akwright68

The mental part is the hardest, but it is something that everyone here is going through at every stage of the journey. You have to also give yourself positive reinforcement. You CAN do this. You WILL succeed. Count every single success and positive thought and hold onto it. Let the negative go. This is your survival tool. Anxiety is normal, talk it out with someone that is knowledgable of what you are going through. This forum is a wealth of knowledge and support, use it as you need it. We are all here to support you, be your ear or shoulder, your kick in the butt reminder, etc.

I had a rough time as well, and my family did not help. Keep mentally focused on the end game and how you don't want them to cancel surgery for any reason. I have 5 more days and it has switched to not being hungry at all and trying to remember that I need to keep my calorie count up. It is strange how we go from "starving" to "uninterested". I think the liquid diet is getting your mind and body ready for the banded life. Keep your eye on the prize, you can do this.

I have recipes that someone gave me, but I left it at work. I will copy and post them on Monday. There is like over 100 different recipes.

My insurance co-pay is $300 and the percentage my insurance did not cover was $658 for a total of $958. The bill for the surgery is $10,300 which included the surgery, anesthesiologist, all pre-op and post-op testing and my surgeon's fee. When I visit his office my co-pay is $30. I know that everyone is different, so it depends on the doctor and the region that you live in.

Congratulations on setting the date. Let the excitement begin.

I think the biggest issue for many of us is "mental" hunger that we have been feeding for years. I have 6 days to go and it has gotten easier, I am just not hungry. I find I am having trouble finishing 2 shakes, although I should be having 4 to 6 of them. Usually by 8 pm I force the broth down because I know I need to. I don't feel bad, just not hungry. Onamission, I know you are in Europe, but do you have EAS shakes there? They aren't bad, not chalky. I usually Water them down with ice.

Good luck today. Keep us posted.

You are more than ready for this! I can't wait to read more chapters about your next "journey".

Sara - the tickers are listed on your profile - it has it's own category "my tickers" you can create several. I think that writing letters to your children is not only healthy for you, but God forbid anything occurring, your children know what was in your heart. If nothing bad happens you can still find a time to give the letters to them and let them know how special they are to you. My older son's (26 ans 24) are supportive, but not exactly a fan of me going under anesthetic so they have been avoiding talking about the surgery this week and I am certain next week will be much worse. My surgery date if the 15th, so I am writing them two letters, one for when nothing bad occurs and the other "just in case". The "nothing bad" letter is full of memories of past discretions of theirs that have made my heart go into my stomach (jumping off the 2nd story balcony onto the trampoline, flipping the motorcycle on a major road while doing a wheelie for over 2 miles, starting a "campfire" in the living room, etc.). We are all a little anxious - it is surgery and the unknown or "what if's" are driving us bonkers. We have to have faith in our surgeons, the hospital staff and our bodies to pull us through. The next step is a journey into another unknown for many of us - learning how to use the band as our weight loss secret weapon and learning how to eat all over again. I am not trying to speak for anyone else, but this is what we are waiting for. Let's get this show on the road. Alita

Good luck everyone.

Thanks Cheryl. Today had been easy breezy. It really is getting easier.

I need to vent, so here it goes. I am on day 3 of the 2 weeks mandatory all Protein shake, broth and Water pre-op diet. Today is superbowl and somehow the party has come to my house. Normally I would be right out there with everyone enjoying everything, but there is no way that I can - mentally or physically. It is just too much. Today my accomplishment is not killing all of the men in my living room and kitchen enjoying the smorgasbord of junk food waiting for the game to start. So far that is ten of them, and have I mentioned how my husband does not have a privacy filter? They all know about the liquid diet and are teasing me each time I go out in the kitchen or living room. I am stuck in my office studying, sipping on a chocolate Protein shake smelling all of it and reminding myself of what the ultimate goal is. Mind over matter. Tomorrow will be a new challenge and with each one that I surpass I get a little stronger. Each of us have gone through this and each of us have different feelings about it and stories of it. I tend to let it out and then it's over with - nothing held back here. I will make it through the next few hours. My pride will stay intact and no bodily harm will be rendered on any of the inconsiderate jerks that we call "friends", at least by me anyway. Thank you all for listening to my rant. I do feel better getting it out.

I am sorry, I hope that it gets easier for you.

Stay strong. You can stay away from them, yes you can!!!!!!!!

Don't beat yourself up Kateryn, you were going to pass out. I am sure that it helped and did not screw up your pre-op progress. How scary that would be. Happy that you made it through. Tomorrow is your day! God bless and I will pray for an easy surgery for you and a peaceful recovery.

My mental hunger and the jerks that are ribbing me will not defeat my purpose. It smells good but I have been sucking down broth until I am floating (who knew that would work). My son is my hero today - hubby, not so much. Next year I think I will actually take my son to the superbowl and make hubby stay home with the rest of the kids. Yeah that sounds like the perfect plan. Or maybe a cruise, where I can actually wear a swimsuit in February. Thank you all for the words of encouragement and faith in me. Love the cheer squad that we have on here.

All I can say is that my 25 year old son shut them all up cold and he is my hero today. My hubby, not so much. I will make is through today, and tomorrow and the next day. I am stronger than my mind hunger, although I have gone through 3 boxes of broth and 4 shakes already. That is okay though. I have not and will not cheat. Thank you for all the support.

I like the way you think.

Thank you Patti. Next year will be a whole different story. New me, new view on life. BTW - you have done wonderfully. Way to go. Quite an inspiration.

Congratulations on the most eventful birthday present you ever gave to yourself. With it will come renewed health and all of the body changes that come with that. What a great gift. Welcome to the forum.

Thank you Lalou, believe me I already have a few times, it just seemd to egg them on a little more. I am studying for an online test here in a few hours and then I will disappear for a while until some of the wives show up and I have to make a presence. Hopefully they will control their vengeful little monsters, and if not, well I know how to shorten the guest list for future parties. My older son just showed up and he just told them all to shut the h-e-l-l up so I think he just earned an extra hug. My hubby, not sure, but he definitely is not being a support system today.

I am allowed EAS advantedge carb control shakes (4 - 6 a day), vegetable, chicken or beef broth, and Water for the pre-op diet. It is the standard for my surgeon. Everyone of us seems to have different instructions, and I am not sure why. I am too worried about them cancelling surgery for me to cheat. But this is extremely hard, I will say. I also have 2 weeks of the same after surgery but allowing Jello and popsicles. On the third week after surgery I am allowed to introduce mushy foods, pudding, cream of wheat. Never thought I would be looking forward to that, but I really am.

I am envious - I can't have ANY food. Enjoy some for me please