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Hello Maysters! I am being banded in June and reading all your experiences is giving me inspiration. I hope you don't mind me crashing your thread! It is great learning from each other, those that are ahead of us in the journey, those at the same pace and those waiting for the answers! I am on my pre opt diet and had my pre opt tests. I found out yesterday something showed up in my blood tests regarding my gallblatter. I have no symptoms of problems, but the nurse said she needed to talk to the surgeon on Tuesday. I am praying it does not stall my date. Anyone have this issue? Good luck to all of you this weekend! Janine

Heather and others, This is a posting technical question. How do you put those strips at the bottom, you all have different ones; train ride, hearts, flowers, posting your bmi and weight progress? I would like to add that but can't figure it out. Help!

Good morning insub- I to appreciated all the pre opt tests I took this week. The lead Nurse Practitioner called me yesterday at 5, when I was leaving from work, I was worried as to what they found. She asked about my gallblatter because my billiruben( not sure spelling) was something?? She asked of symptoms, which I have none. She said she would talk to the doctor Tuesday. Any ideas from folks if this put a stop to surgery. I feel like, take that out too, maybe it weighs something! Also I am anemic, need to take my vitamens, which I knew. This weekend was my first one on the preopt. Not having my glass of wine, salsa and chips or going out to dinner, was hard, but I did fine. I just have to get through the weekends which will be the most difficult, but maybe I will see how I need to change my patterns. Suzzzie- Hang in there! The time will come. Don't give up. I know how frustrating that wait can be. I think the surgical coordinator hated receiving my emails, which I sent asking her questions, etc. Hope your weekend went well! Janine

Popcorn! Wow, movies here I come...LOL I was told yesterday junk food just goes straight down, it has not nutrients and disolves. But I agree, Pop corn usually is harder to digest, but sounds good. you can eat the low fat, low salt, kind. it is a healthy snack. Thanks for the informaiton on the wedding and eating. I am sure I can find some soft stuff! Would pasta hurt me then since I won't have a fill and the opening is not as tight? The reception is at my house beleive it or not! It will be totally crazy. Janine

Good morning VA- I had my pre opt appointments yesterday. I met with the Nurse Practician for my physical, her name is Jeanine too! She was wonderful. She will be the person doing the fills and made me feel more at ease with my concerns. Then I had the awful blood work, one area I hate. But they did great! Day two of my pre opt diet, so far ok! The only struggle I feel I will have in the next month ( pre opt and post) will be work when I am away from the office and lunch is involved or parties, social events. We were invited to a cook out June 2, which I plan to decline. I have other things to do as well, but I would have gone for a little bit, but could not drink or eat, and no one knows what I am doing. I just don't feel like dealing with the questions. Have any of you had to deal with this type of situation? How did you handle it? When I can eat mushies or back on food, I will be fine. Have a great day! Janine

We are growing but losing in our personal size! WElcome pbernier and others. marlyn- I understand your panic. I have my days of questions and then I snap out of it and say "I really want this, so stop worrying!" But it is difficult. I to feel I eat for a lot of triggers, so my habits will need to change across the board. I worry about what I will be able to eat again, some things won't be an issue. Hang in there. We can share our anxiety together! Huntersmom- It took me exactly 4 months as well! When I was given my surgery date, I felt it was so far away, but now it is here! I am on the liquid thing too. Day two! Toni- How are you today? Did you see that Insubordination also had her date moved like you! When I went for my pre-opt yesterday I was thinking, why not me! You both can be our leaders! Holiday weekend coming up. this may be difficult for some of us, picnics or family events. stay busy! That is my plan. Janine

Welcome Rita! June is hopping for sure! Insub, I read your post when I was at the hosptial for my preadmission stuff and lab work. Like Toni, you are having it early, but not later, which is a good thing. Less time to stess over it too. I had my physical with the Nurse Practitioner, who was really nice. She was not as strict that I ahd the exact protein drink on the sheet just so the protein is there. And I can have low fat salad dressing. I guess my preopt diet is not as strict as others. It is so weird how we all go through similar but a bit different! I had to have a blood gast and blood taken from the veins as well. That was the worst part for I ahve poor veins. The person was great, did it in a snap. I also had urine taken, EKG and a chest xray. I am all set to go! Heather, thanks for keeping up with the calendar. it is great. The days are filling up. Janine

Good morning all; I am not banded yet, June 7. I had my appoitnment with my surgeon on Monday and with the dietician. She presented a lot of food examples and how some people can eat one thing once, and then the next time can't. Also, some can eat rice, others can't. I guess I will need to test out the foods. I am nervous about giving up some food altogether, but then again, giving up beef and pasta is not a bad thing! I already eat mostly chicken and fish. My son is gettng married on JUly 7. My first fill will not be until mid July. Will I have more flexibility to eat at the wedding since I don't have a fill yet? I am not sure what foods I will be on at that point, I am thinking mushies? I plan to sip some wine, and mush a small piece of wedding cake! Any ideas? Elizabeth, thanks for the menu idea! Janine

Good morning Gina and othes, I had my appointment with my Dr, informational meetings and today I go back to the hospital for pre registration, blood work and to my doctor's office for a physcial. It is all coming together. I start my pre opt diet today. 14 days! I have to drink 2 slimfast drinks for 2 meals, then the 3 meal can be 4 oz of lean chicken or turkey, vegies. I can also ahve a fruit from specific list and a yougurt. I think all these extras will help! I can't beleive it is coming, finally! I have thoughts of beating myself up about not having success with other diets and now doing this. Then I wake myself up and say, you are going to be fine and a great start this will be! Have a great day! Janine

Good Morning: I start my pre opt today! I am actually ready to launch because I see this as a true beginning point! Dan, your diet now is what my pre opt diet is. I still get one small meal, 4oz lean turky/chicken and vegis. I can also have a yogurt( specific kind) and a specific fruit. I think these small add ins will get me through! I am headed for my physical, registration and blood work at the hospital today. I am not sure where I read it, that everything was easy but the needles! that is me. My veins stink! but I am a big girl! Talk to you all tonight. Janine

lilmonkey - GREAT, how are you feeling today? Did you stay overnight? Keep us posted on how you are doing. What post op diet are you on? I agree with others, all doctors are very different. Just listen to yours and take what you learn hear as support and options! I plan to still drink a cup of regular coffee a day. I can't cut it out all together. I don't drink soda at all, so I don't think this should do anything. Has anyone else drank coffee during the liquid diet phase? Well, have a good one! Janine

Goodmorning; I have been trying to read and keep up everymorning reading the posts which helps me get off to a great start in the morning. You guys are great! Toni - Wow, but look at the positive, at least the dr. did not move it in the future and you would have to wait longer. But any change in your mind set makes us go nuts! I am excited for you but now you won't be banded with me! You can have your experience to coach all of us Junies! I am glad you are staying with us. Heather- Maybe you can put Toniteach on the calendar, adding May 31. I am glad she wants to stay with the group. Kt- I agree about drinking and calories. I will not have anything, no wine, for the next 4 weeks, 2 pre and 2 post! I cracked a bottle last night. I plan to be ready to sip on some at my son's wedding, July 7! Missy and JackieP12 - you are fortunate for having your husbands going through this together. That is cool. You will be able to learn from each other. My husband is supportive, but never had a weight issue, so he has a hard time relating. Musicalmomma-- I understand about sharing. It is hard. My family will find out when I am not eating at my son's wedding on July 7. They live in PA, 5 hours away, so I why call and tell them and listen to the "why's"? That is why I think this is forum is so great for us. Today is my last day of regular eating and then I am with many of you! I went out last night and bought some of the things I can eat and my slimfast. I am ready!! Have a great day everyone. Janine

Marlynn, I had my appointment yesterday, boy was it long. I will give you only the diet information on here, but check out the June bandsters and you will get more on my visit. I typed way to much!!! I have to be on 14 days, starts this Thursday. 2 meals consist of Protein drinks; specifically slimfast with protein or carnation with skim milk( blue box). I can have the third meal of 4 oz of lean turkey/chicken, non starchy vegies and one fruit from a specific list. Lots to drink of course! I am trying to see what I should eat for dinner and lunch today!! Something good, but not over do it. tell me what you find out. In my informational meetings at the hospital ed center,after my appoitnment with the doctor, there were a mix of patients from my surgical group and another. The only difference in our pre opt diet, is the other group could also have two slices of low carb, high Fiber, bread. But not me! The doc did stress the importance of shrinkign the liver and showed me on the model what the liver looks like, where it is and what can happen if you don't shrink it. He said he would stitch me up and not do it if it appeared I did not follow the diet as listed! Stress but excitement! Janine

Wow! Sorry for the LOOOOOOOOOOOOOng post!

Wow! What a few days for action! I agree, excitement is in the air!! Michelle, welcome to the June bandsters. I to am being banded on June 7! I met with my doctor yesterday and had three informational meetings to follow, not getting home until almost 10 last night! Here is what I have to do. KT, my diet is similar to yours and MHuffman's! On Thursday I start with 2 protein ( only get to chose from 2 types, slimfast with protein and Carnation with skim milk, blue box) for two meals and the other meal is 4 oz of lean turkey or chicken, non starchy vegies and a fruit. The list of fruits is very specific. Plenty of fluids too. I plan to still drink my cups of coffee in the am, only 2. I don't drink any soda now, so no big deal for me. I know, weird! Years and years of dieting has had me stuck on water. I feel like I need to go and eat something good today or tomorrow. For now on the diet I will just share that. I learned so much last night from the dietician that my brain is fried. The doctor told me that he will use a 10 or 11 size band depending what I look like in side! No fills for 4-6 weeks. He said people get all hooked up on how much fills they get and what is in there ect. He said not to, everyone is different. Kt, I to like to go out and have a few glasses of wine, or stay in and have it, not an alchi, but just a few on Friday or Saturday. I asked the doctor about erosion as a result of aclohol( something I read)and if I can drink 1-2 glasses of wine ( I am probably thinking 3 sometimes) and he said did it cause me problems with my stomach now? And if not, it is no different. BUT it is the wasted calories. In the lectures later, the nurse said we would all be CHEAP dates because we would get tipsier after one and we should be careful driving, because it will be different. The doc also said I am staying over night! Main reason is my insurance will cover it 100% this way. And because of my distance. I was given so much information that as we chat, I am sure I can add. Should I go out tonight or tomorrow and get my "last supper!!!. I feel like what do I get? I am ready to get going on this fasting for two weeks, but I know like you who are in it, i will struggle and I am worried too. My husband was with me the entire time, and he said the surgery looks like the easiest part, it is the eating part that is difficult. He agreed that this decision is hard and that no way the easy way out! He has never dieted, and does not know the difference between a carb and a protein, so for him his mind was spinning! I felt bad for him sitting there the entire time, but he said he was interested. I guess that is good. Talk to you all soon, I guess I need to keep checking in sooner! I have my lab work on thursday! Janine

Laure and others, I am scheduled to be banded on June 7, my appointment with the doctor and dietician is tomorrow. I have read different things about the liquid pre opt diet, but then I heard of others who only had to fast the day before? why do you think this is? I am worried that if my doctor is not one of those that make you go on the liquid program, then this will happen. I will asking this question for sure tomorrow! Any thoughts? I am actually looking forward to a liquid diet, yah, I say that now because I am still eating, but I feel it will give me a boost on the weight loss! I am sure I will struggle, but if this is what I need to do, I will after reading this. I will let you know what he says. Janine

deb, Keep us posted. Not sure how to find you. I am not that experienced on this! I am being banded on June 7, seeing my doctor for the first time tomorrow. I am very excited about that and nervous at the same time! I know when I am 3 days away I will be scared too! We will all be thinking of you. Janine

Heather, I am not sure either. I was thinking if it was at the top of our thread we could glance at it easier than finding it on your post? I will talk to you all tomorrow evening. Janine

Heather, thanks so much! It looks great. Is there any way to locate it for easy access? It looks so far that June 1, 6, and 7 are busy days for all of us. I keep up with the Virginia bandsters too, is anyone in June from the Washington DC area( includes MD and VA)? I think I remember Suzzie being one! It would be nice to get together with some people at some point. Tomorrow is my big day with the doctor. I am anxious to hear about the post and preopt diets since every doc is so different. I also want to learn more about his approach with fills. I read so many posts of difference, I am concerned. Some experienced people talk about not feeling any restriction until their first fill. what does it feel like then? And then others saying if it is to tight they bg? What have you all learned from your meetings with your doctors? I am just excited to begin the talk that I really don't care what he tells me I need to do, I am READY! I would not mind being on a liquid diet for two weeks, it would boost my loss. Oh well, off to get some serious weekend duties done, YUK! Janine

Welcome Hottie to the Junies! to tell or not to tell? I think I spoke of this briefly on a previous post, and I really understand. I was talking to my husband today about this telling him that I don't plan on telling my sister or other siblings. My sister which I am closest to is also thin, out of the 5 of us, she was the lucky one! I wish I could tell her, but I know I would be hit with " are you crazy" just don't eat carbs, etc, etc. I just don't feel like hearing all the negative issues that some people relate to weight loss surgery. Like you are weak or something. I work with a woman who had gbypass and she made me feel good about it saying that when people say that you took the easy way out, that it is not easy, but the hardest decision. you go through the surgery, drastically change your eating habits and make a different committment. I could join weight watchers or the others one more time ( I can't tell you the # of times I have been a new member), but I can't face that again! I have 4 children, 2 boys( 18 and 21) and 2 step daughters( 15 and 12). I felt I should tell them. The girls say it is like putting a twist tie around the top of your stomach, like a balloon. They really don't say much. My boys feel like I lost weight before, do that again, but they don't understand the rollorcoaster ride it is, up and down. I told 4 people at work. I am the boss of a department of 36, I really don't want the office to know, but like you said hottie, the gossip is so hard to control! I am sure they will all know before I hit the table! talk to you later! Janine

Welcome new posters for June banders! Only two more work days until my long waited appointment with the surgeon. I have a list of questions, mainly after what I ahve learned here. You are right Suzzzzzzie, everyone is so different. I am really excited about next week. I have appointments both Monday and Thursday next week, lab, dietician, groups, etc. I have waited since March 22 for this to start! I was depressed when they gave me my date of June 7, wishing it was sooner, but now it is here!!

twinklesprinkle, I wish I could tell you what the cost would be, I have heard $15,000 for the entire procedure, including surgeon. Everyone is so different. I have Fed. BCBS, that approved the surgery, but I got nervous when I heard that I would have a large out of pocket and then with the fill costs that I did not even consider. I heard that can be from $30 -$550? I called my sergeons business office and they made me feel better. I see my doctor on Monday, I can't wait! Did you join the June bandsters post? My date is June 7. We can share our experiences, the post is getting full of banders in June. Maybe you are there already and I am having a senior moment! Talk to you soon, Janine

Wadew, One step at a time. I am glad I read what the others are saying because I know what they mean. I eat out of boredom or for different feelings. But I also know, like you that I have tried other plans and this is only another tool. But my mind is ready! I really enjoy exercise, once I get started into it! I have fallen out of it so much, that it is just a struggle because of the extra weight. but I am walking and hopefully building up for more. If you do't like to exercise, walk, each day add. it is not that bad. When I went to the psyc eval, I felt very emotional but serious. I had to complete several survey questions. some of them were about what you knew about nutrician and eating habits. others were a bit tricky. The correct answers, or the ones that result in you being a good candidate is if you have succeeded in losing before and if you know what is right, not that you can't ever do it. Like UP stated, they may feel you are not ready. Just be honest with it. lets keep talking! Janine

Musicalmomma, I am sorry to hear that, and wish you luck with the blood tests. I will keep my toes and fingers crossed too!I read through my paperwork that I have to sign when I go on MOnday and one says that I did not gain more than 5 lbs since my first appointment, I am nervous. I feel like I did? I don't weigh myself and I am afraid to now. I am going to cut back a lot today through Monday and drink a lot of water! I snack, don't pig out. I walk 4 days or more a morning, but I ahve felt that yuk heavy feeling. I hope I am ok. I want to buy a new scale for after the surgery. I guess I need to do that. It is interesting to see how all our surgeons are different. Kt is two days and a half, musicalmomma over night and others going home the same day! I am hoping for an overnight. that is it. my hospital is an hour away, so it would be good for me to stay if that is his process. The same difference in what you can eat, before and after! I will be excited to see what the dietician tells me! well, have a good day, June is coming fast! Janine

Hello Wadew and Isabelle, I am scheduled for my band on June 7. I to have had those thoughts of what if I can't eat this or that again? How will I handle it? But I feel like I have to make this choice to make this cycle of yo yo and emotion stop. I have been on a diet all of my life, from middle school! I have been successful and probably the longest time keeping it off was a year, but then wham, life happens and I start gaining again! Over the past year, I have been unable to focus or keep on a diet, stopped going to the gym out of embarrassment, because I know so many people there that knew me thinner, and I am afriad they will all make fun of me or say" what happened to her?" Probably my paranoia! But like you both said, I know How I felt thin, and it was great. I want that again, permenently. Good luck to both o fyou. Keep in touch! Janine