Spaness2012

Glad to hear your feeling good today! It's very encouraging. I have a little anxiety about the down time after surgery.

It took awhile for my family to understand the decision and how the band works. They were mostly nervous about the surgery but I have educated them in all aspects and they are now very supportive. The line I use the most is when someone says, "surgery is dangerous", I say "so is being obese-I have a chance at a tool that can change my health and I intend to use it." Good luck....they will start coming around.

Ok good......I have been constantly drinking something. Water, tea, the shakes (when time). It's the only way I can power through. Have you had headache and fatigue today? I felt alot better today......your resolve kicks in after a few days. Lots of good energy your way....

This is a wild ride isn't it? I actually made it through the day without a dull, annoying headache and major fatigue. The first 2 days were brutal but I did understand that my body was detoxing...releasing the toxins....responding to the change. Feeling much better today and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have learned alot about myself these past 3 days.

Did you mention this to your Dr? About the intolerance? Perhaps they can suggest something else?

Take some deep breaths....it's a marathon not a sprint. This time before the band will help ease the road. Don't panic.

Hang in there...it will get better. I promise.

Scar tissue that has keloided? I would definitley send a message to the Dr just to be sure. Good luck.

Dwayne!! I wayched your video blogs this morning and you have certainly put my mind at ease. They were so helpful. I love, love, love the little trick about straining the Progesso Light Soup for the broth and freezing the solids for your "mushies" later. Brilliant!! Thanks for the idea. Hope you are feeling well today?

Ok folks! Today is the first day of my 2 week pre-op diet. I am on 5 protein shakes a day. I have already done this back in September (before I found out that my insurance company would only cover half of the surgery and didn't have the money to cover the other half). I learned alot about myself the last time I did this. First I learned...I can do it! Secondly I learned that I could survive without physical food. During the pre-op phase, my heartburn disappeared and after about 3 days...I had tons of energy! Starting on liquids (again) today, I had no trepidation. I have done this and completed this before. I know it was hard...but the good news is that I know and I still survived. Knowledge is power! I look forward to the weight loss I can achieve even before getting the surgery! Wish me luck!

Congrats!!! Glad your feeling ok.

The shakes I am using are purchased from the doctors office. OPtiFast 800 calories a day. Lots of protein, low in carbs, sodium, etc. 800 calories seems like "nothing" to a girl who could consume way more than I ever needed to...but one day at a time....I am certain I will get through it.

Thanks for all the links! I can't wait to dive in! I too have small children and they have to eat. This is definitley the hardest part. But once again...no matter how cranky and boo hooey I get.....I just remind myself that it's just a small part of the journey! I just keep my eye on the prize...and this is always worth it to me. Good luck everyone.

Yes. I started my Protein Shakes (pre op diet-2 weeks) today! The first few days are the hardest (I did this last September when I had my original surgery date but found out that insurance only paid half at the last minute and couldn't afford it.) I survived it the first time.....I will survive it this time. By no means is it a walk in the park...but each day does seem to get easier.

Actually....mine is scheduled for Feb 7th. Thanks for the update!

Vanessa from Tampa, Florida. Scheduled for surgery on Feb 7th! Super excited. This has been a journey of about 3 years to get to this point. I don't plan on looking back! I look forward to sharing my journey and following yours!

I just wrote a quote on my Facebook that said..."A good goal should SCARE you a little and EXCITE you alot." This is my mantra for my surgery that is scheduled for Feb 7th!! Good luck!

I had my "re-visit" consultation today and they submitted my paperwork to insurance again and they approved it right away! Picking up my pre-op shakes tomorrow and surgery is scheduled for February 7th! I am grateful for the expedited care! I am ready to do this!

Leslie...excellent point! My husband too is very, very nervous for me and so are the kids. I have acknowledged his fears and understand his concerns. But in the past, I would feel selfish for "putting him" through any discomfort and feel guilty that my kids are nervous about surgery. The truth is, he does not have a weight issue.....and with clear, honest amd sometimes assertive words....I laid out that if I "caved" into his worries and concerns...again....I would be fat and unhealthy forever. There is a way to make this journey OUR OWN and ease the fears of the people in our lives by doing well and forging on.

I am in awe of your accomplishment!

Last year I made the decision to get the lap band surgery. I found a good doctor, followed 6 months of monitoring, lived through a liquid diet for 2 weeks, and 2 days before the surgery...I found out that my insurance would only cover half (this was news since we all verified that they would cover it at the beginning of this journey). Needless to say, I couldnt go on with the surgery in September as I didn't have the money to proceed. I was devestated! With that knowledge, I knew I could save some money, use my healthcare spending account once it rolled over in January, and pull some other resources to get this accomplished. Monday I revisit the doctor's office to get this ball rolling again. In the months since my cancelled surgery, I thought that I would find reasons not to move forward with the surgery. A sign....I pondered? But here I am still committed to the process...the tool...the goal. I never really wavered from wanting the surgery. Maybe that's a bigger sign.

Thank you Missy...

I was at my pre-op appointment at the hospital and was told that my insurance covers 50% of my surgery. I stopped in my tracks. I was told twice (once by my insurance company and then again at my Dr's office at the beginning of this journey) that they would pay for all of it! I have called all parties involved and will hopefully get more information tomorrow morning. I don't have the other 50% to pay! I never would have made this procedure an option for me if it wasn't economically possible. I am freaking out to say the least! As required by the insurance company, I have completed the six (6) months of monitoring, the psych evalulation, and now 2 weeks of Optifast! I am so close to getting this done and 2 days before the surgery I am dealing with this crap! Breathing, breathing, breathing...... Does anyone know anything about this? Or did something similiar happen to you?

Hang in there! It's only a few more days. If it was "easy" then everyone would do it. You can see the other side....your almost there.

Sojo~~ I love this statement! Thank you. "The band is a very self empowering tool to help you loose weight; you will determine your level of success by the choices you make. "