a Thursday they said they would call me Friday with a date for my surgery.

I waited and never did get a call. So Monday I called and then found out I guess it didnt matter if I paid for it yet or not. Because till ALL of my blood work is back she wont give me a date. Did I mention I would 3 full time jobs. So knowing a date is very very important to me I have alot to get in line before I can have it.

So I just suck it up and say ok as I have a tear in my eye. Well this morning I have a wake up call telling me,"I am very sorry but Quest lost your blood for your B6 test" I was like excuse me? Yes mam you will have to come back to the hospital and more blood taken.

So yet again I suck it up and say ok. I get to the hospital and ask the lady who was taking my blood how long it would take to come back she said 2 weeks. I could feel the tears coming on so I said ok thanks & left.

I called my nurse and told her just so she would know that she would be waiting for that one to come in. I was wishing she would go ahead once she got the other test results back and shedule my date sence this was only B6 result we were waiting for. BUT she said no I had to wait.

So tears came to flying. I just feel so sad and angery I am not sure what it is I am feeling. I cant wait to have my surgery.

I went to the dietitan tonight as well and I am telling you she is stupid as a brick I dont think she knows what she was doing. She put me under as well today lol.

Also did I mention my little girls birthday is Aug 5th and I dont want to have surgery right before her bithday and be sick on her birthday.

I know this has been alot to take in, I just feel so defeated at this moment. Just wanted to share my story with everyone. I know every thing happens for a reason but gezz I am tired of the run around. So anways thanks to everyone who take the time to read my message.

Good luck to everyone you are all doing so great!!!!

-Sthernbrat:confused::embaressed_smile:

You hang in there. I know the frustration and sadness you feel. I am self-pay also and was told this would speed up the process. It did not, I had to jump all the hoops others did and wait my turn. I had to keep reminding myself I am not the only one wanting this surgery like YESTERDAY :] BTW, I love Myrtle Beach and wish I could live there year round.

I know it's tough to have to wait when the need feels so urgent. And I also know about irritating and stupid nutritionists! (Though I have some great ones now, both at the hospital and through my surgeon.) So, you have my sympathy. I think we've all been there, where we want it yesterday.

I've had to wait close to a year to change insurance companies and jump through Aetna's hoops. So I also have the experience to say this: Make the most of this waiting time. Practice eating bandster style: Lean Proteins, lots of veggies and fruits, Beans and other high Fiber carbs. Take tiny bites and chew thoroughly. (My surgeon's dietician says to chew to applesauce consistency. That made it really clear for me.) Pause between bites. If you haven't already cut back on caffeine and carbonation, start now. Drink plenty of Water and other non caloric fluids. I have come to really appreciate the waiting time I had because I was able to research thoroughly, join bandster groups and see what they are going through, and I put my good habits into place while losing some of the excess weight. :frown: So I have a head start on the journey to my goal weight!

Time will pass. You will schedule your surgery in a way that works for you. It's all good. If you choose to make it good.

Orea

Hi everyone -

I've been reading the posts and thought this would be a good thread to join in on. I'm having surgery on 7/21. So, I'm on a 10 day liquid diet. Boy is it hard!! I'm also going through a range of emotions, doubts, loss (ie, no more of certain foods).

I'm looking forward to having this network of other bandsters to help me through the process.

- Kathy

Hi, Kathy, and welcome! I just started my two weeks of Optifast preop diet today, and I must say I'm not a happy camper right now. I know how you feel. For me, saying goodbye to sushi was a hard one. But we have to keep our focus on what we have to gain by getting our weight under control. That's what makes this all worthwhile.

Good luck!

Orea

I have no idea how I am going to sleep tonight. It is like Chritmas eve! I don't want to take anything because I have a really important meeting at 0730 AM and nned to be alert. Then I am going to go over for my surgery (I am a nurse and work for the hospital where the surgery will be)

I guess I will take a hot bath and read a while after I pack. Oh shoot; it is only 630 pm, I have 12 hours to kill. When in doubt -go to Wal-mart!

I will post on Thursday; asking for prayers, please.

Lynn:embaressed_smile:

Prayers and best wishes

I love sushi too. I guess we'll need to acquire a taste for sashimi (lol)!

Hi all,

I´m wondering why we would have to give up sushi? I´m a sushi fanatic and I thought that the band restricts certain foods but this all depends on what your body can handle or not?

It may be that some people cannot eat rice but others can? Am I missing something?

*confused*

Some people can eat rice, but I'm thinking that sticky rice such as that in sushi may well ball up in the tummy and cause a problem.

Besides, while we are trying to drop pounds, the high glycemic foods like rice, potatoes, and breads are not the best choice.

To me, weight loss is far more important than sushi.

That said, I've been thinking of a possible faux sushi salad using grated cooked cauliflower as the faux rice, seasoned with the rice vinegar, and seafood of choice with some finely shredded nori on top.

I shouldn't be thinking about food on my frist day of Optifast, this is making me hungry! LOL

Orea

Well, I got a call from the surgeon today and my surgery is being delayed from the 22nd till the 25th. It's only 3 days but I am still disappointed. I am so ready to have it over with.

Supposedly the OR is having an equipment lock-down day on the 22nd and they just alerted my doc. Of course, I had everything (work, childcare, my dh's leave) all ironed out already. Work and leave were easy but it took going through 3 people to find childcare again. I just pray there are no more glitches!

Orea is right. Some people tolerate it and others don't. I go to monthly support group meetings and the post-op people say that rice is one of the foods that are harder for them to digest. I guess it's going to be all about trying foods once we're banded.

- Kathy