Hi, everybody.

My name is Barb from Texas. I am 25 years old and I'm two days away from surgery. Wednesday, August 20th is the big day and I am ridiculously nervous and very excited. :wink2:

I'm joining this place because honestly-- I'm kind of freaked out. My family and friends don't really know or understand what I'm going through. I could really use the support from others who have gone through the same experience.

Hi Barb!

I'm right behind you! I'm from S.A. and I get banded on the 25th. My family doesn't even know, not even my kids.

In fact outside of this board, only 4 people know in total.

This place is great! Try to find a band buddy that uses the same doctor as you.. It's awesome! I did a search for my doctor's name and found my band buddy. She's been awesome!

Don't worry about your friends and family, you are doing this for yourself. No they won't (or don't want to) understand. But everyone here does.

Good luck!:wink2:

I live in DFW and was banded last Tues. (12th) so I totally understand your anxiety.

HI! I'm in San Antonio too...I had surgery 8/11 and my doctor couldn't place the band because my liver was still too fatty (that's on me because I didn't follow his pre-op diet like I was supposed to!)

SO I'm getting banded 8/29 ... you'd better believe this time I'm doing the pre-op thing to the letter! I'm excited and ready, too!

Welcome barburrito! You will definitely find the support you need here. I'm happy to help in anyway I can. Feel free to reach out to me here anytime.

I live in McKinney and work in Dallas. Where are you?

Hi I'm in Lufkin (120 miles NE of Houston). I was banded on Aug. 14. I'm still sore, but it is SO much better than the days right after surgery.

I went today for my 1st post-op doctor visit. Dr said everything was great. I still have to be on the clear liquid diet through Thursday. Then on Friday I can start having thick liquids. I am so hungry that I don't know if I can make it.

How do you keep yourself full on Clear Liquids? ugh!

Good luck to all those being banded this week!!! It will be great!

Paula, it sounds like you are doing great! You can make it...just a few more days. We all struggled with the clear liquid phase, but it will be over before you know it. Just make sure you are getting enough protein. I used the protein bullets...it is a clear liquid. The protein really helps! Did your doctor tell you you could have them?

Hello Barb!

I am 29 and live in Houston, and I was banded in July. Like you, my family does not know because they would not understand. I mentioned "thinking" about getting banded about 6 months ago to my mother and I got this huge lecture about how dangerous it was and I should not resort to surgery to solve my problems. It was at that point that I decided I was not going to involve my parents at all!

I have a few co-workers that are a wonderful support group and my husband took me to the surgery. Outside of them, no one else knows.

You will find alot of support here too!

Good luck and let me know if you need anything!!

I have my surgery on Friday and have been doing liquids for several weeks - with a modified plan of 3 liquids and one meal of chicken breast/vegetables - until this week. One thing I did 5 weeks ago was go ahead and stop caffine and sodas and I'm nowhere as hungry as before - caffine makes you hungry. I think it's true.

When I had my psych session - she stressed the importance of family/friend support. I've only told a few people but it's not something you can hide and my family totally supports it. Better to get it out now than to deal with the rumors later. Be frank with your Mom and tell her how important her support is to you.

Good luck to you!

Hey there! I am also 25 and from Texas. I am from Amarillo and I am seeing Dr. Benavides in the Dallas area. I am still waiting on an approval from insurance, so you are way ahead of me. Once I get passed the insurance approval I know that I will be in the same spot you are in right now. All I can say is keep your chin up! LBT has really been a huge crutch for me! GOOD LUCK!!!

Another Texas girl here. I started this back in February and had to put it on the back burner because of financing, but the money will be here in a couple of weeks!!

I'm so excited!

I saw Dr Benavides for a consult before and I was happy with him and his office. My DH wants me to see at least one other surgeon before I commit though...