comepickmeup

You know, there is a LBT user that is a photographer and even specializes in the pin-up style work. I'll try and figure out where I saw her post. She had a link to her site and I thought the work was spectacular. Maybe she'll see this thread and respond herself. I'll be in touch.

Good Luck Hilary!! I started my pre-op diet on the 24th. And I'm having a terrible time. I think it's because I'd been sick the days leading up to it so the first day I was soooo hungry. I did better on Tuesday (christmas!), but ate more veggies than Protein shakes. Hopefully, I've got things under control now. It's a tough adjustment though. I prefer the chewing of the food versus this drinking of the shakes. But I know it's all worth it! Good luck with your first day!!!

Welp, let me fill you on Friday! lol. First of all, I went to dinner with my friend and the timing was PERFECT to tell him. I mean, he even shared a personal issue he had...but I just couldn't do it. :faint: Cause then, I felt like one of those people that's always trying to "one up" the other persons story. Ridiculous, I know! So I just said I had some issues myself, but I was working on getting them sorted out. Then we went to this concert and it came up that my mom was going to be in town. And I said, well..I'm having this little procedure. And he asked, "a surgical procedure?! Are you okay?" And I said, "yes, I will fill you in but I don't want to be screaming it out right here, right now." Yes, I'm an idiot, should've just done it at dinner. So today we spoke and I filled him in on everything. Told him I had PCOS, getting the lapband in 2 weeks. Voila. Done. ha. He didn't have much to say (not that I thought he would) he just said I should've told him so we could've gone out for sushi one last time and partied a little harder. lol. So that's that. No more worrying how I'm going to deal with eating out with him and all that jazz. Thanks for letting me vent! As for the surgery! Yes, I'm stoked! I'm starting my pre-op diet today (now that it's 1am!). I have the flu or something so eating hasn't been on my mind at all. It sucks though. I'm going to the doc tomorrow just to make sure things are ok. Don't want to have some sort of infection that could delay the surgery. Glad to hear that you are feeling better! I had my appendix and an ovarian cyst removed laproscopically back in 2000. I'm trying to remind myself that that first day was miserable (them making you cough, walk) but was bearable afterwards. Just gotta keep my eye on the prize. I can do this!! You'll have to let me know how it goes with the holiday and all. Are you still on mushies? I gotta say, I think I'm dreading that the most...pureed anything sounds disgusting. Shortgal/TulipStar: I agree with what you guys are saying. I think part of my thing with telling people...and I just came to this realization...is the fact that I can't believe I am so fat that I'm having a surgery to help intervene. I guess it's almost a sense of embarassment. And you are right...people are going to talk regardless, good or bad. But I know I've made the best decision. Screw 'em. KimInMD: Girl, you looked fabulous in the pic from your daughters wedding!!!! That dress was exsquisite! Congrats to you all!! Happy Holidays!

SecretStolen: Thanks so much for addressing my comment! I know others deal with this sort of stuff, but it's nice to hear a first hand account. My mom is encouraging me to tell my friend. ha. Her reasoning is that he is a close friend and since I don't live in the same state as my family, if I truly needed something, I'd know he'd be there to help so best to let him know what's up. She also throws in the fact that if the situation was reversed, I'd be hurt if he neglected to tell me that he was having a surgery. Which she's right about that one. I would want to know. I figure I've just made it a bigger deal in my head and he probably isn't going to have much to say about it one way or another. We're suppose to be going out tomorrow (well, actually tonight since it's 1am!) night. If the opportunity presents itself, I'll tell him then. If not, I've got until Jan 7th. heehee. Congrats on just being banded!!! How are you feeling?! And that is TERRIBLE about the cousin's gf spilling the beans!! Confidentiality is in place for a reason. Some people are just morons. It's commendable that you reported it. I don't think a lot of people would go through the effort.

I'm local. Although it JUST occured to me that I've always gotten to and from the office by subway. It's going to be so weird taking a cab home from the hospital after surgery. I'm new to this big city life without a car. lol. Funny, how I forget to take these little things into consideration. Chrisann -- Hope you are feeling better! How'd day one of the pre-op diet go?

Me too!!! I notice you're in NY...who is your doctor?

KLPDBL -- A friend gave me an elliptical last year and I LOOOOOVE it!!! It seems to be low impact and doesn't bother my knees and such as much. And I know it sounds Crazy, but I actually think it's fun! I just turn the TV on and watch a couple of episodes of Golden Girls and before I know it I've done an hour! ha. Yes, I'm an 80 year old trapped in a 28 year olds body. And as for the laser hair removal, my mom bought me some visits for a gift a couple of years ago. I didn't keep up the treatment beyond the ones she provided...but even with just a few visits, there was a noticeable change on my arms. I have dark, "man arms" so any improvement was welcomed. I'm still super paranoid about them, so I continue to Nair them, which works for now until I save the funds for more laser removal.

I just found this thread! There's another that's similar that I was a part of. How exciting that so many of us are scheduled in January!! Chrisann -- I think I actually responded to another comment of yours on another thread. I had no idea you were having it done at NYU! So sorry to hear about the fiasco going on there. Who's your doctor? I'm scheduled for the 7th...but I think you already knew that according to a previous comment. I hope it's smooth sailing for me. I have the same issue. My mom is flying in to be with me for the surgery and after...if they switch it up on me, I'll be calling you for back up!! Cause I'm not good at leaving mean messages. heehee. Hope you are getting excited...the 31st will be here before you know it!

I love it when people call it "pop". Makes me giggle. :scared: I gave up the cokes on a whim at the beginning of the year. Now I find, I don't even like the taste anymore. I'm hoping this will happen with bread! ha. Cause I loooooove me some breads. Lucky you!!!! No pre-op diet. I've been giving myself pep talks that I'll be able to make it over Christmas with just a Protein shake and some veggies! lol.

Oooh Good Luck starting Monday!!!! Let us know how it goes! What's your liquid diet like? Straight Clear Liquids for 2 weeks? Mine is a choice of a Meal Replacement shake. Ugh. I should start sampling now to figure out which one I like the best! But I figure, I'll just enjoy the good stuff a little while longer while I'm still able. :scared:

Congrats!!! Wow, 26 days....I know in my head, it's getting close. But to see it in print, just makes it more real! Can't wait to get it all over with. Just dreading this pre-op diet for 2 weeks! Blah.

Woo Hoo 39!!!!!! So excited for you!! Yay for 39! Yay for boobs! Yay Julie!!

I know, I know...it's a lot of money. I'm assuming you are self pay too. I'm currently in grad school and I'm just looking at it as an extra semester of school! lol. I go in for Pre-Surgical testing and whatnot on Dec. 27th. My pre-op diet is set to begin Dec. 24th! Of all days! Oh well, I'm just thinking if I can make it over Christmas with just liquids and Protein shakes...the rest of this journey will be a piece of cake (excuse the pun!) I'm excited though! Good luck on Monday! Hope everything goes well for you.

One month to go for us, Jim!! We'll be banded the same day! Hooooray!

I agree...all three surgeons seemed to be great, that's why I didn't hesitate when it came to schedule with Kurian. I am glad that you confirmed their philosophy on fills...that was one of the questions I have for the doc. Gentle, shmentle. lol. I hope you're healing well!

Lucy and Julie - You girls are too funny! I've never been to Loehmans. I actually live down by Century 21, but I've only been in there once (I've lived here about a year and a half) but couldn't find the plus size section...so I gave up! It's chaos in that store! But once I'm able to fit in "regular" sized clothes, I'll be making a triumphant return! Julie -- I'm getting banded by Dr. Kurian, I know she's newer to NYU. I was originally wanting Dr. Fielding but the wait was longer and I was wanting to do this over my holiday break from grad school. Can't think of any questions at the moment, but it's nice to know you're around and are familiar with them. Thus far, I've been extremely pleased with everyone in the office. They are all so nice. Lucy -- are you an NYU'er as well?! When I lose the weight...we'll all go shopping at Barneys together! Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

Just ran across this thread. I'm 28 and scheduled to be banded on January 7th! Yippeee! I was involved with a guy last year and although now we are just friends, I still haven't told him about my decision to get the band. I have no idea why I have such issues telling him. He's never said anything negative about my weight...but I guess in my mind, I realize that he prefers a girl with a little less meat on her bones. But like I said, we are just friends now...but I guess in some way I think my weight is to blame for us not being together (even though I'm happier with our current situation). Any ideas on how to tell him? We go out to lunch all the time, and I know I'm going to HAVE to tell him. Like I said, don't know what my hang up is. Maybe I'm just afraid of failing again. Also...I just met a guy last weekend and we really hit it off. Part of me just wants to blow him off until after the surgery so I can avoid having the conversation with him as well! How do you bring that up with people who you just start to date? My dating life is pretty much non-existant...I meet tons of people out and about but it's never turned into anything serious. I personally think I'm a great catch! :confused: Except for my weight...I'm not happy with that, how can I expect others to be ok with it?! I'm afraid I'm going to be one jaded girl if the dating increases once I lose weight. Anyone experience that?

I just read this entire thread! I've become so educated within the past 15 minutes...I had no idea what TT even stood for before this!! Girl, you look absolutely amazing! You're just beaming happiness in your pictures. I just want to give you a hug! I truly have tears in my eyes seeing the changes and reading all of the encouraging words on this site. What a great group of people on here! You've become one of those skinny b!tches on the streets of NYC that I secretly despise because of all the fabulous clothes they get to shop for while I'm stuck browsing the plus sizes at macy's! :girl_hug: I have to say, taking advantage of the shopping here in NYC is one of the things I look forward to after banding (I'm set for Jan 7 at NYU)! I appreciate you sharing all the details of your journey! You truly are an inspiration to all of us just getting started on this wild ride. I look forward to following the rest of your story! Best of luck and happy healing! And if our paths ever cross on the sidewalks of New York, I promise not to trip your skinny ass out of jealousy. Flaunt it, girl! You've worked hard!

I have been on Spironolactone off and on for 7 years. To be honest, I never noticed much change. I never had bad acne. I mean, I still break out but it's never been so severe. And as for the hair growth...I guess it did slow down the new hair growth. But the hair that's already there, is there for good. Yay! Lucky us. Every body is different. But again, maybe I didn't have great success because it's been an off and on sort of thing...mostly because I have only one kidney so the doctors aren't thrilled to keep me on it. Congrats on going to the doctor...it's nice to visit an endocrinologist who is familiar with our battle! Best of luck to you! Let us know how the medicine works for you!

:first: haha. Of all things to win....this is it? Sheesh. I'd much rather have these odds at the lottery. I can't wait to get it under control either! The good news though...I started my period today. haha. My body did it all on it's own, without the help of Provera (cause I can't take BC). Just thought I'd throw that out there...cause this is the first time this year that this has happened. I abhor having my period, but I'm thrilled when it actually starts on its own. Can't wait to join you bandsters and get things regulated!

I had to pay a total of about $70 to get all of my medical records. I believe the fee is because most facilities have an outside service come in and copy them (like SDS Documents, etc) I had the records sent to myself. If you fill out the paperwork and have the records sent directly to the doctor or the insurance company (whoever is needing them) the bill will go to them. ha. Don't know if they will pay it, but it's something to try.

I'm scheduled to be banded in January and I'm already thinking about this. Overall, the reaction has been positive. Of course, only my family members and close friends know about it as of now. I'm stuggling whether or not to mention it a pretty close friend of mine that I used to date (known him a total of 2 years now...so not a long standing friendship). Although not physical anymore, we have remained good friends. For some reason, I'm having the most issues trying to decide to tell him about the surgery. I mean, the next time we go out for lunch and I can't eat the sushi that i LOVE, I'm pretty sure he'll wonder what's up. Nevermind the recovery time and liquid/mush diets that follow directly after the operation! I'm just not certain how he'll react and I'm not sure if I want to deal with negativity (if there is any). Any suggestions? I think dating as a whole is going to be different after I'm banded...I fear I may become slightly jaded. lol. Like I wasn't good enough to date when I was fat, but I'm good enough now?! Schmucks. I've heard others say it's an easy way out, and although I disagree with that comment, I'd just assume save myself from the debate. I figure when people start noticing and asking me how I've lost weight, I will simply say I started eating smaller portions and cut certain things out of my diet...all of that with some regular exercise and voila. heehee. It's skating around the truth, and I hate not being completely honest when people ask. There shouldn't be a stigma attached to this. Who knows, slowly but surely I'll have the confidence to say "eh, screw 'em...I'm healthier now, who cares how I got to this point! The important thing is that I'm here!"

Thanks so much Chickie! Wow, congrats on reaching your goal weight! Wonderful to hear of such success from someone with PCOS!! Just curious, what was your post surgery regimen...as far as exercise and such? I know exercise is going to be key. Living in NYC, I'm always walking my buns around town, but in addition to that I do about an hour on the elliptical 5 days a week and some pilates. I want to do so much more, but get winded so easily it makes it frustrating. Did you continue taking meds (Metformin, namely) after being banded? Sorry, if you already answered this. Thanks for all your input!

I'm so glad this thread was started! I'm scheduled to be banded on Jan. 7th. I've enjoyed reading about all of your journeys thus far. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 8 years ago. I was taking Birth Control, Metformin, and Spironolactone for many years. But due to a recurring blood clot I was taking off of the BC and was told I'd never be able to take it again. So then I was prescribed Provera to help regulate my cycle...although it doesn't really. I was told to take it every other month so my body would have a chance to kick in and start things on its own...it never seems to happen. I love working out, but rarely see any results so it's discouraging. I'm hoping the band will be the missing link I've been looking for. I'm realistic that I probably won't lose as much weight (or as quickly) as someone without PCOS. Mindy -- We're rooting for you!! Keep at it, girl! Sunshiny -- Hooray for Thursday!! You'll be in our thoughts! Chickie -- When were you banded? Are you at your goal weight? Is your little signature your starting and end weights? lol...I'm so new, I'm still getting to know what all of this means! To Everyone Else -- Hello!! :eek:

Woo Hoo! Surgery is set for Jan. 7th. And I'm just *thrilled* that my pre-op liquid diet is set to begin Dec. 24th. Good Luck to all of you!!