Ok so here is the top five from the first poll. Vote for your all time choice for our group name!

Hi! I am going to be "banded" on Dec 16th by Dr Kirshenbaum in the Denver area. Can hardly wait!!!!

I really do feel like I am sitting on the outside looking in... it will be so exciting to finally have my own ticker also. Kim in Colorado

Hi! I am going to be "banded" on Dec 16th by Dr Kirshenbaum in the Denver area. Can hardly wait!!!!

I really do feel like I am sitting on the outside looking in... it will be so exciting to finally have my own ticker also. Kim in Colorado

Hi Kim and welcome! Looks like there are lots of December bandsters, judging from this and other December threads. You can put your ticker up anytime (I got mine from tickerfactory.com). Hopefully you will lose a few pounds on your pre-op diet, whatever that may be. It will look good on the ticker and give you a head start! I am amazed at the differences in the pre and post op diets from all the surgeons out there. I don't start mine until Nov 27th - and my surgery is Dec 4th - only 7 days... It is pretty strict, though. Good luck to you!

hey December Diamonds and Holiday hotties....My surgery is for December 2nd! After years of dragging my feet now it seems like it's coming so fast I can't keep up with all the appt.s ect. and emotions. Wish me luck! I'm part of a low BMI study for those under 40 BMI. Hope I'm doing the right thing. I always second guess myself though.

What does the pre surgery diet consist of? I don't get banded until December 23rd so I don't see the surgeon until December 8th. I am just not sure what I got my self into.

Dena

I think all surgeons have different rules. My pre-op directions are not too bad - tho I say that now~!. Just one week of Optifast protein drinks 5x a day and low fat veggies ect. My week is the week of Thanksgiving! They told me I can eat on that day as long as it isn't high in fat. it's to shrink the liver....didn't know the liver shrank that fast?

Thank you so much. Since my surgery is 2 days before Christmas I plan on enjoying my Thanksgiving meal. I also didn't know the live shrank.

I am currently on the Liver Shrinking Diet per my surgeons per-op orders. He said because my BMI is over 50 he wants me on it for 3 weeks prior to surgery. What the directions I was given was shakes for two meals a day with an Atkins type snack between meals and then a low fat low carb meal for my 3rd meal. I am allowed 30 carbs a day and 1200 calories a day.

I had decided to work my way into this diet so one month prior to my actual start date I started having a shake at breakfast. Then after two weeks I added the one at lunch. Then at my started date I trimmed my dinners down to what they are suppose to be. This really helped me get used to having the shakes twice a day. I actually have the Atkins shakes and then I do have like a banana between meals in the morning and will have an Atkins bar in the mid afternoon. I have lost on this diet but more importantly I am doing everything I can to shrink that liver and make it easier for the surgeon to do his job. Oh and I have started an exercise program too. Every little bit helps and will make life easier in the end!

Pete, you are doing really well. Congratulations on weight lost before your banding - getting used to a new eating lifestyle and starting your exercise program ahead of time. Way to go!

Pete, you are doing really well. Congratulations on weight lost before your banding - getting used to a new eating lifestyle and starting your exercise program ahead of time. Way to go!

Thanks JoannMarie! It's this simple to me. I have made the commitment for change so why wait for surgery when I can already be making changes now.

At first I really like Holiday Hotties...but December Diamond's is really growing on me as well!

Good for you Pete...to add the shakes and the exercise...that's is a good idea to add in the shake gradually . I know I should be doing this so the thanksgiving week isn't a shock but I just don't have the will power...hope I do that week before surgery!

Hello all, I got approval from insurance today for surgery so I hope to be a Holiday Hottie as well.......

I think I am going to be a Holiday Hottie after all, my surgery is scheduled for Dec 29th!!!!!!!!!

Wooohoo.STEPH..just made it! Congratulations Holiday Hottie ! Welcome to the fold...! Best supportive month of the year on the entire site! :-). I have received more caring support here than I have going through any challenge!

Thank you!!!!!!!!! Good luck to you as your surgery date is just around the corner..........

I think I am going to start having 1 shake a day until my appointment with my surgeon in 2 weeks so it is not so much of a change. I guess I will try and walk on my treadmill so I am ready. I will of course enjoy Thanksgiving because my surgery is 2 days before Christmas and that won't be enjoyed. I just hope I am not in a lot of pain.