I was updating my blog tonight and went back to my pre-op journal to see how it relates to my experience and how I am doing.

One of the best things in there was this Plan for Success that I wrote out. Here it is, verbatim, with my comments from today following each item. I thought it would be interesting for us all to share ideas on what things we can do to help ourselves to succeed! Add anything you want to this string!

Plan for Success:

In reading one of my "band" books tonight, I came across an article that said that having a game plan can really improve my chances for success.

I've been thinking of a few things I can do, but hadn't really formalized a plan. So, here goes:

THINGS I WILL DO TO HELP MYSELF SUCCEED:

- Tell family and friends about the surgery so that I will have a support network (and won't feel weird when eating with them) - (DONE!)

- Commit to staying exactly on my pre-op Clear liquids diet - (DONE!)

- Commit to the post-op plan of 2 weeks full liquids, then 2 weeks of soft foods - (DONE!)

- Think of ways to Celebrate my birthday with friends where eating won't be an issue (maybe a girl's day at Ohm?) - (DONE! Had a great time at Ohm Spa, by the way!)

- Hire a personal trainer as of 11/08/08 (I didn't do this on schedule, but I did hire the trainer and recommitted to exercising in a serious way . . see bruise photo from previous post!)

- Keep good, correct foods in the house. (DONE!)

- Avoid alcohol to the extent possible. (I could be better about this to be perfectly honest. . is just such a big part of my social life that it's hard to really avoid, plus I love a nice glass of wine)

- Commit to taking SMALL bites and chewing until food is dissolved (DONE! I'm not perfect, but I do a pretty good job at this)

- Commit to small sips (Honestly, this hasn't been all that necessary)

- Commit to avoiding calorie-filled beverages (DONE! Well, except for wine!)

- Journal/blog regularly and chronicle your success -- AND admit it if you mess up (DONE! And is an on-going part of my plan!)

- Look for NSVs if/when your weight plateaus (I'm doing this!)

- Try out the support group at NYU (I haven't done this, but I feel like LBT and the people who I know through my blog do what I would have hoped a support group to do)

- Be proactive about your care -- don't wait so long for a fill that you gain weight. (DONE!)

- Measure yourself periodically and write down your measurements (DONE!)

- Know that this is not going to be easy, but that this will be worth while. And, know that this WILL be easier than staying on a diet on your own for a whole year, then maintaining your weight long-term. (So true -- and I do fully know that.)

- Try to notice NSVs (like less foot and back pain) as they occur (DONE!)

- Make mini-goals for yourself, e.g. 10 lb goals, and feel free to reward yourself with facials, massages, nice mani/pedis, etc. (Oh believe me. . DONE!)

- Go through your closet and "size" it so that you won't miss wearing cute things that you like on the way to goal (DONE!)

- Don't read too much about negative/failure stories on the lap band chat rooms. (DONE! I do read some of those stories, but I don't get sucked in, which accomplishes my fundamental objective.)

- When you start going to restaurants again, do trial runs with your friends who know about the surgery (plus, will be fun). (DONE!)

- Don't get disproportionately upset if any of your good friends don't understand, say the wrong thing, etc. They love you, and no one is perfect. (Honestly, my friends have been pretty freaking amazing. I'm very lucky in that way.)

- Focus on your other hobbies and interests (Get new letterpress projects, enjoy the Van Gogh course at MOMA) - (DONE! Unfortunately, the Van Gogh course was totally sold out, so I never did get to take it, but I've been spending more time on my hobbies, which is always very enjoyable).

I hope that was helpful

Thanks for this! I am new to this process. I do not have a (written) plan in place but this gives me great ideas on where to start!

Wow Catherine, what a fantastic post!

I have not been banded yet, but have a plan in my head to get me TO the surgery date which is:

15 June - Switch from coke to diet coke & get back into exercising

15 July - Stop drinking diet coke completely, if I haven't already

1 August - Have "last supper" pre-op dinner/night out with friends

4 August - Commence pre-op protein shake diet

20 August - Surgury!

Your post has given me inspiration for a post-op plan, thank you so much!

Edited June 1, 200917 yr by MissK