Tammy Shannon

Welcome! I too am a newbie and I'm getting banded July 13th. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow. I have had problems with plantar fascitis as well. Can't wait to get this weight off my joints. I'm here if you need me. Tammy

I'm right there with you as tonight is my last day of food freedom. I have two weeks of Slim-Fast High Protein Meal Replacement Shakes to look forward to. Tonight, homemade turkey pot pie, ice tea and apple pie/ice cream for dessert. Tomorrow, Vanilla Slim Fast X4! Best of luck on your pre-op!

Jennifer, Thanks for the heads up on the weight gaining. I am a scale geek...weigh myself daily. I know it's bad, but I can't help myself. I am getting banded at Highland Park Hospital by Dr. Denham. Where did you get banded?

Dr. Haggerty was my second choice. I ended up with Dr. Denham largely because of location when it came down to chosing. I haven't heard anything about the Kane Center. I know in my research I kept seeing that it was important that they be a "Center for Excellence." I think they have extra hurdles to obtain than the average bariatric center. Keep me posted on your journey...excited about having a partner close by!

Thanks Jennifer! Will definitely take you up on the offer! My boyfriend is out right now getting pre-op diet Slim Fast shakes to start tomorrow. Hope I can get them down. What has been the hardest obstacle you have had to overcome thus far? I see all the success pictures and I get excited, then read all the frustrating posts and get nervous. Thanks, Tammy

No eating fingers....you will need them! I'm doing laundry, but nothing really exciting. I decided to have some nuts (the kind you have to crack and peel first). Maybe that will help. Good luck on your shakes...I really am looking forward to the new healthy me, but today is just a tough one.

Start pre-op tomorrow and I feel like I could eat everything in the house right now. I'm not hungry...just bored I think. Just finished a salad with turkey, but feel like I could eat a bag full of cookies. Ugh!

Start pre-op tomorrow and I feel like I could eat everything in the house right now. I'm not hungry...just bored I think. Just finished a salad with turkey, but feel like I could eat a bag full of cookies. Ugh!

Yeah! Someone else besides me!! My name is Tammy and I live in Fox Lake. I'm actually having my procedure done at Highland Park Hospital on July 13th. Finding a doctor can be difficult. I did a lot of research and ended up chosing Dr. Denham. They are a Center of Excellance (very important from what I've heard). His office is very supportive and responds to phone calls and emails very quickly. I've only met Dr. Denham once (at my first appointment), but have seen several of his staff at various other pre-op appointments/support groups. I'm here if you want to go this journey together. Look forward to hearing from you. Tammy

Start the two week pre-op diet in the morning. My doctor requires 4 Slim-Fast High Protein shakes a day with nothing else. During the first week, we can have certain raw vegetables only. This is going to be tough, however, the end result is a lifetime of healthy living.

For those that can tolerate the whey Protein...Jay Robb makes a wonderful tropical dreamsicle Protein powder. You can buy them at the Vitamin shoppe or online at jayrobb.com. I mix it half with orange juice (with all the added vitamins) and Water. I would not be able to do this without it. They also make a pina colada powder, not as good as the dreamsicle, but definitely better than most other flavors I have tried. My two week pre-op is 4 shakes a day only. Water, water, water and I can have my decaffeinated ice tea with splenda. It will be a long two weeks as I have the 4th of July weekend to get through as well as travelling to Alabama for a family reunion the weekend before my surgery. I can do this. I will do this.

My surgery date is July 13th! I'm really excited, yet kind of nervous. I'm a 40 year old mother of three. I have been overweight half my life (since becoming pregnant with my first daughter). I'm not wanting to be skinny, just healthy. I've lost about 20 pounds (only needed to lose 12) since February. A lot of lifestyle changes. I gave up caffeine completely in March. Not a soda drinker, but love my ice tea. I've been drinking a Protein shake for Breakfast about 5 days a week for about 3 months now. Start my pre-op liquid diet on Monday. My only concern is not drinking before or after eating. I'm still having trouble with breaking that habit. Any suggestions? My stats: Starting weight 249/BMI 46, current weight 229/BMI 42. Looking to get down to 125 pounds.