want2bmeagain

Hey everyone! I am alive! I was so encouraged by your posts! Yep, had it down to the minute!:bounce: Ok, I am doing pretty good...Dr Kirshenbaum is ABSOLUTELY incredible!!! Can't rave enough about him! I am having more pain than expected, but it's me. Same thing happened when I had a simple (vaginal) hysterectomy. But, it isn't anything that kid's liquid motrin and percocet isn't helping:clap2: Wow, can't believe I really did it!!! woo-hooooo Hope all my bandsisters and brothers today are doing great, and those tomorrow sail on through!! I'll check back soon also, keep us up to date on how the rest of you new bandsters are doing!!

2 hours, 36 minutes to go!:whoo: Don't need to be at the surgery center for another hour and a half, so thought I'd come visit real quick! I am at the Holiday Inn Select and wonder how many of you have sat at this same computer in the business office! Hey Rosie, what time were you in the office yesterday?? I wonder if we were in the waiting room at the same time...my appt was at 3:30~ it was almost 5 when we got in the room! What do you look like? Ok guys, here I go! I know it will go great! I am in good hands, and I have too many people sending thoughts my way! talk to you soon!

Surgery's in 2 hours and 48 minutes! Ran down to the hotel computer to visit for a quick minute! thank you for all the well wishes! I means sooooo much! You are all incredible people!!!! I will check back as soon as I can! :whoo:

the freaked out smiley wasn't supposed on top! He only goes with the Dulcolax!!! tee,hee! HAVE FUN TOMORROW NIGHT EVERYONE!

:eek:Hello Everyone!! I LOVE that man. Had pre op today...he's WONDERFUL!!!! I don't even have to explain why, cuz you already know why! My anxiety has lowered so much I am not even sure if I have it! Got to visit with StephanieZ tonight in the hotel lobby, and another gentleman from NY who is also getting banded tomorrow. He told me his username on here, but my brain is moving so fast, I forgot it. I will have to find him and ask again! Stephanie looks GREAT! It was wonderful visiting with her! TOMORROW IS THE DAY~ 14 hours away! woo - hoo! thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!!! I better get going so that I can experience the joys and memorable times I anticipate with my Dulcolax! I'll check in as soon as I am up to it!!

Ok everyone! We are heading to Denver! Keep me in your thoughts, your prayers, your whatever! I will check in, I am assuming there is a computer at the hotel!

DANG, Taynuh~why oh why didn't I talk to you sooner! Deviled eggs (never thought of that one), tortillas (never thought to ask him)...ugh. Yum! oh well, the diet's about over! dangit!!! The other night, I was going to make chicken breast spaghetti. Spaghetti sauce..ya know, tomatoes and olive oil? So I go to the store, and read every label..they all had sugar:mad: So, I bought it for my family, came home, and made mine with tomatoes I had just canned, the chicken, parmesan, and squash from the garden. The funny about the story: it was just so sad, but I made pasta for them, and you have to taste it to see if it's ready, right? I would take a bite to check if it was done, then spit the bite out in the sink~ first time I had ever done that IN MY LIFE!! ha, ha! I am soooo glad you are feeling better! I know I am ready for something sweet that sticks on a spoon...I am fantasizing about a creamy yogurt...I am such a dork!

Marcy or anyone I thought of a question...probably stupid, but I still haven't heard back from Paula. When/if you calculate carbs, do you figure in the meat, cheese, eggs, and veggies, or are those "free"?

P.S. Rosey~ please, please meet the girls on the 11th! Go there for me, I will be recouperating from surgery that day! Taynuh~ Sorry you are having such a hard time. I go in on Tuesday, and I am scared to death. But, I keep telling myself that many have gone this journey, and the short term torture can't be as bad as my long, ongoing torture and thought processes, and the discomfort of being fat...You should post on the general board cuz a lot of people read that and you might get even more responses. Maybe the new thread could be something like "Just had surgery, starving to death, help!". That oughta get some replies! Good luck, our friend!

Rosey~ It's "Lap Band for Life" I got it on Amazon and it's a good book! Please post and let me know you found it! And....you're not boring! But, if you are concerned you are, don't worry! The minute you make the decision to have lapband, your posts will get really exciting, with tons of questions and comments! Trust me!:omg:

Jenn~ woo hoo! Glad you made it back safe! If you guys want a rocky mountain vacation, you are always welcome at my place, I even have a guest room since my daughter left for college! I hope I'm tempting you! I am so happy you are feeling good. Do you have ANY suggestions for me? We leave tomorrow for Denver, and surgery on Tuesday. Should I bring certain things? ask the doc any certain things? what should I expect? I am getting so blitzed with nerves, I can picture myself walking in on Tuesday, holding out my arm, and telling them to pump me with the good stuff right away! Sunshine ~ I don't know if I am really a "healthy" eater, It would depend on who you asked! My dad is mr. lean food, low or no oils, works out all week long and would think I am not a healthy eater. He is pretty well off financially, and I asked him about a low or no interest loan. He was hesitant (he's loaned me money before, which I have paid back)~ and I really think he wanted to tell me to put duct tape on my mouth and go to the gym. Anyway, the loan thing took on a life of it's own, ugly, and I told him nevermind, and put it on a credit card. I just eat little junk food, fast food maybe once a month. But, I love my chicken breast coated and cooked in olive oil. I love homemade fried chicken, like steak, potato (no butter, just s. cream), pasta, toast/butter with my eggs, etc :hungry: ( I LOVE this smiley!). So compared to junk food, I eat healthy. Compared to my dad, I am horrible!

P.S. Sunshine besides the blood sugar issue~does the pancreas/insulin affect the liver pre op? Luckily, I am not a soda, chocolate, candy addict, so it shouldn't be a problem after surgery. Just the white carbs, which I am proud to say have not had one since the pre-op diet started. The whole darn sugar thing has made me crazy cuz I want a couple teaspoons in my coffee this week! I tried splenda this morning- YUK! I must have a super high, sensitive taste bud thing. Never thought about it before now, but could have something to do with my overeating~ I am a pretty decent cook, dinners are awesome, and I can't stop eating them! I have done the salad plate thing, and I just go for seconds~ hasn't curbed my volume eating one bit! I am checking into the Matrix 5.0 protein powder supplement. I have been PMing with wasabubblebut (man, she's smart) about different proteins, etc. She just does Matrix in water. I am looking into doing that post op because I bought the clear Isopure sweetened with Sucralose. I tried one today and can't stand the taste of the sweetner. I guess I have to cause trouble somewhere ~ ugh.

Hi Sunshine! I asked my nutritionist why we didn't have to do an all liquid diet, and she said when a doc does the all liquid, he is assured that the patient is getting the protein and no/few carbs. That if they did Atkins, it makes it easier to cheat. Interesting, huh?

so, I have been great with the pre op diet. In 6 days, the only "cheats" have been 1/2 beer, coffee with sugar (maybe 2 1/2 tsp per day) NO fruit, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, milk, juice, chips, etc. I have eaten the meat,veggies,cheese,eggs... I have only lost TWO pounds. Is that because my BMI is "lower" (it's all relative) at about 36-37? I got an email from a gal whose hubby has surgery 2 hours after me...he has lost 5 lbs so far. I don't know what his BMI is. Gawd.......any thoughts? So, am I posting way too much on the board and driving any of you crazy? Sorry if I have!

:pWoof ~ god forbid I actually got off my duff and crawled away from the computer to actually look at the milk label! After I tore myself away from the keyboard, I saw that the carbs are like over 10 times compared to cheese! Needless to say, I never did make that protein drink :cry I am becoming much too codependent on you all!! (tee,hee~is that a bad thing??). I bought Splenda and Stevia, but plan to get used to the Splenda and take the Stevia back to Wally world (man, that Stevia stuff's expensive!!!). I know you all lost sleep wondering if I could stand the Splenda, and I don't want that to happen tonight...so, I will report back later when I try it out! I am in Montrose, my daughter is in the Springs. I so want to make a meeting some time. Otherwise, I need to get in touch with you next time I come to the Springs, and we can meet at a bakery, oops, I mean Starbucks! I knew there was a vomiting smiley guy, but I couldn't find him at the time..it was so sad cuz that's what my coffee with sweet n low tasted like! So, on Big Medicine, did Garth and Robert recommend the band for her? I don't remember, I just know her sugeon was in Ohio. When she had her emergency and flew to them to have some fill taken out, I freaked...I was just considering the band, live in a small town with no fill docs~ kind of scared me just a tad. But, I have yet to find anyone else that has happened to... I may try the sugar free fudgsicles. But, still, why no popsicles with real sugar? Gawd, you'd think I was a sugarholic over here. It really has most to do with my coffee and hating the taste of nutrasweet, which is what the sugar free stuff (crystal lite, pops, etc) is sweetened with. Other than that, I am NOT a sugar addict, just a BREAD addict, thank you very much!

Rosey ~ I haven't been banded yet (next Tues is the day!), but I have talked to Dr. K on the phone, and also feel that word of mouth/referral is one of the best ways to find a doc. I really liked him, and I trust his patients that are on the board. When I spoke with him, I told him that he has a huge following! He seemed surprised, and I assured him that, in fact, he did! One of my other reasons for going with him is having to get fills, and being able to afford them! If I cant pay for fills, why get the band? His prices are incredible (he's very generous compared to the norm I have seen for fills), I believe even if someone had to fly in. Where are you from? I am a huge fan of the show "Big Medicine" - when they did banding, I was at my computer ASAP to learn more. Then I read, read, read, and posted and felt educated in a short time ~ my decision was made quickly. Ask after next Tuesday how it went for me, I am anticipating being very happy with him. I am having all the freak out jitters that it seems everyone has, but I am just trying to go with the flow and not think about my fears. Keep us informed of where you are heading in this incredible journey! Ok, the question asker, whiner, encourager, scaredy cat, and so excited I cant see straight person has another question (I can't get a hold of Paula): Can I have milk pre op?? I bought protien powder and wanted to try it out in milk. If you read this soon, please let me know your thoughts~the powder is staring me in the face :bounce: thanks!

NM sunshine...could I have been sleeping when I talked to Paula, the nutritionist? I don't remember her saying anything about 20 gram or below Atkins? I haven't measured a damn (oops, I mean "darn" ) thing ~ just eating when I am hungry..eggs, cheese, eggs, meat, veggies, cheese, meat, eggs, oh yeah, need a veggie again...on and on! Could I be eating too much? Ok girls, I am now having my coffee with sweet n low (the vomitting smiley was to go here, but he has alluded my search!) gawd, how gross is this?? I need to head to the store in a while! Have you ever heard of the sweetener Stevia? Is it better than Splenda? I really think the Red Robin group should call me on Tuesday night at the hotel to see if I am alive ! I feel soooo left out! LOL (no, really, I do). Gosh, am I sounding insecure, or what? Wouldn't you all rather meet at the hotel restaurant?? (now, I am kidding here!) I think that we newbies who will be getting fills often should coordinate all of our fills with meeting you at Red Robin ~ gosh, I usually hate going out to eat, wondering if the roaming patron eyes are trying to figure out what the fat lady ordered! now, I am actually getting excited to go to a restaurant! Woof~ what time Monday is your surgery? Do the no sugar popsicles have nutrasweet? I can taste that stuff a mile away (see, that's one reason I prefer beautiful, sparkly sugar! ) ~ if it is a nutrasweet product, will I get used to the taste? Ok, dumb question, buttttttt..why can't we just have plain ole popsicles? The few sugar calories certainly couldn't make or break us, could they? nicnaknut~ the first pictures I REALLY noticed the flippin extra chin and dough boy appearance was from a trip to SF on New Years 2002/2003. Lucky enough, it was cold that week and I wore turtlnecks. Every time we took a picture, I pulled the turtleneck up and tried to rest it on the extra chin so the camera wouldn't see! On some pics, the turtleneck slipped, and the extra wobbly attachment to my jawline would poke out......way too gross! Oh, and I weighed less then than now. So, I get home and start weight watchers online..counted EVERYTHING that went into my mouth (except the sugar in my coffee ~ wow, this is getting to be a pattern!), and lost 35 lbs. I am now thrilled to say that I gained that all back, plus another 20 lbs. ok, everybody ~ hello to all!~~~ I really think you are a fantastic bunch! Who would have known something such as our war with weight would have such a bonus as kinship?:hug:

Hi Anita! Ok, I will try sweet n low in my coffee today (YUK!) ~ I have had a couple of teaspoons of sugar a day, and never thought about it till yesterday. Ya know, me and that fresh ground Starbucks in my kitchen are kind of joined at the hip (or mouth??) ~ since I have been so "good" otherwise, I am hoping that won't ruin my liver! He only has me on pre-op for 7 days. I started a day early, so it'll be 8. I hadn't lost a pound till today, and I am down 2 lbs. Is that because my BMI isn't that "high" (high is a relative term!). Everyone talks about losing like a pound a day on the pre op. And, really, I have lived off eggs, cheese, meat, and veggies. I have had sour cream and half and half, but in the Atkins book, it is ok, so I am assuming it is ok pre op...I emailed Paula asking about walnuts for crunchy snacks, but haven't heard back yet. I never thought I would actually get a tad sick of eggs..they just aren't the same without toast:hungry: ok, I will check back in a while and look for your words of wisdom! I am so glad you are getting your port fixed and that he's taking care of it for you. You really should have scheduled it for the 11th so we could meet! Are you having it done at Crown Point?

hello all! quick question: did any of you cheat, just a little bit, preop, and still have decent livers? I have done awesome (today is day 4), but today had some sugar in my coffee, a hard candy, and a little cerveza...otherwise, nothing but meat, eggs, veggies, and cheese! whatcha think?

WOO-HOO littleroo!!!! WOO-HOO tina!! Glad you did well!!! it was sure nice of you to go 6 days ahead of me and to come out cheering!!!! Littleroo, Thanks for letting me know you felt funked on the NO carb diet ~ I have felt like some little devil has possessed me! I keep trying to bop him down with cheese, but, some moments, he comes up screaming! I felt physically drained early this evening, and took a nap.. better now, but still wiped out. Gawd, I hope I am not this much of a whiner next week! :nervous Shelbi ~ thanks for the compliment...I loveee to write, but unfortunately, that has also been something that has become buried, hidden somewhere under the chunks of cellulite. Man, the self worth issues that come with being a "failure" at something as elementary as taking care of oneself can be debilatating (has been for me anyway). Maybe this board is helping me open up with the encouragement I have been receiving! Thanks so much for your kind words! Woof~ glad you're back! So, this is a reallyyyyy stupid question..you can have local or general, it sounds. Do we all get that choice, or only because he is fixing a problem? Does he only have to replace the port? how did the doc figure out what was leaking? If this isn't too personal...how is Dr. K taking care of this money-wise? Being self-pay, I have wondered how I would take care of this if something malfunctioned. I am kind of bummed, that I will be sipping stuff, peeking at my stitches or staples, watching a rerun of something, and taking gas-x when all of you are meeting in Denver the night of my surgery!! Please, please eat some divine appetizer for me!

I'm right on your heels! 9/11 at 1:00, Dr. K in Denver, CO We're getting closer!!!

Michelle, Shesha, Patty, Shelbi, Mare, Littleroo, Marcy (sorry if I forgot anyone!) Thank you for your encouragement and support! There is nothing quite like baring one's soul to a group of those who understand.. I really am a strong person, unless it comes to taking care of me, and somewhere in there, I fall short of the goal by a mile. I am sure an intuitive therapist could pinpoint the source...but the whole thing with my weight has not been a monkey, but a gorilla, on my back ~ as each year has passed, the weight has piled on to the point that I don't even recognize myself in pictures. I know there are those with a higher Bothersome Mound Issue (BMI :mad:) than I...but we all suffer silently just the same....having you all to rant, rave, celebrate, and overcome with has been a boost to my spirit! I know deep down, that if I could kill the giant with my bare hands, I would have a long time ago. If I could devote 24/7 for the rest of my life to exercise, trying to change my metabolism, counting calories, and using a tea saucer instead of a dinner plate, I could certainly lose the weight "on my own"...I suppose I now see the lap band as my stone to throw at the giant.... The mixed emotions going into surgery are crazy making. I have always woken up (obviously!!) from anesthesia, but now am freaking out that maybe I won't this time....junk like that swirls in my brain. I can't imagine I would die a death on the table, but why does that thought haunt me? Have you thought that before surgery? I feel so lame even admitting it! Now that I have pondered..I have even more practical questions for you wise ones! Did you feel grumpy the first day or so into your protien/veggie, no carb, pre-op diet? Is there a crash that comes when a carb addict quits cold turkey? I had a major sweet tooth tonight, and had a hard candy...is that ok? (I am also getting a hold of Paula to clarify a few things for me!) Can I indulge in fruit? I have had meat, cheese, veggies, eggs, sausage, chicken breast, and the cream in my coffee........I never wanted a pancake so bad in my life :hungry: ha, ha! Also, did you have your protien drinks purchased or made before you went into surgery? thanks so much for EVERYTHING! I LOVE this place!!!:eek:

I finally got a hold of Jenna, director of sales, at the Holiday Inn. Good grief, what a journey to get a room. She gave me a suite at the medical rate..finally! She was very nice, but it seems like they don't have a great deal of coordination on the medical rates, or else I happened to get all the wrong people to begin with! Nevertheless...I have the room booked! :clap2: Shelbi - is your surgery the week after mine? I can't believe mine is a week from today...totally exciting, totally wierd! I am doing better today than I was last night. I just don't know why I can't keep my mouth shut, and let the band speak for itself:phanvan I guess I expect everyone to be excited about it ~

Another thing...we had some friends over tonight - good friends. I told them about the surgery (my daughter calls it diarreah of the mouth! I shouldn't have said anything)...the conversation went to the fact that all I need is more self control and commitment and surgery wouldn't be necessary...gawd.... thank god my entire family is supportive. They may not understand what it is like to be overweight, why I prefer slip on birkenstocks to tennis shoes, etc. but they are supportive. I just wish anyone I would tell would jump up and down in happiness!

I need some encouragement and don't have anyone to talk to (as far as family and friends..they are all skinny) Obviously my failure at controlling myself, not exercising, and not sticking to any diet long term has got me to this place. As the surgery quickly approaches, I find myself in a somber mood, HOPING I will not fail at this. I have to get over this mental place, but I am really beating myself up.....were any of you ever in this mental mind set?:cry