Hi all.

Well, I have surgery scheduled for November the 5th with Dr Richard Benavides at the Richardson Surgery Center. My pre-op diet starts on the 30th (no candy for me I guess!).

I'm a little nervous and a lot excited! A couple of questions:

1. I'm a big guy. Always have been. Played football in high school and still continue to eat like I did back then (I'm 35). My question: anyone else scared about not being able to eat big meals? I'm nervous I will not be "satisfied" with a small meal and fail.

2. I am finding that I'm eating like crazy right now. Anyone else "chow down" for the couple of weeks prior to the pre-diet and surgery? I keep telling myself that "this will be the last time I get to eat this" - I think I have gained a few pounds this week alone. I hope this is not an indication of how successful I will be after banded!

I look forward to posting more...after I am banded!!

hey there- i was just banded on Oct 14!!! It's the best decision ever. the hope is that with the band (and once we get a fill and find that just right place) we won't be hungry and feel the need to eat big meals. I know that i haven't felt like eating more that 1/2 a cup at each meal. (i know its early, and i haven't had a fill.....but I am hopeful).

I too am from Dallas! A friend of mine went to Dr. Bienviedes for his surgery. I went with Dr. N. Nicholson.

Keep me posted!!!! Can try to answer any questions you may have. This is a great forum for support, encouragement and answers.

~questions

Hi all.

Well, I have surgery scheduled for November the 5th with Dr Richard Benavides at the Richardson Surgery Center. My pre-op diet starts on the 30th (no candy for me I guess!).

I'm a little nervous and a lot excited! A couple of questions:

1. I'm a big guy. Always have been. Played football in high school and still continue to eat like I did back then (I'm 35). My question: anyone else scared about not being able to eat big meals? I'm nervous I will not be "satisfied" with a small meal and fail.

2. I am finding that I'm eating like crazy right now. Anyone else "chow down" for the couple of weeks prior to the pre-diet and surgery? I keep telling myself that "this will be the last time I get to eat this" - I think I have gained a few pounds this week alone. I hope this is not an indication of how successful I will be after banded!

I look forward to posting more...after I am banded!!:thumbup:

I think your behavior is pretty normal for a food addict:smile: Just remember, whatever you gain before surgery you will have to lose after. Gaining now is not a good idea.

Your surgeon may put you on a low fat, high Protein liver shrinking diet for your pre-op.

I went through a huge range of emotions in the weeks prior to surgery. I was worried about giving up my best friend, FOOD. Just remember, you are not really giving up a lot you will just be eating less. This surgery was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I still enjoy the foods I like but I enjoy being thinner and feeling better much, much, more.

I highly recommend that you figure out a daily exercise routine to help you get the weight off.

Best of luck to you!

Two quick things, 1. You are having your 'last suppers' to say goodbye to those foods or quantites and thats pretty common. You should try to lose some weight before the procedure because a smaller liver makes the surgery less traumatic to you and less tricky for your doc so your recovery should be better.

2. Now that I am at my sweet spot I eat less than a cup of food and I feel like I did the crazy Thanksgiving meal pig out! So you will eat less but feel very full very soon!

Good luck...

Hey there DallasDude-I'm in Dallas too and had my surgery performed by Dr.Benavides on 09/24/09. I am doing great and just had my first fill today. He is pleased with my progress and I can't believe how much weight I've lost in so little time!

You will be fine-positive thinking and smart food choices is the key. Dr. B is AWESOME!!!

Keep me posted on your recovery and I'm sure you will do great!

Good luck!!:thumbup:

Hi all.

Well, I have surgery scheduled for November the 5th with Dr Richard Benavides at the Richardson Surgery Center. My pre-op diet starts on the 30th (no candy for me I guess!).

I'm a little nervous and a lot excited! A couple of questions:

1. I'm a big guy. Always have been. Played football in high school and still continue to eat like I did back then (I'm 35). My question: anyone else scared about not being able to eat big meals? I'm nervous I will not be "satisfied" with a small meal and fail.

2. I am finding that I'm eating like crazy right now. Anyone else "chow down" for the couple of weeks prior to the pre-diet and surgery? I keep telling myself that "this will be the last time I get to eat this" - I think I have gained a few pounds this week alone. I hope this is not an indication of how successful I will be after banded!

I look forward to posting more...after I am banded!!

Don't be afraid of not being satisfied! That's the best aspect of the band IMHO. Right after surgery and when you hit your sweet spot is bliss because you hardly feel hungry. Using smaller plates (6 inches) also helps to trick your mind into thinking it's getting more than it really is.

I also had a "last meal". It was the day before my surgery and I got to eat whatever I wanted for Breakfast. I went all out with eggs, bacon, toast and OJ. I think that's normal.

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement!:thumbup:

The last supper thing is pretty common. Keep in mind that you're going to be able to eat most of what you eat now after you're banded. I can still have bread, Pasta, tortillas, etc...just not so much.

Eating less isn't so bad. Get a smaller plate, chew a lot, push the plate away when you're full, don't pick at what's left, pay attention to your body's signals. It sounds like a lot, but it's not so bad. You can do it :thumbup: