Javajodster

Just reading responses & I have to say I love the "Don't Look Back" comment. That is what i did too & it is the best way to do it. My relationship with food really changed. I also love the tip to use ice cubes with the Protein drink. I do find mine to be rather thick. Today I mixed it with my chocolate milk. Tomorrow morning I am going to try doing just the 8 oz of protein power, 8 oz of skim milk & ice cubes. Anxious to see if it makes the consistency better. I purchased a Bullet & love it. Haven't used it more than twice so far. Going to use it for my Protein Drinks. Starting tomorrow I am on full liquids. When I hit pureed I'm going to start getting creative with this protein stuff. Love this site!

I'm not sure what type of program your clinic has (or insurance) but I recommend - starting to make changes before the band.

My surgeons office is a Center for Excellence and they are with you from day 1. I had to meet with a psychologist, dietitian, nurse, excercise rep. All before anything else. I walked away with plans. What was the best was a food plan for losing weight.

When I walked out that day - I gave up fast food (eating out in the car!!!) and diet pop. I followed the food plan and found eating healthy - I actually ate more food. I followed it to the tea.

My clinics plan is getting you ready - doing what you will need to do post-op before surgery is even discussed. In order to lose the needed weight - it took commitment from me. I took it very seriously and worked hard to lose my weight. When all the documentation was in place - I went to the surgeons office & found I lost 20 pounds. Today post op day 5 - I have dropped a total of 30 pounds. I am on liquids for 7 days, full liquids another 7 days, pureed another 7 days, soft foods another 14 days, then food. I don't feel hungry at all.

My drive comes from this:

1. I am fortunate my insurance will pay - I won't mess that up

2. Food is no longer my friend or support. Food is what got me where I was - 280 pounds. Today after the small changes - I am down to 249. Nobody can take that away from me.

3. I no longer put importance on fast food - diet pop - and eating unhealthy.

I thank God for the opportunity to have the lap band and I will not take it for granted. I attend 3 support groups & have tapped in to 2 online support groups (this one & one through my hospital).

What I did was to let go of my past behaviors. Therapy helped alot & I am forever grateful for going through that mandated process. For anyone 'thinking' about lapband - look for a "Center of Excellence" Program - I can't stress enough - that is the best they have to offer & you really come out on top in comparison to others not.

I had my lapband surgery on Thursday 9/15/11. My pre-op diet went for as long as I could lose 16 pounds. Once there - they scheduled my surgery. I ended up losing 22 pounds by the time surgery happened. Today I am post-op day 5 and had my first Protein drink. I ended up buying Pure Protein (25g Protein) from Wal-Mart. I only bought Frosty chocolate but after talking to the nurse in the hospital, I'm picking up vanilla too. I attend a support group (started pre-op) and learned about various types. The one I chose was something another person liked. I was lucky - liked the 1st one I tried. My regimine post-op is Clear liquids week 1, full liquids week 2, pureed week 3 & 4, soft foods week 4 & 5 and regular good week 6 and beyond. My advise for the pre-op diet is follow your plan & keep your eye on your goal. If you have any type of support group - whether it be part of your program or online - do it & maintain that involvement.

All the best of luck to you!