I have successfully completed 5 days on an extremely strict Atkins diet to lose the pre-op weight. On Monday i weighed 219. This morning i was surprised to see 216.5 on the scale. I guess its working. Only 4 more pounds to go!

I will be honest... these past 5 days has been all about food. I have been really hungry, tracking everything i eat on Sparkpeople.com and working out (only twice). I am guessing this is what its going to be like with the band as well. I have been trying to practice not drinking while eating but this diet is way to salty for me to be successful at that. I am worried about the drinking part when it comes down to me having to do it. I will, because i know its the right way to lose the most weight, but its going to be hard.

I went to do all my testing yesterday at the hospital. Blood work, X-Rays, EKG, Ultrasound to look t my organs. Took 3 hours and i couldn't eat. I was already hungry going to bed the night before, woke up with hunger pains and just about passed out doing the EKG and drinking the barium.

At least that part is over, one step closer to surgery, which i still don't even have a date yet. When do you get a date?? I haven't met with the nutritionist yet. Thats March 1st. Maybe then?

I really can't wait to get this procedure done and over with. What a long road to lead up to it. I know it will be all worth it.

I am so impressed by all the blogs I have been reading and all the success! Good work bandsters! Can't weight to join you!

Way to go on the loss so far! Whats helped me with the drinking with meals, is I bring no drink to the table, and if I get soooo thirsty that I feel like I HAVE to take a drink, I just stop eating and set my timer right then for 30 min. Doing this has dramatically helped me to cut my portions, also. (I'm also pre-op) =) Good luck with everything!

Your doing great. I also don't bring a drink to the table. I got my appt right away but I think some docs wait for insurance approval.