:Bunny I have 2 weeks to go and I'm starting to get nervouse. I start on Optifast tomarrow for 2 weeks and then I have my surgrey! Basicly the way I used to eat is over...gone. I know once I start to see the weight come off I will not miss the bread or pasta, but it just hit me that those old choices are now gone. Did anyone else feel a kinda seperation anxiety when it came to food or am I just a nut?

Hi Terrilen, are you doing the Optifast 980? I saw an advertisement for that today.

I've scheduled my surgery for Oct 10...... and also need to begin to drop some lbs before the procedure.

In no way can I be considered a pro on this topic, but I'm sure everyone has the same seperation issues. Some maybe more than others. I'm sure it depends on how food was a factor to you during good and bad times in your life.

Rice will be a big factor for me, I'm originally from Louisiana where rice is a staple... great memories of all the holiday family celebrations.

Bread and Pasta won't be so difficult for me (although my son loves spaghetti and I make it every week). As I understand it, you'll be able to eat most of what you do now.. but, in smaller and more healthy quantities.

My hope is that the Band will help me make the important food choices, and I'll be able to focus on the instrument itself (the Band) to help me lose the weight. Instead of in the past, when it's been all about the food.

Good luck and keep us updated!

It's not easy, I won't pretend it is. But after you get restriction you WILL find yourself thinking about food in a different way. It used to be all about quantity for me, and that's really all that those bulky comfort foods (bread, Pasta, potatoes, rice) are good for. Once you reach a good level of restriction, you will find that only a couple of bites of such things will put you out of commission for that meal. And THAT is a sobering reality that makes it very easy to winnow them out of your diet.

This will not happen overnight...for weeks or months after surgery you WILL be able to eat these things, although likely only in lesser amounts than you've been used to. So don't worry that you have to go cold turkey from all your favorite foods. But there will come a point, after your second, third, or whatever adjustment, when you won't WANT to eat your old standbys anymore.

And that's the beauty of the band...by the time it happens, you'll be totally ready for it.

I start my liquid phase tomorrow also. I had my last supper and last kitkat for a while.

I also am having alot of anxiety, but I also have peace.

Cheers to you from me tomorrow morning when we have our shakes! I'll drink to you!

I'm just waiting for that second, third fill and that realisation to kick in on blind faith because now, pre band the idea of not eating bread or pasta again really scares me. I'm even more nervous about healthy things not agreeing with me like lettuce or apples or whatever.

Thanks for the support! I know it will be okay, in the meantime bottoms up! I start all liiquids today to get ready to be banded 9-26-05!

My shake was good how about yours!

Just think....TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES!

It was cold and refreshing! Thats right it is the firs day of the rest of our thin and healthy lives!

I have started on all Clear liquids today. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 22. I, too, feel a little separation anxiety and am unsure of how I will handle this major change in my life.

I don't even know how I will make it through the next 10 days with only clear liquids. I've been reading that many of you are allowed Protein drinks pre-surgery. My doctor wants me to have only clear liquids, including juices. I am concerned I will be very weak by the time the 22nd comes around.

Good Luck!!

Cindy

I think that Alexandra said everything that needs to be said here! So I'm just gonna say welcome! Congrats to everyone on getting their surgery dates! It won't be easy, but I'm sure you will all do great on your pre-op diets! Keep us updated!