RhondaMarie

As someone who works in a hospital.... It's tough because an employer can't mandate what employees eat... only WHERE they do it. There are more docs than you can imaging that smoke... drink more than anyone should and have other extreme vices. Perhaps if you mention it to the physician they may address the staff traipsing through the waiting room. We had a big no no when techs were walking food past patients who were fasting. They had to go the back way. Unfortunately, you can't discriminate only on the flaws/vices you can see ... the most put together perfect on the outside people often have the worst habits in private. I understand where you are coming from though. I would not go to a sloppy, grossly overweight doc who reeks of ciggies. Nor would I go to a hair dresser with sloppy whacked hair on her own head!!

That's awful. It's ridiculous how eating healthy costs so much more than junk. How can it cost more when it has less ... less sugar... less carbs... etc. It's a shame that people trying to eat right struggle to pay for it. As to whatever situation you're going thru... I am not ashamed to admit I have been there and I can only hope and pray that better days are ahead.

So... I stole this idea from the August board.... I love knowing everyone's date!! Just give a yell if you need added!! **readyforchange** 9/4 Kathy_a22 9/4 Iv2nurse 9/4 Goalseeker 9/4 Juliemarie777 9/4 YumaCuen 9/6 Kaytlyn Allen 9/6 Kristinsmom 9/6 Joyband 9/6 Five71202 9/7 Kykhinkle 910 Twinskins 9/10 Kasper23 9/10 Hls50 9/11 Goingforit 9/11 Ready for 50 9/12 Banderama 9/14 Jazz70 9/14 Aferreira14 9/17 Tiggergramma 9/21 Corgimom 9/24 Millsy 9/25 RhondaMarie 9/26 Prinxs 9/27 Andwhatrea 9/28 Nacol Straughn MGP713 Cindroo Maddysgram

I can't tell you the last time I had a stomach flu this bad, BUT.... 1) sooooo glad I got BEFORE my procedure 2) It's a good practice for the liquid diet! My Carnation Breaskfast mixed with Water is all I can get down. 3) Maybe I can drop a few before my final weigh in :-) Every little bit helps!!

I, too, had my pre-ops. One more weigh-in, consents and, of course, insurance approval to go!! We are getting so close everyone!!!

If it helps... the 1/2 cup of cottage cheese IS an option on my pre-op diet. Clearly you shoud try to not cheat, but I agree that it could have been A LOT worse. Some people have no pre-op ... some people have highly restrictive plans... Just fo your very best. I am working towards my pre-op already because I don't wanna walk into a wall when Sept 12th rolls up.

I haven't been able to post or reply in here!! If you are the one that fixed it... THANK YOU!!! My date is 9/26... just finished third nutrition class this morning. I have my pre-surgical labs in the morning. After that, all that remains is final weigh in, approval and final meeting with the surgeon!! Today I was told my pre-op diet would be expanded from 10 to 14 days as part of a new hospital policy so that's kinda nerve racking. I will admit... NOTHING scared me more than going to these last 2 nutrition classes. One was for pre-op diet and one for post-op diet. Seeing the requirements and strict nature of the diets... it gives me palpitations! I am already slowly working my way towards the pre-op diet one to two meals a day. I do better with slower transitions. I know I can do this. I can. I even have a "thin" friend that agreed to do the pre-op diet with me to support me. Aren't I lucky?!?!? I am excited and nervous and overwhelmed and hopeful!! I look forward to sharing this adventure with you all!

Lordy be careful crushing any pain pills without physician supervision!!! They can get into the blood too fast and cause major complications!! I spoke to my office b/c I have issues with most pain meds. I asked for something like Ativan to take the edge off instead. My CRNP thinks liquid Tylenol would be more than sufficient post-op. I am not into feeling pain either, but allergic to opiates and Ultram makes me itch like fire ants are crawling on me. I think I will take the pain as much as possible!

That sounds great! My pre-op diet would start Sept 12th. The more the merrier!! Thank you!!! I wasn't happy when they changed it from 2 classes to 3 just because I am trying to save my PTO time for post-op. HOWEVER, hearing some of the questions asked (and re-asked) by people helps me understand why the Bariatric team here thought it was too much info for one class for some people. We even had to pass a test to show basic comprehension of the main theories!! They include that in our paperwork to the insurance company. They also mandate a one month post-op with the dietitian one on one and my insurance authorizes 6 visits that first year after surgery to help remain successful.

Prayers sent to ya!!! I am so jealous you are now. This last month is gonna be a killer!! Please let us know how you are when you are up to it!!

I had... 3 Nutrition classes (general, pre-op diet, and post-op diet) Psych EDG where they found the hiatal no history of refulux so no need for the upper gi I got hooked up with my doc when he took my gallbladder out so nothing to look at there either sleep study I have my pre-admission labs, final 6 month weigh in and a final consult with doc left I think other's are right that it def depends on your doc's schedule. When he takes your history and decides what he wants included in the work up for you a lot could be determined by how fast you could get it all done. If you have an open schedule it will move a lot faster. If they are thinking four months now... I would ask to schedule a date for surgery on your first visit. Especially if you risk getting around the holidays. It might give you incentive to push thru everything else.

tomorrow is your big pre-op start!! I am so jealous!! Good luck!! Stay in touch and let's get our Bandster month hoppin'!!

I get fustrated with the 6month wait, too, BUT that being said I am very grateful for it as well!! I fully agree with the time to gradually adopt changes. Taking 20+ minutes to eat a meal sounds easy... in a fast-paced life it isn't! Even the time to practice chew, chew, chewing takes some time to truly make something second nature. Honestly, I don't know that I have ever stuck through an honest to goodness diet for 6 months. I either thought "I got this" and didn't or I got frustrated and quit. I am happy to say I am gradually adopting the lifestyle and while I have slips, I am thinking 24-7 about behavior changes now. Just promise yourself to make the most out of the 6 months. It has actually gone by pretty fast!! I love the countdown ticker, too!! I look at it every few days and say "Holy Crap!! It's almost time!!"

Aw!! Good luck!! As I get closer to my date (9/26) I get more and more anxious to hear all of your experiences!!! I can't wait to share your successes with you!

Can't wait to hear!! Good Luck!!

I did make it to another branch of my gym last night and under my calorie count for yesterday. Slowly but surely I will get back after it. Third nutrition class tomorrow and pre-admit testing on Friday morning....gotta check those off and then all that remains is final weigh in and final surgeon appt to sign consent, etc. My coordinator is confident that insurance approval will sail through so let's keep this train moving!!

ok... so this past weekend I cheated on my good eating habits a lot. I was out of town and kept saying I would get right back on track. Well, two days into the work week and I am still not back where I should be. I have always been an emotional eater and I am under mad stress with work and personal life. My gym is closed all week for the annual clean and repair shutdown so I am trying to get to a surrogate gym tonight since I haven't had a work out since FRIDAY. I know I have personal life issues that need to be handled, but that's no excuse. If I can't handle them now... those doubts are creepeing in. I don't have second thoughts about having the procedure. It's more those fears of failing the band are niggling at my brain. I am hoping that by posting my struggle so publicly, you all will help me get my head on straight. I don't need coddled... I need my butt kicked!! oh and P.S..... daily Cookies, chips and candy at work for the last week... I could smack my co-workers!!!!

Make sure you do not hav any red meat 2 days prior to that last weigh in....low sodium diet between now and then... all those little things you can do in addition to work outs, etc. My last weigh in is Sept 6th...then it goes to insurance. The office swears I will be good to go by my 9/26 surgery date!!

I havent even told my live in bf that I am scheduled for next month. It's a deeply personal issue for me since I have alway been the "fat friend" and dealt with teasing my entire life. My brother is 37 and will STILL call me "tub of lard" when he gets mad. People keep telling me if I would just get a breast reduction I would be good to go. I want a lifestyle change... not a cosmetic one. BUT, bless their hearts my firends really don't see my size. Just one reason I am so thankful to find this msg board with people who have been there and really "get it."

Thanks all! I know I could have been WAY worse... I did get a fruit & yogurt parfait ONLY at McD's.... I just don't want to back slide. just had cottage cheese and a whipped yoogurt for lunch and sf candy and cocoa roast almonds for a snack. I am not hungery.... but I know I want "something" else.... mind over matter, right?

Though I am still pre-op... I was really having trouble losing anything during my 6 months. Suddenly I have lost 3 pounds each of the last 2 weeks. It isn't much, and I busted butt at the gym, but finally seeing the scale starting to move to the left has me feeling more confident and motivated.

Calcium CITRATE according to my dietitian

I, too, feel like I will never be skinny. I don't really even have the body type to be thin. That's why I put my goal weight at 180 - still "overweight," but a weight that I is WAY healthier than where I am now. Hey... if I get lower than 180 then heck yeah!! But part of goal making is to be realistic and make it something achievable. Trust me... By the numbers I have 120 give/take to lose. I am choosing band b/c of the malabsorption (I am already osteoporosis waiting to happen from chronic steroid use), down time from work (primary bread winner), slower steady weight loss (I still have work to do on food issues let alone emotional changes that may occur), etc. My surgeon always says you have the whole pre-op time to make your decision. He advises to get started through the pre-op while continuing to do the research. Just weigh out the options keeping in mind that nothing will work if you don't!! Keep in touch!! My date is 9/26/2012 so we will be fairly close on this journey!

Perhaps I am being nave, but I just had a lap chole in March that sparked this whole adventure. My. surgeon feels that this will be very comparable. I could have gone back to work on Monday (surg was Thurs). In fact I did work two basketball games on Saurday and Sunday. Sunday was that breaktrough day for me all the way around, but I think pushing myself on Saturday helped me REALLY sleep and heal. I think I am smarter going into this process so I am going to have surgery on a wednesday with the intent of returning on the 12th day. I really can't afford to be off long. Just say a quick prayer that this plan works!!!

First off... WELCOME!! I am a newbie, too! Just this week. It's amazing how much you didn't know you needed to know!! Just poke around and feel free to ask questions!! People are super sweet and helpful!