Hi Folks,

So I go in for the first doctors consult on Friday 3/27/09. Although I have only been to the introductory session, I already find myself examining my pre-op meals. My mind is determining if I can have the food consumed in a post-op world. It is not a craving, or a sense of loss, but merely a scientific curiosity about how, or if, this food could be processed through the band. The thing that has really stuck me in mentally preparing for the LB is how much is to be gained through this process. I am sure during the pre-op diet and post-op liquids I may feel different, but I already find my mind set changing about food. I am acknowledging, to myself, that I can live without food X, Y or Z for the first time in my life.

My biggest concern is addiction transference. In reading many posts, some people are offended to be labeled as food addicts, but I know that I am. So what will I do to control and manage the addiction? How can I positively use the obsessive nature of additions as a force for bodily good vs. evil? In my mind transference to exercise must occur to provide the tools for dealing with emotional/stress eating. Second, I need to find a new reward system other than nice meals. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

My first doctor consult is 4/8 and I've been mentally preparing myself as well. My thought on the reward system is to buy yourself a cd, or go do something fun (maybe even active), or find a hobby that can distract you and you can reward yourself with something that concerns that. If you keep yourself busy, you won't think of eating so much. I really believe that will be easier once we get the band because we won't be as hungry. I hope this helps. Good luck!!!

i am 3 weeks post op.. the 1st week on liquid was ok really. you are tired and feel crappy from being put under so the liquid diet was fine.. now i can eat soft foods and i am fine. i did crave chicken wings today but my dr. says chicken is way too stringy and asks me to avoid it... so i did.. i had 2 0z of grilled pork tenderloin i made on the grill in the freezing cold. with a little apple sauce. it hit the spot

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. I am worried about the liquid diet, I'm glad to hear its not that bad!! Any pain at all?

as for pain it was very minimal. i had surgery on monday march 2 at 11 am. i was in surgery for 28 minutes was all. about 5 that night i was up sitting in a chair. feeling a bit groggy but i was vertical. i took a few laps around the floor because my dr. says its a must. the worst pain i had was a sore throat from the tube. i did not speak for 2 days. i showered the next day and dressed really nice for the trip home so that i would feel good about myself...makeup and all.. i felt great and my boyfriend was shocked that i was moving better than he was after he worked all day. now i had to climb into a big 4 wheel drive truck this i do not suggest. i wait tables at an upscale rest. and i love it i was so worried about missing time cause there are a line of people wanting my hours so i worked that friday. yep 4 days after surgery i was back to work.. i feel great.. i never thought a deep breath would feel so good but i did not care about anything else. not food not sleep nothing...so breathe deep and fill those lungs. it hurts but it so good in healing. body and mind. the pain from a broken leg i had last year was 100% worse.. no big deal on the liquid diet. my dr. let me do the atkins shakes . 1 carb in them and i already liked them.. way better than others..try strawberry.. also minute maid lemonade lite sold in containers like orange juice. low carb 5 calorie i add 2 oz of water to 2 oz of juice.. its good stuff. do not worry about liquid diet.. get rest and deep breaths

Thanks for all the great feed back. I will see the Doc in a few hours. Ready to get going.

You're welcome Cingulus!!! Good luck! I'm glad to hear things are going well with you meltingaway! I will keep all those things in mind when I go on liquids. Thank you for all of the encouragement and feedback! I wish us all luck!