doctordiva

I live in Charleston, IL, but am getting banded in Champaign, IL. My surgery is scheduled for 1/19. Yep, just a little over one day away. I am looking forward to meeting folks through these boards. I know that having support can make all the difference to reaching success. Linda

Just be careful that you use a blended yogurt or one without fruit. You don't want the yogurt with fruit on the bottom.

Thanks for the info. I may have to try this as I have fallen short on Protein the past couple of days. Linda

Yes, you have every right to be upset. I initially didn't tell anyone except my husband, but he didn't tell anyone. In fact, as I started telling more and more people, my husband kidded me for sharing something I had planned to keep secret. I told my sisters and their kids. I told close friends. I shared the news with my boss and a few colleagues. But, as I started getting a lot of support from MOST of those I told, I realized that I wasn't going to hide it. I am proud that I am taking steps to get well and fit. I have dieted a great deal in the past and many friends and colleagues have seen the weight loss-gain yo-yo I was on. As I lose this weight, I will tell anyone who asks me how. Think of the positive influence you can have on someone's life by sharing your story. I have a friend and cousin who have had lap bands for several years, and before I had my surgery I sat down with each one-on-one to discuss the pros and cons. I certainly hope that if someone wants information from me I can share it. And those people who aren't supportive? Forget them. The day of my surgery I posted the following status on Facebook: "True friends support you when they agree with you AND when they don't. I really appreciate the support and love I receive from my friends and family. Thanks for being there for me." That's really how I feel. Linda

Sherilea, My doctor moved me to soft foods after my 1 week post-op visit. But truly, I had some yogurt and fat-free cottage cheese before that visit. I also used sugar-free Jello to get through those times when I thought I wanted something but it wasn't time for a meal. I have lost 6 pounds in the 10 days since surgery so all is well. Now, with soft foods, I have pretty much lost my appetite. Hope you have the same result. Hang in there! Linda

Kameleon - How do they taste? Linda

Hi Stratty! I had surgery 1/19 and also have lost 6 pounds since then. I am very pleased. 6 pounds in 10 days is great! Remember that this isn't gastric bypass...the weight loss will be slow but steady. I am also having trouble getting all my Protein because I am just not hungry. I do like the shakes, but it takes me a long time to get one down. I am also on mushies now and have added other forms of protein but it is hard to get more than 50 grams per day. Hang in there. Sounds like you are doing great!! Linda

Congratulations on making this decision! I just had my surgery 1/19 and I am so happy so far with the results. I think your next step is to sit and talk with a surgeon. They will set you up with a nutritionist and help you plan for the days ahead. Once my approval was done, I set my surgery date. Then I had to have a pre-op physical and meet with the nutritionist. My surgeon asks his patients to follow a pre-op diet for two weeks before the surgery. I was able to lose 12 pounds and that really boosted my confidence going into the surgery. I have lost another 6 pounds in the 10 days since surgery. Good luck. You will find so much information here on these discussion boards. Linda

Mags, I still rely on my Protein Shake in the morning to help. I mix it with skim milk and 1 scoop of Peanut Butter for extra Protein. That way, I can get about 30 grams right there. I like fat free or lowfat cottage cheese as well. I even had some fat-free refried Beans the other night with a little bit of low fat cheese, fat free sour cream and taco sauce. It was great. Linda

ElizabethAnne, I think you are going to make the decision that is BEST for you! And that's what we all want for you. :-) Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. I am not an expert, but was just banded so a lot of this is new and fresh. I am certainly willing to share my experience with you. Linda

Don't let the negative talk discourage you. Find a different support group in your area. Or use this site which is full of folks who are ecstatic about their choice. I was lucky in that I have both a family member and a friend who have been banded and they shared their experiences with me (both the good and the bad). Ultimately, they both said it was the best decision in their lives. That really helped. Good luck in making this decision. It isn't easy, but I am so hopeful for my future now.

ElizabethAnne, If you are considering the lap-band or comparing it with other surgeries like gastric bypass, I would certainly do some research. You will find that lap-band is much less risky and it is completely reversible if it turns out that it isn't the right tool for you. Recent long-term studies have shown that the success rate of the two surgeries is equal, so I can't imagine why anyone would want to take the added risk of gastric bypass without at least trying the lap-band first. My surgeon seems really interested in the long-run impact the band will have on my life. He isn't just the surgeon, he will be there to help me make the right decisions about adjustments and his staff are amazingly friendly and helpful. He has two nutritionists at his office. I can't imagine a more secure environment for helping me on my journey. I just started (was banded yesterday), but I have no regrets or fears that I will have regrets. But that is because I did the research to find the right procedure for me with the right surgeon. Good luck in your weight loss effort, no matter what road you choose!

Thanks mags! I think this will be very helpful. I was banded today and am doing really well. (Just hope it continues!)

Welcome! My big day is tomorrow! Yikes! I will be reading your blog. I am journalling, but just wasn't ready to go on the web yet. Good luck with your surgery!

Journey4me: I am getting banded in Champaign, IL. That is great - we should chat again later this week to see how we are doing!! I am excited - haven't hit the nerves yet, but I am sure tomorrow night they will come. If I don't see you on here before our big day, GOOD LUCK!! :-) Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I appreciate any advice.

Hi everyone! I am new to posting, although I joined right after I met with the surgeon for my first consultation. I am in my second week of the pre-op diet and am scheduled for surgery on Thursday, 1/19. So far I am a little nervous, but I am so excited about it. I lost about 9 pounds within the first week of the post-op diet, but that has tapered off. I am hoping to lose at least a couple more. I have been following the diet pretty strictly - two shakes per day and a "sensible" 200-300 calorie meal. I have also been eating garden salads on a couple of days and just snacked on carrots and grape tomatoes. It seems the least I can do is try to follow the diet for the two weeks before the surgery...I want to be as committed to this life change as possible. I am also trying to stock up on everything I will need for after the surgery. I have lots of Sobe Lifewater (zero-cal of course!), sugar-free Jello, and chewable vitamins and Calcium. I probably should buy some broth, but that seems so unappealing. I only have to do Clear Liquids for 1 day, then move on to liquids. I plan to continue my Protein Shakes, maybe add in low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, and cream Soups (I love tomato soup!). Any other suggestions? I would welcome any advice. :-)

That's a great idea. I will make some veggie soup this week!! Thanks for the suggestion!