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Why a hippo?

OK. I've gotten a couple of comments about needing a new image versus a hippo.   It is not something derogatory. I collect them! It started in grade school. Thus, it's a perfect image for me!
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Week 1 Anniversary!

Week 1 post-op is done! 10 pounds down! This means 25 since I started the pre-op diet on 12/30/09!   Other than a nasty reaction to the steri strips on my incisions, I don't feel too bad. I still have a little gas pressure but gas x is keeping it controlled.   The only time I feel hungry is late at night. The other problem I have is the handful of meds I've traditionally taken at bedtime. This did not sit well. The solution is that I take everything 1 hr after supper and only take my ambien at bedtime.   My first fill is scheduled for 2/26.
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To tell or not tell

There's been quite a bit of dicussion about telling or not telling the world that we are thinking about or had the lab band procedure. I have to say that I am torn about this.   I have told my spouse (very supportive as you can read in a previous entry), my daughters (not so supportive), my son (doesn't feel I need it but "whatever you think is right mom) my mom (that's a lot of money that could be spent on a really fun trip) and two people at work (one really positive one with a funny look)   My husband says we should shout it from the mountain tops then everyone can be supportive and cheer you on. I am more reserved because I've failed before.   I think in the end, we neeed to ignore the rest of the world and decide what is best for us. Not the family, not the hubby, not the kids not everyone else. Perhaps the key is are we trying to "cheat" and think this will be a magic bullet or are we addressing health issues and improving our quality of life? If it's the latter, would we question exercising, taking a necesary medication or going to a physician?   I believe lab band should be no different. The difference is that people don't ask about doctor appointments, the medicine we are taking or our exercise regiman. When we start showing weight loss, people will not hesitate to dwell, question or badger.   My plan is to take the two weeks off that I am on the liquid diet and at least 2 weeks off after my surgery. Knowing myself, I know that I will have trouble when it will be so obvious that I am having to eat (or drink) differently. I hope this will help me get off to a more positive (and personal) start.   On the plus side, I managed to exercise 4 out of 7 days this week. Nothing too taxing, but really trying to start getting into better habits.
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Support group concerns

One of my concerns is that if I am not able to control myself now, what will be different with the band? This fear is intensified after attending a support group and the discussion from all but 1 participant was about how they have gained weight and need to get back on track. Specifically they are talking about going back on Optifast for a couple of weeks.   I am paying out of pocket and do not want to be in the same rut after surgery as I am now...$10,000 is a lot to waste!:tongue_smilie:
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Support Group

Went to the bariatric support group on Thursday. A more positive experience this time.   I will be having my surgery sometime in January 2010. I anticipate starting the pre-op diet Jan. 4th. I don't have the specific date yet as the surgeon hasn't determined his schedule yet. This schedule also lets me have one more set of holidays.   So until after Christmas I will be monitoring the discussions.
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Status

I have done research on the internet and via materials given to me by the bariatric clinic.   My BMI is 42 so I am at 100% risk for co-morbidities.   My husband says that he is fine with whatever decision I make. If I choose not to have a surgery we need to know that we will have a shorter life together...but if that is my decision, stop moping about the weight, go shopping and get a great wardrobe and move on.   I talked with my kids and my daughters really had a fit. That it is a waste of money on the same platform as breast enlargement.   Very hard decision to make.:tongue_smilie:
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Preparing for surgery

I am just starting my journey. I am 42 years old and have been batteling my weight for 12 years. I have tried many diets. I had some success with Atkins and Jenny Craig but gained it back within 2 years. My doctor and husband recommended surgery last summer. I am a very type A person and have accomplished most everything I've put my mind to...so why not my diet? :blushing: In January 2009, my physician brought it up again after I spent all of December on bed rest due to 2 blown disks. I started Nutrisystem instead and agreed that if I had not made significant progress by June I would start looking into it. So here I am...heavier than I've ever been. :biggrin: I have been doing research and have visited with the surgeon. I am looking at surgery in January 2010 as this is when I will be able to afford it. I have 2 questions. I really would like to hear the stories of people not happy with their results and why. The second and probably most important question, if I don't have the self control right now, what will change after surgery or how do you all manage that part? I appreciate seeing everyone's stories. Thanks for sharing.
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Orange Julius

vanilla optifast + package of orange crystal light = pretty good orange julius!:w00t:
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Optifast started today

I started the Optifast this morning. Chocolate drink - very good. Strawberry drink - not so much. Vanilla drink - good. Berry bar - very good. Chicken soup - yuck!   Drinking alot of water and diet coke. I think I will miss diet coke after surgery!   So, overall, day one - not so bad! :biggrin:
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I'm a bandster!

Surgery was completed 2 days ago.   I arrived at 8:45, went into surgery at 10:30, recovery room until 12:30, then an outpatient room. Was able to go home at 4:00 pm.   I am a little sore, but not anywhere near the pain I had with my c-sections.   I do have quite a bit of gas build up but fortunately am able to burp.   The journey has begun!
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I have a date!

I am scheduled for surgery on 1/13/10!   I have my pre-appointments (pharmacy, anestesia, dietician, billing office) on 12/23   I start my optifast on 12/30   I find that everytime I eat I am planning what I will eat at that particular restaurant next year this time :confused:   I have ordered several samples of protein powders. So far two have not horrible aftertaste in water with Crystal Light - Bene-protein and Design Natural. The bene-protein works pretty well in potatoes as well.
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Day three pre-surgical

Day 3 and I am really, really hungry!:biggrin:   Vanilla optifast with a half cup of coffe = capaccino. It's good hot or on ice.   Optifast tomato soup is good.   Only 12 days to!
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Aaargh!

OK, my in-laws live with us. Supposidly they started dieting with me the 1st of the year. In the last week they have come home with cinnamon hearts, makings for ice cream sundaes, cinnamon struesel bread (that they toasted), made homemade bread, made pancakes, among other items.   They will be challenge. Mom does the grocery shopping and the cooking. Very difficult to be self-controlled with all this crap in the house. :w00t:
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7 days to go!

I have been on optifast for 7 days and have lost 14 pounds...7 days to go with this and feeling hungry with surgery a week from today!   The hubby asked if this loss made me question my decision to have surgery...NO! Yeah this works while you are on it. I would not be able to maintain this kind of diet!   Vanilla optifast with ice and a packet of raspberry (or your favorite flavor) makes a decent smoothie. It actually was too much for me to eat at one sitting so put about 1/2 cup in the freezer thinking I could have "ice cream" later. It does not freeze well and lost a lot of flavor.
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