Javajodster

I myself got rid of my thin clothes last year. Now when I decided to get banded - I was so mad at myself. What I chose to do was just celebrate my change & a new future. I went to my first appointment on May 24th. I had to not only go through lots of pre-op stuff (meet with nurse couple times, dietitian, exercise specialist, surgeon - I had to also go through many bi weekly calls with my insurance). I went from May to August losing 16 pounds before they would even schedule my surgery. I too felt SO impatient and wanted surgery the day I made the decision. But what I learned those 3 months was that I was not ready May 24th. I had to start making diet changes in May, June & July so that I could naturally lose 16 pounds. I took that time to get rid of all the food that would not be in the plan for me once banded. I also started exercising. I joined curves & got involved there. By the time I finished my phone calls with insurance & got approval - I had lost almost 20 pounds. In those 3 months I totally got off pop, fast food and started eating so much better. I even went from a size 24 pant to a 22. Boy was that a feeling of victory. When it came time for my surgery - I was ready. What I learned in the 'waiting process' is meant to provide tools for us - successful tools. We have to make big changes with the lap band. We have to change. The band won't do it for us. I saw my neighbor go through RNY about 7 years ago. She didn't quite lose all her weight. The sad thing is she gained every bit of it back & more. I knew when I went in to request this - I would NOT let that happen to me. Look towards the future & how your life, body & health will change. You will 'celebrate' purchasing new & stylish clothes as your body changes. Don't mourn the loss of smaller clothes. Instead - embrace a new lifestyle with healthy eating. Take the time you have preparing for surgery & exercise, eat healthy & learn about the changes ahead. It will make your weeks after surgery so much better. My exercising ahead of the game & losing weight - has made me feel 'normal' today & not post surgical - day 6 after having lap band and hernia repair. You would never know I had surgery. other than I am on liquids for another week, then puree, soft. Its a process & I am SO grateful for the band - I cherished & embraced the waiting. During that time - I joined 2 support groups at my hospital. Those support groups helped the waiting be more bearable. All the best to you. Java.

I am on meds for depression and anxiety. My advise to you is do not change anything before surgery. Keep taking them as that doctor prescribed. If any are slow release (XR for example) - talk to your psychiatrist ahead of time about potential ways you can take it (maybe liquid). Before I had surgery - I had all 'pill' form & I was told to practice taking them with small amounts of water. I broke my pills in half. Once I met with the pharmacist in the hospital - he actually had me breaking them in to 4 very small pieces. I took one piece at a time & waited 15 minutes to take another sip & another piece of my pill. It can be done. Your emotions may be a little rocky. Mine were but I realized I wasn't taking my depression/anxiety meds right away & got on them again. I felt so much better. I am post op day 6 today & I feel like a million bucks. I even had hernia repair. My psych meds are helping me just as much now (post op) as they did pre-op. Don't worry about it - just talk with your pharmacist. Some meds can be changed for liquid. Some you can crush. You have alternatives. Take the time to talk to your surgeon now, pharmacist & psychiatrist. It will alleviate lots of fears if you're prepared.

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!