NVgirl

So, here I am, three weeks out from surgery. I start my liquid diet a week from today, still no problem. My boss calls me today and tells me I have to be in Las Vegas for three days, the week before my surgery. I explain to her that I have a pre-operative class and a pre-operative appointment that week, and I'm told that I have to move them. On top of that, I'll be into week two of a liquid diet.. and not just liquids, but protien shakes, Water, broth only. How the HELL am I going to do that? I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to discreetly be able to mix shakes when I'm tied up in meetings all freakin' day! Any suggestions? Someone know of a travel blender worth purchasing? Or a hit man to hire for my boss?

Wouldn't the hair sprouting out of your chest offset any weightloss anyway? :biggrin1:

Hi there Uniqueone! I've got the class on Tuesday. Originally scheduled for the 1st, but my boss informed me I have to be in Vegas, so Michelle was good enough to squeeze me into this weeks class. Have you been using the protien shake stuff that they recommended? I've yet to try it yet.. how is it?

Another thought... are there that many people leaving the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport with crateloads of alcohol? That's my kind of airport!

Can't blame them there.. everytime I let my dog in the car it's weeks before I get all the dog hair out and tounge stains off the window!:biggrin1:

I start my pre-op diet on Monday in prep for my surgery on the 7th! Still have my pre-op class, pre-op testing & hospital registration, and pre-op doctor appointment to go. Add in a business trip to Vegas and it's gonna be a busy two weeks!

You know what I find interesting? The fact that pro-life individuals are so "in-your-face" about abortion being wrong, murder, yada yada yada. The seem to enjoy making persons that are deciding, have decided, or had an abortion to be terrible human beings. There seems to be very little compassion on their end. I suspect that a good portion of abortions are because of unplanned, unwanted pregnancy. Instead of demonizing women who make this choice, what about setting up counseling for adoption? So many young people these days think adoption is "giving away their baby" and makes them look like a bad person, which is completely not the case. I did some volunteer counseling of young mothers about the adoption process, and it was amazing to hear that it's either abort or keep the child. There's no middle ground. I've have personally been on every side of this issue - I am adopted, I put a child up for adoption when I was a teen, I've had an abortion and I have two sons. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, when it seemed that abortion protesting was at it's highest, never once did I walk past a group of protesters that were kind, or that offered me any help whatsoever. (I worked very close to a planned parenthood type facility and often walked over there to pick up birth control pills.) So, for all the pro-lifers out there, put your money where your mouth is and treat these women with the dignity and respect they deserve. Set up programs designed to help instead of just tossing verbal barbs at them. I think the whole situation is ridiculous. It is my body, it is my choice. Until that child leaves my body, it remains my choice.

Well, apparently we're not all independently wealthy and can just pick up and move when the going gets tough. Bummer, I bet that kind of freedom would be nice! Housing prices are in a spiral, people have bad credit, etc. It's not just that easy to move on. In my opinion, I would stay and work with local authorities and other community members to clean up the neighborhood. Why should I have to leave a home that maybe I've spent many, many years living and loving in because a bad element has come along? Why should they win?

Well now you're just being hypocritical - Why should things be limited to YOUR parameters?

But that's not the core issue - it's that women no longer have a choice if their own life is in danger in carrying the child to term. Is that to say that the child is more important than the mother?

I disagree that the man should move in lieu of owning a gun. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like guns, don't advocate for private ownership (and my DH is an avid gun enthusiast - makes for interesting conversations some nights), however, why let some bad apples in a neighborhood have the run of the place by moving? He's got the right to stay in his home and feel protected, however he may do it.

This decision is oh so wrong! Partial birth abortions are not common, had generally only been done when the mother's life is threated. Now, even if the mother's life is threated, there is no recourse - the baby is more important than the person carrying the baby. If I were pregnant and in that situation, and I cannot fathom how agonizing that situation would be, it should be my choice to save my own life or give it up for a child - not the supreme court's.

I don't know what type of employer you work for, but talk to your personnel or human resources person. You should be covered for leave on your job under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of leave - If you don't have accrued sick or vacation time, you won't get paid, but they have to ensure that you have a job when you return. Good luck to you!

I haven't been banded yet, so have no advice. However, I just had to tell you what a wonderful person you are to be so concerned about your sister's comfort and needs! I don't live near my family, and after hearing today how my oldest brother snubbed my parents at a function last week, you really warmed my heart with your post! Your sister is very lucky to have you!

Janette - I have a 14 day liquid pre-surgery diet. All I can have is the protien powder drinks that my doctor delineated (from Metagenics), Water and broth. I start doing all this on Monday. I'll let you know how it goes!

I want to thank everyone for their help and suggestions! You've given me some good ideas that I'll run by my doctor. I was able to get myself in an earlier pre-op class, and put my foot down about being back in town in time to may my pre-op appointment. Thanks for the support!

Does someone want to take on the task of making up a chart to track all of the May Bandsters?

I have to admit, I too was a little put off by that particular thread. While I have three weeks until my surgery, from talking with my doctor and doing research, I can't fathom trying to eat a piece of pizza 3 1/2 weeks out from banding. I can see enjoying an occassional slice maybe 6 months down the road, if it can be tolerated, but I have to agree, why would you go through everything we're going through to get banded to eat pizza less than a month later? But, that's what makes this country great - the differences in opinions and the ability to voice them. Rock on!:biggrin1:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/pizza-t33285.html?t=33285&highlight=PIZZA

The threat of having to do another barium swallow is enough to keep me on the straight and narrow.. that stuff was just plain nasty!

A plan? Hmmm... CRAP I DON'T HAVE A PLAN! Well, that's not true... it's just... a secret... yea, a secret.. so I can't tell... *running off to come up with a plan other than being bitchy for the liquid diet phase*

Pam, I can't get out there today - I've got a dog that's not feeling well after some shots yesterday and I don't want to leave him alone. Is there a day in the upcoming week that works better for you?

Seriously? That's terribly generous! I just received one of each of the three flavors, but I know that won't be enough to get me through, just didn't want to take the financial hit all out of one paycheck! Where do you work?

Hello! How is everyone doing? :biggrin1: Surgery is three weeks from tomorrow and frankly, can't think about much else!

How terribly irresponsible and self-serving for this doctor to put that video, and all the others that he's got posted on youtube.