Bandista

Follow your instincts, Lisa. They are such good ones -- why rush it just prior to a trip?

Hi there, I will be thinking of you. For me this has not been as bad as things like dentistry or a hurt rib, back out badly, etc.

Congratulations! Look forward to keeping in touch. Are you able to drink wel? I have no pre-fill in my band and am having quite a bit of Water, cranberry & aloe -- my comfort drink. I look forward to home but am exceedingly comfortable here. It's nicer than I expected -- none of the weird hospital vibe or anything like that. About to get a heparin shot, standard protocol. Have been walking -- so much trouble to get up to pee (unplugging stuff, moving my zillion pillows) that I figure I should walk while I'm at it. That feels really good. Hope you have a good night!

Thinking of you during this very stressful time and sending best wishes for your daughter's heart issues -- and your father-in-law as well. Take good care.....

Hi Ruth, I started my process in June and am getting banded tomorrow. It seemed like it was taking forever but now all of the sudden the big day is almost here. I am choosing LB because, like you, I have tried every diet in the book and just cannot lose this chunk of weight I have been carrying around for 22 years (I am 52). I can't wait to be banded!

Yes, here's to variety! I have five different tubs of protein powder/meal replacement shakes to choose from. I know the ones I like pre-op may not work post-op but at least I'll have choices. Also I have a Popsicle once in a while. Using Outshine brand, no icky chemicals.

What are fiber chews? Of course I'm on my pre-op liquid diet and I would eat anything right now just for the sake of chewing. Cardboard comes to mind!

So happy for you! Arm candy, yes indeed, but also just such a lovely person. He is one lucky guy. And congratulations on the new wardrobe additions. I used to love clothes and have just been wearing a sort of uniform for many years now -- jeans and black v-neck top (slimming!?) then a few outfits I struggle to put together for business meetings or dressy events. All that will be changing!

Packing my bag now!

Hi Calista, just saw another thread on constipation -- check that out. Good luck with all!

Every one is different, of course, but pain medication can really do a number on the digestive tract, particularly for people who are already prone to constipation anyway. I am taking Smooth Move herbal tea with me to the hospital tomorrow to get a little head start just in case. Figure I'll be able to sip on some hot tea tomorrow night in the hospital, don't know! Hope I won't need the Milk of Magnesia or stool softeners I purchased -- really hope I won't need a lot of pain medication either, but I guess I will find out when the time comes. Once I'm on regular food again I suspect I will need extra fiber in my diet.

Hi there, I hope you get word soon -- I use the squeaky wheel approach sometimes with a little catch more flies with honey thrown in for good measure. Perseverance!

Have you been through the process and just waiting for a date?

Yippee! I can't wait to be out of food jail...

Great post, thanks! Country Sweet, I think one of the reasons I didn't tell many people as I didn't want that kind of well meaning input or to be told things like I carry my weight well, etc. I have done so much research and I know this is the right decision for me. Tomorrow I get my band. I know it's not going to be easy but it's going to be so much easier than this last few weeks of pre-op diet. All those years of Yo-yo-ing up and down and up again. I feel like I cannot lose the weight. I've tried every which way. I'm 52 and I know the only way I can lose and keep off the 80-some pounds is with the assistance of the band.

Buckwheat is a complete protein....quinoa has a high protein level...... Carolina Girl, I was a veg, too -- 17 years but quite a long time ago now.

Yippee! You are watching your waist appear -- very exciting. I hope I still have one -- will find out soon as I'm getting banded tomorrow. Best wishes to you -- thanks for the inspiration.

Hurray for both of you! Very inspiring......so looking forward to getting my band and getting started on weight loss. I read somewhere a cinder block weighs 33 pounds. Will feel good not to be carrying a few of those around with me twenty four hours a day!

Hi there, I am tomorrow, too! A few butterflies here as well but very excited. Just want it all to be over with, new chapter beginning!

Hi there and congratulations -- big day here at last!

Congratulations both of you -- glad you're doing well. My surgery is day after tomorrow. Best wishes!

Way to go on the exercising -- that is really going to serve you! Congratulations on making this decision for a healthy future. I am being banded on Tuesday and very excited but of course a teensy bit nervous, too. It's been so helpful to be on this forum asking questions and reading the posts. Best wishes to you!

Hi there, I'm getting banded Tuesday, too! Happy 40th birthday -- what a great gift to yourself. If you are concerned about whether you've jeopardized your health by not adhering to the pre-op diet you should call your doctor tomorrow morning and inquire. Many people don't have pre-op diets but every one is different and there are a variety or pre-surgery protocols. The purpose as I understand it is to shrink the liver so it's easier to install the band but I also suspect there are other rationales, like getting people off of sugar, diet soda, etc. so they'll be successful with the band later. Good luck to you -- keep us posted. Best wishes for a happy, healthy 40th year -- you are on your way!

Great description, thanks!

Hi Jada, it sounds like you have a lot to contend with right now. I'm glad you are standing up for yourself and reaching out. Emotional eating is such a difficult cycle to break. I totally get it about the borderline BMI and the absurdity of needing to get fatter in order to qualify for surgery. It sounds like now that you're there you're having difficulty stopping. When I started the process to get a band I decided to do some therapy to really get at the underlying food issues as much as possible and to provide support for the various stages. I also started a journal just for this. One of the first things I did was list all the things I want to be able to do and feel when I shed the weight. The reasons. And just writing out the difficult encounters with using food as a crutch, the ups and downs, etc. helps me get at the loving myself part. I am getting a band because I love myself, I love life and I want to be able to really show up for it fully. I need to be healthy for myself and for the people around me who love me. The journal also helped me write out all the next steps of what I needed to do, what my resources are. They are all needed for something this big -- the resources you dig up from deep down inside yourself, the part of you that wants to heal and to be happy, and the resources like family, our doctors, etc. The people who can help. This forum is at the top of my list. I have learned so much about the band -- the medical details, sure, but also what makes people successful with their bands. I wish you the very best as you sort through everything and make a plan for your health. Choosing yourself is a powerful thing and I can see that you are doing that. Best wishes!