AaronRene14

Just a quick note on calories, and how i think of them... Some peeps seem to be very worried about calories, and sure most flavored yougerts have more calories, but i tend to think of calories like a money/bank thing... just because i only make so much money every paycheck, dosen't mean i cant buy a new tv or fridge or something... you dont have to eat all your cal's in one day... skim a few every day then then you can splurge a little more on something you may have been craving. sure you may eat a few more cals that one day, but you've been cutting down everyday to be able to do such. not sure if it'll help anyone, but i sometimes think that we give calories an expiration date, if we don't eat ALL our allotted calories that day then poof they are gone, and its not really always like that.

From the start i've decided that there will be no scale in my house. I see a doctor/nut enough that if i only gauge my weight-loss off visits to their office i will be okay. Its worked out great so far, and i've only gained once, but that was within 24 hrs and 2 different dr scales (one was digital and the other was analogue, and it was a diff of about 1 pound). No need to obsess over a number when i can just focus on how i feel...

for some reason i wasn't much of a Greek yogurt person either, it tasted like it was expired yogurt or sour cream, That was until i tried the Fit and light vanilla flavored one (i believe its danon) it comes in a purple container and came highly recommended from my nutritionist. I see that some others have recommended it as well so hopefully that means i dont have some crazy taste buds... But yeah, try the danon one, mixed with some Protein powder and enjoy...

Definitely a whole foods lover here. I would recommend buying meat elsewhere as it can get expensive, however when its on sale go for it... Their selection of lettuces is the best, look at their prepared veggies section (the ones that are still raw, but chopped up and pre packaged in-store). One of the reasons ive been so successful at mostly eating salad is because their prepared raw veggies. Buy some organic lettuce, some cut up peppers/cucumbers, cherry tomatoes... you get the point. If your not much of a salad person, you need to make salads the most convenient thing to make, you'll start eating it just because how convenient it is to make. Oh, and GREAT wine selection, with people who actually know how to recommend a wine.

Most doctors are different, some say liquid diet, some say low carb high Protein diet, some say horseradish... Lol, only the crazy ones say horseradish... It seems like you havent had sufficient help from your medical staff, I'd recommend seeing a nutritionist if you haven't already. For Vitamins, I was recommended to take a normal daily Vitamin, however, I was told to buy chewables for the first month after surgery. As far as protein, that's an area I feel I have some room for improvement, however I did buy a sample pack from syntax nectar and have just started that. I have also been drinking Isopure and think that will be the best thing for me seeing as I'm not a huge dairy or shake/smoothie fan. I'd try and stick to a high protein diet, but realistically would probly recommend calling a nutritionalist and consulting them about it. And happy 11/6 op day! That's my op day too!

Just wrapping up day one and trying to plan a menu for my next 9 days, so far I'm feeling like its going to be the same every day, but I'll find a way to get creative...

Can you give an examp,e of some of the meals you would make?

Mines is on the 19th

This is the way someone who is determined talks! Glad to see the turn around, now just take the steps to maintain this and you'll feel much better overall. Best of luck to ya.

Hey All! Scheduled Nov. 6th and definitely ready. Like the OP, I'm definitely not worried or scared, might be a bit anxious, but more anxious for the start of a new life vs the actual surgery. the only thing i feel i can do better on right now is Protein, i am currently ordering up sample packs and will definitely be stocking up as soon as i get my paycheck. Good luck all!

Good job! seems like you handled the first day really well. When are you scheduled for?

where did you get the sample kit from? Edit: Nevermind, i found it. Thanks for the tip.

WOOO!!! congrats! dosent it feel like such a huge weight being lifted off you shoulders when you get that date to schedule (no pun intended). do you find your lack of fear/anxiety weird? My family was so freaked out at how calm I was while i was explaining/filling out my advanced directives. you seem very prepared, congrats on that, and on everything you've accomplished thus far, and everything you will accomplish. Please keep us in the loop on how it goes

Did you do dr consultation before consulting with a surgeon? Are both of you guys doing this surgery? Anyways, congrats on your work so far and best of luck to the both of you. I too have nearly met my yearly deductible and am lucky to have gotten a date in November as not only will it be an early birthday gift, but it will be a lot cheaper then it would have been if i had been scheduled next year.

Stop stressing... While i haven't had to go through the supervised diet i have lost 40+ pounds in the first 5 months and i credit most if not all of it to a total change in my state of mind. Just like everyone else here i have a story of how i got to where i am, and despite the fact that i was big at birth, i still contributed A LOT! my first thoughts of the pre-op were that it was just a diet til i get to surgery, ITS NOT! in the last 5 months ive seen so many different doctors, and gone to therapy more then i ever have in my ENTIRE life. There are a lot of f'ed up things that have happened in my life, some things that i had to indirectly address due to the severity of the issue. Before starting the process to surgery i never even though that i would voluntarily deal with these things, but i have because i have (with the help of my doctors and therapists), I've come to peace with everything in my life. I am male carnivore, i never once in my live gone without bloody red meat (steaks) for more then a few days, i now eat no red meat and have no desire to, most of my diet consists of seafood and poultry and greens, and I would like to go completely vegetarian if i didn't have such a priority on Protein. I have literally changed my entire state of mind and its not been easy at all. im not saying all this because i want to boast, im saying it to hopefully stress the importance of the need to stop stressing. I would not have been able to accomplish ANY of this if my head wasn't in the right place, or if i were over stressed. As it is, i work multiple jobs and average 30ish hrs of sleep a WEEK (that works to 4ish hrs a day) and my stress level is at an all time low. Find a therapist, one that you like and can really talk to, i went through a couple but now have a great therapist. Stop worrying about numbers... sure weight is important, but its also a constant reminder of how your doing, and if you aren't doing to great then its only going to cause negative feelings. i never weigh myself, the only times im weighed is when im at the doctor. Sometimes (like the last time i was weighed) my weight loss was much lower then i thought, and sure i was feeling down that day, but it didn't affect the 3 weeks before the weigh-in where i was feeling great. Find your non-scale victories and think about those more then you think about any type of failure. Consult with your doctors, they're there to help. If you don't like your doctor, or feel that they aren't to helpful then change them. Im not sure of the area you are in, but hopefully you have options when it comes to hospitals and/or dr.s or medical professionals. Talk to a therapist, i dont think your crazy or anything but it really does help, specially though the rough times. Find the medical professionals that you feel comfortable with, don't go through all this feeling lonely or stressed. its my first time having this surgery, but this alone makes me feel like you aren't ready. I'd say wait off just a bit longer and get your head in the right place. I've also failed to address your unregulated thyroid, Its not helping any, thats clear. But i feel like it was brought up as a way to justify what you feel as your failure. By needing to justify it, it probly means you didn't try your hardest. Im sorry if this comes off a little hard/harsh, thats not at all how i wish for it to come across. I will however emphasize the importance stress plays in how well you do. I would like to leave you with some words that were sent to me, these words literally motivated me every time it got tough for me, the helped me through the days when i thought i should just quit. "You can and will do this!! I don't live in Chicago but I know that you are going to work out the struggles and be on your way to a better you!! I support you in all you do to better yourself!! The next song you play after you loose the weight will be music to your own ears!!!" -shrcumm LapBandTalk.com -- One last thing. I do want to let you know that if you need anyone to talk to you can feel free to pm me. i've had my share of rough nights during this long process, in the last few months ive gone through LOTS OF DHRAMA (thats drama with an extra h, just to add that much more drama) in my life, and i wouldn't wish it on anyone. if you need someone to talk to my ears are open (or since we're in a forum) my reading glasses are on.

Congrats Both of you guys!

Mines wasn't a test or anything, it was basically like seeing a shrink. the therapist asked basic questions about live, family, etc. i was referred to a psychatrist, however we got it sorted out and i was cleared within 2 wks, the tests the doctor had referred me took longer to clear.

My surgury is November 6th. I am currently 21 and seeing as my birthday is in November as well i scheduled it as an early birthday present. Most of the info concerning the process ive gone through for my surgury is in my sig, and i have lost 40 lbs so far pre op. So far im really pumped to get it all started, the whole 30/30 drinking/eating thing is the only thing im concerned about as i am going to have to start forcing it more now. either way if you guys would like more info please just let me know.

Congrats! I'm pretty much at the same place, only my hospital requires I go through 3 classes with the nutritionist. Should be meeting my surgeon soon though.

Went to one at Northwestern here in chicago, The surgeon was the one giving the information for most of the seminar and seemed to have a real negative attitude towards the lap band. He was neutral towards the sleeve but did emphasize that there isn't really any longterm information available on the sleeve, and seemed to REALLY up-sell the RNY. He surgeon giving the presentation was as vague as possible and anytime there were questions asked that called for more specific information he referred us to our surgeon (once we get one) or doctor, or one of the people that work at the hospital (she seems like an assistant). After the surgeon, the dietitian came up to introduce herself, then basically asked any pre-op patients to come up to the front to answer questions. I really didn't like the vibe there, however they are one of the best hospitals in the area so some cockiness i guess should be expected. We did get a folder with some paperwork and a packet to fill out asking for our information, However, there was absolutely no help with filling the packet out, and we were kicked out of the room right after the Q&A was over. There were some people filling out the paperwork outside in the hallway but all the doctors seemed to have left the very second they were able to. That basically sums up my experience.... Hope yours is MUCH better!