I am REALLY excited!! I was stressed out and worried that it wouldn't happen this summer, but it is! I'm a teacher and wanted to have it done before school starts on Sept. 3rd. I think I should be feeling good by then. If not, hopefully my kids will be nice to me!

I started my pre-op diet today, which is just a low carb diet. I have done it many, many times before, so know I will be fine. Of course, I went to a music festival today and had a beer and a gyro, so my diet wasn't exactly successful!! It will be though. I actually started it earlier than needed, as the doctor said to start it a week before the surgery and I gave myself an extra couple days!

1. What kind of exercise do you plan on doing? I like swimming best, but it's not that convienent. I have a gym membership and NEVER go and they don't have a pool. I am hoping I will be motivated to go to the gym after the surgery. In the meantime, my bag is packed in the car in case the urge hits me. I think I will also pack a swim bag and find out the lap swim schedule at the pool in case I want to do that. I think it's $7 though... which will add up since I already have a gym membership.

2. What shakes are you going to drink for the post op liquid diet? I have to go to GNC or something and pick some out. My nutritionist gave me specifications but I haven't looked at shakes specifically yet. Any good brands? Any great flavors?

3. My doctor has all patients stay overnight. What do you bring to the hopsital? Do you bring slippers, books, etc? I know most places do an out patient procedure, but they always do overnight stays at the hospital where I am having the surgery.

4. Does anyone know how long until you can lift? They told me I can't do any heavy lifting, which is fine because I shouldn't need to lift at work, but I do need to be able to do things like carry groceries and laundry. Anyone know that??

Thanks!!

I don't know what to say to the questions as I am not in that stage quite yet...but I wanted to wish you lots of luck with your surgery. Congrats.

I am REALLY excited!! I was stressed out and worried that it wouldn't happen this summer, but it is! I'm a teacher and wanted to have it done before school starts on Sept. 3rd. I think I should be feeling good by then. If not, hopefully my kids will be nice to me!

I started my pre-op diet today, which is just a low carb diet. I have done it many, many times before, so know I will be fine. Of course, I went to a music festival today and had a beer and a gyro, so my diet wasn't exactly successful!! It will be though. I actually started it earlier than needed, as the doctor said to start it a week before the surgery and I gave myself an extra couple days!

I did not realize my BMI was 41. My doctor requires an Atkins diet for 7 days for a BMI of 40+. I did not do a pre op diet.

1. What kind of exercise do you plan on doing? I like swimming best, but it's not that convienent. I have a gym membership and NEVER go and they don't have a pool. I am hoping I will be motivated to go to the gym after the surgery. In the meantime, my bag is packed in the car in case the urge hits me. I think I will also pack a swim bag and find out the lap swim schedule at the pool in case I want to do that. I think it's $7 though... which will add up since I already have a gym membership.

I ran 7 miles daily or hard cardio 1-2 hours daily during the weight loss stage.

2. What shakes are you going to drink for the post op liquid diet? I have to go to GNC or something and pick some out. My nutritionist gave me specifications but I haven't looked at shakes specifically yet. Any good brands? Any great flavors?

Matrix 5.0 or whey Gourmet Choco/PB.

3. My doctor has all patients stay overnight. What do you bring to the hopsital? Do you bring slippers, books, etc? I know most places do an out patient procedure, but they always do overnight stays at the hospital where I am having the surgery.

My doc requires two nights in the hospital after surgery. I brought everything!

4. Does anyone know how long until you can lift? They told me I can't do any heavy lifting, which is fine because I shouldn't need to lift at work, but I do need to be able to do things like carry groceries and laundry. Anyone know that??

Thanks!!

What did your MD suggest?

hi

l had mine done in the uk by shaw somers l was back at work on day 4 no lifting for two weeks sloppy food ie shepardspie lots gravy mashed veg ect l found the whole procedure no worst than a mild period pain sleeping on the port side diffcult you will be fine

good luck where are you having yours done at

wendy:thumbup:

gyros are awesome!!!

I think you just asked all of my questions too

Little Froggy,

You should be fine to go back to work on the 3rd. I had my band on the 29th of July and a week later I had my energy back. For exercise you can walk. Walk as much as you can. Go to the gym and do the tread mill at no incline for as long as you can. (being on the tread mill you will know exactly how many calories you burn). According to my doctor: You cant swim for 3 weeks after the surgery. You cant lift anything over 10 pounds for six weeks.

As to what to take to the hospital: I took my flip flops, zip up hoodie sweatshirt, a big night shirt and pants

Congrats on your upcoming band date!

1. I currently walk and ride an exercise recumbant bike. I'm looking to join a gym as I'm finding that I need an outlet for needing to do something positive since I can't eat when I'm stressed anymore.

2. I have so many different kinds of shakes, that there are actually too many. I have Medifast, GNC unflavored powder, EAS Premium Protein (from costco, 20 gms protein per serving, mild taste), Low Carb Slimfast, Isopure Zero Carb. I find that the Isopure really helps on the days when I know I can't get enough protein in. It has 40 grams of protein per bottle and I just sip on it all day long. I find that the SF shakes are really more convenient than since they are premixed. The EAS Premium Protein is very mild tasting if you can't handle strong Protein Drink tastes.

3. To the hospital you should bring slippers, a robe, toiletries and an extra change of clothes. You can bring a book but probably will feel more like sleeping than reading.

4. My doctor cleared me to lift two weeks after my surgery. I asked what the weight limit was and he said their was none. I was lifting computer equipment last week but still asked others to lift the real heavy stuff because I didn't feel comfortable doing it.

As far as lifting groceries and laundry, you will want to take it easy for at least a week. You will tire easily so don't overdue it.

LittleFroggy,

Congratulations on being able to get your surgery in before you go back to school, btw what grade do you teach? I teach 2nd grade and I wanted to have my surgery before I went back but didn't start my pre-op stuff until 6/20 so I wasn't ready in time. I just met with the surgeon and said I should be set for Sept. but I am going to have to wait until at least the end of the month or beg of Oct so I can get my kids settled. They told me I would be out for 2-3 weeks. I am jealous that you got it in before you went back to work

For exercise I have just been walking usually for about 30 minutes a day. I think I will wait to join a gym after surgery.

My nutrionist reccommended Worldwide Pure Protein Shakes they are in cans and they have 2 kinds one with 21 grams of protein and one with 35 grams I get the ones with 21 grams they're not bad, I think they are better than the powder ones and they fill me up longer. I get them at Trader Joe's (they are kind of expensive though:thumbdown:)

Good luck with the surgery. Please let me know how it is going to school after having your surgery done.

Melissa

I should be set for Sept. but I am going to have to wait until at least the end of the month or beg of Oct so I can get my kids settled. They told me I would be out for 2-3 weeks. I am jealous that you got it in before you went back to work

I was worried about taking the time off as well. I teach a 1st/2nd multi-age. I really don't think you need 3 weeks off. Everyone I have talked to said 4-7 days and they were up on their feet and back in their life again. Maybe two weeks just to give yourself time? You might be able to request 1 1/2 weeks off, and then have plans in place in case you need longer.

I hope you are right I really didn't want to be out that long at the beginning of the year and really didn't want to have to tell my principal I was going to be out that long at the beginning of the year!

1. What kind of exercise do you plan on doing? I like swimming best, but it's not that convienent. I have a gym membership and NEVER go and they don't have a pool. I am hoping I will be motivated to go to the gym after the surgery. In the meantime, my bag is packed in the car in case the urge hits me. I think I will also pack a swim bag and find out the lap swim schedule at the pool in case I want to do that. I think it's $7 though... which will add up since I already have a gym membership.

Before surgery: Elliptical 3-4x a week

After surgery: Currently walking 2x a day around the neighborhood. After the all clear from my surgeon then I'm back on the elliptical and starting a weight training regime.

2. What shakes are you going to drink for the post op liquid diet? I have to go to GNC or something and pick some out. My nutritionist gave me specifications but I haven't looked at shakes specifically yet. Any good brands? Any great flavors?

My hubby gets our Protein Shakes from GNC or Bodybuilding.com. I currently drink whey Protein (Chocolate), Muscle Milk (Cookies N Cream), and Lean Dessert (Cinnamon Roll)

3. My doctor has all patients stay overnight. What do you bring to the hopsital? Do you bring slippers, books, etc? I know most places do an out patient procedure, but they always do overnight stays at the hospital where I am having the surgery.

I brought the following:

• Slippers
  
• Book
  
• Ipod w/ earphones
  
• Cell phone w/ bluetooth (don't forget chargers)
  
• Comfortable clothes for the hospital and going home
  
• sports bra
  
• warm socks
  
• toothbrush and paste
  

4. Does anyone know how long until you can lift? They told me I can't do any heavy lifting, which is fine because I shouldn't need to lift at work, but I do need to be able to do things like carry groceries and laundry. Anyone know that??

I haven't asked my doc about this one. Right now my hubby is around so I don't really have to do any heavy lifting. As for laundry my daughter can help with that but as long as I don't let it pile up I don't think I'll need her help.